Ok so it's been awhile since I've blogged about saving money, notably through couponing. Probably because since starting my part time social work job a year ago, I just don't have as much time. I used to coupon while I babysat my little fella - while he napped of course, but I don't sit for him anymore (boo) so I'm not as disciplined carving out that time to coupon at home. Because when I'm at home alone I peruse facebook. I clean and cook. And cook and clean. And go through things to sell that my kids have outgrown but then think better of it and hide it in the back of the closet.
Anyway.
That's not to say I'm not still trying to save money. I gotta. So I cut a few coupons for items that I know always have them available (General Mills Cereals, yogurt, hygiene items, to name a few) and regardless of whether or not I have coupons I ALWAYS look through the circulars. I don't shop for only what I need for that particular week. Yes I always need produce, eggs, bread, milk, etc. But I always have my eye out for a great deal on things we consistently go through and then I stock up so I don't need it for awhile.
I have a cousin that has $20 to spend this week for food and she is discouraged. And rightfully so - that is a tight budget with 2 children at home full time. But I think she can do it and here is my idea how.
This would be easier if I knew she had some pantry staples like dry pasta, rice, bread, etc. But I'll assume she has nothing just in case.
With a $20 budget you can buy -
Gallon of whole milk $3.50 - pour some out for you and your husband into a pitcher and thin with water to make skim milk and keep the rest whole for your kids. This will increase your milk.
Eggs $2.00 (or $2 worth of fruit or frozen veggies if you aren't egg eaters)
Chicken sale pieces $3.50
*Bread $1.00
Peanut butter $2.50
*Jelly $1.00
*Bag of crunchy pretzels $1.00 (or similar snack for kids)
Pasta x2 $1.50
*Sauce $1.00
*Oatmeal $1.00
*Cereal $1.00
*Bag of rice $1.00 (or a $1.00 worth of potatoes from store)
TOTAL - $20 (that's how fast $20 goes!)
If you DO have some items in the pantry like pasta, oatmeal, sauce, rice, etc -- I would use that money then to buy a big jar of applesauce, bag of carrots, a few apples and maybe a fruit that's on sale that the kids love.
* - Buy these items at the dollar store
Breakfast and Lunch Ideas
Cereal
Eggs/toast
Oatmeal
Peanut butter and jelly sammies
Egg salad sammies
Leftovers by the end of week
Dinners
Pasta x2
Chicken boiled to get every last scrap of meat off so you can make 2 meals from it. Serve with rice or potatoes. Better if you do in fact have a few pantry items like bbq sauce to flavor the chicken.
Hot peanut butter sammies with milk
Breakfast for dinner with whatever leftover breakfast items you have by the end of the week
YES this is a boring menu. YES this is very unappetizing.
But when times are tight, you make due. It will hurt when your kids beg for Goldfish and you can't spend the $2. But this doesn't mean you're poor or broke. This is a season of frugalness. A season when you need to pinch your pennies. But every day that you can look at your babies beautiful faces under a roof where there is love, and put food in their tummies even if yours is rumbling a bit...you are blessed. I am not making light of your situation, it is so hard!!! We had weeks when my kids were really young, before Kevin changed jobs, that it actually hurt me to tell Kevin we were having pasta or eggs again. I felt like I was letting him down. But in actuality, I was holding up my end of the bargain - to stay home and keep my kids safe, especially our little Bailey who has CF and when she was young we were petrified of her getting sick. She didn't catch a cold for two years! I held up my end. We didn't go into debt having food - or furniture! - we couldn't afford. I held up my end. I taught them their ABC's and 123's while also keeping myself out of the loony bin...I held up my end. AND SO ARE YOU. AND SO IS YOUR HUSBAND. Life is hard. Maintaining a family and a home is hard. Soak up what's easy. Lovin on your babies. Praying to God for His help. Sometimes we were blessed in our grocery budget by being invited to dinner by my inlaws or a playdate with friends where my kids enjoyed some fun snacks. Keep your eye out for opportunities that are free and fun, to enjoy and take your mind off what's hard.
