So my intent for the day was to give you guys a review on my December goals, but as I'll be trekking out to my parents house to work on cleaning out the old room today and tomorrow, I figured theres a good chance I'll make more progress so I should wait on the goal review to see if I do. Instead, I bring you January goals!
1. Finish Cleaning out the old room. I have time scheduled in each day this long weekend to work on this, so I'm hoping it will get done ASAP, but it may still get drawn out throughout the month. It's been 4 months now since I moved out though, so I think its time I completely move out! Except of course for a box or two of storage stuff. :)
2. Try 3 new recipes. One of my year goals was to try 25 recipes so I thought I should start out the year strong! Plus I'm excited to try stuff in the Jamie's Food Revolution which I got for Christmas.
3. Read 12 Books. 1/12 of my yearly goal, lets see if I can do it!
4. Exercise 465 minutes. That's 15 minutes a day on average, and I beat my 10 minutes a day goal last month so I think I can do it!
5. Finish my 21 days in a row streak of exercise. I'm starting off with 11 days in a row (given that I work out tomorrow) and just need to keep it up til the 10th!
6. Finalize my budget for 2011. I have a monthly budget, not a yearly one, but it stays mostly the same month to month. I want to get this figured out once I have final numbers on what I'll be getting each paycheck.
I'm optimistic about these goals and hopefully goals 2,4, and 5 will help me to win some prize money in the biggest loser in March when it finishes!
30 December 2010
28 December 2010
2011 goals
This blog was started to focus on getting myself out of debt so that is what I should be focusing on in my 2011 goals, but that is not the case. I decided to make 2011 my year for focusing on my health. This post by J.D. at Get Rich Slowly reinforced my decision. My primary focus for the year is to lose weight, be more fit, and be all around healthier. For so many years school has been my top priority and other things have fallen by the wayside. This year my focus is on my health. And if that means I have to pay only the minimum on my debt, or spend so money to keep me focused and inspired, then so be it.
Now I'm not talking about going out and blowing a couple thousand on an elliptical machine, I'm talking about buying a new DVD or game when my exercise routine gets a little stale. Reasonable spending still since my finances are important, but I want to put my weight and health before putting extra money towards my debt. With that in mind, I'm making financial goals, but I will not beat myself up if I fall short of them because this other area of my life takes priority.
With that said, down to the goals!
Money:
Make a workable budget and stick to it (or at least keep tracking it)- again this is still waiting on the raise!
Pay $12,000 towards my debt- this works out to be paying about $250 more than the minimums every month, but I expect my tax return to go towards debt as well.
Make an extra $1,000- I've never had a goal like this before but I'm hoping to get my Etsy shop up and running again so I think this is doable. The intent is for this to not include my tax return.
Health:
Lose 35 pounds- this is a very doable goal for a year! The biggest loser contest I signed up for starts in a week and a half and I also got a biggest loser calendar for the year so I can't forget that this is a goal for me!
Exercise everyday- I'm not talking about an hour of workout time everyday (although I wouldn't mind working up to this) I want to do something EVERY day, even if its just a handful of situps. I started on this goal a little bit ago and so far I'm at 8 days in a row!
Misc:
Read 120 books. I know I didn't meet my 100 goal in 2010, but I think I can meet the 120 goal in 2011.
Try 25 new recipes I really want to broaden my cooking horizons, and it will help me get healthy.
Learn to knit more than just a scarves. 'nough said.
Now I'm not talking about going out and blowing a couple thousand on an elliptical machine, I'm talking about buying a new DVD or game when my exercise routine gets a little stale. Reasonable spending still since my finances are important, but I want to put my weight and health before putting extra money towards my debt. With that in mind, I'm making financial goals, but I will not beat myself up if I fall short of them because this other area of my life takes priority.
With that said, down to the goals!
Money:
Make a workable budget and stick to it (or at least keep tracking it)- again this is still waiting on the raise!
Pay $12,000 towards my debt- this works out to be paying about $250 more than the minimums every month, but I expect my tax return to go towards debt as well.
Make an extra $1,000- I've never had a goal like this before but I'm hoping to get my Etsy shop up and running again so I think this is doable. The intent is for this to not include my tax return.
Health:
Lose 35 pounds- this is a very doable goal for a year! The biggest loser contest I signed up for starts in a week and a half and I also got a biggest loser calendar for the year so I can't forget that this is a goal for me!
Exercise everyday- I'm not talking about an hour of workout time everyday (although I wouldn't mind working up to this) I want to do something EVERY day, even if its just a handful of situps. I started on this goal a little bit ago and so far I'm at 8 days in a row!
Misc:
Read 120 books. I know I didn't meet my 100 goal in 2010, but I think I can meet the 120 goal in 2011.
Try 25 new recipes I really want to broaden my cooking horizons, and it will help me get healthy.
Learn to knit more than just a scarves. 'nough said.
27 December 2010
A look at 2010 goals
My Debt:
Pay off undergrad loan by April 2011- I'm really surprised I was so ambitious when I was moving out and had just bought a new car. I have not made progress in this area really since I shared the goal in August. It's also lumped into half of my grad school loans now so its hard to distinguish which is which.
Pay off Credit Card by October 2010- whoops. Forgot about that one. Still more progress to make than I would like on this.
My Health:
Lose 35 pounds by December 2010- nope. not a single damn pound.
Misc:
Read 100 books- nope. I'll probably be ending the year around 80, but still good if you ask me.
Next time: My goals for 2011.
Pay off undergrad loan by April 2011- I'm really surprised I was so ambitious when I was moving out and had just bought a new car. I have not made progress in this area really since I shared the goal in August. It's also lumped into half of my grad school loans now so its hard to distinguish which is which.
Pay off Credit Card by October 2010- whoops. Forgot about that one. Still more progress to make than I would like on this.
My Health:
Lose 35 pounds by December 2010- nope. not a single damn pound.
Misc:
Read 100 books- nope. I'll probably be ending the year around 80, but still good if you ask me.
Next time: My goals for 2011.
24 December 2010
Friday Goal Check-Up
1. Get the guitar and extras, Itunes gift card, and the doll up on Ebay. No progress yet.
2. Take 4 boxes to goodwill. Ditto
3. Meet my 100 books goal! Still sitting at halfway through 3 books. Still at 78 books. :(
4. 310 minutes of Exercise. Definitely making progress!. 200 minutes so far, I'm only 40 minutes behind. If I do half an hour tomorrow and Sunday I'll be caught up!
5. Revamp my Budget. I've come to the realization that this won't get done this month. I need to know what my raise is going to be and I won't know that until admin gets back from holiday vacation time! This means I won't know what my raise is until January 3rd at the absolute earliest (and my transcript still does not show I'm graduated so that might delay it further). Sigh, this will definitely be done by next month. I may try to come up with an intermittent budget that runs from mid December to Mid January instead. In fact, that will be my goal today!
2. Take 4 boxes to goodwill. Ditto
3. Meet my 100 books goal! Still sitting at halfway through 3 books. Still at 78 books. :(
4. 310 minutes of Exercise. Definitely making progress!. 200 minutes so far, I'm only 40 minutes behind. If I do half an hour tomorrow and Sunday I'll be caught up!
5. Revamp my Budget. I've come to the realization that this won't get done this month. I need to know what my raise is going to be and I won't know that until admin gets back from holiday vacation time! This means I won't know what my raise is until January 3rd at the absolute earliest (and my transcript still does not show I'm graduated so that might delay it further). Sigh, this will definitely be done by next month. I may try to come up with an intermittent budget that runs from mid December to Mid January instead. In fact, that will be my goal today!
22 December 2010
The problem of the Air Purifier
Wesley has bad allergies. He is also allergic to our pooch, but he just deals with the allergies because he loves dogs so much. To combat these problems (and because the pooch also has some nasty allergies) we have an air purifier in the house that seems to really help and I chose a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to also help. A problem arose a week ago when Wesley had some friends over and one of them informed him that the Sharper Image Ionic Breeze that he's had for YEARS actually releases stuff into the air that is not so good for you. Wesley did some quick googling, discovered it produces ozone which can damage your lungs and now the Ionic Breeze has been unplugged and discarded in a corner.
Now we pretty much need an air purifer for Wesley and the pooch to be comfortable in the house and Wesley makes a lot less money than I do which leaves me to be the one to replace the air purifier. So I did what any good librarian would do and I researched it. I picked up September issue of consumer reports which reviewed air purifiers and decided to buy their top rated one. Unfortunately, top rated does not come cheap (although farther down the list were purifiers at more than 2x the price) and I just placed an order for the Whirlpool® Whispure 315-CADR Air Purifier from Amazon, which costs $285.
Sigh. Another big expense. At least I can take solace in the fact that I know I'm getting good value for my money!
Now we pretty much need an air purifer for Wesley and the pooch to be comfortable in the house and Wesley makes a lot less money than I do which leaves me to be the one to replace the air purifier. So I did what any good librarian would do and I researched it. I picked up September issue of consumer reports which reviewed air purifiers and decided to buy their top rated one. Unfortunately, top rated does not come cheap (although farther down the list were purifiers at more than 2x the price) and I just placed an order for the Whirlpool® Whispure 315-CADR Air Purifier from Amazon, which costs $285.
20 December 2010
Weekly Money Check-Up
This post is part of My Pretty Pennies Weekly Money Check Up.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on dinner at Texas De Brazil.
2. Today I feel anxious towards money. I'm still on edge because I don't know about my raise yet and I just found out I'm going to have to sink a few hundred dollars into an air purifier. More on that later.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was drive around and look at Christmas lights with Wesley.
4. I will consider this week a success if I catch up on my exercise minutes. I'm not doing so well as of now, but I have short days the next two days (where I go in late) so I should be able to get in some heavy duty dance sessions
5. My favorite holiday movie is Muppet Christmas Carol. I also love A Charlie Brown Christmas and A Christmas Story, but the Muppets is the one I HAVE to see every year.
--
If you'd like to participate, fill this out and link it back to My Pretty Pennies.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on _____.
2. Today I feel _______towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was_____________.
4. I will consider this week a success if I _____________.
5. My favorite holiday movie is ____________.
17 December 2010
Friday Goal Check-Up
I'm finally done with grad school!!!! HOOORAY!!!! Expect to see a steady increase in talking about my student loans! :( I plan to address them with my big 2011 goal post due out in a few weeks. For now though, a peek at how I'm doing on December's goals
1. Get the guitar and extras, Itunes gift card, and the doll up on Ebay. No progress yet.
2. Take 4 boxes to goodwill. Ditto
3. Meet my 100 books goal! I've finished one more, I'm half way through another three others. I'm currently at 78 books.
4. 310 minutes of Exercise. Not looking good. 95 minutes so far (a plus that its a 65 minute increase from last week) and I'm 75 minutes behind.
5. Revamp my Budget. Still waiting on the raise to do this. Expect a confession about my spending when I get it. I'm still waiting on my final grades before I can get the raise which should hopefully show up before Christmas.
1. Get the guitar and extras, Itunes gift card, and the doll up on Ebay. No progress yet.
2. Take 4 boxes to goodwill. Ditto
3. Meet my 100 books goal! I've finished one more, I'm half way through another three others. I'm currently at 78 books.
4. 310 minutes of Exercise. Not looking good. 95 minutes so far (a plus that its a 65 minute increase from last week) and I'm 75 minutes behind.
5. Revamp my Budget. Still waiting on the raise to do this. Expect a confession about my spending when I get it. I'm still waiting on my final grades before I can get the raise which should hopefully show up before Christmas.
