Menu Planning

Posted on February 28, 2016 by Sheila

The month of February has been a lot off in many ways and I am looking forward to the new month! I have to admit that we had two rules for eating in February: 1) leftover clean out and 2) convient. Last week we ended up eating pizza bites and cheese sticks one night followed by Hamburger Helper the next. This weekend although busy, I feel like we have gotten back on track. Matt and I spent some time this afternoon making a new menu plan for the month. . The most impressive part is that we only repeated a couple of meals and I have at least 2 new meals to try out.

The Plan:

Breakfast– Saturday-donuts/poptarts, Sunday- Bacon-Egg and cheese biscuits. Choice of muffins, toast, cereal or pop-tarts. I need to restock the breakfast choices over the next couple of weeks because we have really been cleaning out. One disadvantage for this week is that we currently have 2 eggs left in the fridge. I plan to either go to Aldi or Costco on Thursday depending on how the week shapes up. Until then we will be eating something just not eggs.

Lunch-I was able to get the kids lunches packed in addition to a couple of salads for my lunch as well

Dinner- Saturday- Lunch- East Coast Wings (after Cheer Competition) . Dinner- Leftover s
Sunday- Lunch- Baked potatoes Dinner- Picnic dinner provided by my parents.
Monday- Hamburger and French fries
Tuesday-Chicken pot pie
Wednesday- pork chops, frozen flavor broccoli and fruit
Thursday- Shrimp alfredo
Friday- Grilled Chicken.

As you will see in the update tomorrow, we have managed to keep the grocery budget for the month to $510 which means a total of $700 for the year. We are definitely telling a difference in the cabinets and freezers. But with a month of planning already complete, we should be able to keep the budget low again!

Slow but Steady Progress-2/27/2016

Posted on February 27, 2016 by Sheila

This week has been so busy and stressful, I was not sure we would have any progress to show but I am THRILLED to post this update. I am not including any pictures of the dinning/playroom because with only one coat of paint it looks worse than when we started. Hopefully a second coat will go on Monday and we can get most of it back together as well. I have always said that the hardest part of remodeling is living around it. So first up Matt designed and built both a shelf for the microwave but also a shelf to hold the Keurig. I LOVE this shelf and it actually not only adds space but let us move the Keurig back to the kitchen from Matt’s office.

He was also able to finish out the trim for the window and door that faces the living room.

I know the next couple of weeks will be slow as far as progress goes because a lot of the next steps are adding the plumbing that is needed to move the sink. But we are moving along!

Here is the other post to show just how far we have come.

Kitchen Project Update

Posted on February 20, 2016 by Sheila

Matt has continued to work on the kitchen this past week and I managed to help a couple of times. One of the huge visible changes this week was us re-framing the window.

Before

During

Finished…. which I LOVE!

Matt also painted all the walls in the current kitchen white. We were given antique white but after looking at it, we decided it was not bright and clean looking enough so we decided on “high vee white” I actually like it. Matt also added trim around the top of the ceiling to replace the crown molding.

Today was a huge day for us. We decided to make it a shopping day. I wanted to check out several different stores to see if we could find/decided on cabinets and countertops. Our overall decision is to go with a “farm/ simple” kitchen feel. My one standing rule was that it either had to be on an awesome sale or both of us had to agree this is what we wanted.

Our first stop was Home Depot. They did have a sale but we could not get things to work out. I did make a list of the items we found and prices so we would be able to compare with the other stores.

Next kitchen stop was IKEA. I did a little research last night but was not anticipating the additional choices offered in the store. Our first decision was that we definitely would not be purchasing cabinet from here as they only have “plastic” cabinets. Yes, the have a wood grain appearance but still are plastic. We did find the “perfect” sink and pick out a counter top for the new sink area that we both agreed on. Of course, we picked up several other items that will be used in the kitchen but the kids and Matt are most excited that we purchased reading lights for each of the kids and one for Matt’s art desk.

