My Blog List

So, I told you in an earlier post that I started following a money saving blog mylitter.com a while ago and this got me jump started on my new frugal ways.But what you might not know is that there are 5 other blogs that I also follow on a daily basis. And 3 others with pretty frequent consistency.  What happened was mylitter.com had a giveaway and she was linked up with a few other bloggers in the giveaway.  Thus creating a pretty big contest!

Anyway, when I signed up to try and win I got exposed to a few more sites that I ended up liking just as much.  So, I thought I would tell you about each of them and then you can check them out if you are interested.

So, I will go in order of discovery:

at-the-helm@blogspot.com  This actually came before mylitter.com discovery.  One of the ladies from my old cath lab position told me about how her daughter Erin had started a blog to keep all of her family and friends involved in all that is happening in her life.  She has a great personality that comes through in her posts and although not as frequent in posting as of late, she always has neat tips and ideas, lovely family updates and sometimes a real cool idea or recipe to try.  It is her blog that got me thinking about doing this one in the first place.  .....although, I feel that she is better at it then I.  Also, she is the one that came and took pictures of Renae and I while I was still pregnant.


This is a couponing/money saving blog.  It is fantastic.  Tiffany has a family of 9 and she has all of these wonderful tips and ideas on how to stretch you dollar.  Plus she frequently posts about the happenings with her "litter" that just have to make you smile.  A real down to earth person.


She is the FIRST of the frugal living/couponing blogs that was ever created.  And it shows that she knows what she is doing.  I have gotten a lot of advice from her blog on how to save money.  But also, there is so much more that I have gotten from her site just from reading her posts.  She is such a great homemaker and it has inspired me to hone in on some of her skills/techniques to make everything run smother by creating a home binder (more on this in future posts).



This is another frugal living/couponing blog.  She is another down to earth person. She also talks a lot about her two children as well as the struggles that she went through with loosing her pregnancy last year. She is also doing a weight loss/exercise challenge! She has come up with a neat concept that shows you how every time you save money you put the money saved in an account and this becomes your Disney fund! Cool idea huh?!? She has been to Disney many times over and has a TON of tips of how to save money at Disney, where to stay, what days to go to what, and soooooo much more! And, since I have a little girl who talks about going to see the Disney princesses on a nearly daily basis.....you can understand my NEED for this site!

Yet another frugal living/couponing blog.  This one is completely dedicated to the deals at......you guessed it Target!  Great site and you can get some serious deals at Target since this store frequently has it's own set of coupons that you can use together with manufacture coupons!  Match this with a sale....and whammo .....BIG savings! Also, every Thursday night she does a few giveaways which, although I have yet to win, is always fun.

The final frugal living/couponing blog that I follow is Bargain Blessings.  It is a christian based blog and she does a lot of deal finding but also has a lot of great tips on running a household.  I usually check this site out a few times a week.


lifeasmom.com This is site that I follow daily. She has A TON of great household tips and thought provoking posts.  She is an absolute joy to read on a daily basis and frequently posts thoughts of inspiration.  Also, this is the site that I joined the monthly book club that she calls "Booking It" where you can either follow a list that was pre-chosen or pick your own book or a little of both.  Then every month on the 10th and 11th there is a book discussion.  It has been enjoyable but I do find it a challenge to fit in reading time at this stage of my life but I am so glad that I am doing it because reading has always been an activity that I have enjoyed and I am glad to be doing it again.

This is run by a woman that I am convinced, is a superwoman!  She actually has multiple sites and home schools her children!  I truly don't know how she does it all.  Anyway this is the site that I get all of my printable lessons for Renae from.  I don't know why she doesn't charge for it because it is AWESOME and Renae LOVES it.  It was also through this site that I heard about The Garden Challenge that Renae and I are currently doing.

aslobcomesclean.com  This is a blog that I also check out daily.  I truly look forward to reading her posts.  First of all, it's about a real women with real life struggles to keep up with her house and the never ending battle of the clutter!  She has a lot of great tips and she is HILARIOUS!  I am serious.  She has me laughing out loud on a regular basis.  But it also validates that you are not alone on the struggles to keep up and keep everything balanced. 