15 December 2010
Weekly Money Check-up
This post is part of My Pretty Pennies Weekly Money Check Up.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on groceries. 122.64
2. Today I feel anxious towards money. I'm blowing my budget left and right and I can't seem to stop myself. I'll make a full confession soon, but I'm not ready yet.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was play with my cricut machine.
4. I will consider this week a success if I can keep up exercising each day.
5. My favorite holiday treat is Swedish crescent cookies. They are my family's traditional Christmas cookie.
--
If you'd like to participate, fill this out and link it back to My Pretty Pennies.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on _____.
2. Today I feel _______towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was_____________.
4. I will consider this week a success if I _____________.
5. My favorite holiday treat is ____________.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on groceries. 122.64
2. Today I feel anxious towards money. I'm blowing my budget left and right and I can't seem to stop myself. I'll make a full confession soon, but I'm not ready yet.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was play with my cricut machine.
4. I will consider this week a success if I can keep up exercising each day.
5. My favorite holiday treat is Swedish crescent cookies. They are my family's traditional Christmas cookie.
--
If you'd like to participate, fill this out and link it back to My Pretty Pennies.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on _____.
2. Today I feel _______towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was_____________.
4. I will consider this week a success if I _____________.
5. My favorite holiday treat is ____________.
10 December 2010
Friday Goal Checkup
1. Get the guitar and extras, Itunes gift card, and the doll up on Ebay. No progress yet.
2. Take 4 boxes to goodwill. Ditto
3. Meet my 100 books goal! I've finished another, I'm half way through one more, and I've got to read a third by next Thursday for work. I'm currently at 77.
4. 310 minutes of Exercise. So far I've done 30 minutes. I'm 70 minutes behind schedule.
5. Revamp my Budget. I've been messing around a lot with my budget, but I still don't have my raise, or know the exact amount so I won't be able to finalize this for a while.
2. Take 4 boxes to goodwill. Ditto
3. Meet my 100 books goal! I've finished another, I'm half way through one more, and I've got to read a third by next Thursday for work. I'm currently at 77.
4. 310 minutes of Exercise. So far I've done 30 minutes. I'm 70 minutes behind schedule.
5. Revamp my Budget. I've been messing around a lot with my budget, but I still don't have my raise, or know the exact amount so I won't be able to finalize this for a while.
07 December 2010
School is nearing the end
This past weekend was the last weekend of my online and weekend class. I spent almost the entire weekend down at school sitting in a classroom. The down side is that's a lot of school all at once, the upside is I had a great teacher and with that weekend done I'm two assignments and an hour of class away from getting my Masters degree! YAY!!! Its been a long haul through this education thing, but it will be worth it in the end. What this means is that I've been loose with my budget lately (I keep telling myself I'm getting a raise in a few weeks and loan payments don't start for 6 months) and kinda out of it in general. Call it senioritis. I need to get myself back on track financially and figure out what life will be like without class, but I have the feeling that I won't be able to do it in December with the holidays and birthdays throwing a wrench into things. We'll see. I'll be happy if I just get a new budget worked up this month.
I've also been dealing with all sorts of medical stuff and have 2 appointments tomorrow (a final checkup with the dentist and x-rays and consultation with the oral surgeon) and will be likely getting all 4 wisdom teeth pulled in January. Sigh.
On the flip side of it all, I'm excited to be moving into a new stage of my life, taking care of things that need to be addressed, and hopefully adding more and selling more on my etsy shop. I just signed up for a Biggest Loser competition with my local park district and while I don't know if I have enough to lose to be able to win, I'm excited for the inspiration to get on track with my physical self and learn from the weekly sessions. It starts in January so I'll keep you guys in the loop on how I'm doing every week. 2010 is coming to a close and 2011 has some promising new starts to a new phase of my life. I just need to stay positive about it all!
I've also been dealing with all sorts of medical stuff and have 2 appointments tomorrow (a final checkup with the dentist and x-rays and consultation with the oral surgeon) and will be likely getting all 4 wisdom teeth pulled in January. Sigh.
On the flip side of it all, I'm excited to be moving into a new stage of my life, taking care of things that need to be addressed, and hopefully adding more and selling more on my etsy shop. I just signed up for a Biggest Loser competition with my local park district and while I don't know if I have enough to lose to be able to win, I'm excited for the inspiration to get on track with my physical self and learn from the weekly sessions. It starts in January so I'll keep you guys in the loop on how I'm doing every week. 2010 is coming to a close and 2011 has some promising new starts to a new phase of my life. I just need to stay positive about it all!
06 December 2010
Weekly Money Check-Up
This post is part of My Pretty Pennies Weekly Money Check Up.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on a donation to WWF. I donated $100 which was not in the budget but animals need help around Christmas too!
2. Today I feel not good towards money. I've totally screwed up December's budget. More than I want to talk about. I'm not ready to confess how far I've blown it this month and its not even a full week in. You'll get a confession out of me eventually, but probably not until the middle or end of the month. Whenever I redo the budget.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was I snuggled with Wesley in front of the Christmas Tree and watched A Muppet Movie.
4. I will consider this week a success if I don't eat out AT ALL.
5. My favorite holiday drink is hot cocoa. Nothing need be special about it (although I won't turn down peppermint cocoa) just delicious hot cocoa on a cold day is one of the best feelings in the world.
--
If you want to join in fill out the questions and link it back to My Pretty Pennies.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on _____.
2. Today I feel _______towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was_____________.
4. I will consider this week a success if I _____________.
5. My favorite holiday drink is ____________.
02 December 2010
November and December Goals
November Goal Review
1. Finish moving stuff out of my parents' house. Fail I'm making strides in the right direction, but I'm not there yet. I think I need to break down goals more next month.
2. Stay in my $250 grocery budget. Fail. And I've lowered my budget for next month so it may be an uber fail, but I'm going to keep trying.
3. Earn 2 Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks. Fail. Man this is starting to look pathetic...
4. Stay in my $100 eating out budget. Pass. Okay. I went $2 measly dollars over. Its close enough and considering I usually round up to the nearest dollar I was probably actually under.
5. Get up to 91 books. Fail. Totally. Not even up to 80 yet. I don't know if I'll make it to 100 this year.
6. 260 minutes of Pilates/Exercise. Pass!! Wooooooooooooo!!!!
7. Keep up at least weekly posting on my craft blog. Pass I did 4 posts, I think that counts :)
December Goals
1. Get the guitar and extras, Itunes gift card, and the doll up on Ebay. I may list these myself or I may take them somewhere for them to list it. I want them gone though!
2. Take 4 boxes to goodwill. I have a milk crate and a box of the same size that I've been using to transport stuff to goodwill and I want to fill each up twice and take it to goodwill from the stuff at my parents' house.
3. Meet my 100 books goal! I'm thinking I need to start listening to audiobooks at home in place of my TV watching and then I might be able to meet this. I also may pick some shorter books :D
4. 310 minutes of Exercise. I'll probably focus on Just Dance 2 here, but I'll likely get in some Just Dance 1 and hopefully some pilates.
5. Revamp my Budget. There are two main things I need to change with my budget. First off, I think I need to switch it to running from the middle of one month to the middle of the next. This is because I put everything on my credit card and pay my card off each month so I think my budget month should match my credit card month. Secondly, I get a sizable raise when I complete my degree mid-December so I need to sdjust my budget for the new income and to start paying off my loans (even though they don't come due until June)
I think 5 goals will do it for this month. I'm less focused on specific portions of my budget partially because I expect to screw up with it being the holidays and partially because I need to revamp the budget. We shall see how this all goes!
1. Finish moving stuff out of my parents' house. Fail I'm making strides in the right direction, but I'm not there yet. I think I need to break down goals more next month.
2. Stay in my $250 grocery budget. Fail. And I've lowered my budget for next month so it may be an uber fail, but I'm going to keep trying.
3. Earn 2 Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks. Fail. Man this is starting to look pathetic...
4. Stay in my $100 eating out budget. Pass. Okay. I went $2 measly dollars over. Its close enough and considering I usually round up to the nearest dollar I was probably actually under.
5. Get up to 91 books. Fail. Totally. Not even up to 80 yet. I don't know if I'll make it to 100 this year.
6. 260 minutes of Pilates/Exercise. Pass!! Wooooooooooooo!!!!
7. Keep up at least weekly posting on my craft blog. Pass I did 4 posts, I think that counts :)
December Goals
1. Get the guitar and extras, Itunes gift card, and the doll up on Ebay. I may list these myself or I may take them somewhere for them to list it. I want them gone though!
2. Take 4 boxes to goodwill. I have a milk crate and a box of the same size that I've been using to transport stuff to goodwill and I want to fill each up twice and take it to goodwill from the stuff at my parents' house.
3. Meet my 100 books goal! I'm thinking I need to start listening to audiobooks at home in place of my TV watching and then I might be able to meet this. I also may pick some shorter books :D
4. 310 minutes of Exercise. I'll probably focus on Just Dance 2 here, but I'll likely get in some Just Dance 1 and hopefully some pilates.
5. Revamp my Budget. There are two main things I need to change with my budget. First off, I think I need to switch it to running from the middle of one month to the middle of the next. This is because I put everything on my credit card and pay my card off each month so I think my budget month should match my credit card month. Secondly, I get a sizable raise when I complete my degree mid-December so I need to sdjust my budget for the new income and to start paying off my loans (even though they don't come due until June)
I think 5 goals will do it for this month. I'm less focused on specific portions of my budget partially because I expect to screw up with it being the holidays and partially because I need to revamp the budget. We shall see how this all goes!
30 November 2010
Weekly Money Check-Up
This post is part of My Pretty Pennies Weekly Money Check Up.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on Rent- 370 (I got $50 off for a referral to my complex!).
2. Today I feel anxious towards money. Spent more on Black Friday than I really should have.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was spend the weekend having laughs and playing games with my family and my friends.
4. I will consider this week a success if I fix all my torn clothes and finish filing my papers.
5. My favorite holiday song is Silver Bells.
--
If you want to join in fill out the questions and link it back to My Pretty Pennies.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on _____.
2. Today I feel _______towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was_____________.
4. I will consider this week a success if I _____________.
5. My favorite holiday song is____________.
28 November 2010
Friday Goal Check-Up- Sunday Edition
Given that it was both Thanksgiving and my birthday weekend, I think I am excused in waiting til Sunday to post this :)
1. Finish moving stuff out of my parents' house. This is not getting done by the end of the month. I've made progress but not much.
2. Stay in my $250 grocery budget. I went waaay over. But I'm counting last nights purchase in my December budget. Might be cheating a little, but oh well :)
3. Earn 2 Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks. I don't think I'll make it to the second one. I'm only about halfway there and only a few days left in the month.
4. Stay in my $100 eating out budget. I went over by $2. :|
5. Get up to 91 books. Only up to 76 books. Finished Harry Potter 7 and I have 2 more in progress.
6. 260 minutes of Pilates/Exercise. I've made serious progress in this. I bought Just Dance 2, helped someone move, and did a lot of walking the past two days (which I give myself partial credit for) so I'm up to 270 and have completed my goal!!!
7. Keep up at least weekly posting on my craft blog. I posted my black friday plans, and I plan to do a review of the experience tomorrow.
Feeling good about my goals and being 24!
1. Finish moving stuff out of my parents' house. This is not getting done by the end of the month. I've made progress but not much.
2. Stay in my $250 grocery budget. I went waaay over. But I'm counting last nights purchase in my December budget. Might be cheating a little, but oh well :)
3. Earn 2 Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks. I don't think I'll make it to the second one. I'm only about halfway there and only a few days left in the month.
