mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
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Post by mizbear on Aug 2, 2011 8:43:45 GMT -5
I potty trained my younger niece. I was watching her the first time and I asked my grandfather if he would break out the old potty chair (the same one I used, yes) and clean it off. I set a timer and had her try every so often. By the time DB and ex-GF picked her up she proudly announced that she had done her business in he potty. My DB was a bit confused and his GF was angry because she had a degree in ECD and I had gone about it the wrong way- so she un-trained her. We went through this for 6 months until her pediatrician told GF that my method works for some children and she wasn't Mommy and maybe she needed to butt out. (Daddy and gf had the kids X days, Mommy had the kids Y days, and I had the kids Z days- Mommy, Daddy and I were all on the same page)- Man those were the days. 3cats- Sorry about your cat. spruby- Paws crossed. Today will be a NS. I am having dinner at DM and doing work over there. Vent/Rant ahead: Poor DN#1 (the 12yo) started her period and is terribly bloated, etc and still has dance/acting camp. I had to hack off a pair of my craft jeans in order for her to have a pair of comfortable jeans for camp tody because she couldn't get hers fastened. Please don't ask about her mother. She hasn't provided these kids with enough undergarments for the week. I am so ready to say something rude to her. ButI won't because of the kids.
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dakota4600
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 10:22:48 GMT -5
Posts: 831
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Post by dakota4600 on Aug 2, 2011 9:40:55 GMT -5
Yesterday was a CS day. The gift card we had for the movie theater we had used once before so we had to spend $1.25 on our tickets. DH had gone to Sears and got us some candy with a GC. (The closest Sears Grand store is switching back to K-Mart and we rarely shop there, so DH decided to use the GC to pick up treats this summer.) So he bought a couple packs of candy for our vacation and some for the movie last night. Probably will pick up some more before we head to Omaha, if I-29 reopens sometime soon.
MizBear- Poor girl. Give her a big hug.
Another good note I've lost 6 pounds in the 3 weeks!
HP was good. Startsmart I agree they did a great job interjecting laughter into the tense parts. Now I want to read all 7 books again. Then watch all 7 movies (but that will have to wait until the last 2 come out on DVD.)
3cats- Glad you were able to get the cat to the vet and it was a relatively inexpensive issue.
Potty training- I realized how lucky we were with mini-D in that area this weekend. My nephew still has regular accidents and did number 2 in his pants at our house. I was cleaning him up and he looked at me with great big eyes and asked if I was mad at him. I told him I wasn't I knew it was an accident, but I didn't want it to happen again this weekend. With mini-D, we were completely done and accident free in about a month and dry overnight in 3.
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singlemomky
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 10:25:57 GMT -5
Posts: 198
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Post by singlemomky on Aug 2, 2011 11:18:34 GMT -5
I'm in for August and I'm going to try to get as many as possible. I'm also going to try to track everything again this month - that's my biggest downfall.
Question for all the wise ladies here: My boss just gave me a VERY unexpected bonus of $1000. How would you divide it up?
I know that I want to do something somewhat frivolous for myself and put some away for a mini vacay in November when I have a visit from R2B2 but I'm not sure on the amounts and how much I want to set aside for future use. Any suggestions?
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Deleted
Joined: Mar 28, 2024 13:41:26 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2011 13:01:56 GMT -5
I'm a newbie (used to post a bit on the old MSN boards but have just lurked here before now) BUT I need to spend NOTHING in August. I went over budget last month by....DRUM ROLL PLEASE:
$1739 dollars.
Now I'm freaking out.
So, hi! I'll be here everday. HAHA ;D
-Alecia
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muttleynfelix
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:32:52 GMT -5
Posts: 9,406
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Post by muttleynfelix on Aug 2, 2011 13:17:05 GMT -5
shyviolet - Welcome. That stinks about last month. Was there a specific area that you went over? Was it a project or vacation that cost more than expected or was it just general overruns?
smokey - When I get an unexpected bonus, I like to give 10% to charity. Then I take the remainder and split it pretty evenly amongst our long term savings, short term savings (for things like repairs) and our wish list fund (short term savings for fun big ticket items like vacations, new computers, etc).