Well that is it.  Those are all the blogs that I follow either on a daily or at least weekly basis.  All to help me keep up with all of those resolutions that I post about!  Which I will be giving an update on tomorrow.

So go check them out and let me know what you think.

Do you follow any blogs?  If so, let me know which ones. I would love to see what inspires you.

Round 2 Day 19 of Ripped in 30

Well after being a bad girl this week and not working out at all, I finally did it. 

I did get a workout in today while the girls were down for a nap. 

And since this was the start of week 3 I remembered that I feared this week the first time around but that it didn't turn out to be that bad.

.....well, I don't know why I thought that before.  But it was VERY hard.  I guess I wasn't putting in the necessary effort last time because I was really struggling this time around.  And I didn't even do a lot of the advanced workout or anything.  The basic was challenging enough. 

One major thing that I did notice is that I am able to "Stabilize" a lot better.  Meaning, there are a couple of exercises that she does where you are standing on one leg.  I was able to do it without loosing my balance!  ......well, pretty much....lol.

I thought that maybe it meant that my leg muscles are getting stronger.  But Norm was stating that it would more likely be that my "core" (fancy word for abdominal and back muscles) are strengthening.

Interesting.....I need that for sure.  Since the abs are still quite "flabby" and well anyone that knows me knows that my back has it's issues.

Looking forward to tomorrow's workout but I believe that I am going to be "hurting" quite a bit :/

Garden Challenge Update

Well I must say that I am LOVING the weather here in Texas lately!  Everyday has been sunny and warm.  Today is 85 degrees and not a cloud in the sky!

So.....it doesn't take much to twist my arm into going outdoors and play in the garden!  We have done A LOT of weeding and some planting in the front and side gardens

..... but mostly have spent my time with the girls in the backyard.  Our Day Lillies have really done well this year and I love seeing them every time I come up the driveway!

Renae has enjoyed helping in any way that she can from weeding.....to helping Daddy mow the grass.

Too cute.

The one thing that it hasn't done much this past month is rain.  There was even a bit of a brush fire just 30 seconds up the road from us 3 days ago!  That was a first for me!  There were fire trucks and helicopters around for several hours and so I was keeping watch to see if they were going to advise us to leave.  But thankfully, they were able to get everything back under control. 

We have been doing a lot of watering around here to keep the plants from all wilting away.   But sadly,  my cute little daisy packs.....well they never did take off.

So, Renae and I went ahead and bought some Shasta Daisy seeds and planted them in the same pot, as well as at the bottom of the Wisteria......which has also been gorgeous this year!

Renae has REALLY enjoyed The Garden Preschool Pack and we have done all of the activities in the pack.  .....some several times over!  She loved making the parts of a flower and the Garden Sensory Box especially!

Our plan this coming month is to continue to watch for our little seeds to grow and then take measurements and learn to read a ruler.  Also, I plan on keeping out the plant growth sequencing from The Garden Preschool Pack and having Renae show me what stage the plant is in.  Finally, I also picked up this little Green Pepper Kit from Michael's and we will do this together and we shall see if this works.  (If it does......it will be the first time that I have ever planted......let alone "harvest" my own veggie.....of any sort)  I will keep my fingers crossed.

Check back next month to see our updates on this Garden Challenge that we are both thoroughly enjoying!

And don't forget to check out other people's Garden Challenge if you are looking for some inspiration!

Round 2 Day 17 of Ripped in 30

Well, more of the same. 

Dakota woke up at 1 AM.  Didn't go back down until almost 2 AM. 

So I didn't want to get up at 4 AM. 

Thought that I might work out during nap time.  But I didn't feel like it.  Felt more like updating this blog.

Oh well.  I need to focus though.  Might still try to do it tonight.  Well shall see.

Guess it's time to retire another baby toy.....

Well, Dakota went down for a nice nap today.  And so I thought I would prepare a post for tomorrow's update on the garden challenge. 

......well, I wasn't quite done with the post when I heard her starting to stir.

.....which progressed to babbling (I never get tired of listening to her do that!)

.....and then......I heard a big rumble.  So I quickly got up to check it out.....no crying....good sign.....

My initial thought was, she somehow knocked down the baby monitor.

......what I found was this.....

That's right,  she somehow got hold of the mobile and pulled it down on top of her!

......little devil.