4. Stay in my $100 eating out budget. I went over by $2. :|
5. Get up to 91 books. Only up to 76 books. Finished Harry Potter 7 and I have 2 more in progress.
6. 260 minutes of Pilates/Exercise. I've made serious progress in this. I bought Just Dance 2, helped someone move, and did a lot of walking the past two days (which I give myself partial credit for) so I'm up to 270 and have completed my goal!!!
7. Keep up at least weekly posting on my craft blog. I posted my black friday plans, and I plan to do a review of the experience tomorrow.
Feeling good about my goals and being 24!
22 November 2010
Weekly Money Check-Up
This post is part of My Pretty Pennies Weekly Money Check Up.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on Just Dance 2. I got a great deal at Kmart and only paid $30 for it! It's definitely worth it!
2. Today I feel worried towards money. I have expensive Black Friday plans. I maybe shouldn't be spending the money that I'm planning on spending, but I get a raise in a month that should pay for my
purchases with less than one paycheck's raise.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was put up Christmas Window Clings from Target (only a dollar!).
4. I will consider this week a success if I meet my Just Dance 2 Just Sweat goals.
5. My favorite food at Thanksgiving is probably mashed potatoes and gravy although I also love the rolls.
--
If you want to join in fill out the questions and link it back to My Pretty Pennies.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on _____.
2. Today I feel _______towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was_____________.
4. I will consider this week a success if I _____________.
5. My favorite food at Thanksgiving is____________.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on Just Dance 2. I got a great deal at Kmart and only paid $30 for it! It's definitely worth it!
2. Today I feel worried towards money. I have expensive Black Friday plans. I maybe shouldn't be spending the money that I'm planning on spending, but I get a raise in a month that should pay for my
purchases with less than one paycheck's raise.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was put up Christmas Window Clings from Target (only a dollar!).
4. I will consider this week a success if I meet my Just Dance 2 Just Sweat goals.
5. My favorite food at Thanksgiving is probably mashed potatoes and gravy although I also love the rolls.
--
If you want to join in fill out the questions and link it back to My Pretty Pennies.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on _____.
2. Today I feel _______towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was_____________.
4. I will consider this week a success if I _____________.
5. My favorite food at Thanksgiving is____________.
20 November 2010
Goal-Checkup
Well crap. Once again I missed doing this on Friday. But at least I'm doing it bright and early Saturday!
1. Finish moving stuff out of my parents' house. I've taken a load of stuff out of the house and some of it to goodwill. I have to swing by a pawn shop to see what bass guitars are going for so I can offer to sell mine to family before I put it on Ebay. I'll be doing the more time conscious thing and bringing it to someone else to list it (as well as a few other things) since I just don't feel like doing it myself.
2. Stay in my $250 grocery budget. As previously discussed, I'm over budget. Only by $5 rather than the $10 that I thought. I'll spend another $10 tonight on some deals I can't pass up but that's it for this month. I'll be buying some Kohls giftcards at Jewel tomorrow (for my Black Friday shopping) that will earn me $40 in free groceries so I'll probably be able to come in under budget next month.
3. Earn 2 Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks. I've only earned one so far, but I'm working on it. I don't think I'll get a second before the month is out but you never know!
4. Stay in my $100 eating out budget. I've used 2/3 of it so far, but the only eating out plans I have from here on out this month should be heavily discounted or free.
5. Get up to 91 books. Almost done with the 7th Harry Potter book, but my goal of 100 books this year might be hard to complete.
6. 260 minutes of Pilates/Exercise. It is looking like I got a total of 90 minutes in this month so far. Maybe if I count Black Friday shopping I'll meet this goal ;)
7. Keep up at least weekly posting on my craft blog. I posted about my fudge recipe like I promised I would which is 3 posts by week 3 of the month. I'll need to do another one next week. Maybe I'll post about my Black Friday plans and adventure.
1. Finish moving stuff out of my parents' house. I've taken a load of stuff out of the house and some of it to goodwill. I have to swing by a pawn shop to see what bass guitars are going for so I can offer to sell mine to family before I put it on Ebay. I'll be doing the more time conscious thing and bringing it to someone else to list it (as well as a few other things) since I just don't feel like doing it myself.
2. Stay in my $250 grocery budget. As previously discussed, I'm over budget. Only by $5 rather than the $10 that I thought. I'll spend another $10 tonight on some deals I can't pass up but that's it for this month. I'll be buying some Kohls giftcards at Jewel tomorrow (for my Black Friday shopping) that will earn me $40 in free groceries so I'll probably be able to come in under budget next month.
3. Earn 2 Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks. I've only earned one so far, but I'm working on it. I don't think I'll get a second before the month is out but you never know!
4. Stay in my $100 eating out budget. I've used 2/3 of it so far, but the only eating out plans I have from here on out this month should be heavily discounted or free.
5. Get up to 91 books. Almost done with the 7th Harry Potter book, but my goal of 100 books this year might be hard to complete.
6. 260 minutes of Pilates/Exercise. It is looking like I got a total of 90 minutes in this month so far. Maybe if I count Black Friday shopping I'll meet this goal ;)
7. Keep up at least weekly posting on my craft blog. I posted about my fudge recipe like I promised I would which is 3 posts by week 3 of the month. I'll need to do another one next week. Maybe I'll post about my Black Friday plans and adventure.
17 November 2010
Ahh the Dentist
I spent last Friday morning at the Dentist's office. Woooo. :|
In my entire life, I have been to the dentist once. It may have actually been twice, but for one issue. When I was in 4th grade I chipped my 2 front teeth and had to have caps put on. That was the only time
I've been to the dentist, until last Friday. Now that I have steady insurance (I didn't for most of my life) I decided it was time to suck it up and see the dreaded dentist. I made an appointment on Monday and was able to get in at a dentist a few of my co-workers recommended right away. Friday morning I took a Xanax so I didn't have a panic attack in the chair and ventured to one of my most dreaded experiences.
I was right to dread it so much.
While the people at the office were super super nice and the facilities were great, I got not so great news. I have to have all 4 wisdom teeth pulled. Four. Thats a LOT of money and a procedure that totally freaks me out! Obviously I'm sucking it up and dealing with it. I don't want to mess up my teeth. But it was not the news I wanted to hear.
On top of the wisdom teeth, I had to have the bottom half of my mouth deep cleaned which was expensive (as mentioned in the weekly money checkup) and I have to go back this Friday to have the same thing done to the top half of my mouth. AND they told me I need to have my frenlum cut (the piece of tissue that connects my lip to my gum) AND we haven't even discussed cavities yet (which I'm sure I have at least one or two of).
Sigh. This is what I get for trying to take care of my health :|
Photo Credit: Flickr user Mattlemmon
15 November 2010
Weekly Money Check-Up
This post is part of My Pretty Pennies Weekly Money Check Up.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on the dentist. I spent $95 on a deep cleaning of the bottom half of my mouth. I have to go back this Friday for the top half, but it should be cheaper since I've now met my deductible.
2. Today I feel nervous towards money. After going to the dentist I discovered I need all 4 wisdom teeth removed which is a huge expense that I'll have to deal with soon.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was make scarves. Lots of 'em. :)
4. I will consider this week a success if I get ahead on my homework assignments. I have two things due on Sunday and I'd like to get a serious start on the rest of my assignments.
5. I am afraid of tornadoes. Terrified of them in fact. I'm not sure exactly why. I'm also terrified of getting pregnant. I've never wanted kids, hospitals freak me out, and I've got too much I want for me right now to let having a kid interrupt it.
--
If you want to join in fill out the questions and link it back to My Pretty Pennies.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on _____.
2. Today I feel _______towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was_____________.
4. I will consider this week a success if I _____________.
5. I am afraid of ____________.
Monday Goal Check-up
I don't know how I missed doing this on Friday, I think I was too distracted with my new scarf craft projects :) oh and the dentist! That was what I was dealing with on Friday. You'll hear more about my trip to the dentist in a future post.
1. Finish moving stuff out of my parents' house. No more progress on this front. Tonight's plans include going to my parent's house to do laundry and work on cleaning out my room at the same time.
2. Stay in my $250 grocery budget. I'm over budget. Again. I've already gone about $10 over. But I think that we can survive on what's in the house (and leftovers from Thanksgiving) for the rest of the month. Hopefully.
3. Earn 2 Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks. I should have one earned by today to meet this goal. But I won't. I need 100 more points. I may still be able to get 2 this month though. We shall see.
4. Stay in my $100 eating out budget. I've used half of it. But hopefully things should slow down from here. Its my birthday month so I should be getting freebies from restaurants and treated by Wesley and my parents.
5. Get up to 91 books. Still in the middle of the same book. Sometimes I forget how long Harry Potter is. :)
6. 260 minutes of Pilates/Exercise. I've lost track. No where near where I should be. I keep finding excuses. I need to make this a priority.
7. Keep up at least weekly posting on my craft blog. I've blogged twice this month, but I'm due for a new post. I've been practicing a simple fudge recipe for Christmas presents and I think I'll post about that.
1. Finish moving stuff out of my parents' house. No more progress on this front. Tonight's plans include going to my parent's house to do laundry and work on cleaning out my room at the same time.
2. Stay in my $250 grocery budget. I'm over budget. Again. I've already gone about $10 over. But I think that we can survive on what's in the house (and leftovers from Thanksgiving) for the rest of the month. Hopefully.
3. Earn 2 Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks. I should have one earned by today to meet this goal. But I won't. I need 100 more points. I may still be able to get 2 this month though. We shall see.
4. Stay in my $100 eating out budget. I've used half of it. But hopefully things should slow down from here. Its my birthday month so I should be getting freebies from restaurants and treated by Wesley and my parents.
5. Get up to 91 books. Still in the middle of the same book. Sometimes I forget how long Harry Potter is. :)
6. 260 minutes of Pilates/Exercise. I've lost track. No where near where I should be. I keep finding excuses. I need to make this a priority.
7. Keep up at least weekly posting on my craft blog. I've blogged twice this month, but I'm due for a new post. I've been practicing a simple fudge recipe for Christmas presents and I think I'll post about that.
09 November 2010
Weekly Money Check-Up
This post is part of My Pretty Pennies Weekly Money Check Up.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on TV trays- $40.
2. Today I feel okay towards money. Nothing out of the ordinary either way.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was made a no-knit scarf courtesy of Martha's instructions.
4. I will consider this week a success if I get in 60 minutes of exercise.
5. My go-to recipe is Alton Brown's Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie. I swear that this is the best chocolate chip cookie you can make!
--
If you want to join in fill out the questions and link it back to My Pretty Pennies.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on _____.
2. Today I feel _______towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was_____________.
4. I will consider this week a success if I _____________.
5. My go-to recipe is ____________.
08 November 2010
My Battle With Anxiety
I've known for a while I have more problems with anxiety than is normal. I spend an unordinate amount of timing stressing about things like school, money, and the safety of my family. I'll leave the house for work in the morning and 5 minutes down the road worry that I left the stove on and the house is going to burn down and the fire department won't be able to save my dog. When it gets to that point I almost always wind up turning around and driving home to check. No matter how much I tell myself I'm being ridiculous, it just doesn't seem to make a difference.
In with this anxiety is a fear of medication. I rarely take medication or see a doctor when there is something wrong with me. I'll just tough it out. I've gotten to the point in recent years where I'm willing to deal with a few select medications, but most still terrify me. It was a big step for me to go to a psychaitrist back in August and ask to be put on something to resolve my anxiety problems. I had been thinking about medication for at least 8 months before that and had made another attempt at therapy in April, which only resulted in higher levels of anxiety.