Staying home with littles is a season. It's not forever. You can take that $20 this week and spend it quickly, and I get that you will still be stressed and wished you had 5x that much to spend (and it would still go quickly!). But just try really hard to enjoy whatever is good and true in your life, and know that someday you will have that $100 to spend, and it will feel good but knowing you made the right choices for your family since the time they were littles...feels better.
Good luck!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
what, you don't do that too?
A few days ago I tucked my tweezers into my purse. My magnifying mirror broke, and I know there are errant hairs on my face that I have missed when plucking using my regular mirror. Hairs that might poke someone's eye out.
Yes, I am confessing here I have a beard. It's not a Santa beard, but some of the hairs are white, some are black as coal, and they all protrude from my chin. And neck.
I'll never forget the day I first saw ChinHair. I was attending a wedding, and our room was right on the ocean. The light was streaming in as we got ready. I decided to use the handheld mirror I had in my purse that had suction cups on the back, and affix it to the sliding door to utilize the good lighting for my makeup. That's when I saw them.
I think I screamed out loud. Then cried. Then wondered WHO had been staring at my face all those times standing outside talking to someone in the bright sun.
I went on a pluck binge, right then and there. And daily, since that day, I have plucked hairs out of my face. At one point I went to a dermatologist who told me she didn't really see the problem. I said it's because I pluck everyday, I can't go around in public with a chin and neck full of scragglepop hairs! She told me about some expensive options and then said tweezers cost just a few bucks but to be careful, it can damage the skin. Yeah well, not plucking could damage my social life.
Anyway, the other day I carried tweezers with me in the car, knowing that there is good visibility with the afternoon sun and my visor mirror. I had planned to find a spot somewhere while the kids were at art class, where no one could see, and go to plucktown. I forgot though, until I was back home. So there in the driveway, with the door open because it was hot, I started my work. I was concentrating, I was busy.
I have neighbors. And there were joggers. The late bus came. I ignored all of it, and kept at my work.
So yes, I am sure someone saw the lady in what looked to be pjs (it's "loungewear" people, and I wear them everywhere I can) plucking her face using the car mirror.
It had to be done and I don't need more friends. I need the ones I have, who have had conversations with me and ChinHair at the beach in the bright sun, and love me anyway.
But I am going to Target this weekend to replace my mirror.
Yes, I am confessing here I have a beard. It's not a Santa beard, but some of the hairs are white, some are black as coal, and they all protrude from my chin. And neck.
I'll never forget the day I first saw ChinHair. I was attending a wedding, and our room was right on the ocean. The light was streaming in as we got ready. I decided to use the handheld mirror I had in my purse that had suction cups on the back, and affix it to the sliding door to utilize the good lighting for my makeup. That's when I saw them.
I think I screamed out loud. Then cried. Then wondered WHO had been staring at my face all those times standing outside talking to someone in the bright sun.
I went on a pluck binge, right then and there. And daily, since that day, I have plucked hairs out of my face. At one point I went to a dermatologist who told me she didn't really see the problem. I said it's because I pluck everyday, I can't go around in public with a chin and neck full of scragglepop hairs! She told me about some expensive options and then said tweezers cost just a few bucks but to be careful, it can damage the skin. Yeah well, not plucking could damage my social life.
Anyway, the other day I carried tweezers with me in the car, knowing that there is good visibility with the afternoon sun and my visor mirror. I had planned to find a spot somewhere while the kids were at art class, where no one could see, and go to plucktown. I forgot though, until I was back home. So there in the driveway, with the door open because it was hot, I started my work. I was concentrating, I was busy.
I have neighbors. And there were joggers. The late bus came. I ignored all of it, and kept at my work.
So yes, I am sure someone saw the lady in what looked to be pjs (it's "loungewear" people, and I wear them everywhere I can) plucking her face using the car mirror.
It had to be done and I don't need more friends. I need the ones I have, who have had conversations with me and ChinHair at the beach in the bright sun, and love me anyway.
But I am going to Target this weekend to replace my mirror.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Top Ten Reasons I am Looking Forward to Summer
I haven't done a Top 10 in awhile. Here ya go.