Round 2 Day 14 and 15 of Ripped in 30

I decided to lump these 2 days together since it is essentially all the same. 

Dakota up in the night.

Mama to tired to get up.

Leads to.....no work out. 

Besides......Monday is my anniversary.  I had bigger things to plan!  hehehe

Round 2 Day 12 & 13 of Ripped in 30

I am trying to get caught up on some of my posts and so you will see a couple of these grouped together.

I did get up on Friday I did workout at nap time and on Saturday I deserve extra credit since I did get up before the kiddos ON MY DAY OFF!

But I figured.....Dakota let me sleep through the night for a change......it was the least I could do!

Both days were challenging but I feel that I put in a great workout!

Round 2 Day 10 of Ripped in 30

Well, I got up at 4am today, but unfortunatly.....so did Dakota.  So after getting her settled again, then getting Norm set.  I did my workout. 

But then.......bumbumbummmmmm, Renae woke up.  So I got 2 of the 3 circs done.  Not bad.....could be better but not bad.

You know,  now that I have done the whole video and starting again.  I truely find that week 2 is the more challenging of the 4 weeks. 

I might have a foggy memory so I will let you know if that opinion changes when I start week 3.

But there is no doubt about it.  This week is tough!

Busy Day Pork Chops

Well I made these for the first time on Monday and it was a huge hit!  Renae, who we struggle with every night to eat her meat, actually asked for seconds! 

Not only did it taste great, it was super easy and quick.  Which is always a plus in my book!

The recipe can be found here if you want to check out this and other great recipes, or you can see below.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup fat-free milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 4 boneless pork loin chops (4 ounces each)
• Cooking spray

Directions

• Place milk in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine the cheese, bread crumbs, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Dip pork chops in milk, then coat with crumb mixture.
• Place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray; spritz chops with cooking spray. Bake at 375° for 9-11 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 160°. Yield: 4 servings.

Enjoy!  Let me know what you think if you try it.

Menu Plan Monday - April 18, 2011

OK, so here is this week's menu plan:

Sunday - Turkey Goulash
Monday - Busy Day Pork Chops (this will be a 1st time recipe - Will post recipe on Wednesday)
Tuesday - Chicken Nuggets and Fries
Wednesday - Chicken Pomodoro
Thursday - Sloppy Joes
Friday - Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli
Saturday - Swiss Steak Stew

I was able to go grocery shopping yesterday and because I did my meal plan for the month, I only needed a small amount of items.  Most of what I needed was the regular staples actually, and not ingredients for the above plan.  I ended up only spending $54.40 at Walmart and $18.45 at Sam's Club.  Not bad considering that will stock us for the whole week, and then some because I got a pretty good deal on Top Sirloin of $1.99/lb!

Also, for the first time I am going to link this to orgjunkie.com so that you can see other menu plan ideas!

Round 2 Day 8 of Ripped in 30

Didn't do the 4am thing but DID get a good workout in during nap time!

Worked hard today but feel good!  Especially since I felt a little guilty for skipping the workout yesterday.

Round 2 Day 7 of Ripped in 30

So, Norm and I stayed up late last night on Skype with my family to celebrate my Dad's 60th birthday!

And so, when it came to getting up to workout......yeah, not happening.

And when it came to working out during nap time.......again, not happening and I took a nap instead.

And it felt soooooooo goooooood!

Round 2 Day 6 of Ripped in 30

Got up early and did my workout.  Which was a nice way to get Saturday up and running!

I am proud of myself.....being a weekend and all!

Round 2 Day 5 of Ripped in 30

Today Norm took the day off of work.  So I guess I figured I would treat today like a weekend and not get up so early. 

I did get up before the kiddos but not quite early enough since I had to cut the workout short when Renae woke earlier then usual. 

It was a good workout.....but lesson learned.......I will set the alarm for 5:30 tomorrow.

Round 2 Day 3 of Ripped in 30

Well, I didn't get up as early as 4 am (Starting to see a trend here) but I did manage to get a workout in at nap time. 

At first I didn't think the nap time session would work because Dakota wouldn't go down.  But then I had a light bulb moment and put her in the swing (which she has almost outgrown by the way) and did my workout with her grinning at me the whole way!