Talking to the psychaitrist resulted in a preliminary diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder. But she also wanted me to get bloodwork done to make sure that it wasn't my thyroid causing my anxiety problems. After many months of doctor visits and blood work (insurance switching, doctor switching, etc, etc) I finally have a prescription for Celexa and I couldn't be happier. It has literally changed my life. I feel normal, happy, and I don't spend 90% of my day worrying about anything and everything.
Granted I'm no doctor, but if you are out there and having problems with anxiety talk to your doctor, therapist, or psychaitrist and find out what the right solution is for you. It's worth it! Don't keep suffering!
In with this anxiety is a fear of medication. I rarely take medication or see a doctor when there is something wrong with me. I'll just tough it out. I've gotten to the point in recent years where I'm willing to deal with a few select medications, but most still terrify me. It was a big step for me to go to a psychaitrist back in August and ask to be put on something to resolve my anxiety problems. I had been thinking about medication for at least 8 months before that and had made another attempt at therapy in April, which only resulted in higher levels of anxiety.
Talking to the psychaitrist resulted in a preliminary diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder. But she also wanted me to get bloodwork done to make sure that it wasn't my thyroid causing my anxiety problems. After many months of doctor visits and blood work (insurance switching, doctor switching, etc, etc) I finally have a prescription for Celexa and I couldn't be happier. It has literally changed my life. I feel normal, happy, and I don't spend 90% of my day worrying about anything and everything.
Granted I'm no doctor, but if you are out there and having problems with anxiety talk to your doctor, therapist, or psychaitrist and find out what the right solution is for you. It's worth it! Don't keep suffering!
06 November 2010
Saturday Goal Check-Up
1. Finish moving stuff out of my parents' house. I brought cake decorating supplies to the apartment, but thats it so far. I may spend some time tomorrow moving stuff. We'll see.
2. Stay in my $250 grocery budget. I've used about half my budget so far. I also think we're mostly stocked up on stuff. However I know I'll have to buy baking stuff this month since Christmas and Thanksgiving are coming up. I think I can stay in budget though.
3. Earn 2 Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks. I'm about halfway to my first one, but I haven't been swagging as much as I should be.
4. Stay in my $100 eating out budget. I've used a third of it so far, but I only have to go down to school one more time this month which is usually when I succumb to the draw of eating out.
5. Get up to 91 books. Haven't added to it yet, but I finished a short story and I'm in the middle of one book.
6. 260 minutes of Pilates/Exercise. I've done 30 minutes so far. I should be at 60, but I'm also hoping to have a long round of Just Dance either tonight or tomorrow
7. Keep up at least weekly posting on my craft blog. Well, I haven't posted this week, but I should do it next week. Maybe twice if I'm lucky.
2. Stay in my $250 grocery budget. I've used about half my budget so far. I also think we're mostly stocked up on stuff. However I know I'll have to buy baking stuff this month since Christmas and Thanksgiving are coming up. I think I can stay in budget though.
3. Earn 2 Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks. I'm about halfway to my first one, but I haven't been swagging as much as I should be.
4. Stay in my $100 eating out budget. I've used a third of it so far, but I only have to go down to school one more time this month which is usually when I succumb to the draw of eating out.
5. Get up to 91 books. Haven't added to it yet, but I finished a short story and I'm in the middle of one book.
6. 260 minutes of Pilates/Exercise. I've done 30 minutes so far. I should be at 60, but I'm also hoping to have a long round of Just Dance either tonight or tomorrow
7. Keep up at least weekly posting on my craft blog. Well, I haven't posted this week, but I should do it next week. Maybe twice if I'm lucky.
01 November 2010
Weekly Money Check-up
This post is part of My Pretty Pennies Weekly Money Check Up.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on a trip to Target. I spent $66 on mostly groceries and a much needed new pair of lounge pants. They have these awesome soft flannel PJ pants for $10 right now. So worth it that I think I'm going back to stock up!
2. Today I feel positive towards money. Just a general up day. I feel positive towards most things. Maybe my anti anxiety/anti depressants are finally kicking in. :)
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was I baked for a charity bake sale and made a ton of money to help the animals.
4. I will consider this week a success if I bake another batch of cookies for work and get back into my Pilates.
5. If I could grow one thing, it would be a lilac bush. I love love love the smell of lilacs and I think its one of the non-people things I'll miss most about living with my parents.
--
If you want to join in fill out the questions and link it back to My Pretty Pennies.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on _____.
2. Today I feel _______towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was_____________.
4. I will consider this week a success if I _____________.
5. If I could grow one thing, it would be ____________.
31 October 2010
October Goal Review
Lots of fails again this month. I feel like I'm making progress though despite this.
1. Finish moving stuff out of my parents' house. FAIL- Big Time The only thing I did was grab a few things that I needed from the house a few days ago. Try again next month!
2. Cook 3 new recipes. FAIL I made some new cookie recipes for the bake sale but I don't think that counts with the spirit of the goal. I don't think I made a single new dish otherwise.
3. Stay in my $250 grocery budget. FAIL I went about $20 over then I put about $30 into my November grocery spending. Better luck next time.
4. Earn 2 Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks. PASS I wound up with 3 giftcards in October. So far I've made $20 for Amazon and already spent $10 of it on a birthday present for a friend's daughter.
5. Stay in my $100 eating out budget. FAIL I went about $20 over.
6. Get up to 83 books. FAIL I made it up to 75 books and I currently have 2 more in process.
7. 270 minutes of Pilates. FAIL Only made it to 90 minutes with 50 of them being on Just Dance once.
1. Finish moving stuff out of my parents' house. FAIL- Big Time The only thing I did was grab a few things that I needed from the house a few days ago. Try again next month!
2. Cook 3 new recipes. FAIL I made some new cookie recipes for the bake sale but I don't think that counts with the spirit of the goal. I don't think I made a single new dish otherwise.
3. Stay in my $250 grocery budget. FAIL I went about $20 over then I put about $30 into my November grocery spending. Better luck next time.
4. Earn 2 Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks. PASS I wound up with 3 giftcards in October. So far I've made $20 for Amazon and already spent $10 of it on a birthday present for a friend's daughter.
5. Stay in my $100 eating out budget. FAIL I went about $20 over.
6. Get up to 83 books. FAIL I made it up to 75 books and I currently have 2 more in process.
7. 270 minutes of Pilates. FAIL Only made it to 90 minutes with 50 of them being on Just Dance once.
30 October 2010
November Goals
So, there are quite a few repeat goals, but I do better when I keep it in mind even if I'm still failing at them.
1. Finish moving stuff out of my parents' house. Third time having this as a goal. Third time's the charm though! I think this time it is a bit more realistic given that I have only 2 classes this month and 2 days that I don't have to go to school for the one and I don't meet at all for the other.
2. Stay in my $250 grocery budget. Trying again!
3. Earn 2 Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks. I beat this goal in October, so I think I can do it again!
4. Stay in my $100 eating out budget. Trying again! Its a little more realistic with no all day class and one cheaper event planned.
5. Get up to 91 books. I'm far behind in this goal, but as mentioned in Goal #1 I have more time, so I might meet this one.
6. 260 minutes of Pilates/Exercise. I really want to make exercise a priority with my little bit of extra time. 10 minutes a day with a day off each week is reasonable.
7. Keep up at least weekly posting on my craft blog. I've been on hiatus from this blog for probably a year. As my time is freeing up crafting is something I want to focus on and bringing that blog back up is an important part of it for me.
Tomorrow: A review of how I did in October
1. Finish moving stuff out of my parents' house. Third time having this as a goal. Third time's the charm though! I think this time it is a bit more realistic given that I have only 2 classes this month and 2 days that I don't have to go to school for the one and I don't meet at all for the other.
2. Stay in my $250 grocery budget. Trying again!
3. Earn 2 Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks. I beat this goal in October, so I think I can do it again!
4. Stay in my $100 eating out budget. Trying again! Its a little more realistic with no all day class and one cheaper event planned.
5. Get up to 91 books. I'm far behind in this goal, but as mentioned in Goal #1 I have more time, so I might meet this one.
6. 260 minutes of Pilates/Exercise. I really want to make exercise a priority with my little bit of extra time. 10 minutes a day with a day off each week is reasonable.
7. Keep up at least weekly posting on my craft blog. I've been on hiatus from this blog for probably a year. As my time is freeing up crafting is something I want to focus on and bringing that blog back up is an important part of it for me.
Tomorrow: A review of how I did in October
29 October 2010
Goal Check-Up Friday
My Friday goal checkup will be postponed until Sunday. I figure on Sunday I'll give you the full month's review and hopefully get some September goals put together as well. Just wanted to let you all know I haven't forgotten about you!
27 October 2010
Weekly Money Check-Up
This post is part of My Pretty Pennies Weekly Money Check Up.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on a doctor visit- $25 co-pay.
2. Today I feel okay towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was spend an evening having dinner at my parents’ house with Wesley and the pooch.
4. I will consider this week a success if I don’t have to stay up all night on Friday baking for Saturday’s bake sale.
5. This year for halloween I am dressing up as nothing. Unfortunately, this year I have no Halloween plans :(
--
If you want to join in fill out the questions and link it back to My Pretty Pennies.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on _____.
2. Today I feel _______towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was_____________.
4. I will consider this week a success if I _____________.
5. This year for halloween I am dressing up as ____________.
22 October 2010
Friday Goal Check-Up
Well it is a kind of depressing goal checkup Friday, but I'm still going to report in nonetheless.
1. Finish moving stuff out of my parents' house. No progress yet.
2. Cook 3 new recipes. No progress here either. My chicken was bad so I couldn't even do the shake and bake.
3. Stay in my $250 grocery budget. Busted the budget. I'm about 20 over now and I think I'll wind up another 5-10 before the month is out.
4. Earn 2 Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks. Woot! I've finished this one and I may even earn a third this month!
5. Stay in my $100 eating out budget. Blew this one by 11 so far and I know I'll wind up going over even more. I'll probably be over 25 total by the end of the month.
6. Get up to 83 books. Two more since last I spoke, but still way under the goal.
7. 270 minutes of Pilates. I should be at 190 minutes by now. But I'm only at 90 and that includes my Just Dance session (since exercise was my goal).
1. Finish moving stuff out of my parents' house. No progress yet.
2. Cook 3 new recipes. No progress here either. My chicken was bad so I couldn't even do the shake and bake.
3. Stay in my $250 grocery budget. Busted the budget. I'm about 20 over now and I think I'll wind up another 5-10 before the month is out.
4. Earn 2 Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks. Woot! I've finished this one and I may even earn a third this month!
5. Stay in my $100 eating out budget. Blew this one by 11 so far and I know I'll wind up going over even more. I'll probably be over 25 total by the end of the month.
6. Get up to 83 books. Two more since last I spoke, but still way under the goal.
7. 270 minutes of Pilates. I should be at 190 minutes by now. But I'm only at 90 and that includes my Just Dance session (since exercise was my goal).
21 October 2010
Swagbucks
*Disclaimer before I get into the meat of Swagbucks. If you sign up through the links to Swagbucks I do get a referral bonus*
So, I've mentioned it a few times now but I signed up for this thing called Swagbucks. It's been about a month so far and I have earned enough Swagbucks to redeem for $15 in Amazon giftcards. Which is fabulous considering I didn't pay anything to get them. Here's how it works.