Our final physical stop was the local Lowes store. We found our great sale here. Cabinets were an additional 20% off after purchasing $400. I was also able to find a “drawer” cabinet that I really wanted. So we ended up purchasing new bottom cabinets including ones for the new sink area. We also purchased a new faucet that fit both of our “wants”. I am still not certain if it is the right one but it at least is a place holder until I find a better one. I was disappointed when we discovered that the tile, I had chosen several weeks ago was no longer available in our local store. So after arrive home, Matt went on-line and order us enough tile for the back splash as I am afraid this is being discontinued.

I joked and posted on Facebook that we had enough supplies to keep us busy several week but in actually I think these purchases today will keep us busy a month or more.

Goals for the week are :
1. Patch and paint the walls in the new dining/ play room.
2. Build 2 shelves one is for the microwave and the second for Keurig. I want a third for holding bottles but this is low on the list so I may save for another week.
3. Finish staining and hang up remaining trim around door and window in the kitchen.

Items we have supplies to work on
1. new sink cabinet- assembled, painted and new plumbing ran. When this is complete we will need to purchase the new dishwasher.
2. installing of new dishwasher along with moving of instant hot
3. Cutting countertop and cabinets and installing stove in it’s permanent home.
4. Removing old cabinets, painting and installing new cabinets.
5. Stripping and repainting old top cabinets
6. Installing new tile backsplash.

I know progress is slow but it is progress and we should not need to spend a great deal in the next month except for purchasing the new dishwasher.

5 Things Friday 02/12/2016

Posted on February 12, 2016 by Sheila

Our menu plan this week has consisted of leftovers. Monday- wing and snacks. Wednesday- Sandwich and chips, Thursday- pick your left over, Friday- Spam and mac and cheese. Saturday-left over soup. The kids have enjoyed donuts for breakfast 2 days and we all ate leftover this morning.
Kendall is spending tomorrow with Amanda, plans include the circus and a art workshop.
The weather is COLD and we are suppose to receive snow on Monday. I am hopefully for the snow that will give me an extra day to paint in the kitchen.
I am finally see a vision of the new kitchen and simple is working well.
Budget wise this month is going to be tight but so far I think we will be under budget with both gas and groceries.

Thursday Thoughts on the Kitchen

Posted on February 11, 2016 by Sheila

I am so excited to say that we have finished our first stage in updating our kitchen. You can read our plan if you would like. We started tearing down the wall that once separated the kitchen and living room two weeks ago. Pictures of the fun are on a Wordless Wednesday post. Today, Matt finished install the “beam and capping off the wall. It turned out great

It feels awesome to actually be at a point where we can stop for a couple of weeks. The current plan is to “wait out the weather” as we are anticipating snow both tomorrow and next Monday. If this occurs, we do not want to start anything with the kids out of school for several days. So once that is settled we will paint next. We have been given antique white paint which is perfect for our “farm house” theme..

Even better news is that I have been keeping track of everything we have spent, so far that is $694! I know that we need some painting supplies and will have to purchase the materials for the back splash but my goal is that we spend less than $1000 before the new appliances, cabinets and floor!

Remolding the Kitchen

Posted on February 8, 2016 by Sheila

I decided during the month of December that our kitchen was simply too small and after some discussion with Matt, decide that we would begin to tackle this huge project. I posted on Facebook that the anticipated time line for total completion of this project was 2 years. I have had several questions as to why it is going to take so long, I decided to lay out our anticipated time line for you today and to also discuss why this is such a complex project.

I honestly think it will be 2 years or longer before we sit in “our new dream kitchen.” There are few reason for this. First is money, we do not want to go into debit for this remodeling project and with the loss of several of Matt’s websites at the end of the year, we really don’t have any extra to spend on the project. Reason number 2- time. Matt and I along with some help from friends will be completing all the work. The problem is that we also have 3 small kids and 2 big kids that each have schedules and expectations of us. The next reason sounds silly but it is the truth and ties in to both of the other reasons I have mention, I am having a hard time, trying to decide on themes and colors. Finally, I like a orderly house and can not stand to live in a construction zone for longer than a week or so at a time.

