Day # 4 Stop Shopping Challenge

It's starting to get a little rough but I made it through.

Today I wanted to make hamburger but I didn't have any hamburger buns and I knew if I went shopping for one thing I would've gotten a lot of other items I didn't need.  So I decided to have the hamburgers another day after I go shopping tomorrow.

I also wanted to go to Home Depot because I realized I can put curtains up in the basement once I purchase a sheet rock anchor.  Once again this was a WANT and not a NEED.

And as always I wanted to go and purchase some sneakers for my daughter because I have a $20 off coupon to finish line.  This was a tough decision to delay because although she does not NEED them she NEEDS them because she only has a pair of pink sneakers which don't match with everything.  Ok, Ok, Ok,,it's not a NEED so I decided to wait a little longer and make her wear some of her Mary Jane shoes she already has.

So overall, today I only spent $10 on an event they are having at my kids school on Friday which supports the PTA.

Whew.....I did it!

So, what have your shopping challenges been?

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Day #2 Stop Shopping Challenge

I've done my 2 mile morning run, showered and prepared lunch so now I have some time to work on my blog since I am not shopping/spending any money.

Not only am I saving money but I am also getting myself organized.


Today I am looking at my budget and how I have it organized.  Overall, I like the way I have it set up in a binder.  Here are a few tips on how to get your financial house in order while on your 2 week shopping hiatus.


1.  Set up all of your bill for direct debit.  This will ensure you are never late on a payment (just make sure you have enough moeny in the bank to cover all of the deductions).

When I had my youngest in 2011 I was paying the bills myself online.  This task became very tedious and caused me to be late on a few bills.  I finally realized that I was now a mother of three and had too much on my plate.  That is when I decided to set up all my bills for direct debit and I am so happy I did.


2. Calculate your net worth and adjust it quartely.  When you see what you are really worth it helps you put needs and wants into perspective

3.  Review your current services (phone, internet, cable, lawn care) and see where you can get a better deal and save



***Today I had to spend a little on necessary items.****
1.  Folder for my daughter.  She needed a new one as per the teacher.
2.  Due to lack of preparation I also purchased two bottles of water for my daughter and I after my morning run and cost me $2.12.  Who goes running in 80 degree weather without water......... A person that leaves the house unprepared...ME!!!!  Not again!
Total spent $3.18

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Day # 1 Shopping Challenge - My Weekend

First of all......

I hope everyone enjoyed their Mothers Day as much as I did.  

Over the weekend I did a little preparing for the upcoming weeks.

1.  Weekly Budget:  When I shop I am either in the grocery store/Wal-mart or purchasing things for the house (Marshalls, Homegoods, Hobby Lobby).  After reviewing my monthly food and household spending over the last few months I saw what I already knew.  I was OVERspending.  My goal is to try spend half of what I am already spending on  a monthly basis.

Monthly food and household items budget = $750.  I plan on splitting this into weekly amounts of $188.  I think with some meal planning and possibly couponing this can definitely be done.

2.  Plan my time:  This is hard for me being that I always have something to do for SOMEONE ELSE. which results in me driving all over picking up STUFF and having to eat out.   The only thing I usually have planned for myself are my gym workouts Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:35 to 11:35 am.  This is has to change!
Monday - Gym, Laundry, Work on blog
Tuesday - Housework, Playdate for my 2 year old, work on blog
Wednesday - Gym, Laundry, Crafting, Meal Prep for next week (Sun - Friday), Budget Planning, work on blog
Thursday - Food Shopping, Housework, Ballet for Sidney, work on blog
Friday - Gym, Laundry, Household management, Drum lesson for Randy
Saturday - Day off.  Fun time with kids
Sunday - Church, Family time, work on blog

**Of course this is an abbreviated version but I think you get the POINT!

3.  Stock up:  Over the weekend I spent $132.69 purchasing necessary items for the week.  This made me sit down and plan my family meals as well, meals on the go for myself and toiletries for the entire family (pampers, razors, soap etc.).  I am glad to say that I came in under budget by $55.31 which has to last me until I go shopping again next Thursday.

So how was your weekend of planning??  What did you get accomplished?

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Shopping Challenge: Stop Shopping and Save (Get Prepared)

The weekend is here.  Are you ready to stop shopping (unnecessarily) for 2 weeks.

 I know I am.  There are so may different levels you can take this to.  from not shopping unnecessarily  to actually not spending at ALL for a month.  Take a look at the below links if you want to take it to the next level.  Take a look at the below blogs.For now, I just want to tailor my spending habits.
Northwest Edible Life
Smallnotebook
Six Figures Under

.For now, I just want to tailor my spending habits.