Top Ten Reasons I am Looking Forward to Summer
10. No homework
9. Sleeping in. Now that I have older kids I do something like peek out from under my covers and mumble, "Bailey get you and your sister a cereal bar and yogurt and turn on the tv. Something appropriate. Yes you can have juice. Yes you can make a fort while you watch tv. Yes you can dress up the cats." It's lovely, all of you moms of littles. If you can sleep through the fights in the bathroom, the fights over what to watch, the fights about who gets the last juice box...summer has extra fighting, just an fyi.
8. Catching fireflies while we suck on homemade popsicles.
7. The rush-rush of the school year filled with activities, homework and getting to bed on time slows to a "whatever" kind of pace.
6. The way little girls look holding hands as they run out into the ocean.
5. Beach day trips with friends. Laughing, talking, ducking under waves with the kids, soaking up the sun while I dig my toes into the warm sand.
4. Spending 2 weeks in Wildwood with the girls and my in-laws. (yes that is really on this list.) Kevin comes for the weekend and we go to AC or Cape May for the evening. The girls LOVE spending this time each summer at "the yellow house."
3. Going to the pool!! We hit up our neighborhood pool, our in-laws neighborhood pool, my mom's pool, friends pools...
2. Going to the lake. It's free (donations when you can) and it's lovely. Adirondack chairs, rowboats, and I always go with friends. Or if I go to the lake in my development I load the kids in the car with beach toys and I lay on my blanket and read while they play. Sometimes we pick up a pizza and have dinner there with Kev after work.
and my number one thing I look forward to in the summer...
1. The beach!!!! Ok I sense a recurring theme. But I can't help it, I can't wait!
Have I made you excited about summer?! Summer wasn't always so fun, it's only been the last few years. I've always loved the beach, always loved swimming...but some of the joy is taken away when you're trying to deal with a sensory kid who doesn't like the sun, noisy people, hot sand...all while trying to watch your older child who has NO fear of the water whatsoever and seems to want to swim to China. Changing "waterproof" diapers sucks, missing naps sucks, how hot it is outside at the playground sucks. But now that my girls are older I LOVE SUMMER.
Except for how I look in a bathing suit. But I'm not going to care about that anymore, right?! Whatever, I totally care. But it's so worth wrangling myself into a "Just Your Size" minimizer suit (minimizer is just a clever word for Fat-Displacer. Trust me, if your stomach looks smoother, your ass just got bigger.) to be with my girls at the pool and beach.
I LOVE SUMMER!!
Top Ten Reasons I am Looking Forward to Summer
10. No homework
9. Sleeping in. Now that I have older kids I do something like peek out from under my covers and mumble, "Bailey get you and your sister a cereal bar and yogurt and turn on the tv. Something appropriate. Yes you can have juice. Yes you can make a fort while you watch tv. Yes you can dress up the cats." It's lovely, all of you moms of littles. If you can sleep through the fights in the bathroom, the fights over what to watch, the fights about who gets the last juice box...summer has extra fighting, just an fyi.
8. Catching fireflies while we suck on homemade popsicles.
7. The rush-rush of the school year filled with activities, homework and getting to bed on time slows to a "whatever" kind of pace.
6. The way little girls look holding hands as they run out into the ocean.
5. Beach day trips with friends. Laughing, talking, ducking under waves with the kids, soaking up the sun while I dig my toes into the warm sand.
4. Spending 2 weeks in Wildwood with the girls and my in-laws. (yes that is really on this list.) Kevin comes for the weekend and we go to AC or Cape May for the evening. The girls LOVE spending this time each summer at "the yellow house."
3. Going to the pool!! We hit up our neighborhood pool, our in-laws neighborhood pool, my mom's pool, friends pools...
2. Going to the lake. It's free (donations when you can) and it's lovely. Adirondack chairs, rowboats, and I always go with friends. Or if I go to the lake in my development I load the kids in the car with beach toys and I lay on my blanket and read while they play. Sometimes we pick up a pizza and have dinner there with Kev after work.
and my number one thing I look forward to in the summer...