Now on to the fun stuff, stages of remodeling: 1.Wall Destruction. 2. New sink and Dishwasher 3. Painting/New cabinets. 4. New Floor.

We are about 90% finished with the first stage. The wall has been removed and the electric wires have been relocated. We added 12 recess lighting cans to add light in both the new kitchen and out in our living room. The ceiling was scrapped and painted. We have decided to install a beam to make the transition between the two rooms, which needs to be completed. Finally we have to remove the old baseboard heater. My goal is have this step complete by February 21st.

The second step includes several major decisions about colors and style of sink, faucet and dishwasher. We have been given a counter top which reduces the overall expense so we will start making decisions and purchasing the new items . The walls will be painted in this step along with new window facings and new molding around the ceilings. The Goal for completion of this step is end of March.

Stage three is by one of the most labor intense steps. We will first repaint and repair all the upper cabinets in addition to adding a shelf around the top of the cabinets to provide additional store space and add function to a “dead space.” We will have to replace all the lower cabinets and may add additional cabinets if we can afford and decide it would be beneifical. I have already pick out a new back splash to be add as well. My goal is to complete the cabinet repainting and have the back splash installed by the end of May. Based on our current financial situation this will most likely be the stopping point of the remodeling. The purchase of new cabinets will be placed on hold until we can decide on what we want and can afford to make this large purchase. I have an estimated budget of $1000 for lower cabinets. I also have an additional $2000 budget for the new “bar area” which includes replacing our current countertops as well. My estimate for the completion of this items is next February.

Stage 4- New floor is approximately 18-24 months away due to the huge expense of both time and money that will be involved. In addition, this decision has already been the most discussed and hardest one to make so that may also add to the length of time it will take.

January in Review 2015

Posted on January 31, 2016 by Sheila

Personal-
1. Blogging– Post 20 per month. Fail. This is post number 19. I honestly had a post in my head for yesterday but just not the energy to get out.

2.Weight Loss– 175#. I have used the treadmill on at least 2 a week but still. FAIL

3. Spiritual– Spend at least 5 days a week, reading and studying The Bible. Fail but improvement noted with 50% success for the month.

It would not appear that January has been a good month because I did not achieve any of these goals. One way to look at it is that I have lots of room for improvement.

Financial-

1. Set aside money each month in every budget category. Fail-4 of the categories are without funding this month.

2. Establish and maintain Emergency Fund- Fail.
3. Groceries: Goal is for $700. SUCCES- Total spending for the month is $199! I am so excited and surprised at how easy it was. I am going to increase the goal to $400 for February but that still stays way below the goal amount.

4. Gas: Spend $400 a month- SUCCESS. We spent only $250 in gas this month!

5. Pay off all Credit Card debit by December 2016- I am not exactly sure how to report on this. Matt unfortunately did lose 2 accounts in the month of January so we are not going to make stellar progress but at this point any progress is a success. So I reduce our overall credit card debit and will count this as a success.

Financially, I am very proud of the month of January. We are making small but steady progress and just need to keep things moving in the right direction.

Snow Sunday Savings!

Posted on January 24, 2016 by Sheila

The sun came out today which began the melting process for us! Matt has worked most of the afternoon clearing our driveway so I can head to work tomorrow. After he finished he asked if we wanted to venture out to CVS and Walmart. Considering that I had already opened my last 2L of Diet Coke, I agreed. This was another excellent week at CVS. I completed 3 transactions spending $1.92 and saving $27.16 or 93% I grabbed 8 bottles of Diet Coke and 3 tubes of free toothpaste. I should have grabbed another Diet Coke but my calculations were off. Next stop was Walmart to grab a couple of items that we will run out of prior to the end of the month, I was able to use a calculate and list and stay on track spending $30.73 which puts me at $199.83 for the month.

Since we all have been at home since Thursday and the kids really have been at home for a week, we used some of the time to clean and re-organize. I was seriously thinking about needing to push some more storage containers on Thursday but instead, found and repurposed things we already had. We are in the process of reducing the playroom and I took the shelf from it and moved it to Zach room.