1. Sign up for a Swagbucks account and hopefully get a bonus just for signing up.
2. Use it to search for things instead of your usual search engine and randomly get Swagbuck awards for searches. Now I agree with Mashup Mom on this one (librarians stick together!), this search engine is not as good as google. I use it to search for specific websites like facebook, blogs I read, etc. and for browsing for ideas for things craft wise. For serious searches like "I'm looking for this website someone showed me a few years ago that had to do with facts about incoming freshmen and was put out by a college" I'd stick to google. BTW, if you want to see this neat list I was looking for it's called the Mindset List and put out by Beloit College.
3. Vote in the Daily Poll for a free Swagbuck each day
4. Click through the NOSO for a free Swagbuck each day (just decline or skip offers you aren't interested in participating in)
5. Download the toolbar and open the browser with it loaded onto each day for a bonus Swagbuck.
6. Shop through their Shop and Earn section to get Swagbucks for your purchases (these take a LONG time to show up in your account)
7. Keep an eye on Facebook, Twitter, The Swag Blog, and the swidget to find Swagcodes for Bonus Points
8. Refer people to get matching Swagbucks from their searches.
9. After your week anniversary, check the survey page daily for a bonus buck, fill out the survey profiles for various Swagbucks, and participate in surveys for even more Swagbucks.
So far I've been doing most of these and in a little less than a month I've earned 3 $5 Amazon gift cards (cost 450 Swagbucks each). Granted that includes a big purchase I made at Petco, but I haven't got any referrals yet. They also just rolled out this new SwagbucksTV feature, but I haven't done much with it. I encourage you to give it a try, some free Amazon money never hurts! :)
So, I've mentioned it a few times now but I signed up for this thing called Swagbucks. It's been about a month so far and I have earned enough Swagbucks to redeem for $15 in Amazon giftcards. Which is fabulous considering I didn't pay anything to get them. Here's how it works.
1. Sign up for a Swagbucks account and hopefully get a bonus just for signing up.
2. Use it to search for things instead of your usual search engine and randomly get Swagbuck awards for searches. Now I agree with Mashup Mom on this one (librarians stick together!), this search engine is not as good as google. I use it to search for specific websites like facebook, blogs I read, etc. and for browsing for ideas for things craft wise. For serious searches like "I'm looking for this website someone showed me a few years ago that had to do with facts about incoming freshmen and was put out by a college" I'd stick to google. BTW, if you want to see this neat list I was looking for it's called the Mindset List and put out by Beloit College.
3. Vote in the Daily Poll for a free Swagbuck each day
4. Click through the NOSO for a free Swagbuck each day (just decline or skip offers you aren't interested in participating in)
5. Download the toolbar and open the browser with it loaded onto each day for a bonus Swagbuck.
6. Shop through their Shop and Earn section to get Swagbucks for your purchases (these take a LONG time to show up in your account)
7. Keep an eye on Facebook, Twitter, The Swag Blog, and the swidget to find Swagcodes for Bonus Points
8. Refer people to get matching Swagbucks from their searches.
9. After your week anniversary, check the survey page daily for a bonus buck, fill out the survey profiles for various Swagbucks, and participate in surveys for even more Swagbucks.
So far I've been doing most of these and in a little less than a month I've earned 3 $5 Amazon gift cards (cost 450 Swagbucks each). Granted that includes a big purchase I made at Petco, but I haven't got any referrals yet. They also just rolled out this new SwagbucksTV feature, but I haven't done much with it. I encourage you to give it a try, some free Amazon money never hurts! :)
19 October 2010
Weekly Money Check-Up
This post is part of My Pretty Pennies Weekly Money Check Up.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on Fondue. I spent $33 on brunch at The Melting Pot with some girlfriends.
2. Today I feel unconcerned towards money. I'm feeling kinda loose with money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was pumpkin picking with Wesley and my pooch.
4. I will consider this week a success if I can cheer the dog up. She's gotten depressed lately :(
5. My favorite cereal is Cocoa Krispies. I can eat them 3 meals a day!! I love the chocolate milk that's leftover!
--
If you want to join in fill out the questions and link it back to My Pretty Pennies.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on _____.
2. Today I feel _______towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was_____________.
4. I will consider this week a success if I _____________.
5. My favorite cereal is ___________.
15 October 2010
Friday Goal Check-Up
1. Finish moving stuff out of my parents' house. No progress yet.
2. Cook 3 new recipes. No progress here either. I'm planning on making shake and bake chicken this weekend, but I don't know if that counts.
3. Stay in my $250 grocery budget. I'm already almost at my budget. I have like $10 left, but I also have $10 in coupons to Jewel, so thats like $20 for the month.
4. Earn 2 Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks. (more on Swagbucks soon) I've earned one this month so far and I'm already more than halfway to the next one so this is looking good. If all goes well I'll pay for my mom and my stepdad's Christmas presents with free giftcards!
5. Stay in my $100 eating out budget. Again, super close to my budget. I have $2 left and the $30 I put aside for fondue this Sunday. I'm betting I'll blow this, but I'm going to still try.
6. Get up to 83 books. Finished one more this month and almost done with a second.
7. 270 minutes of Pilates. I'm behind in this one, but I can still catch up. In theory I should have 130 minutes done already. Instead I have 40. But that is just 8 days of 20 minutes instead of 10, so I can do it!
Next time on Whooshing Sounds: More info on Swagbucks.
2. Cook 3 new recipes. No progress here either. I'm planning on making shake and bake chicken this weekend, but I don't know if that counts.
3. Stay in my $250 grocery budget. I'm already almost at my budget. I have like $10 left, but I also have $10 in coupons to Jewel, so thats like $20 for the month.
4. Earn 2 Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks. (more on Swagbucks soon) I've earned one this month so far and I'm already more than halfway to the next one so this is looking good. If all goes well I'll pay for my mom and my stepdad's Christmas presents with free giftcards!
5. Stay in my $100 eating out budget. Again, super close to my budget. I have $2 left and the $30 I put aside for fondue this Sunday. I'm betting I'll blow this, but I'm going to still try.
6. Get up to 83 books. Finished one more this month and almost done with a second.
7. 270 minutes of Pilates. I'm behind in this one, but I can still catch up. In theory I should have 130 minutes done already. Instead I have 40. But that is just 8 days of 20 minutes instead of 10, so I can do it!
Next time on Whooshing Sounds: More info on Swagbucks.
13 October 2010
Weekly Money Check-Up
This post is part of My Pretty Pennies Weekly Money Check Up.
Before I get into her questions for the week, I'm apologizing for not giving you guys a Friday goal check-up last week. I'm coming to the end of one of my classes so I was SLAMMED with homework the past two weeks. I'm caught up and should have a lighter load from here on out so I should be back to getting a post in 3x a week. I'll definitely have a goals post for you on Friday and if you're lucky you might get another post tomorrow or Saturday talking to you about Swagbucks (cuz its totally awesome!).
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on groceries- about $75 and I'm almost at the max of my budget for the month!.
2. Today I feel okay towards money. Nothing special in any particular direction.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was had my parents and Wesley's parents over for a nice spaghetti dinner.
4. I will consider this week a success if I catch up some on my pilates. I need to do 20 minutes a day for the next few days to be where I'm supposed to be.
5. If I could could quit my job for a month and travel throughout one country, I would choose I'm not really sure. Part of me says France, because I loved Paris. The other part says I have too much to see here in the States and I'd like to take a month to see some of the highlights. Really I think that I'd be thrilled traveling in any country for a month!
--
If you want to join in fill out the questions and link it back to My Pretty Pennies.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on _____.
2. Today I feel _______towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was_____________.
4. I will consider this week a success if I _____________.
5. If I could could quit my job for a month and travel throughout one country, I would choose_____.
Before I get into her questions for the week, I'm apologizing for not giving you guys a Friday goal check-up last week. I'm coming to the end of one of my classes so I was SLAMMED with homework the past two weeks. I'm caught up and should have a lighter load from here on out so I should be back to getting a post in 3x a week. I'll definitely have a goals post for you on Friday and if you're lucky you might get another post tomorrow or Saturday talking to you about Swagbucks (cuz its totally awesome!).
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on groceries- about $75 and I'm almost at the max of my budget for the month!.
2. Today I feel okay towards money. Nothing special in any particular direction.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was had my parents and Wesley's parents over for a nice spaghetti dinner.
4. I will consider this week a success if I catch up some on my pilates. I need to do 20 minutes a day for the next few days to be where I'm supposed to be.
5. If I could could quit my job for a month and travel throughout one country, I would choose I'm not really sure. Part of me says France, because I loved Paris. The other part says I have too much to see here in the States and I'd like to take a month to see some of the highlights. Really I think that I'd be thrilled traveling in any country for a month!
--
If you want to join in fill out the questions and link it back to My Pretty Pennies.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on _____.
2. Today I feel _______towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was_____________.
4. I will consider this week a success if I _____________.
5. If I could could quit my job for a month and travel throughout one country, I would choose_____.
04 October 2010
Weekly Money Check-up
This post is part of My Pretty Pennies Weekly Money Check Up.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on Rent- $420.
2. Today I feel nothing towards money. I'm a little distracted by other things to be concerned in the least with my finances.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was attend the 18th birthday party of my best friend's dog Tasha. Tasha was my dog for a few years, when my best friend moved into an apartment with her family and couldn't take Tasha, but we gave her back when they got a house again.
4. I will consider this week a success if I can manage to work all my hours without taking sick time. Those other things mentioned earlier distract me even more at work. You'll see a post about it as soon as I feel like writing about it.
5. The TV show I am most excited about this season is Desperate Housewives! I just realized I missed the season premiere so I have to catch it online (hopefully tonight).
--
If you'd like to join in, answer these questions on your blog and link it back to My Pretty Pennies.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on _____.
2. Today I feel _______towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was_____________.
4. I will consider this week a success if I _____________.
5. The TV show I am most excited about this season is ________________.
01 October 2010
September Goals/Goal Check-Up Friday
Since today is both a Friday and the first of a new month, you get the extra special Goal Check-Up Friday that doubles as the end of the month review!
1. Keep increasing steps or play Just Dance regularly. Failed pretty miserably at this. Stopped counting steps and only got 2 rounds of Just Dance in. On the plus side, I started the 10 minute Pilates early and got two days of that in before the month ended.
2. Get Book Count up to 75 books. Fail. Only made it to 71 (last week I said 72 but my count got off somewhere along the line). This month I read: 68. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 69. Non-Designer's Design Book 70. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 71. Library 2.0
3. Stick to my $100 monthly eating out budget. Pass I came in under budget, mostly because Girls' Night #2 was cancelled. Girls' Night #1 was over what I had planned :| But I did good!
4. Finish the move and unpacking. Fail. Enough said. Try again next time.
5. Stay on track with homework. Pass! I thought for sure I'd bomb this one, but I'm doing good. I have most of my homework for next week done already!
6. Try 3 New Recipes. Pass! Yay me!
1. Keep increasing steps or play Just Dance regularly. Failed pretty miserably at this. Stopped counting steps and only got 2 rounds of Just Dance in. On the plus side, I started the 10 minute Pilates early and got two days of that in before the month ended.
2. Get Book Count up to 75 books. Fail. Only made it to 71 (last week I said 72 but my count got off somewhere along the line). This month I read: 68. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 69. Non-Designer's Design Book 70. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 71. Library 2.0
3. Stick to my $100 monthly eating out budget. Pass I came in under budget, mostly because Girls' Night #2 was cancelled. Girls' Night #1 was over what I had planned :| But I did good!