As I prepare for my shopping hiatus I am NOT going to go out and splurge before D-DAY, instead....
1.  I am going to set a weekly budget for food, gas and necessary personal items.  Other than that I don't plan on buying any unnecessary items.

2.  Plan my time (I realize that unplanned times results in various shopping trips and nasty eating habits).

3.  Stock up on necessary items (pampers, wipes, meat, bread and eggs...all that good stuff) so that I go to the grocery store once a week (I am currently in the stores 2-3 times a week and frequent 2-3 stores just for food and necessary items)


Above all I have a goal and reason for this sacrifice.  This sacrifice will take me a step towards being debt free and having more free cash to save for retirement, kids college and travel.

So lets go.

Can't wait to hear what spending habits you are kicking to the curb and what you're reason is for this sacrifice.

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Shop Challenge: Stop Shopping and Save

I can hardly believe that we are already in the 2nd week of May (AWESOME because summer is getting closer) and we still haven't had consistent weather yet.  And this too shall pass.....

For the next two weeks of May (starting May 11, 2014 to May 24, 2014) I've decided to challenge myself and the blogger world out there to:

Now, of course you still have to eat, pay bills and take care of life essential items.  

For me, shopping is an illness and the cure is to identify my needs from wants and to have self control.   I plan to succeed and I hope that you will do the same.

Tip #1

Identify where you spend the most foolishly and why?

For me, I spend the most on decorating my house and engaging in DIY projects.  I plan on decreasing the amount of time I'm on pintrest (where I get a lot of inspiration)...LOL  This is going to be a TOUGH one!  I enjoy decorating and DIY projects but above all I am always striving to have every project completed in my "perfect" house.  

NEWSFLASH:  There will always be a project I want to start/work on and nothing will ever be perfect.  Face it.....I'm human...LOL

Tip #2

Make a list off the top of your head of big and small ticket purchases you would like to make and ask yourself if the purchase would make a huge difference in your life.  For example, I want to plant a garden and flowers.  My yard is already maintained and looks good but flowers would make it look prettier.  So now I ask myself....Is this purchase going to make a diff in my life....Answer:  NO!!!!

Tip #3

Although it is on sale you are still spending money.  Do you really need a new pair of back sandals now because they are on sale or can you survive the summer with the shoes you already have?  Hmmmmmm Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

These three little tips go a long way.

What are your tips that can help us spend a little less?

Follow Kala's World on blogloivin

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Most important spring cleaning

While catching up on various blogs I cam across a AWESOME article on spring cleaning....not your typical spring cleaning but a very good one.  I think everyone should take the time out to do this every quarter.  Take a look and let me know your thoughts on the article about spring cleaning your mind on How does she blog.

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Some things are made for one!

It has been a while but I had to share this with you guys!  I haven't tested it yet but I love this because you don't have to feel guilty about eating a whole batch of cookies and ruining your healthy/clean eating, get in shape diet....So click on over to zoom yummy and if you guys try it out before me let me know how you like it....ENJOY!

Chocolate Chip Cooke for One

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Project/Organization Prep Work

There are so many projects that I want to tackle this year that my head starts to spin when I think about it.  To keep me from getting too overwhelmed I like to write down and/or pin my ideas where I can access it with ease.  So, when I came across this project planner created by CleanMama a couple of days ago I knew I hit the jack pot.

   

I plan on using this printable for everything from DIY projects, organizing and decorating.  I can't wait to start jotting down all of my project ideas, keeping track of what I spend on each project as well as see ing a project get completed.  O and of course getting a special pretty bright binder to keep all of these plans nice, neat and organized.  Thanks CleanMama!!

So, what are your thoughts on this project planner?

I

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February 12, 13th and 14th day of Love

Sorry I didn't get a chance to post on these days but I was having issues with my camera.  Camera is all fixed now but the moment has gone and passed.
Feb 12:  I wrote a sweet love letter of appreciation
Feb 13:  I gave him a CD with some beautiful love songs
Feb 14:  I prepared his ribs (his favorite meal)

I hope you all enjoyed your valentines day as much as I did.

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February 11th day of Love

It may seems as though I missed a day but my husband has been on a weird schedule and I wanted to get a reaction...so here it is:"

"You light up my light"

Reaction:  "I can get use to this"

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February 9th day of Love

The days are winding down but husband is definitely enjoying his little gifts of love and appreciation.