1. The beach!!!! Ok I sense a recurring theme. But I can't help it, I can't wait!
Have I made you excited about summer?! Summer wasn't always so fun, it's only been the last few years. I've always loved the beach, always loved swimming...but some of the joy is taken away when you're trying to deal with a sensory kid who doesn't like the sun, noisy people, hot sand...all while trying to watch your older child who has NO fear of the water whatsoever and seems to want to swim to China. Changing "waterproof" diapers sucks, missing naps sucks, how hot it is outside at the playground sucks. But now that my girls are older I LOVE SUMMER.
Except for how I look in a bathing suit. But I'm not going to care about that anymore, right?! Whatever, I totally care. But it's so worth wrangling myself into a "Just Your Size" minimizer suit (minimizer is just a clever word for Fat-Displacer. Trust me, if your stomach looks smoother, your ass just got bigger.) to be with my girls at the pool and beach.
I LOVE SUMMER!!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
eyes of the beholder
I have been feeling pretty fat and frumpy lately. By lately I mean the last 15 years. This is no surprise to a seasoned reader of this blog.
My sweet friends, adoring mother and husband Kevin are kind to give me compliments at times. And I take them, as much as I am able. But even when I receive a compliment that I am so appreciative of, that ugly voice from within pipes up with "they're just being nice" or "it's the shirt, it's flattering" or..."hmm, he's trying to sweet talk me." I don't really believe the nice thing they're saying.
But tonight, my daughter Taylor, aka Truth Teller, wrote me a note for no reason. It said, "Beautiful. Mommy is Beautiful."
Be still my heart.
This is the girl who you don't want to ask "how do I look?" without getting a full body scan look and then the truth. She might say, "um...I don't like that shirt." or "Didn't you wear that yesterday?" or my favorite, "You told me not to say anything out loud unless it's nice."
So I am taking this compliment and not turning it around. And you know what? I want to start taking other compliments too. Because when I compliment someone, I mean it. If I say you look so pretty today, I really think you look pretty, not that your shirt is flattering. So who am I to say that someone doesn't mean the same to me?
I'm kind of getting sick of putting myself down. I'm getting tired of detesting the girl in the mirror before me. It's doing nothing for me.
Imagine what this world would be like if a bunch of women thought more of themselves? I bet there'd be a lot more fit, healthy women with better careers, for a start.
I have two daughters to raise and I need them to always believe they are beautiful, inside and out. And tonight I am feeling so thankful to Taylor that she thinks her mommy is too.
My sweet friends, adoring mother and husband Kevin are kind to give me compliments at times. And I take them, as much as I am able. But even when I receive a compliment that I am so appreciative of, that ugly voice from within pipes up with "they're just being nice" or "it's the shirt, it's flattering" or..."hmm, he's trying to sweet talk me." I don't really believe the nice thing they're saying.
But tonight, my daughter Taylor, aka Truth Teller, wrote me a note for no reason. It said, "Beautiful. Mommy is Beautiful."
Be still my heart.
This is the girl who you don't want to ask "how do I look?" without getting a full body scan look and then the truth. She might say, "um...I don't like that shirt." or "Didn't you wear that yesterday?" or my favorite, "You told me not to say anything out loud unless it's nice."
 |
| Seriously Mom? You want to know how you look in those jeans? |
So I am taking this compliment and not turning it around. And you know what? I want to start taking other compliments too. Because when I compliment someone, I mean it. If I say you look so pretty today, I really think you look pretty, not that your shirt is flattering. So who am I to say that someone doesn't mean the same to me?
I'm kind of getting sick of putting myself down. I'm getting tired of detesting the girl in the mirror before me. It's doing nothing for me.
Imagine what this world would be like if a bunch of women thought more of themselves? I bet there'd be a lot more fit, healthy women with better careers, for a start.
I have two daughters to raise and I need them to always believe they are beautiful, inside and out. And tonight I am feeling so thankful to Taylor that she thinks her mommy is too.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
out of the rubble
I had been having a rough few days - the sadness would come and go, but over the last week I had a lot of sad moments among regular life and the joy that I have with family and friends.
But something about seeing a tornado rip through a town that is so much like yours and mine - wow that puts things into perspective, doesn't it.