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Deleted
Joined: Mar 28, 2024 13:41:26 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2011 13:37:40 GMT -5
shyviolet - Welcome. That stinks about last month. Was there a specific area that you went over? Was it a project or vacation that cost more than expected or was it just general overruns? We went WAY over on our travel budget when we went to see family, and then spent WAY too much when I had a friend come into town for my b-day. Groceries were WAY over too! Otherwise, there were unexpected auto and vet bills that came up
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kcgal
Initiate Member
Joined: Dec 28, 2010 10:10:09 GMT -5
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Post by kcgal on Aug 2, 2011 14:44:02 GMT -5
shyeviolett: Start couponing. I have at least 40% on non food items. (Tide, dish soap, tooth paste ect.) and at least 20-30% on grocery items. Most people could do better but I try to eat very little processed food and I bu limited junk food. It was very helpful for me to use the computer calendar to track where I am spending my money. I do not extreme coupon just buy on sale and add a coupon.
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startsmart
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:45:52 GMT -5
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Post by startsmart on Aug 2, 2011 14:56:00 GMT -5
didn't read anything yet this morning.
need prayers for my college roommate, her name is laura. her 3 year old son drowned to death last week and now, while dealing with the loss and funeral and family, her ex husband is challenging the custody of their 5 yo son.
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reeneejune
Established Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 19:49:40 GMT -5
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Post by reeneejune on Aug 2, 2011 16:27:58 GMT -5
oh startsmart, how tragic! My thoughts are with your friend. They both (your friend and the boys' father) must be hurting so much right now.
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pointy
Junior Member
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Post by pointy on Aug 2, 2011 17:52:43 GMT -5
I'm in for August: 23 NS and 28 No QVC Startsmart - prayers to your friend
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startsmart
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:45:52 GMT -5
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Post by startsmart on Aug 2, 2011 17:54:41 GMT -5
spend day- I sent flowers to my friend's home since they don't have a service scheduled yet. they live in a small town so I'm praying she gets plenty of support from her local community
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Deleted
Joined: Mar 28, 2024 13:41:26 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2011 18:34:29 GMT -5
I'm in for August and I'm going to try to get as many as possible. I'm also going to try to track everything again this month - that's my biggest downfall. Question for all the wise ladies here: My boss just gave me a VERY unexpected bonus of $1000. How would you divide it up? I know that I want to do something somewhat frivolous for myself and put some away for a mini vacay in November when I have a visit from R2B2 but I'm not sure on the amounts and how much I want to set aside for future use. Any suggestions? Put at least 20% towards retirement, 10% towards savings, 10% towards debt of some kind and play with the rest.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2011 18:37:41 GMT -5
I'm sorry startsmart. That is horrid.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2011 18:42:14 GMT -5
I'm at 2NSD and I am trying for 25 NSD this month. Time to get back on track.
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financialpeace
Familiar Member
Joined: May 17, 2011 16:10:54 GMT -5
Posts: 554
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Post by financialpeace on Aug 2, 2011 19:27:49 GMT -5
I'm so sorry about what happened to your friend StartSmart. There is nothing worse than losing a child. My family went through that with my sister's child this past March. I wouldn't wish that on anybody. The added stress of the custody issue with the other child is just plain cruel.
Today has been successful. 1/15 NSD, 1/20 NEO, and 1/20 MOANs.
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azmom
Established Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 12:31:41 GMT -5
Posts: 256
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Post by azmom on Aug 2, 2011 19:30:30 GMT -5
I am in for August...I am going to try and get as many as possible but this is really a trial month. SO many first going in our lives rights now-football/softball practice/games, I took a leadership position at our church (voluntary), the kids are bigger and my two middle children eat like grown men! I am really struggling with planning dinner. Well actually the planning part is easy it is figuring out what works for our family and planning around that. If your interested in what I am dealing with I posted it here anotherhousewife.wordpress.com/2011/08/03/meal-planning-uncharted-territory/SS: That is horrible. Prayers sent their way Singlemom: Congrats! I agree with Gin because she is wise like that! All: I will have to catch up later I am on my way to football practice!
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muttleynfelix
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:32:52 GMT -5
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Post by muttleynfelix on Aug 2, 2011 19:57:04 GMT -5
Startsmart - Prayers for your friend. How terrible.
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ses
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:18:37 GMT -5
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Post by ses on Aug 2, 2011 22:00:09 GMT -5
Welcome Shyeviolett! You will probably be shortened to Shy! If you have any questions or just need to vent this is the place. You will find some very wise opinions here. Jump in and make it work for you. The first post of this thread has a very good overview and how to make this work for you. I am so glad to see so many new posters! After listening to Wall Street and Washington the last few days, we all may be very glad to come here for support.
