Some of my
sister's frugality is rubbing off on me. I'm sticking to my budget more and more and finding myself struggling less and less.
I live alone. I set a budget of roughly $30.00 a week for food, but, usually end up spending around $25-28.00 total. Yes, I use coupons, but not as much as you might think. I plan my week's menu in advance and buy the same staples, sometimes a little more if items are on sale. This isn't a lavish menu and trust me, I'm not starving. I'm eating better than I have in the past. My fridge is full and my cupboards are stocked. If I want something extra, I will sometimes splurge and get ice cream (if it's on sale) or some King's Hawaiian Bread and spinach dip. Not often though, just enough to treat myself once in a while.
Today, I gave myself a budget of $40.00 for both grocery shopping and anything else I wanted to buy. I'm proud to say I stuck to my budget and even had money left over. I stopped at Michael's and picked up some yarn and a couple other small items, but, I had a coupon for 40% off. Michael's total $5.03. I then stopped at Half Price Books and spent $2.00 on two books. Then I headed over to the grocery store where my total was $24.32. I still had roughly $8.00 left. This will go towards my purchases next weekend--I already have it earmarked for some new knitting needles.
I still spend money, mainly on books and yarn. My books though are bought at Half Price Books. 'm even saving money there--I've learned to check the clearance section first where many books are $1.00 or less. My yarn, when it is bought, is bought with a coupon. I do treat myself to getting my nails done, my one extravagant vanity item. *LOL* But, I'm also saving money too. I don't eat out a lot, I try to stick to a set budget and I watch for sales. I'm going to start checking thrift stores to see what I cand find there as well.
Alot has happened to me over the last year. I'm starting to really think and act in a new mindset. This couldn't have happened without my sister's help.
Disaster struck this weekend...I had to start over from scratch with the baby blanket. I dropped a couple stitches and it was beyond saving. I'm a good 1/3 of the way into it again and more determined than ever to finish it ASAP.
It's my own stupid fault, I'm using straight needles per Lion Brand's web site when I think circs would be better. I'm going to follow my gut instincts from here on in!
I'm still around, but, haven't been doing much knitting or posting. I've been fighting a bug of some sort for the last few days, but, I'm starting to feel a bit better.
Despite the lack of energy, I've managed to read a couple books. One was
Crazy in Love by Luann Rice. I got sucked into the story Sunday night and finished it in the early hours of Sunday night/Monday morning. I've started another Luann Rice book,
Dream Country that is good thus far. Both books will be going off to my sister in the coming days. We share a love of reading and my library. How is that the younger siblings always get everything while the elder siblings have to get it for them?
If I want to finish the baby blanket (though something tells me it will end up a Sister blanket instead ;)) anytime soon, I'd better put down the books and pick up the needles!
Another reason for my lack of posting was that my computer's power supply decided to revolt on me last week. With my sister's help, a new power supply was ordered and with her husband's help, it was replaced on Friday evening. What a relief to be back online!
On a closing note, I see that my profile has been viewed 51 times. Who's out there? Say hello, I don't bite! Much! *LOL*
Here's a shot of the baby blanket I'm working on....I feel like I'm coming along rather well...
Here's a shot of the baby blanket I'm working on....I feel like I'm coming along rather well...
That is until I look at the amount of yarn left....It's a bit daunting but I think I can do it. As long as the pattern continues to pose no problems...and the yarn cooperates...
I started a couple knitting projects over the weekend, a baby blanket for my sister's coworker and an Irish Hiking Scarf. The IHS will be my first attempt at cabling, so I'm a bit nervous. The directions look easy enough and if it turns out well, I'm going to make several for gifts this winter.
The baby blanket is very simple, just your standard garter stitch. I'm attempting to follow a pattern found on
Lion Brand's web site. Very very simple...so simple I can knit while talking to my sister and watching TV.