At this time, from my understanding (as I can not watch much coverage) there are children still unaccounted for. Lost. Buried in rubble. Can you imagine being a parent of one of these babies? I can not!! Oh Lord, make your presence known to these families!! Shine a light onto these children and let them be found. They are not lost to you. Let them be found.
Kevin and I prayed this morning after the children left for school, and in his prayer Kevin recounted something we had seen maybe a week ago...a woman who survived after being underneath the rubble of a building for 17 days.
If you believe in the power of prayer, can you join me in asking God for His great favor for these families. So much devastation and loss.
God bless Oklahoma.
But something about seeing a tornado rip through a town that is so much like yours and mine - wow that puts things into perspective, doesn't it.
At this time, from my understanding (as I can not watch much coverage) there are children still unaccounted for. Lost. Buried in rubble. Can you imagine being a parent of one of these babies? I can not!! Oh Lord, make your presence known to these families!! Shine a light onto these children and let them be found. They are not lost to you. Let them be found.
Kevin and I prayed this morning after the children left for school, and in his prayer Kevin recounted something we had seen maybe a week ago...a woman who survived after being underneath the rubble of a building for 17 days.
If you believe in the power of prayer, can you join me in asking God for His great favor for these families. So much devastation and loss.
God bless Oklahoma.
Monday, May 20, 2013
my person
Ever watch Grey's Anatomy? Then you have heard Meredith and Cristina say, "you're my person." That one soul who completely gets you, is with you, fights for you, etc.
I want to say my person is Kevin. And in so many ways he is. In all of the important ways. I am completely myself with Kevin, and I can go to him for anything. But alas, he is a man.
I am blessed with wonderful friends. I have a few good ones who would be there for me, no matter what. And we have such fun together, such great conversations that I never want to end.
But really, my person is probably my mom.
My mom would do anything for me, and has. It was my mom who I had to have when I was in difficult labor with Bailey, and who I asked to come close so I could whisper, "Kill me now...save the baby but kill.me.now." (Good news is she didn't comply, and instead ordered me to stop being the crazy nut on full Pitocin to get an epidural. That's another plus - she makes good decisions on my behalf). She stayed with me after both babies were born and got the flu that struck our house when Tate came home. Even when she was sick - because she had been here helping me - she tried to do all she could for us in her weakened state. I can tell her whatever is on my mind, and even if she disagrees she'll say, "oh Brynnie...". She loves me in spite of, and because of, all the things that make me...me. She thinks I'm awesome, and it feels great to know that someone in this world thinks you can do anything.
My relationship with my mom is not perfect, and never was. But she is so important to me and I am so grateful to have her.
If you have a "person" - invest in that relationship. If you feel like you don't, think through your family and friends and pick someone whom you would like to be that person for. Spend time together and in time, perhaps your relationship will grow to a place that is really special.
I believe in Jesus and I know I can call on him when I'm in that middle-of-the-night panic and he will comfort me. But there's something different, and needed, about being able to call someone and hear their voice. God created us to be in relationship with people and I believe He blesses some relationships to help us in this life.
Thanks Mom, for helping me. I love you.
I want to say my person is Kevin. And in so many ways he is. In all of the important ways. I am completely myself with Kevin, and I can go to him for anything. But alas, he is a man.
I am blessed with wonderful friends. I have a few good ones who would be there for me, no matter what. And we have such fun together, such great conversations that I never want to end.
But really, my person is probably my mom.
My mom would do anything for me, and has. It was my mom who I had to have when I was in difficult labor with Bailey, and who I asked to come close so I could whisper, "Kill me now...save the baby but kill.me.now." (Good news is she didn't comply, and instead ordered me to stop being the crazy nut on full Pitocin to get an epidural. That's another plus - she makes good decisions on my behalf). She stayed with me after both babies were born and got the flu that struck our house when Tate came home. Even when she was sick - because she had been here helping me - she tried to do all she could for us in her weakened state. I can tell her whatever is on my mind, and even if she disagrees she'll say, "oh Brynnie...". She loves me in spite of, and because of, all the things that make me...me. She thinks I'm awesome, and it feels great to know that someone in this world thinks you can do anything.
My relationship with my mom is not perfect, and never was. But she is so important to me and I am so grateful to have her.