4. Finish the move and unpacking. Fail. Enough said. Try again next time.
5. Stay on track with homework. Pass! I thought for sure I'd bomb this one, but I'm doing good. I have most of my homework for next week done already!
6. Try 3 New Recipes. Pass! Yay me!
30 September 2010
October Goals
1. Finish moving stuff out of my parents' house. For Real this time!
2. Cook 3 new recipes. I really want to work on broadening my cooking horizons, so we don't eat the same things all the time!
3. Stay in my $250 grocery budget. Last month I spent way more than I wanted to, and I hope that come November I can bring this budget down to $200 but I find that with stocking my pantry in a new house its taking up quite a bit of cash.
4. Earn 2 Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks. (more on Swagbucks soon) I earned one in 2 weeks so I think I should hopefully be able to earn 2 in October. We'll see though :)
5. Stay in my $100 eating out budget. I went over in September because of the girls nights out, so I really have $90 when I take out what I went over. I think this is doable since I have no big plans and I managed to stay at 50 other than the girls nights last month.
6. Get up to 83 books. We'll see. I'm kinda far behind in this goal.
7. 270 minutes of Pilates. I have the 10 minute pilates video that has 5 different 10 minute workouts on it. This goal gives me a day a week off from doing 10 minutes which should be totally do-able.
Tomorrow: A review of how I did in September
2. Cook 3 new recipes. I really want to work on broadening my cooking horizons, so we don't eat the same things all the time!
3. Stay in my $250 grocery budget. Last month I spent way more than I wanted to, and I hope that come November I can bring this budget down to $200 but I find that with stocking my pantry in a new house its taking up quite a bit of cash.
4. Earn 2 Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks. (more on Swagbucks soon) I earned one in 2 weeks so I think I should hopefully be able to earn 2 in October. We'll see though :)
5. Stay in my $100 eating out budget. I went over in September because of the girls nights out, so I really have $90 when I take out what I went over. I think this is doable since I have no big plans and I managed to stay at 50 other than the girls nights last month.
6. Get up to 83 books. We'll see. I'm kinda far behind in this goal.
7. 270 minutes of Pilates. I have the 10 minute pilates video that has 5 different 10 minute workouts on it. This goal gives me a day a week off from doing 10 minutes which should be totally do-able.
Tomorrow: A review of how I did in September
28 September 2010
Weekly Money Check-Up
My Pretty Pennies usually hosts the Weekly Money Check Up, but she's on a break right now, so I've used her first four questions and made up my own final question this week.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on household stuff ($50 on a shredder, end tables, lamps, and lightbulbs).
2. Today I feel confident towards money. I'm getting stuff in order and starting a travel fund!
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was a nice walk with Wesley and the pooch last night.
4. I will consider this week a success if I can get all my blogging in. I owe you October Goals and a final September review.
5. My favorite place to visit is Paris. Can't get enough of the food!
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on household stuff ($50 on a shredder, end tables, lamps, and lightbulbs).
2. Today I feel confident towards money. I'm getting stuff in order and starting a travel fund!
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was a nice walk with Wesley and the pooch last night.
4. I will consider this week a success if I can get all my blogging in. I owe you October Goals and a final September review.
5. My favorite place to visit is Paris. Can't get enough of the food!
27 September 2010
Recent thoughts on money...
Wesley and I talked about money about a week and half ago. Since we've recently moved in together it was a go over expenses kind of talk, figuring out who is paying how much. Turns out I was paying more than him, and probably a lot more once he ditches his smartphone and our cell bill gets lowered. So we shuffled a few things around. He'll be helping with some pooch expenses and taking care of our Netflix subscription. I also suspect I'm going to start asking him for cash each month to help with the groceries. Not a ton, but maybe an extra $20 to even things out a bit. We'll review things again once we get our electricity bill. And likely again when we get new phones mid-October.
Also, I've been pondering the whole travel thing as of late. I love to travel, but as it sits now I don't have money for travel fit into my budget. I've been thinking I should start putting away money every check to save in a travel fund. The only problem I have with this is that it is hard for me to save money while I have debt. I feel like that while I owe money all my money should go to eliminating my debt. But if I don't save money to travel, either I won't travel or I'll just stick it all on my credit card and pay a higher interest rate when I don't get it paid back A.S.A.P. I think I've convinced myself with that last sentence. If I put money on my credit card and don't pay it off right away, I'm charged a 13% interest rate. Whereas my current debts are at a 0% or a 6.8% interest rate so it makes way more sense to save the money and the higher interest rate!
I'll be starting an automatic deposit into my savings for $30 each paycheck I think. Hopefully I'll be able to up that when I get my raise in December.
Also, I've been pondering the whole travel thing as of late. I love to travel, but as it sits now I don't have money for travel fit into my budget. I've been thinking I should start putting away money every check to save in a travel fund. The only problem I have with this is that it is hard for me to save money while I have debt. I feel like that while I owe money all my money should go to eliminating my debt. But if I don't save money to travel, either I won't travel or I'll just stick it all on my credit card and pay a higher interest rate when I don't get it paid back A.S.A.P. I think I've convinced myself with that last sentence. If I put money on my credit card and don't pay it off right away, I'm charged a 13% interest rate. Whereas my current debts are at a 0% or a 6.8% interest rate so it makes way more sense to save the money and the higher interest rate!
I'll be starting an automatic deposit into my savings for $30 each paycheck I think. Hopefully I'll be able to up that when I get my raise in December.
24 September 2010
Goal Check-Up Friday
1. Keep increasing steps or play Just Dance regularly. Still sitting at only 2 Just Dance sessions this month. I may get one in tomorrow if I don't have too much homework after my morning online webinar.
2. Get Book Count up to 75 books. I'm up to 5 books this month and 72 total.
3. Stick to my $100 monthly eating out budget. I've used all of my eating out budget this month, except for the money I had put aside in the budget for the girls nights. Girl night #1 is tomorrow and we switched from sushi to French so I might wind up spending more than expected. We'll see!
4. Finish the move and unpacking. Still slowly moving stuff. I don't think I'll finish with this goal this month. But classes lighten up in October, so I should be able to plan sometime to clean out the old room.
5. Stay on track with homework. Still doing awesome on homework! I'm ahead on assignments for my all day Wednesday class, and I hope to get all my assignments for the 6th done before Wednesday. That would leave me with a final project left and 2 weeks to do it. My evening class has a big assignment due on the 6th, which I started and hope to finish by Tuesday. My weekend class starts tomorrow, so we'll see if that throws a wrench into the rest of my plans.
6. Try 3 New Recipes. I think I've finished this. I made roast chicken, homemade pizza (twice!), and a new crockpot dessert last night. Yay me!
2. Get Book Count up to 75 books. I'm up to 5 books this month and 72 total.
3. Stick to my $100 monthly eating out budget. I've used all of my eating out budget this month, except for the money I had put aside in the budget for the girls nights. Girl night #1 is tomorrow and we switched from sushi to French so I might wind up spending more than expected. We'll see!
4. Finish the move and unpacking. Still slowly moving stuff. I don't think I'll finish with this goal this month. But classes lighten up in October, so I should be able to plan sometime to clean out the old room.
5. Stay on track with homework. Still doing awesome on homework! I'm ahead on assignments for my all day Wednesday class, and I hope to get all my assignments for the 6th done before Wednesday. That would leave me with a final project left and 2 weeks to do it. My evening class has a big assignment due on the 6th, which I started and hope to finish by Tuesday. My weekend class starts tomorrow, so we'll see if that throws a wrench into the rest of my plans.
6. Try 3 New Recipes. I think I've finished this. I made roast chicken, homemade pizza (twice!), and a new crockpot dessert last night. Yay me!
21 September 2010
Weekly Money Check-Up
This post is part of My Pretty Pennies Weekly Money Check Up.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on groceries ($30).
2. Today I feel optimistic towards money. I figured out that I should be entirely debt free by mid 2015, and that is not factoring in any extra money that I will hopefully be making or any raises beyond the one I get for getting my degree.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was get my Just Dance action on. For some reason I'm loving dancing to "Can't Touch This".
4. I will consider this week a success if I play Just Dance one more time.
5. The thing I am most looking forward to about this autumn is boots! I LOVE wearing knee high boots with tights, a cute skirt, and a comfy sweater.
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If you'd like to join in, answer these questions on your blog and link it back to My Pretty Pennies.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on _____.
2. Today I feel _______towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was_____________.
4. I will consider this week a success if I _____________.
5. The thing I am most looking forward to about this autumn is ________________.
18 September 2010
Goal Check-up Friday
Brought to you this week- on Saturday!
1. Keep increasing steps or play Just Dance regularly. I played Just Dance again last night (so 2x this month) and I’m hoping to play again after work tonight.
2. Get Book Count up to 75 books. I’ve read a total of 4 books this month (just finished another school book). That puts me up to 71 books total, so I need to read 4 more books in under 2 weeks. It’ll take some work!
3. Stick to my $100 monthly eating out budget. I’m doing okay so far. With the two planned girls night outs this month, I have another $14 left for the rest of my eating out. This is totally do-able! I shouldn’t be going out with Wesley since we eat in during the week and he has plans both Sundays that we might ordinarily go out to breakfast. This should be plenty for 2 school day dinners!
4. Finish the move and unpacking. Everything in the apartment is unpacked, but I still have a bunch of stuff at my parents’ house. I plan to do a run over there today and/or tomorrow for more stuff.
5. Stay on track with homework. Still doing awesome on homework! My hope is to get everything that is due next Wednesday and Saturday done today. I’m on desk all day (which allows plenty of homework time) and I should have most of the evening to myself. I think that I can do it!
6. Try 3 New Recipes. So far I tried a new roast chicken recipe in the crockpot (a delicious dinner last night). I’m planning to make homemade pizza for the first time by myself on Sunday and Jambalaya (from a rice mix) on Monday. I don’t know if either one counts as an official recipe, but its cooking new foods which was the point of the goal. :)
1. Keep increasing steps or play Just Dance regularly. I played Just Dance again last night (so 2x this month) and I’m hoping to play again after work tonight.
2. Get Book Count up to 75 books. I’ve read a total of 4 books this month (just finished another school book). That puts me up to 71 books total, so I need to read 4 more books in under 2 weeks. It’ll take some work!
3. Stick to my $100 monthly eating out budget. I’m doing okay so far. With the two planned girls night outs this month, I have another $14 left for the rest of my eating out. This is totally do-able! I shouldn’t be going out with Wesley since we eat in during the week and he has plans both Sundays that we might ordinarily go out to breakfast. This should be plenty for 2 school day dinners!
4. Finish the move and unpacking. Everything in the apartment is unpacked, but I still have a bunch of stuff at my parents’ house. I plan to do a run over there today and/or tomorrow for more stuff.
5. Stay on track with homework. Still doing awesome on homework! My hope is to get everything that is due next Wednesday and Saturday done today. I’m on desk all day (which allows plenty of homework time) and I should have most of the evening to myself. I think that I can do it!
6. Try 3 New Recipes. So far I tried a new roast chicken recipe in the crockpot (a delicious dinner last night). I’m planning to make homemade pizza for the first time by myself on Sunday and Jambalaya (from a rice mix) on Monday. I don’t know if either one counts as an official recipe, but its cooking new foods which was the point of the goal. :)
13 September 2010
Weekly Money Check-up
This post is part of My Pretty Pennies Weekly Money Check Up.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on Household furniture. I bought two bookshelves, a desk chair, and a few hanging wall files for $100. Wesley will be reimbursing me for half that though. .
