More 12/5 Expressions

We got an e-mail reminder that it is our comunity's annual Chistmas party.  We've lived here almost 5 years and have never been to a one.  So, I talked my daughter into taking a break, we grabbed a Barbie from the gift closet and some toiletries to donate to two different children's charities - and headed over.  It is raining cats and dogs - the place was jammed packed.  We dropped off our stuff, got a plate of great food and left.  Nice to check things out every once in a while.  There goes my PINK Method - will have to start tomorrow.  It was nice to get "rid" of few items too. 

12/5 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Mail was pretty good.  My husband received $10 cash for a survey - pretty nifty - I will put it to good use.  I got my rebate form from JCP - so, now to send in the receipt and get $10 back on a gift to my dad.  I started the PINK Method today - feeling pretty good.  So glad it is my "short" week - I have plenty to catch-up on.  Oh, started my daughter's infinity scarf this afternoon.  Co-worker is working on one too - she is going to give me her pattern - her's is easy - but looks much fancier than mine.  I am going to try it when I make mine.  Need to bump up my 401K equivalent contributions for next year - need to keep maxing out - as I still plan on retiring sooner than later.

The Real 12/4 Expressions :)

Frugal deeds for the day:  Pictured are the drapes I made yesterday.  Unfortunately, I did not realize the door was made of metal - so, my husband has to come up with an alternate plan to hang them - so, just a demo.  Such a beautiful day - my daughter and I are going to use up her freebie giftcards - yup, get some shop therapy in on the cheap :)  For some reason, I am in the nesting mode -  I just want to pretty up the house on the cheap.  Maybe I know I can really see retiring from my day job soon and I want to be ready to unload this house?  I found the right sized knitting needles last night.  So, my next project is an "infinity scarf" for my daughter.  Keep my hands busy at lunch to relax and keep from putting stuff into my mouth.  Anyway, I plan to start the PINK method in earnest tomorrow.

12/4 Expressions

Personal financial goals we have accomplished:  add to our daughter's college fund - check.  Bulk up savings account - hope to accomplish by the end of this month.  Pay all property taxes without dipping into savings - hope to accomplish by the end of this month.  Barring any emergency, we are on track.  Our holiday spending has been pretty minimal.  Although we were going to use our Southwest Airline miles for trips, we have decided to cash them in for gift cards to curb our variable spending - groceries, gas, clothes, and entertainment. 

12/3 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I stayed home and got the sewing machine out and did some darning and made the curtains - just waiting for my husband to install the hardware.  I also made a large batch of vegetable curry for my daughter who has decided to become a vegetarian.  I also made a batch of salad and cut up some vegetables to start the PINK method diet on Monday.  I have everything - but am waiting to actually get started.  I wanted to finish up my coffee, etc. before I start.  I have also been getting $10/$10 coupons/giftcards - it's been a while.  I have been getting them from Kohls - but JCP usually sends me $10/$25 and LL Bean hasn't sent one in a while.  Well, I just went through ebates and ordered a cashmere scarf from LL Bean - out of pocket $0.  The $39 scarf was marked down to $9.99 - with free shipping.  I am hoping ebates refunds me .20 too :)  That was my thrill of the day.  I also got my free Kiplingers - nice to read in the sun with nice cup of coffee at home.

12/2 Expressions

This is our sunbeatened front door.  My husband updated with paint the previous owners left in the garage.  The wreath?  My daughter made it in school about 10 years ago.  It is made from humble supplies.  A wire coat hanger, scraps of fabric and some ribbon.  She had a great public school teacher who was very crafty - the teacher kept their tiny hands busy making all kind of things from scraps and leftovers.  My daughter wasn't all that proud of it in the past - but, I kept it.  I guess now that we are in a new economy, every one appreciates "home-made" and "recycled" much more - so, I switched out our year around decorated grapevine - and added her wreath for this season.  It is such a nice beautiful day outside.  Next, I am going to sew that kitchen drape.  I am just home from the hospital - had a minor procedure - but am in such an appreciative mood.  I was told to take it easy, so, I am.  But these are easy things to do.  Earlier, the dog and I sat on the front porch (me with a fresh cup of coffee) and we enjoyed the sun.  So many things to be grateful for, and they don't always have to cost $.

12/1 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I decided to cash in my Southwest Airlines miles for discounted giftcards.  I believe I have enough for gifts, gas & food for the next month.  I also made a few more purchases with my Amex card - and on one $25 gc got a $20 statement credit - not a bad discount indeed.