If you have a "person" - invest in that relationship. If you feel like you don't, think through your family and friends and pick someone whom you would like to be that person for. Spend time together and in time, perhaps your relationship will grow to a place that is really special.
I believe in Jesus and I know I can call on him when I'm in that middle-of-the-night panic and he will comfort me. But there's something different, and needed, about being able to call someone and hear their voice. God created us to be in relationship with people and I believe He blesses some relationships to help us in this life.
Thanks Mom, for helping me. I love you.
Friday, May 17, 2013
forgiveness
Forgiveness is hard, wouldn't you say? I think it's because we can't forget. We can't just flip a switch and have a memory erased, as much as sometimes we wish to. So even though, in good circumstances, we want to forgive, and we even feel compassion, understanding, love and forgiveness...the memory still comes. Maybe because of the date on the calendar, maybe from a song playing on the radio, maybe as your mind wanders in the quiet still of the morning.
Forgiveness is hard. It's hard even under the best conditions - whoever has wronged you has asked for your forgiveness, and has asked to bless you going forward. The memory lingers, and the trust doesn't come easily and without question. It's work, and sacrifice. Forgiveness can even come and go...you feel liberated and loving, maybe even for long stretches of time. But then perhaps the memory comes, the anger and hurt flares, and you realize you need to go back to step 1, in order to forgive, again.
Forgiveness is crazy hard when the situation is worse...nobody wants your forgiveness, or the wrong is ongoing. Or the person has passed away and there will be little or no"closure".
No advice from my corner.
I think on God's perspective of forgiveness...how we sin every day in many ways, and He forgives us as soon as we whisper the words "please God..." from our lips. Yes, there may be consequences that could be far reaching even, from our words or actions, but God's heart is loving towards us and forgiveness is freely given.
But He is God and I am not, so it comes much harder for me.
As in all things though, I think forgiveness is a learning process, and perhaps one we will not master in this life. Maybe, but I don't know. Maybe some areas of hurt can be completely forgiven, with the memories never causing any pain again. Maybe the memories even change within the safety of our mind. For myself I am learning that just in all things, I do not need to be perfect here. I can struggle with forgiveness, and still love. My struggle brings me closer to God in a way, because I look up to Him in adoration for what He is capable of doing so selflessly. Does that make sense?
I am working through this area in my life. Forgiveness towards others and towards MYSELF. I have wronged myself, I have let myself down, I have made promises to me that I haven't kept. Let alone to others.
Forgiveness is hard. Not forgiving is harder. I'm working on it.
Forgiveness is hard. It's hard even under the best conditions - whoever has wronged you has asked for your forgiveness, and has asked to bless you going forward. The memory lingers, and the trust doesn't come easily and without question. It's work, and sacrifice. Forgiveness can even come and go...you feel liberated and loving, maybe even for long stretches of time. But then perhaps the memory comes, the anger and hurt flares, and you realize you need to go back to step 1, in order to forgive, again.
Forgiveness is crazy hard when the situation is worse...nobody wants your forgiveness, or the wrong is ongoing. Or the person has passed away and there will be little or no"closure".
No advice from my corner.
I think on God's perspective of forgiveness...how we sin every day in many ways, and He forgives us as soon as we whisper the words "please God..." from our lips. Yes, there may be consequences that could be far reaching even, from our words or actions, but God's heart is loving towards us and forgiveness is freely given.
But He is God and I am not, so it comes much harder for me.
As in all things though, I think forgiveness is a learning process, and perhaps one we will not master in this life. Maybe, but I don't know. Maybe some areas of hurt can be completely forgiven, with the memories never causing any pain again. Maybe the memories even change within the safety of our mind. For myself I am learning that just in all things, I do not need to be perfect here. I can struggle with forgiveness, and still love. My struggle brings me closer to God in a way, because I look up to Him in adoration for what He is capable of doing so selflessly. Does that make sense?
I am working through this area in my life. Forgiveness towards others and towards MYSELF. I have wronged myself, I have let myself down, I have made promises to me that I haven't kept. Let alone to others.
Forgiveness is hard. Not forgiving is harder. I'm working on it.
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