Sunday, August 17, 2008
Week two totals
This week was not too huge of an impact on our budget. We made it through the week with a grand total of $27.65. Jereriah took the bus to work almost every day, so we only had the 12 miles a day to the bus stop in gas cost; in addition to my one trip into town and one trip to Louisville. We will have to fill up some gas tanks next week but I feel pretty confident as of today that we'll make it through the end of the month within our budget. We were immensely blessed this week by a generous gift of a meal out by my father, as a late anniversary gift. He also gave us a musk melon and bottle of maple syrup... so sweet of him! It was definately a treat to eat out this month, and to spend some time with him. We also came across a few awesome deals from the dollar bags at VC; we got about 10 mangoes definately in need of immediate love, so I made some puree that will go to make some mango coconut frozen pudding and grace our smoothies. And today we made an amazing GF mango upside down cake. Here's a picture.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Updates
Financial Fasting - Week 1: This may sound totally crazy, but I'm really kind of loving this. Yes, it is really difficult and yes, I am feeling like there are many things I am going without. But oh how freeing it is to know that for once I'm not accumulating more junk in my house, and that I'm not lugging a ton of plastic in my wallet. We are kicking ourself for not filling up the cars on the 31st, but we're also learning that because of that we may have to be a bit more creative the rest of the month. Transportation is definitely the biggest challenge for us. Living at least 6 miles from town and 21 from J's office make it tough. Plus being on the highway, with a baby make bicycles impractical and walking not even an option.
So the first week, (actually through today, so the first 10 days) we spent $54.17, most of that went towards water and groceries, but also $9 to gas. It is amazing how fast it adds up. I just hope that Kaylee's blueberry addiction ends soon, or at least she learns to function a bit better with the rationing that I've had to enforce, because it is definitely making things a bit difficult, those juicy organic gems aren't exactly cheap, at least not here. And yes, we're still eating all GF, organic and locally as much as possible, I'm not compromising my standards just because money is more of an issue. I honestly don't see it as much of a problem, but I guess I don't eat the same way most people do. I actually think we're eating a bit healthier as I'm really forced to soak my beans and make grains if I want to eat at all rather than just grab something 'convenient' (can't remember or think of what that would be right now - fruit maybe? or open a can of beans?) Anyway, the $1 bags of 'questionable' produce have been awesome for fresh fruits/veggies. We have actually had 2 pies, and a few fruit salad's because of them, and some awesome red swiss chard.
EC update- I have put off writing this because I didn't want to jinx myself and have things change. But, Kaylee is amazing. She has been so consistant in telling us when she has to go and going when she is given the opportunity that I have only had one almost full load of diapers each week for the past three weeks. She has been a huge fan of the 'big potty' and hasn't been too keen on using her little ones, which I guess is fine. She still grabs them and carries them around when she has to go and I didn't take notice that she was tapping her diaper. Or if she's diaper free she'll sit on it and go without even being prompted. She's so amazing! I'm just blown away at how much we as humans grow and accomplish just within the first year of life here on earth.
So the first week, (actually through today, so the first 10 days) we spent $54.17, most of that went towards water and groceries, but also $9 to gas. It is amazing how fast it adds up. I just hope that Kaylee's blueberry addiction ends soon, or at least she learns to function a bit better with the rationing that I've had to enforce, because it is definitely making things a bit difficult, those juicy organic gems aren't exactly cheap, at least not here. And yes, we're still eating all GF, organic and locally as much as possible, I'm not compromising my standards just because money is more of an issue. I honestly don't see it as much of a problem, but I guess I don't eat the same way most people do. I actually think we're eating a bit healthier as I'm really forced to soak my beans and make grains if I want to eat at all rather than just grab something 'convenient' (can't remember or think of what that would be right now - fruit maybe? or open a can of beans?) Anyway, the $1 bags of 'questionable' produce have been awesome for fresh fruits/veggies. We have actually had 2 pies, and a few fruit salad's because of them, and some awesome red swiss chard.
EC update- I have put off writing this because I didn't want to jinx myself and have things change. But, Kaylee is amazing. She has been so consistant in telling us when she has to go and going when she is given the opportunity that I have only had one almost full load of diapers each week for the past three weeks. She has been a huge fan of the 'big potty' and hasn't been too keen on using her little ones, which I guess is fine. She still grabs them and carries them around when she has to go and I didn't take notice that she was tapping her diaper. Or if she's diaper free she'll sit on it and go without even being prompted. She's so amazing! I'm just blown away at how much we as humans grow and accomplish just within the first year of life here on earth.