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MittenKitten
Well-Known Member
Home of the Circus
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:12:58 GMT -5
Posts: 1,070
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Post by MittenKitten on Aug 2, 2011 22:31:20 GMT -5
shyeviolett: Welcome. Lots of great support and tips here.
singlemom: Is your EF completely funded? I guess I would put 1/3 to fun, 1/3 to EF if it is not funded and 1/3 to retirement/long term savings. That is just me.
Went to the MN Children's Museum today it was nuts, DD was crabby since she had to be woken this morning to get here for swim lessons for DS#1 and DNiece. She volunteered to go to bed early which DOESN'T happen, EVER. All my kids are night owls except DS#2. Kids had fun and that was the point. DSIS spoiled them, bought them all a stuffed animal. Honestly I don't think they have all their accounts fully funded and she is spending a ton of money to help our family. On stuff the kids don't really need. But that is a conversation I am SO not getting into with her as I don't want to share my details with her. I have stated I haven't touched the EF yet and things like that but you know... This is the same sister (only sibling I have)that was in big trouble when her DH lost his job and then a year later had to borrow money from his parents to move back here even though DBIL makes well over $150K.
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sapphire12
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Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:02:12 GMT -5
Posts: 1,211
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Post by sapphire12 on Aug 3, 2011 7:53:38 GMT -5
Morning all -- 1 NS day for the month.
dakota -- kudos on the 6 lbs! I haven't been able to really work out, I can't even power walk since my knee surgery. ARGHH.
SMKY -- Congrats on the bonus! I would put 20% to the EF/Retirement Acct, whichever is not fully funded. 10% to Charity. 10% to Lil Smokey. The rest for fun.
Welcome Shy!!!
start -- hugs and prayers to your friend. How tragic.
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mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
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Post by mizbear on Aug 3, 2011 8:37:16 GMT -5
start- My condolensces. My BFF N's family went through that a couple months ago- only it was no accident. I hope your friend's ex sees that they need to work together for the benefit f the surviving child and not fight. I have 2NS so far, but today may be a S or CS- I have some allocated funds for some things for today, but I also really want a cup of hot chocolate and forgot to put m SB allowance in the budget this month!
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shanendoah
Senior Associate
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Post by shanendoah on Aug 3, 2011 9:30:39 GMT -5
Update: 2NS Today will be a CS as I stop by the grocery store to pick up the few things I need to make the dinner plan for this week. Tonight- tacos. Didn't sleep super well last night as it was the first on 6 nights DH is out of town. It changes the night time schedule for the dogs to come to bed with me, which made it hard for them to settle, in addition to the fact that DH wasn't there. Tonight, DH's BFF is going to come over and hold our giant TV for me while I unhook and remove the cable/dvr box. We are getting rid of cable. Well, not really. We currently pay $53/month for internet and $88/month for cable. If I drop the cable, they will charge me $64/month for internet. But if I downgrade cable to basic basic basic (and I have to return digital converter boxes, so I'm not even certain any signal will come through), they can give me that cable/internet package for $40/month. So that's what we're doing. It should drop our cable bill by about $100/month. BUt in order for the new rates to kick in, I have to return everything (cable boxes and remotes) to a Comcast office. There's also talk of DH's BFF moving in with us this November when his current lease is up. Since his dog died, he really doesn't want to stay there, and it would be good emotionally for both him and DH (they are both introverts/total homebodies) to have the built in socialization of a roommate. The bonus is that, this time, the roomie would pay rent. In both cases, the money will mostly go toward savings/EF. The recent changes to the way Citibank redesigned their student loan website make it nearly impossible to pay extra on my GSL without messing up the following month's automatic payment. And as that's the loan I would most want to pay extra on.... What I may do is try to save up and then make a big extra payment every quarter or so and just see if maybe they can get their issues fixed.
Welcome shyviolette.
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Aug 3, 2011 9:32:12 GMT -5
*hugs* startsmart for your friend and her family. It is awful. An accident like this can break up a happy marriage, so its unsuprising that it will cause issues in an already divorced couple. But I hope they can all get it together for the sake of the remaining child.
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startsmart
Senior Member
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Post by startsmart on Aug 3, 2011 10:25:47 GMT -5
Thanks all for your thoughts and prayers. I had a chance to talk with one friend from school last night and it was good to catch up even though the circumstances were horrible.
I'm really hopeful that they can heal this relationship for the sake of their older son and the dad can be more involved. Although I know he's a jerk, he's also probably hurting because he had so little contact with his sons before.
