I'm a blogging slacker. seriously. I have lots to write and to say but for the most part I have a 3yo that pries my computer out of my hands most of the time.

We started a no tech Tuesdays along with no spend January this month. so far both are going well. our no tech just means that after J gets home from work, no computers, tv, phones etc are allowed. I wanted to do it during the day but I'm a facebook junkie (I should just delete it) and our tv is our source of radio through Pandora. It's quite nice to have such quiet at night but made me feel so sad that we actually had to make it a rule. Once mild weather rolls around tv/tech isn't a big issue but with winter it seems like we are parked in front of the tv way too much at night.

No spend January is also pretty good, we've made a few flubs but it's more due to not including them in the rules. We are just going easy on it, no new stuff basically just no new useless things that are clutter are allowed. We obviously allow food, soap, gas for the Jeep and bills but if we absolutely HAVE to buy something it has to be thrifted. Which is good because S suddenly seemed to outgrow her snow pants and I found an awesome LL Bean pair for $6 at a kids consignment shop. What's even better is that with no spending and some Christmas money we will be further ahead this month than we've been (sadly) in a long time. I think we are most likely going to extend and do a Frugal February and a No Madness March ;) I'd like to push for the whole year but I know it's probably not completely feasible since there are some things coming up that will require money. But hopefully we can work those into account and avoid all other spending.

I haven't been to the gym in ummm for freakin' ever. I pulled my neck really really badly and basically at this point am just getting back to feeling normal. I need to go and just walk on the treadmill but it's so lame to do that. I'm on a no running order from my Chiro who thinks that my cold and the impact of running on my spine is what caused it. I keep telling myself I'll go but I haven't and I HATE paying for it every month and not use it. So yes I need to go back. and no I can't get out of the contract, it would cost a bit more than we could swing.

I need to go finish up dinner. here's hoping someone actually reads this.

I always have great ideas

about what to write for a blog...that is until I sit down to actually write it.

I find myself constantly writing lists in my head. Things to do, to make, to clean, to cook, to buy, to fix, things I want to write about! Oh mental black hole of forgetfulness you get the better of me sometimes.

I do know I wanted to talk about budgeting. and how crappy and hard it can be. Now that J has quit his second job, the need to budget is even that much more important. Our biggest budget battle is always groceries. One week I can spend $80 then the next $170 then $140 then $100. There is obviously no consistency. So last night I sat down with receipts and started writing out my usual grocery list, but with all the prices this time. I figure now when I go to write my list I can have a price for each item in mind so with every shopping list I can make sure I stay within budget and not get up to the cash out then panic when the cashier says the total. We also went to the farmers market this week and got the majority of our veggies for the week for only $13!

I am hoping every week to create a balance of supplies so that pricier items are spread out better as opposed to me always seeming to run out of them all at once.


Enough budget stuff.
This weekend was great. Busy but fantastic. I have to say I am reveling in the joy of actually having family time. It is very strange to suddenly have a spouse who is around. Things that get put off for when there was time are actually getting done. We have both been doing bedtime with the kiddo, which is amazing. I love all three of us cuddling into our bed, reading, snuggling and watching S fall asleep. All the things that I feel like I've been waiting for emotionally and mentally are happening. I feel really peaceful lately. Which is incredible for me because I'm so used to feeling restless and unsure. Off track here...getting back on...
so yes this weekend was amazing.
Saturday we woke up early to sunshine and decent cool weather (for us that's 40s) We ate some breakfast, bundled up and headed to the farmers market. S kept calling it the "farmers marker" so very cute. We saw some of our favorite farmers from last season there and they all looked like they were doing well. My FAVORITE guy was there with lots of beautiful goodies but by far the best was farm fresh eggs. He said they are hoping to have them 3 weeks of the month because it's only 3 chickens so it's just whatever they lay freely. They were the most beautiful eggs and I'm kicking myself for not taking a picture to post. Browns, tans and two that are the most beautiful shade of pale blue almost grey. You just can't find that at a grocery store. It's not possible.
After we got our veggies we headed over to our bakery guy, I was so SO sad that he didn't have his amazing scones there but got over it when we saw a chocolate mousse layer cake for $5. which is so incredibly cheap for a huge cake :) So of course we HAD to get it ;)

We came home, took our dog for a walk then went to the park. Post park it was naptime for S so she and I laid down. Then J's dad and brother came down for a visit. His brother stayed overnight and I have to say I truly love that guy! He's just the perfect brother in law and S adores him. It was nice because J and I were able to cook and clean up etc while he watched S for us. Just having that extra person made it so ridiculously easy!
Sunday morning J made the MOST delicious breakfast; kebabs with eggs. I put feta and green onions on the top of the eggs....gah SO good. with pita and yogurt...probably the absolute perfect breakfast, at least for me!
After coffee and laying about for a bit after breakfast we got ready for the day and went up to the river to walk. It was absolutely beautiful up there, our dog loved it and S did ok for a bit. But then she wanted to walk, push the stroller, ride in the stroller rinse repeat so we decided it was time for her to eat some lunch. So we hopped back in the car, she ate her lunch on the way to park where we ran her ragged.
BIL went home and we all napped.

All in all the perfect weekend.