The best part of this shelf is that it originally was a kitchen cabinet/bar in a house that my brother and sister in law purchased when they were first married. I was helping with some of the work and originally place this shelf in my building. As you can tell it has been moved and reused but still is a large steady piece of furniture. I also reconfigured my closet and was able to place this smaller shelf in the playroom.

Total spend on this project which ended up taking a full day Zero.

A final way we have saved money this weekend is cooking at home and using items that we already have. I am hoping to stick to a lower budget for at least February and most likely even March. I am realizing that we have a lot of food that I have purchased and by keeping a rolling stockpile, I should be able keep at least that line item lower for several month this year, therefore reducing our total expenses significantly even with resuming the $700 a month budget in April or May.

January Money Diet Update

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Sheila

I am not surprised at all to say that several thing have occurred this month that I did not originally think about or plan for. Fortunately, we have adapted and managed to spend as little as possible. One of the bigger things that has happen is the sudden dramatic weather change that has brought us temperature not rising above freezing for several days in a row. I discovered that we had a significant draft in our living room. We were able to purchase and reduce this draft for around $20 but this was totally unplanned. Next up was a computer problem, we ended up purchasing a new operating system for one of our computers which was $130 but in addition after spending several hours working on and around this problem, Matt and I both needed a mental break and headed to Cracker Barrel for Dinner. I am honestly glad we did because after coming home it took another 3 hours to get the computer back to a workable state. I am really enjoying this diet challenge because it allows us to stop and thing before spending, even if we decide to spend the money. Now on to more positive news.

1. Grocery spending of $200 or less- Currently I have spent $168 after both a trip to Costco and Aldi. I am so excited by this number. I don’t see any reason we can not stay in our goal for the month. We also went ahead today and did a rough menu plan for the month of February. I can see that we should be able to maintain a low budget of $400 or less for February!

2. Challenge #1– Give away 31 things- I have a box of kids clothing already packed and have a couple of options. I am going to make sure this box is gone before the end of the month.

3.Challenge #2– Figure your Net Worth- I did not complete this totally simply because this number has no meaning to me at this point. What I have done is make a spreadsheet to keep up with real number as I work at paying off credit cards and other debits. I also know the value of all our vehicles. Finally today, I set up access to my retirement account so I can at least glance at it from time to time. As an interesting side note, it has lost over a thousand dollars in January already.

4. Challenge # 3- Do something to earn an extra $25 or more this month.– I have several items listed on Facebook for sale right now.

5. Challenge #4- Reduce at least one expense– I stay pretty on top of this to begin with. But I was able to get a $14 credit on our cable bill due, this month and finally think we have that bill straighten out. I do need to check on our cellphone bill to make sure it is as low as possible.

Overall I am happy with our progress and this challenge is definitely helping me to find some money that can be saved.

5 Things Friday-Money Related

Posted on January 15, 2016 by Sheila

We went shopping at Costco yesterday for some “needed” groceries and I am excited to report that we have stay on budget for the month. We spent $105 yesterday which puts our grocery spending for the month at $116!
Tomorrow is a sad day.. I have plans to take down and put away the Snow Village for the year.
Sonic is currently running some awesome specials. Yesterday, we were able to grab 5 deluxe cheeseburgers for $4.23 and added cheese fries at home to make it an awesome and inexpensive meal. Next week they will have fifty cent corn dogs, I know at least one meal on Wednesday will be these!
Last weekend, I realized that my watch was losing time. Matt decide to take it to Walmart to get the battery replaced. Unfortunately the battery was not the problem. I really did not want to spend money on a new watch but it is almost a requirement for my job. After some thought and discuss, we replaced the battery in one of Matt’s old watch and I am using it. I don’t mind, because of the large size. I consider this another win during our January Money Diet.
Our new bed arrived on Wednesday and so far, we are both enjoying it!

Teens Tots and Everything In Between

Life, Love and Coupons

Category Archives: Goals