Here is today's little gift of love note:

Reaction:  a little giggle and smile and words of thanks/appreciation.

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February 8th day of Love

I'm still hanging in there.  I've not only showed my husband how much I love him
for 8 consecutive days, I've also showed my blog a little bit of TLC.  Tis the season.....

Reaction:  A nice BIG BEAR HUG!!!!!

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February 7th day of Love

Half way through... 7 down and 7 more to go.

I asked my husband what he thought about all the treats he's been receiving....
Response:  I'm glad that you love me THAT much.  I think that's a good answer.

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February 6th day of Love

When my husband returned from his business trip this morning I had his breakfast waiting for him with of course...another Love Note (of appreciation)

Just in case you can't see the words it says "You are the apple of my eye"

Reaction:  A gentle smile.   And surprisingly he has given me the seal of approval to go with one of my best friends to Jamaica for her 40th birthday next year.  This, I totally was not expecting.  Not sure if its because of all of my little love notes or he needs a little time away from his ball and chain.  Either way, I will take it.

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February 5th day of Love

Well, my hubby went out of town on business yesterday but that doesn't mean I'm going to miss one of my days of love....NO WAY!!!!
I stuck this little treat in a brown bag labeled "Do not open until Wed morning"

Reaction:  He posted a picture of it on facebook saying...."I'm not sure what Erika is on but keep on taking it."  I think he is really getting used to be showered with loving words on a daily basis.

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February 4th day of Love

So far so good.  This 14 days of love has made me express the love I have for my husband and realize that I don't express them enough.  In addition, it has pushed me to make time for my blog on a daily basis.  So here it is.
Today's little love note:

Reaction:  A smile, a kiss and words of gratitude.  

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February 3rd day of Love

Today on this 3rd day of love I gave hubby something that he will enjoy on his upcoming business trip.  Here it is.

Reaction:  I nice big kiss and a hearty thank you!.  I think he is a little freaked out with all of the kind words I've been sharing with him.  It seems to have put him in a better/more considerate mood.  I can def live like this.

O' Before I continue with my little love notes I need to tell you where I got most of the printables from.
Check out sixsistersstuff for some great ideas for just about everything.

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Super Bowl Sunday

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?

I know I'm ready for the food that comes with it.

Pork Tenderloins, Ribs, Hot Dogs, Fried Chicken Wings, Chips, Chili Cheese Sauce, Veggies, Brownies and of course Libations (Rum, Baileys, Amaretto, Kahlua).

What's your super bowl menu?

Are you in it for the football, food or both?

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February 2nd day of Love

Yes, my husband is a creature of habit and usually eats the same breakfast every morning (oatmeal and egg whites) with various fruits.  So, todays love note was fairly simple.

Reaction:  "Thanks babe" with a nice big kiss!!!

I think he is a little surprised at these little gestures of appreciation/love because I didn't tell him about my 14 days of LOVE project.

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February 1st day of LOVE

Although my husband was acting like a......"husband today" I still stuck to my 14 days of love plan.  Here is a picture of day ONE.

Husbands reaction:  Surprised and happy and actually posted how wonderful his wife is on facebook.

As usual I had on my supermom cape and
cooked dinner (Bolognese Sauce) in te slow cooker
went to my sons basketball game

sorry for the blur but my BOY is FAAASSSTTT!!!

did a few loads of laundry and took my daughter to a classmates birthday party.


All in a days work!!!

So, what would you do for 14 days of LOOOVVEEE!!!!

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14 days to LOVE

Another holiday is upon us......Good ole' Saint Valentine's Day.  Who doesn't love such a love filled holiday.  This year I wanted to do something different...something to show hubby how much I love and appreciate him.  

The last six months have been very hectic for us with the move, new home , new job and a new state but overall we are adjusting well.  The downside to all of this is that we haven't had much time for each other.

Over the next 14 days I am not going to assume my hubby knows how much I love and appreciate him but I want to make sure I show and tell him.

Stay tuned......February 1 will be my first gift of love.

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Happy Birthday to me.....A tribute to MUAH!!!

Yesterday 1/27/2014 was my 38th birthday birthday.

Another excuse to start my year over....LOL.  YES!!!!!  I went to the Gym on my birthday.  That's dedication.

A good excuse to praise myself....  YES!!!!! Aren't I just beautiful!!!!


An excellent reason to go shopping......LOL.   OH YEA!!!!!!

and enjoy all of my birthday LOOT!!!