It was actually a really fun time!  I should do it that way all the time.  She was like my little cheerleader!  Well, that is.....until the last 5 min. when she started to fuss about getting out of the swing.....hahaha.  All in all, I am glad that I was able to "get-r-done"! 

Working again tomorrow, so more to post on Friday.

Round 2/Take 2 of Day 1 for Ripped in 30

Was that title long enough for you? 

Well.....as you may or may not know.  I have been ill (and still ongoing) for the last week.  It's nothing serious, just an upper respiratory/sinus infection with a persistent cough.  It took a lot longer then I anticipated to shake it.  But through the power of drugs.....and rest......and vitamins.....I am feeling better.

Anyway, I decided to take the week off from exercise routine and just get better.  Besides, I just kept ending up in a coughing fit when I tried.

So, now that I am back in the saddle, I gave it my all this morning and I feel so much better for doing so.

As usual, during the workout I kept thinking.....I really would rather be back in bed. 

But, once I was done......I was energized and I was quite productive on my to do list today!  So if nothing else, I am enjoying how productive it is making me! 

Tomorrow is a work day and therefore, I will be taking a workout day off. 

See you on Wednesday!

Educational Freebie: Robot Preschool Pack

Download a Free Robot Preschool Pack which has robot-themed worksheets for preschoolers. 

This is from one of my favorite resources for doing lessons with Renae!.

Chicken Pomodoro

Chicken Pomodoro (From the Eating for Life Recipe Book)

Succulent sautéed tomatoes with Italian-seasoned chicken and pasta.  This is a great healthy meal that looks fancy without a lot of the fuss!  Here is a link that has a video: http://www.transformation.com/pages/nutrition/recipes/chicken-pomodoro

Servings: 4

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

4 portions spaghetti (about 8 oz uncooked)

2 egg whites

4 tsp Mrs. Dash® Tomato-Basil-Garlic seasoning

½ cup reduced-fat Parmesan cheese, grated

4 portions chicken breast (about 1 lb)

2 Tbsp olive oil

3 tomatoes, diced (or one 15-oz can)

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

¾ tsp Italian seasoning

4 Tbsp red wine (or chicken broth)



DIRECTIONS

1.Prepare spaghetti according to its package directions.

2.In a medium mixing bowl, lightly beat the egg whites. In a pie plate, combine the Mrs. Dash seasoning and Parmesan cheese.

3.Dip chicken breasts in egg whites then into the seasoned Parmesan, coating both sides.

4.Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place chicken breasts in skillet; cover and cook for approximately 6 minutes; turn and cook for 6 more minutes until no longer pink in the center. Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a plate; cover with foil to keep warm.

5.Add tomatoes and bell peppers to skillet and sauté over medium heat until the peppers begin to soften, approximately 3 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning and red wine, continue to cook for 2 minutes.

6.Add pasta to the skillet with sautéed tomatoes and peppers; mix gently.

7.Slice cooked chicken. Divide pasta mixture into four portions, top with a portion of sliced chicken, serve and enjoy!

Enjoy!

Round 2 - Day 1 of Ripped in 30

All Right Folks.......

This time .....I mean business.

Did you see those stats on the last post?!?  I mean, I wasn't expecting miracles.....truly I wasn't.  But NO CHANGE?   I don't get it.  I know I know......but Amanda, you took days off .....You said yourself "I didn't always put in my best effort necessary". 

But...... I went UP in waist size?!?!  Yeash!

So ok, fine Jillian......have it your way.  I got up this morning at 4am.  Fed the baby.  Then helped Norm get his lunch fixed and sent him on his way and then GOT DOWN TO BUSINESS.

I have started back at week one.  And this time I did do the advanced level (mostly) and I am proud that I did today's workout.  In spite of the fact that Renae AND Dakota woke up during the last 5 minutes of the video.

I WILL see a difference at the end of THIS 30 Days.  You'll see.

........of course.....That should also mean that I take a look at my eating habits.

......and I will........just as soon as I finish this thin mint cookie


So, tomorrow is a work day.  From now on I will only post on my days off/workout days to keep it a little more interesting.

So......who's with me? Anyone,anyone, buller, buller? Seriously, if you are doing any type of exercise routine whether it's with Jillian or someone/something else. Let me know. I would love to know what is working for you......or (as in my case) what isn't. And if you need a cheerleader.....I'm your gal!