Friday, August 1, 2008
No Spend Month
Inspired by the family that blogs at smallnotebook.org we have decided to embark upon a no spend month ourselves. We've decided to make August our no spend month this year (although if we continue next year it may become a July or September thing as it's tough to not take advantage of some type of celebration for your anniversary). It may also become a more than once yearly deal depending on how it goes, I have high hopes though.
So here's the plan: for the next 31 days we have a budget of $250 dollars to spend on ourselves and the things we 'need' for the month. This includes gas, food, personal and household stuff, and entertainment. Not included will be the necessary bills as I'm sure our mortgage holder and utility company wouldn't be so understanding if we just decided not to pay them this month, and reimbursable business expenses, gifts, and hopefully this won't apply but emerengcy health expences.
I'm tired of having tons of stuff and tons of bills and wondering where all of the money goes each month. We've been living month to month, the past year or two and it is really hard. I'd love to see us put more towards savings as well as become less consumed by this consumeristic society we live in.
I'm hoping that through this experience we can learn to save, conserve, be more creative and plan things out a little better. I really don't anticipate much changing except I'm sure that J will ride the motorcycle to work more often or take the bus, and I'll probably stay home a bit more, which with the heat like it is now I don't think I'll mind all that much. It's also going to teach me how to use cash again which is something that I have become unaccustomed to anymore. So into the 'storage cabinet' go the debit/credit cards for the month and the adventure begins.
I am a little nervous as I'm not sure we can do it with the gas prices being so high, and us living so far from town, but I looked through our spending of the last few months and came up with the $250 number as one that isn't unrealistic considering what we have been spending on those things. I'm going to have to make J go to the farmers market for me instead of making the trip myself if we want fresh veggies at all but that's alright. It's going to be hard, but things, including experiences aren't worth half as much if you don't have to work for them; it'll be worth it I'm sure.
So here's the plan: for the next 31 days we have a budget of $250 dollars to spend on ourselves and the things we 'need' for the month. This includes gas, food, personal and household stuff, and entertainment. Not included will be the necessary bills as I'm sure our mortgage holder and utility company wouldn't be so understanding if we just decided not to pay them this month, and reimbursable business expenses, gifts, and hopefully this won't apply but emerengcy health expences.
I'm tired of having tons of stuff and tons of bills and wondering where all of the money goes each month. We've been living month to month, the past year or two and it is really hard. I'd love to see us put more towards savings as well as become less consumed by this consumeristic society we live in.
I'm hoping that through this experience we can learn to save, conserve, be more creative and plan things out a little better. I really don't anticipate much changing except I'm sure that J will ride the motorcycle to work more often or take the bus, and I'll probably stay home a bit more, which with the heat like it is now I don't think I'll mind all that much. It's also going to teach me how to use cash again which is something that I have become unaccustomed to anymore. So into the 'storage cabinet' go the debit/credit cards for the month and the adventure begins.
I am a little nervous as I'm not sure we can do it with the gas prices being so high, and us living so far from town, but I looked through our spending of the last few months and came up with the $250 number as one that isn't unrealistic considering what we have been spending on those things. I'm going to have to make J go to the farmers market for me instead of making the trip myself if we want fresh veggies at all but that's alright. It's going to be hard, but things, including experiences aren't worth half as much if you don't have to work for them; it'll be worth it I'm sure.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
We have a walker!
Tuesday was an exciting day for our little girl, at least in my eyes. Not only did she get to go on her first fishing trip with Grandpa, eat pine needles, and come back reeking of fish; she also started walking! She's been cruising for a long time, and I knew it was coming but I was still pretty surprised when she stood up from the middle of the floor and walked across the room to me. I guess I'm really in trouble now.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Please sign this
I know many of you may have differing opinions about the vaccinations topic. However, I also believe that people should be informed about the things they are 'supporting' with their purchases and that is not something that is happening with this company. I also believe people should be allowed to make their own decisions regarding their health and that of their families and not have things forced upon them. Because of this I signed the petition "BAN PAMPERS PRODUCTS". I'm asking you to sign this petition to help reach the goal of 10,000 signatures. I care deeply about this cause. I urge you to view this link, read the description of the petition, and if you are at all concerned about what the government is trying to do with regards to eliminating our choices for health, please sign the petition. Thank you!