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azmom
Established Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 12:31:41 GMT -5
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Post by azmom on Aug 3, 2011 11:17:55 GMT -5
1 NSD today I NEED to go to the grocery store today. I have been doing my own pantry challenge out of pure exhaustion! Yesterday we ate pizza boats. We had left over hoagie rolls from our camping trip, a jar of Classico spinach spaghetti sauce and a bag of shredded cheese. The kids thought it was the best dinner ever. I didn't even have anything as a side except a big glass of milk! So check this out: We went camping last weekend about 3 hours away from here and our kids met a couple of boys at our campsite and hung out with them for a little while. These two kids are on my son's football team. Is that not crazy? Camping was fun. We went with two other families and on the last day we hiked a lava tube. You know you are in for an adventure when the entrance is a small hole and leads you underground into a freezing, pitch black adventure! Then our family went to see the Cardinals Training Camp-heaven!
Welcome to all the newbies!
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azmom
Established Member
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Post by azmom on Aug 3, 2011 12:29:37 GMT -5
QUESTION: Every year, for the past two years, we have had a "fancy" back to school dinner. We all get dressed up and we have a coursed meal (appetizer(s), salad, main course-2 sides, and dessert) with real dinnerware, because we are rebels that way There is more to it but my question is I need a fancy meal ideas this year. In previous years we have had Mexican Stuffed Shells and Lasagna, not all that fancy but neither were my cooking skills. I'm feeling a little more adventurous this year but have drawn a blank on any fancy meal ideas. I really just need ideas on the main course and I could go from there but feel free to suggest items for the rest too Thanks!
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Honeylioness
Junior Member
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Post by Honeylioness on Aug 3, 2011 13:22:51 GMT -5
azmom - what, if any, food restrictions do your kids have? I have some ideas but want to see if perhaps no one in your family will eat onions or mushrooms
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Aug 3, 2011 13:23:06 GMT -5
azmom: How about a chicken and mango curry dish? Or chicken skewers with a thai peanut sauce? The peanut sauce is REALLY easy to make (in fact, your daughter could do most of the "work" involved -ie stirring, if she wanted to help) its simply peanut butter, a little sesame oil, a little chili oil, some red pepper flakes, and water. How much of the oils and red pepper depends on your tastes. Its mostly peanut butter thinned with water and stirred to a good consistency.
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startsmart
Senior Member
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Post by startsmart on Aug 3, 2011 13:37:17 GMT -5
azmom- I just made a dish that I found on pinterest with chicken, pasta, bacon and a yummy sauce. Pair it with grilled zucchini and fresh rolls and it would be a nice dinner! There are a ton of ideas on that site - I give an overview and links on my blog (myfriendkelly.wordpress.com) on yesterday's post.
my blog- I went ahead and linked my blog to a pinterest challenge yesterday and was surprised to see 100 hits! Very nice change from my 40-60 daily numbers. At this rate I'm going to hit a very big milestone in terms of total visits by the end of week!
NSD I think - I went out for a bit this morning, picked up an order for my mom (already paid for), gas and a few groceries at Costco since I was too tired last night to do both stores, then spent 60 cents printing docs at the library. I don't think I count that as a spend day (it was from my allowance cash anyway) because it'll get me a $98 rebate and the when I send in the forms to the state I'll count that as a spend day.
Ants are back and taking over the kitchen. Every time I caulk the space where they come in by the window they find a new one. Time to break out the gun again. I just hate it because it's in an odd angle so I have to lean against the counter which is covered in ants.
And now back to work, gotta set up some meetings tomorrow and work on my checklists.
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mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
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Post by mizbear on Aug 3, 2011 14:04:46 GMT -5
startsmart- There is a natural ant killer you can make using borax- but I don't remember if ou have pets or little ones to worry about so I would check out all the ins and outs before doing it.
I did a S today- but I made up for it by shopping Dollar tree for my needs. I saved major money on my batteries and tire pressure gauge by going to DT and was able to pick up 10 toothbrushes with covers for $2 (5 to a pack) to put in the girls' buckets. I did do one bad thing- I bought a $1 bag of lemonheads, a $1 bag of chips (7 oz bags) for both of the girls, and then put $10 on my SB card. Oh and I was able to get a 50 pack of little trash bags for my bathroom can for $1. I probably saved enough to cover SB by buying the batteries and trash bags there. (I have to buy my kitchen bags atwal-mart or somewhere though- I am phobic)
2NS/1S
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