Earn, Save, and Live Joyfully.
This morning on our way back from art class I decided to stop by Target. I bought a really great storage box for toys a few days ago and I was hoping to pick up another one. For the record I now know that I am better off buying items in advance and then returning … Read more
I attended a couple of preschool open houses over the past month. I’m still not convinced that I actually want to send my child to preschool, but I want to know what options are available when I finally make a decision. Have I mentioned that I absolutely hate making decisions? Yes, a million times. Well … Read more
For as long as I can remember my mom has prefaced the gifts she presents with the sentiment “if you don’t like this then let me know. I would rather return it then waste the money.” I heard this every time I opened a present for the last 30+ years of my life. I heard … Read more
Just before closing the book on 2013 I set a goal for the new year. I suppose I could call it a resolution, but I really prefer to think of it less as an end state and more as a new state of mind. It’s a remarkably simple idea: my goal is to smile more … Read more
I don’t like spending money. Really, I drag my feet whenever I’m required to purchase a big ticket item and I’ve been known to stand in a store aisle for two to three minutes trying to figure out which peanut butter is cheaper, the one on sale, the store brand or the full price brand … Read more
Just how much money did I earn from online endeavors this year? Here is the breakdown in comparison to 2012: Category 2012 2013 Amazon Sales $28.68 $24.73 Book Sales $101.07 $48.75 eBay Sales $641.73 $252.69 Goods Received $140.00 $545.69 Surveys $474.00 $867.50 Rebates $233.51 $119.42 Writing Contests $750.00 $0 Prizes from Giveaways $149.00 $1,755.95 Advertising $1,957.25 … Read more
I started keeping track of the money I earned from online contests and giveaways in 2012. That year I won $149 in online contests and $750 from two writing contests. In 2013 my luck continued and I won a total of $1,775! Do you see the large turquoise section of the pie chart below. That’s the amount … Read more
This week’s brain dump: A couple of friends are trying to convince me to sign my son up for Kindermusik. In theory a music class where kids dance, sing and interact with one another sounds splendid, but that $250 price tag., not so much. If you have an opinion on this topic PLEASE leave me … Read more
Last night a good friend was telling a group of us about her life. She mentioned that every time she steps over one hurdle another hurdle begins. Then she asked when it would all balance out and be good again. When would all of the hurdles stand behind her, rather than in front of her. … Read more
My son’s very first airplane ride is just under two months away. I recently booked our flight through a third party vendor and had to call the airline for specific seat assignments. I normally wouldn’t worry about this, but wanted to ensure the three of us could book seats next to one another. As soon … Read more