Friday, July 18, 2008
If you've got time
This is worth watching if you've got 40 minutes to kill and have a high speed line to watch it. It's totally heartbreaking but eye opening for sure. It seems no matter how many times you see this sort of thing it always hurts. It's unbelievable to see how we as humans are capable of conducting ourselves but it's also amazing to see the transformation of an individual when shown the truth.
I still stand firm in being a carnivore, because it's next to impossible to get the nutrition I need for myself and Kaylee when we can't have soy, most nuts and she has issues with beans to frequently. We bought a cow last month from J's aunt and uncle who had raised him on grass. It was a little bit difficult saying good bye to him as we had gone to visit him many times the past year but he will feed us for at least the rest of the year and he lived a very good life. It's amazing to me every time I go out to the grocery store to see what people walk out of there with. I'm going to try next year to make trips to the store only once a month or so for our grains (and maybe fish - trout can get old), as that's all we ever get there anyway. As soon as we can afford to join a CFA we'll do that for veggies, so that will cut that part of the trip out and reduce the journeys to the farmers markets. I realize that I am just one person (actually, I guess we are three as J and Kaylee are with me on this journey) and the reduction of our part is minimal, but I choose to believe that it does make a small difference. And maybe through my actions I can be an influence to others, I guess we'll see.
I still stand firm in being a carnivore, because it's next to impossible to get the nutrition I need for myself and Kaylee when we can't have soy, most nuts and she has issues with beans to frequently. We bought a cow last month from J's aunt and uncle who had raised him on grass. It was a little bit difficult saying good bye to him as we had gone to visit him many times the past year but he will feed us for at least the rest of the year and he lived a very good life. It's amazing to me every time I go out to the grocery store to see what people walk out of there with. I'm going to try next year to make trips to the store only once a month or so for our grains (and maybe fish - trout can get old), as that's all we ever get there anyway. As soon as we can afford to join a CFA we'll do that for veggies, so that will cut that part of the trip out and reduce the journeys to the farmers markets. I realize that I am just one person (actually, I guess we are three as J and Kaylee are with me on this journey) and the reduction of our part is minimal, but I choose to believe that it does make a small difference. And maybe through my actions I can be an influence to others, I guess we'll see.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Happy Birthday Kaylee
I know I'm a little late in getting this post up but it's been busy. We were in San Diego, CA for a friend's wedding during Kaylee's first birthday. But we did our best to still make our little girl feel special for her big day. I made her a Kaylee safe birthday cake and our amazing friends shared their wedding celebration by having every one there sing happy birthday. Here's a picture of Kaylee eating her birthday cake. 
We also got to take her to the beach on the trip, and see the water and people surfing. She enjoyed the water but isn't a big fan of the sand. I guess we don't have to worry about getting a sand box any time soon. Kaylee has grown so much and is doing amazing. She's starting to talk and has about 9 recognizable words now and 4 signs that she uses consistently. She's standing on her own very well and can walk across the room if she's holding on to something, but unaided can only go a step right now. It seems that her physical abilities change daily though, she's doing new things and climbing to new heights (literally) every day. She is also amazingly smart, identifying things in pictures when asked, stacking, sorting, using utensils and all kinds of other fun things. I'm just blown away at how many changes take place in such a short amount of time. It was not that long ago she was completely helpless. Now her independence is increasing and she is growing so much. It scares me a little, I'm don't really feel like I am ready for all of this yet.
We also got to take her to the beach on the trip, and see the water and people surfing. She enjoyed the water but isn't a big fan of the sand. I guess we don't have to worry about getting a sand box any time soon. Kaylee has grown so much and is doing amazing. She's starting to talk and has about 9 recognizable words now and 4 signs that she uses consistently. She's standing on her own very well and can walk across the room if she's holding on to something, but unaided can only go a step right now. It seems that her physical abilities change daily though, she's doing new things and climbing to new heights (literally) every day. She is also amazingly smart, identifying things in pictures when asked, stacking, sorting, using utensils and all kinds of other fun things. I'm just blown away at how many changes take place in such a short amount of time. It was not that long ago she was completely helpless. Now her independence is increasing and she is growing so much. It scares me a little, I'm don't really feel like I am ready for all of this yet.
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