2. Today I feel stressed towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was watched Stargate SG1 and ate pizza.
4. I will consider this week a success if I manage to get my household to-do list done.
5. One of my most memorable birthdays was my 7th. It was Egyptian themed. My mom made cool Egyptian jewelry invitations (out of paper) that determined which team the kids were on for the mummy wrapping contest (with TP of course). I had a black cat cake and I started the party by throwing up in the hallway before everyone got there!
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If you'd like to join in, answer these questions on your blog and link it back to My Pretty Pennies.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on _____.
2. Today I feel _______towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was_____________.
4. I will consider this week a success if I _____________.
5. One of my most memorable birthdays was ____________________.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on Household furniture. I bought two bookshelves, a desk chair, and a few hanging wall files for $100. Wesley will be reimbursing me for half that though. .
2. Today I feel stressed towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was watched Stargate SG1 and ate pizza.
4. I will consider this week a success if I manage to get my household to-do list done.
5. One of my most memorable birthdays was my 7th. It was Egyptian themed. My mom made cool Egyptian jewelry invitations (out of paper) that determined which team the kids were on for the mummy wrapping contest (with TP of course). I had a black cat cake and I started the party by throwing up in the hallway before everyone got there!
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If you'd like to join in, answer these questions on your blog and link it back to My Pretty Pennies.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on _____.
2. Today I feel _______towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was_____________.
4. I will consider this week a success if I _____________.
5. One of my most memorable birthdays was ____________________.
10 September 2010
Goal Check-Up Friday
1. Keep increasing steps or play Just Dance regularly. I stopped with the pedometer, because I kept forgetting it on the dog’s early morning walks and I’ve only managed Just Dance once so far :|
2. Get Book Count up to 75 books. I’m up another 3 books! 2 were for school but I read them cover to cover so they count! I’m close to finishing a 3rd school book and a second personal choice.
3. Keep track of what I eat 90% of the time. psht. I’ve slacked. I may be dropping this goal.
4. Stick to my $100 monthly eating out budget. I’m doing good so far! Only $25 of my eating out budget spent and we are 9 days in! I’m doing some meal planning for next week so hopefully I can stay on track! I also decided to up this budget this month to $120 (I pulled the $20 out of my salon/barber budget) since I have 2 big events.
5. Finish the move and unpacking. I’ve brought some more stuff to the apartment but I still have a lot to do on the moving end.
6. Stay on track with homework. I am doing awesome on homework! It helps that I haven’t had much of it. I’ve got all my stuff done for one of Wednesday’s classes and some reading to do for the other.
And a new goal I’ve decided to add:
7. Try 3 New Recipes. Nothing new tried yet, but hopefully next week I’ll be trying one or two new dishes!
2. Get Book Count up to 75 books. I’m up another 3 books! 2 were for school but I read them cover to cover so they count! I’m close to finishing a 3rd school book and a second personal choice.
3. Keep track of what I eat 90% of the time. psht. I’ve slacked. I may be dropping this goal.
4. Stick to my $100 monthly eating out budget. I’m doing good so far! Only $25 of my eating out budget spent and we are 9 days in! I’m doing some meal planning for next week so hopefully I can stay on track! I also decided to up this budget this month to $120 (I pulled the $20 out of my salon/barber budget) since I have 2 big events.
5. Finish the move and unpacking. I’ve brought some more stuff to the apartment but I still have a lot to do on the moving end.
6. Stay on track with homework. I am doing awesome on homework! It helps that I haven’t had much of it. I’ve got all my stuff done for one of Wednesday’s classes and some reading to do for the other.
And a new goal I’ve decided to add:
7. Try 3 New Recipes. Nothing new tried yet, but hopefully next week I’ll be trying one or two new dishes!
08 September 2010
Oh the Vet Bills!
Yesterday I had to take the pooch into the vet. I have the cheapest vet (and best IMHO) around yet it was still the highest vet bill I've ever had! I wound up spending $193! 193! I was budgeting about 125 for her 3 yr shots and her heart-worm medicine for the year. What happened? Well to start, apparently she also needs a new heart-worm test every 2 years, even if she's on the medicine year round. Then she has been rubbing her butt on the carpet for a while which means she needs her glands expressed (if you don't know what this is- google it but be prepared for the answer) which I wanted done ASAP. During her checkup, it also became apparent that I needed to clean her ears every week (I had no idea!) and so I had to tack on ear cleaning solution to the bill. And finally, she had chewed up a patch of fur on her hind quarters which I guess required antibiotics to heal properly. And hence- $193. Sigh.
On top of all this, the vet also informed me that she would need to come in for a dental exam/surgery to get her teeth cleaned and possibly pulled. Which starts at $150 if she doesn't have to have any teeth pulled. I wound up scheduling this for next Tuesday.
And on top of that, I just shelled out $184 on flea medicine for the year and some dog food and another $250 just a week and a half ago for the pet deposit. Pets can be really expensive!
And now a question for you dear readers- if there are any of you. :) When the month has started and you have an unexpected expense like this teeth cleaning, do you adjust your budget numbers or just put it all in the actual column and consider it going over?
Either way, I won't be throwing as much money at the credit card as I would have liked to.
On top of all this, the vet also informed me that she would need to come in for a dental exam/surgery to get her teeth cleaned and possibly pulled. Which starts at $150 if she doesn't have to have any teeth pulled. I wound up scheduling this for next Tuesday.
And on top of that, I just shelled out $184 on flea medicine for the year and some dog food and another $250 just a week and a half ago for the pet deposit. Pets can be really expensive!
And now a question for you dear readers- if there are any of you. :) When the month has started and you have an unexpected expense like this teeth cleaning, do you adjust your budget numbers or just put it all in the actual column and consider it going over?
Either way, I won't be throwing as much money at the credit card as I would have liked to.
07 September 2010
Weekly Money Check Up
This post is part of My Pretty Pennies Weekly Money Check Up.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on vet bills- 193 for the annual checkup, yearly medicines, and 3 yr. vaccines .
2. Today I feel irritated towards money. (probably because I had to pay the vet bill this morning).
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was snuggle up with Wesley and watch Shutter Island.
4. I will consider this week a success if I have fun on the weekend's camping trip.
5. My first job was as a scorekeeper for trapshooting when I was in 6th grade. I was very good about saving half my money every week and it helped me buy my first car.
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If you'd like to join in, answer these questions on your blog and link it back to My Pretty Pennies.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on _____.
2. Today I feel _______towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was_____________.
4. I will consider this week a success if I _____________.
5. My first job was ____________________.
03 September 2010
August Books
Seeing as its only shortly into September, I thought that I'd tell you about my August books rather than doing a check-up on my September goals.
Books I finished in August:
57. Paper Towns by John Green **** I thought it was an enjoyable book, although it felt like the middle third was a different book than the first and last thirds.
58. The Wall by Peter Sis *** Good, great art, nothing spectacular, but a good and interesting read.
59. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson **** A thought provoking and philosophical sci fi novel.
60. Bad Luck and Trouble by Lee Child **** A solid addition to the Jack Reacher books.
61. The Arrival by Shaun Tan **** A fantastic wordless graphic novel that is beautifully illustrated and tells an important and universally understood story.
62. Eva by Peter Dickinson ** eh.
63. Nothing to Lose by Lee Child **** Again, another solid Reacher book.
64. Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork **** Good sight into the mind of a teen with Asperger syndrome and a solid but predictable story.
65. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins ***** This is the final book of the Hunger Games trilogy and while others had mixed views on this, I thought it was great. I don't think Collins could have come up with a better ending and I feel satisfied about the series as a whole. And please Suzanne Collins, DO NOT write any more books to the series, despite how much I loved them, any more would detract from this story.
And two bonus books that I forgot to add into my tallies somehow!
66. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling ***** I think this is at least my 7th reading of the book and I still love it. I'm almost done with the third one again. :)
67. Drive by Daniel H. Pink ** This book had good ideas, but I felt like it could have been a much shorter summary.
Well now that I remember these other two books, it seems I was closer to my August goal than I thought! This doesn't change my goals for September, it just means I'm a tiny bit closer. Only have to read eight more books instead of ten!
Books I finished in August:
57. Paper Towns by John Green **** I thought it was an enjoyable book, although it felt like the middle third was a different book than the first and last thirds.
58. The Wall by Peter Sis *** Good, great art, nothing spectacular, but a good and interesting read.
59. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson **** A thought provoking and philosophical sci fi novel.
60. Bad Luck and Trouble by Lee Child **** A solid addition to the Jack Reacher books.
61. The Arrival by Shaun Tan **** A fantastic wordless graphic novel that is beautifully illustrated and tells an important and universally understood story.
62. Eva by Peter Dickinson ** eh.
63. Nothing to Lose by Lee Child **** Again, another solid Reacher book.
64. Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork **** Good sight into the mind of a teen with Asperger syndrome and a solid but predictable story.
65. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins ***** This is the final book of the Hunger Games trilogy and while others had mixed views on this, I thought it was great. I don't think Collins could have come up with a better ending and I feel satisfied about the series as a whole. And please Suzanne Collins, DO NOT write any more books to the series, despite how much I loved them, any more would detract from this story.
And two bonus books that I forgot to add into my tallies somehow!
66. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling ***** I think this is at least my 7th reading of the book and I still love it. I'm almost done with the third one again. :)
67. Drive by Daniel H. Pink ** This book had good ideas, but I felt like it could have been a much shorter summary.
Well now that I remember these other two books, it seems I was closer to my August goal than I thought! This doesn't change my goals for September, it just means I'm a tiny bit closer. Only have to read eight more books instead of ten!
01 September 2010
August Checkup and September Goals
August Goals
1. Increase my steps regularly so that I am up to 7000 steps.- PASS I made it up over 10,000 steps with the amusement park and kept it high most of the week so I'm sitting at 8300 steps as my current daily standard
2. Get my book count up to 70 books. FAIL I only made it to 65 books by the end of August. In a few days I'll tell you what I read in August.
3. Keep track of what I eat at least 80% of the time for the rest of the month. PASS I did great on this. The only time I didn't track was my staycation and one Sunday!
4. Freezer Cook 2 meals. FAIL I only managed one.
5. Keep to my eating out and vacation budgets. PASS Okay, so I might have failed on the vacation budget but its close enough and I think I stayed under. I know I stuck to the eating out budget. :D
6. Have a smooth move with as little costs as possible. PASS Move went smoothly, only costs were the frozen pizzas for the movers! Well, and dinner at a local hamburger joint because the kitchen wasn't ready yet.
September Goals
1. Keep increasing steps or play Just Dance regularly. This is kind of a wishy washy goal. When the Wii gets set up my plan is to skip tracking steps and focus on exercise video games every day. Until that happens I want to work on my steps.
2. Get Book Count up to 75 books. This is what I need to be at to be on track for the end of September. This means I have to read 10 more books this month. Which might be too ambitious, but I'm going to try!
3. Keep track of what I eat 90% of the time. Really, its not hard to add things into livestrong so I have no excuse not to, but I'll say 90% to give me a little leeway.
4. Stick to my $100 monthly eating out budget. That means approximately $20 a week. I'm hoping I can manage this, even with two girls' night outs at the end of the month, one of which will cost me $25 on its own.
5. Finish the move and unpacking. There is still stuff at my parents' house. My hope is to get all that I want coming with me to my house and in its proper place by the end of the month.
6. Stay on track with homework. This is another loose goal, what exactly does "on track" mean. Basically I'd prefer not to be rushing to finish things the night before they are due. It's my final semester in school and I haven't managed this goal ever before so now is the time to prove I can! Really I'll settle for not rushing to finish things the same day that they are due.