Day 30 of Ripped in 30

Well, this is it.  DAY 30!

The bad news is .........I didn't work out today. 

In looking back at this last weeks posts I did workout 4 of the 7, so it wasn't quite as bad as I thought. 

Am I "ripped"....well......no.....but I didn't really expect to be.  I do feel that my endurance has climbed up quite significantly though.  And for me, the-girl-that-did-little-more-then-a-walk-around-the-block-with-the-girls,.....that is a big achievement.   I do think that I can do better though.

And so......I am planning on doing it AGAIN.  That's right, you heard me.  I guess I am a sucker for punishment.

My plan,  to do it again but this time at the advanced level. 

Well.....as much of the advanced level as I can without passing out.......hahaha!

So......wanna know the stats?!?

Here is the before and after:

Right Arm: 10 3/4"    Now: 10 1/2"


Left Arm: 11"            Now: 10 1/2"

Hips: 37"                   Now: 37"

Waist: 31"                 Now: 32"

Legs: 21 1/2"             Now: 21 1/2"

Chest: 40"                 Now:

Shoulders: 40"           Now: 39"

Weight: 157 lbs         Now:  153.4 lbs
 
What?!?!?!?!  Hardly what you would call a significant difference.  "Things that make you go hmmmm"
 
Well, this will be motivation to see what I can achieve this go around.
 
So......who's with me?  Anyone,anyone, buller, buller?  Seriously, if you are doing any type of exercise routine whether it's with Jillian or someone/something else.  Let me know.  I would love to know what is working for you......or (as in my case) what isn't.  And if you need a cheerleader.....I'm your gal! 

Day 29 of Ripped in 30

Well I went to the doctor's today and good news.....I don't have strep throat (which is what I was worried I had) but I do have a sinus infection.  So I start my antibiotics today.  I was still feeling like "death warmed over" at nap time but at the same time I was also feeling guilty about not doing any exercise over the last few days.  Sooooo, I did do a workout today during nap time!  Yeah me!  Granted it wasn't my most valiant effort because when I was getting out of breath it made me breath through my mouth.....which in turn made me cough......which in turn.....hurt.  So I backed off.  But I did do it and I am proud of myself for that much.  I am hoping that I feel much better by tomorrow and can put in 110%.  We shall see.

What are you doing for exercise? If nothing, like I was, and want to join me on my 1 month journey, let me know. If you want to just cheer me on, I will likely need the support....hahaha. Would love to hear you thoughts.
                       

Menu Plan Monday

Yeah!  I actually got this post out on a Monday!  Go figure! 

So, pork chops are on sale this week so I plan on making a mini run to Kroger today to pick some up.  So, you will see pork chops on the menu over the next few weeks.  I like to buy as many as I can when they are on sale so that I can save money in the long run by freezing them for the future.  Unfortunately, we only have a small chest freezer so space is limited as to how much I can purchase.....but, ......every little bit helps!

Monday - Busy Day Pork Chops (This will be a first time try for us)
Tuesday - Chicken Nuggets and Fries
Wednesday - Chicken Pomadoro (This is one of my faves. and it is health too!  I will post the recipe on Wednesday)
Thursday - Sloppy Joes
Friday - Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli
Saturday - Swiss Steak Stew
Sunday - Chicken Potato and Veggie Bake

Do you do a meal plan? I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas.

Day 28 of Ripped in 30

Today was a work day and I planned on getting a workout in before getting ready for work.  But I still feel like death warmed over and I just couldn't motivate myself to do it. 

On a side note:  I am planning on going to the doctor tomorrow so maybe I can get over this thing.

What are you doing for exercise? If nothing, like I was, and want to join me on my 1 month journey, let me know. If you want to just cheer me on, I will likely need the support....hahaha. Would love to hear you thoughts.