And finally, the perfect explanation for having a sweet treat....... MMMMMMM GOOD!

ooooo yes a cinnabon from the mall

Happy birthday to me!!!!  I think I am the only person in this world that knows all I do and sacrifice for everyones happiness and still look happy and oh so pretty while doing it.  TRUE!!!!! (yes, I am tooting my own horn)

I am a 38 year old .......
stay at home loving, supportive and devoted mother of 3 AWESOME kids (thanks to me)

with a Masters Degree in Finance.
beautiful, attentive and supportive wife

a great daughter and sibling

faithful and trustworthy friend.

and the list goes on.  So, on this day I say......Happy Birthday to ME!

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Grateful

Anxious to get to the mall today made me appreciate life as I know it a little it more.  

A shooting?  Here?  At the Columbia Mall?  We always think that it happened there...It won't happen here but today it happened here....in my backyard.

Today I am grateful that my husband had to workout before we left for the mall.  Today I am grateful that my husband took forever to get his workout music together before he started his bench press.  Today I am grateful, that I didn't make it to the mall to witness a horrific event at the Columbia Mall that left three dead and other injured.

At the end of the day I pray for the families that are experiencing lost today and for the individuals that had to experience that frightful event.

The Columbia Mall shooting has made me realize that I need to  hug my children a little tighter, kiss my husband a little longer and reach out to friends and family a little more often.

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New Year

Although the new year started Wednesday January 1st today is my official start of the year and there are so many things I am committing to (with moderation)
***Keep in mind I've already committed myself to things from previous years but I hope to kick it up a notch this year.
1.  Healthy Lifestyle...Here are a few new things I am going to try:
a.  Drink warm lemon water every morning as it has a lot of benefits (my mother-inlaw has been doing this for years.)  Check out tasty-yummies website for more information.  This website also gives you tons of other healthy information.

b.  As a stay at home mother my time is valuable and has to be used valuable.  As much as I love the gym (sometimes....LOL) I need to get in, get it done and get out.  I found this 30 minute total body workout that I am going to use.  I will probably do it for 45 to 60 minutes.  Hey, who doesn't want to build muscle and get bikini ready for the summer.

2.  More DIY projects  and activities that make ME happy (this is actually a stress reliever for me)
3.  Get back into photography...(more than just everyday pics of my family)
4.  Keep an organized life/routine
5.  Improve my relationship with GOD.

Here we go.....Day 1.  It's on!!!!

What have you commited yourself to in 2014?

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Hello 2014

The holidays are now officially over and the new year has begun.  No more excuses for over eating or over spending it's time to get it back under control.  I am sure everyone has made their resolutions for 2014 and so have I (although mines are a ongoing process) I won't go into detail but I will share how I organized them (I kept them simple).
FYI:  These resolution (directly/indirectly) apply to the entire Taylor clan.

1.  Health Resolution - eat better, exercise more
I am going to take a 30 day fitness challenge I recently saw on the internet.  Take a look at it and try it out.

2.  Spiritual resolution - pray every morning and night and find a church home....

3.  Family resolution - carve out time where the family spends quality time together.

4.  Marriage resolution - carve out date night at least once a month.  It can be an at home date or a night on the town but it has to be something special/different.

5.  Financial Resolution - be a better stewart of my family's money.  Save more, spend wisely, and organize the finances.  Develop a 5 year financial plan to get out of debt and gain financial freedom.
***Here is a financial challenge I found that I am going to try and do for my three children and myself.

Take a look at the original post  52 week money challenge

6.  Organizational resolution - organize my daily life by tracking my time, organizing my home, organizing my kids etc.

7.  Project resolution - make a list of all projects I would like to accomplish (not only for 2014) and prioritize them by wants, needs and financial capability.

8.  Me resolution - I saved the best and most important resolution for last.  Without me there isn't a Taylor family.  Although my husband is the head of the family I am the...
backbone of the body...
glue that keeps the family together....
oil that keeps the wheels turning....
I don't mean to toot my own horn but "it is what it is"....
I said all of this just to say I need to take better care of myself......I need me time (most of my time is taking care of everyone else), I need down time, I need personal time so that I can rejuvenate and take better care of my LOVELY family.  I also need time to pursue some of my many passions in life (I need to tap into my creative side and dream of having my own business).

Being that the kids have been out of school I didn't have the time to get everything together (purchase food etc).  Therefore  Day 1 for me will be January 7, 2013.

Side note:  Don't be too hard on yourself...Always allow space for wiggle room and allow time for you to adapt to the changes you want to happen in your life.  Make the experience a fun learning process.

What resolutions have you made and how do you plan to stick to them?

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