1. Increase my steps regularly so that I am up to 7000 steps.- PASS I made it up over 10,000 steps with the amusement park and kept it high most of the week so I'm sitting at 8300 steps as my current daily standard
3. Keep track of what I eat at least 80% of the time for the rest of the month. PASS I did great on this. The only time I didn't track was my staycation and one Sunday!
4. Freezer Cook 2 meals. FAIL I only managed one.
5. Keep to my eating out and vacation budgets. PASS Okay, so I might have failed on the vacation budget but its close enough and I think I stayed under. I know I stuck to the eating out budget. :D
6. Have a smooth move with as little costs as possible. PASS Move went smoothly, only costs were the frozen pizzas for the movers! Well, and dinner at a local hamburger joint because the kitchen wasn't ready yet.
September Goals
1. Keep increasing steps or play Just Dance regularly. This is kind of a wishy washy goal. When the Wii gets set up my plan is to skip tracking steps and focus on exercise video games every day. Until that happens I want to work on my steps.
2. Get Book Count up to 75 books. This is what I need to be at to be on track for the end of September. This means I have to read 10 more books this month. Which might be too ambitious, but I'm going to try!
3. Keep track of what I eat 90% of the time. Really, its not hard to add things into livestrong so I have no excuse not to, but I'll say 90% to give me a little leeway.
4. Stick to my $100 monthly eating out budget. That means approximately $20 a week. I'm hoping I can manage this, even with two girls' night outs at the end of the month, one of which will cost me $25 on its own.
5. Finish the move and unpacking. There is still stuff at my parents' house. My hope is to get all that I want coming with me to my house and in its proper place by the end of the month.
6. Stay on track with homework. This is another loose goal, what exactly does "on track" mean. Basically I'd prefer not to be rushing to finish things the night before they are due. It's my final semester in school and I haven't managed this goal ever before so now is the time to prove I can! Really I'll settle for not rushing to finish things the same day that they are due.
31 August 2010
It's been a long week...
It’s been a while since I last posted. I have been way busy this past week and without internet until last night. My week off was nice. I spent one day at a local amusement park and one at the zoo. The other two were filled with packing and IKEA shopping for the new apartment. And of course, the weekend was moving and unpacking.
I was keeping track of money, but forgot to write anything down and promptly forgot. I know I was doing well up until the move, so I suspect if I went over my $100 budget it was by $10-$20 max.
The new apartment is still in disarray. There are boxes everywhere and flattened boxes that need to be taken out to the dumpster, but it is slowly being put in order. At least my kitchen is in enough order that I haven’t eaten out since Sunday morning which is good for both my budget and my waistline.
In great financial news- I found out I got a scholarship for fall semester for $1200! That’s only $100 less than my loan was short. Unfortunately, I already put it on my credit card and paid the 4% charge to do a 0% interest balance transfer, but it is still looking good. The money won’t disburse until late September, but I should be able to pay off that pesky credit card debt right away or at least come darn close. More on that in the September Goals post though!
I’ll post a review of how I did on my August goals and my goals for September tomorrow.
I was keeping track of money, but forgot to write anything down and promptly forgot. I know I was doing well up until the move, so I suspect if I went over my $100 budget it was by $10-$20 max.
The new apartment is still in disarray. There are boxes everywhere and flattened boxes that need to be taken out to the dumpster, but it is slowly being put in order. At least my kitchen is in enough order that I haven’t eaten out since Sunday morning which is good for both my budget and my waistline.
In great financial news- I found out I got a scholarship for fall semester for $1200! That’s only $100 less than my loan was short. Unfortunately, I already put it on my credit card and paid the 4% charge to do a 0% interest balance transfer, but it is still looking good. The money won’t disburse until late September, but I should be able to pay off that pesky credit card debt right away or at least come darn close. More on that in the September Goals post though!
I’ll post a review of how I did on my August goals and my goals for September tomorrow.
24 August 2010
A Little Rant...
I meant to post yesterday for My Pretty Pennies' Monday Money Checkup, but she didn't do it this week. Instead you get a little rant today, brought to you by... My Scale!
I hopped on the scale this morning- as Tuesday is my usual weigh-in day when I'm on top of things and actually following through. Imagine my surprise after a week and a half of tracking my calories (and coming in about 100 calories over what livestrong says I need for losing two pounds a week) I found myself up half a pound! Granted half a pound is not a ton, but even when I lower my activity level on livestrong I'm still eating low enough to be losing a pound a week and instead I GAIN HALF A POUND! I'm just so sick of it. Sigh.
What a way to start off my staycation.
In other notes- I'm off to the amusement park today. I expect to pay $10 in parking fees, but we will be packing a lunch and I got free tickets. Should come away starting off the staycation on the cheap side.
I hopped on the scale this morning- as Tuesday is my usual weigh-in day when I'm on top of things and actually following through. Imagine my surprise after a week and a half of tracking my calories (and coming in about 100 calories over what livestrong says I need for losing two pounds a week) I found myself up half a pound! Granted half a pound is not a ton, but even when I lower my activity level on livestrong I'm still eating low enough to be losing a pound a week and instead I GAIN HALF A POUND! I'm just so sick of it. Sigh.
What a way to start off my staycation.
In other notes- I'm off to the amusement park today. I expect to pay $10 in parking fees, but we will be packing a lunch and I got free tickets. Should come away starting off the staycation on the cheap side.
20 August 2010
Goal Checkup Friday
I’ve been slowly but surely making progress towards my goals.
The only progress on the long term goals is the book I finished and the car payment that was debited from my account on Wednesday.
- I made it to 6108 steps Wednesday but went way way under yesterday. :( I should still be able to make it to my goal if I get back on track today.
- I just finished listening to another book, so that brings me up to 63 books.
- I’ve been regularly using livestrong.com to track my eating- only missed one day so far!
- I’ve eaten out a few times lately and only have $4 left to last me until Monday. Any other eating out will be part of my staycation budget (or possibly a moving expense). I had some delicious sweet tomatoes on Wednesday which was well worth my $10. I think $4 is totally reasonable since my plans this weekend involve packing, cleaning, and reading. And because I’m cheap I can stretch $4 to two fast food meals if I need to.
- In general I’m over budget this month. Partially because of the school payment and partially just because I’ve been over spending in some categories. I think my under budget in other categories will put me at even with my income except for the school payment. Well, actually likely not since I have to buy more things for the new apartment.
The only progress on the long term goals is the book I finished and the car payment that was debited from my account on Wednesday.
18 August 2010
Books of 2010
Since I will be posting books that I have read at the end of each month, I thought it might be a good idea to give you a list of the 62 books I’ve read so far (along with a star rating). Each rating is out of 5 stars.
January
1. Cherry Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke ****
2. Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke ***
February
3. Plum Pudding Murder by Joanne Fluke ****
4. Carrot Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke ****
5. Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger ****
6. Dark Tort by Diane Mott Davidson **
7. Don’t Know Much About Literature by Kenneth C. Davis ***
March
8. The Help by Kathryn Stockett ****
9. The Spark by Chris Downie ****
10. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins *****
11. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins *****
12. Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult ****
April
13. Die Trying by Lee Child ***
14. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss *****
15. Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke ***
16. Tripwire by Lee Child ****
17. Running Blind by Lee Child ****
May
18. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie *****
19. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett *****
20. Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne *****
21. Echo Burning by Lee Child ****
22. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney ****
23. Without Fail by Lee Child ****
24. Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko ****
25. Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech *****
June
26. Whisper in the Dark by Joseph Bruchac ***
27. Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander ***
28. Persuader by Lee Child ****
29. Rescue Ink by Rescue Ink ****
30. On Writing by Stephen King ****
31. Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann ****
32. Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins ****
33. The BFG by Rolad Dahl ****
34. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead ****
35. Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary ***
36. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit ***
37. Tale of Desperaux by Kate DiCamillo ****
38. The Enemy by Lee Child ****
July
39. Shacking Up: The Smart Girl’s Guide To Living in Sin Without Getting Burned by Stacy Whitman ****
40. Forever by Judy Blume **
41. Bite Me by Christopher Moore ***
42. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Ciseneros ****
43. Going Bovine by Libba Bray *****
44. One Shot by Lee Child ****
45. Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia Block *
46. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling ****
47. Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles ****
48. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie ****
49. Someone To Love Me by Anne Schraff **
50. Imani All Mine by Connie Rose Porter ***
51. Fancy White Trash by Marjetta Geerling ****
52. American Born Chinese by Gene Yang ****
53. Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan ***
54. The Hard Way by Lee Child ****
55. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi ****
56. Stitches by David Small ***
As you can tell my reading is somewhat diverse in genre and age range. Part of this also comes from the childrens and young adult classes I’ve taken over the summer.
If you are curious about what any book is about, or what I thought of something in more detail, post it in the comments and I’ll let you know.
January
1. Cherry Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke ****
2. Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke ***
February
3. Plum Pudding Murder by Joanne Fluke ****
4. Carrot Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke ****
5. Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger ****
6. Dark Tort by Diane Mott Davidson **
7. Don’t Know Much About Literature by Kenneth C. Davis ***
March
8. The Help by Kathryn Stockett ****
9. The Spark by Chris Downie ****
10. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins *****
11. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins *****
12. Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult ****
April
13. Die Trying by Lee Child ***
14. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss *****
15. Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke ***
16. Tripwire by Lee Child ****
17. Running Blind by Lee Child ****
May
18. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie *****
19. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett *****
20. Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne *****
21. Echo Burning by Lee Child ****
22. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney ****
23. Without Fail by Lee Child ****
24. Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko ****
25. Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech *****
June
26. Whisper in the Dark by Joseph Bruchac ***
27. Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander ***
28. Persuader by Lee Child ****
29. Rescue Ink by Rescue Ink ****
30. On Writing by Stephen King ****
31. Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann ****
32. Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins ****
33. The BFG by Rolad Dahl ****
34. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead ****
35. Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary ***
36. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit ***
37. Tale of Desperaux by Kate DiCamillo ****
38. The Enemy by Lee Child ****
July
39. Shacking Up: The Smart Girl’s Guide To Living in Sin Without Getting Burned by Stacy Whitman ****
40. Forever by Judy Blume **
41. Bite Me by Christopher Moore ***
42. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Ciseneros ****
43. Going Bovine by Libba Bray *****
44. One Shot by Lee Child ****
45. Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia Block *
46. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling ****
47. Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles ****
48. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie ****
49. Someone To Love Me by Anne Schraff **
50. Imani All Mine by Connie Rose Porter ***
51. Fancy White Trash by Marjetta Geerling ****
52. American Born Chinese by Gene Yang ****
53. Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan ***
54. The Hard Way by Lee Child ****
55. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi ****
56. Stitches by David Small ***
As you can tell my reading is somewhat diverse in genre and age range. Part of this also comes from the childrens and young adult classes I’ve taken over the summer.
If you are curious about what any book is about, or what I thought of something in more detail, post it in the comments and I’ll let you know.
16 August 2010
Monday Money Check-Up
This post is part of My Pretty Pennies Monday Money Check Up.
1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on _this semesters tuition- 1340 not covered by my loans. :(
2. Today I feel _hopeful_ towards money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was_frisbee golfing with Wesley.
4. I will consider this week a success if I _don't go over my eating out budget.
5. One movie that always me think of the summer is _The Lion King (I remember seeing it at on a summer night at the drive-in).
Head on over to My Pretty Pennies to see her check up and others.
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