Resolutions Update for March:

Soooooo, in effort to keep me accountable I have decided to post them today and then I also thought that each month I will give a status update to show how it is all coming along!
So, without further ado:
My List

Personal:

1. Start an exercise routine and stick with it - Well So far this is coming along well.  I have started the Ripped in 30 program and I am down to the last few days.  To keep me accountable I have been doing a daily posting to mark my progress and to keep me motivated.  To continue with this goal I have been toying with the idea of doing the Ripped in 30 again.  But this time at the advanced level (I have been doing the beginner).  More on this at the posting of my progress in a few days.
2. Cut down/out sweets - yeah......umm......Not doing so well on this one.  But there is a Meal Plan with Jilliam Michaels.  It has been on my "to do" list for about a week to go check it out.  But.....yes, ok ok ok, I kind of been procrastinating on this.  ......I don't know why.......

3. Join/participate in a Book Club - I have been participating in "Booking It" on Lifeasmom.com.  However, I haven't even started the book for this month and the review is on April 10th.  Opps.  March was a tough month for the Burt's with illness striking again and again.  I am still hopeful to get this done for this month but we shall see.
4. Blog regularly (at least weekly) -  Definitely have been improving on this.  I was looking back and not only have I been doing weekly, I actually have been ALMOST daily.  I say almost because there were a few times that I had to back date some of the Ripped in 30 posts to keep them in chronological order.  Some days I even posted more then once!  Yes, you can applaud now.......:)

Family: 1. Do a monthly "Date Night" with Norm - Sadly, this didn't happen this month.  Kinda got bumped by the attack of the illnesses.  BUT - we do have an anniversary coming up.  So I am pretty sure we will have one this month.  .......Or ELSE!  (kidding) - but I am hopeful

2. Increase playtime with Renae and Dakota - Definitely been more focused here.  I tweaked the daily schedule and have been more consistent with getting up at 4am to exercise and do daily chores.  Which has opened up more free time for the girls.  Also, Renae has started back with swimming lessons which is something that she enjoys.  I do think that I can still improve more so in this area by sticking with the schedule a little more closely.  I don't think it has to be rigid or anything but a little more routine would help.
3. Do a mommy/Renae date once a month - Sadly this too has been bumped.  But I will try to place it as an official date for this months calendar.

4. Increase teaching with Renae and create a teaching plan - March wasn't as focused as I would have liked but we did get some time to focus on the topic of Transportation.  We read some new books and did some activities.  However, I am more ready to go for April.  I have started organizing a daily plan for what I want to cover.  AND.....this next preschool pack is all about gardening!  Which I printed from homeschoolcreations.com. I am so pumped to tackle this.  Plus, now that the weather is improving it will be great to do some hands on/tactile projects outdoors.  Like the Garden Challenge that I have started.  Which I mentioned on a previous post and you can see what others are doing by clicking on the button to the right or this link http://www.thehomeschoolvillage.com/category/hsv-garden-challenge.  I plan on posting more about our teaching throughout the month of April.  So you will have to check back on the progress!

Home:

1. Create a cleaning schedule and stick with it - Well this is something that I have had to tweak as well.  I felt that having laundry and floors on the same day was just too much to get done.  But, by changing it to Monday - Laundry, Wednesday - Bathrooms and Dusting, Friday - Floors.  (with Tuesday and Thursday being my 12 hour work days) that this seems to be working better. 

2. De-clutter - I have started to work on our master closet.  Norm and I gutted a huge amount of clothes that were either too big, too small, or we just didn't wear.  Because of all my weight loss, I actually don't have that much left in the way of clothes, so it looks like there will be a shopping trip in my future.  But, by clearing out the excess clothes, it became a lot more apparent of our paper clutter.  SOOOOO, I have started doing a 15min. daily closet clean up.  Meaning, I set a timer for 15 min (usually during nap time) and whatever I can get done in 15min. is what I get done.  Once that timer goes off......I stop.  So far I haven't noticed much of a dent but I am hoping by next months resolution update that I will have a lot more to report.

3. Get more indoor house plants and keep them alive for one year - This hasn't happened.  In fact, .....I kinda killed another one.  However, we did get some outdoor plants.....and they are still alive.......for now. :)

4. Create a homemaker binder - I have done this and been keeping up with it since January.  I plan on posting this in more detail this month.

Financial:

1. Decrease eating out - I was doing well with this.  But....as Norm pointed out today.....I kinda have slid back to my old ways and I have been frequenting Starbucks again.........opps.  Gotta try and reign this in some more.  Going to try and keep up with the no eating out challenge that is done on couponingtodisney.com to keep me accountable.  Wish me luck!  There is even a random draw for $50 gift card at the end of the month!

2. Start using envelope system (David Ramsey) - Ok, funny thing.  Bought this new handy dandy wallet to implement the envelope system......haven't used it.  I also, withdrew the "allowance" for groceries and put it in an envelope at home with the intent of drawing money out of it each time we went of groceries.  But, time and time again.....I didn't remember this plan until I was already at the grocery store.....no cash in hand :( 
So.....I will try again this month.

3. Create/stick with a budget - Again, I could be a lot more focused on this.  I think if I did put the envelope system in place I would be better at sticking to the budget.  But I was also guilty of buying items like plants and such without actually "budgeting" for them.  So, I will try to focus more on this.

4. Increase savings/have a fully funded emergency fund - I am proud to announce that despite what I just described above, we are now only a few hundred dollars short of a fully funded 3 month emergency fund!  Whoohoo!
5. Restart Investments - We did meet with our financial consultant last month and will now be starting up our investments this month!

6. Start college funds for the girls - This is also going to be kicking in in April!

7. Start increase in payments for house pay off - This hasn't happened as of yet.

8. Save for new car for Norm - .....nor has this

9. Cut grocery budget in half - .....again, see above with problems with my envelope system


Well, that is all of it.

All in all, I think I did pretty darn good with my resolutions. Yes, room for improvement, but not too shabby.....if I do say so myself!


I made this list with the thought that most of this needs to be done by the end of the year. Not necessarily started on January 1.

So come May 1st-ish (considering this post was supposed to be done yesterday....hehe) I will give you update/progress report.

How about you? Did you make any resolutions? If so, how are they coming along? What are you doing to keep your motivation?

Day 27 of Ripped in 30

I am still feeling under the weather.  Worse actually, so I didn't get up early (except the 3 am Dakota call) and I rested during nap time. 

Sorry.

What are you doing for exercise? If nothing, like I was, and want to join me on my 1 month journey, let me know. If you want to just cheer me on, I will likely need the support....hahaha. Would love to hear you thoughts.

Day 26 of Ripped in 30

Well, I was off today because I had to do a follow up appointment for Dakota (yes we have yet another round of illness going but she is looking good and all but recovered completely).  So I thought that I would be able to get a bonus workout in today. 

But.......I didn't get to bed till 11pm last night and then I had our sweet little girl call out for a potty break at 1am and then a "mommy, can you cover me up with my blankie" at 3am.

So......I didn't get up at 4am. 

And.....I am ok with that.

And so that left getting a workout in during nap time.

But......I am now starting to feel under the weather......again. 

So..... I choose not to workout.

And.....I am ok with  that too.

What are you doing for exercise? If nothing, like I was, and want to join me on my 1 month journey, let me know. If you want to just cheer me on, I will likely need the support....hahaha. Would love to hear you thoughts.

Recipe from this week's Meal Plan

Hushia (Hush - a)

3 - 4 large potatoes - peeled and cubed
1 tbsp margarine
1 lb cooked/leftover beef - cubed
3 small onions - chopped
5 tsp gravy mix (I use Bisto - you can find it in the "international/british" section)
2 tbsp Vinegar
1 cup water
2 bay leaves
1/4 tsp ground cloves
salt and pepper

Place potatoes in pot and cover with water. Bring to a rolling boil and cook till potatoes are soft. Drain.
While potatoes are cooking, melt margarine in a large frying pan and brown up the beef. Add the onion and cook until onion is soft (2 - 3 min). In a separate bowl, add gravy mix and vinegar to make a paste. Then slowly add hot water to make a gravy. Add gravy to beef. If this is really thick then add more water to a gravy consitancy that you like. Next add the bay leaves and cloves, salt and pepper to taste. Mix and let simmer for about 10 min. Ready to serve over potatoes.

This is a great meal when you have leftover roast. It came from my grandmother's recipe box. It has a tangy/warm spice tast to it. Kind of feels like a winter meal. Supper easy to make which I always love, especially when needing less time in the kitchen and more time focusing on the littles!






Let me know what you think? Do you have any family recipes that you love to make over and over? I would love to hear.