michelejo.com

Category: Tending Hearth

  • A SAHM’s Side Work

    I’ve shared before that my youngest daughter and I enjoy collecting American Girl dolls.  It’s an expensive hobby, so we started buying used dolls in anywhere from excellent to poor condition, and fixing them up.  We then started selling these re-habbed dolls.  Often, we’ll find an amazing deal on a doll we already have, or…

  • Low-Spend June: Day 5

    Heading into day five and thinking about filling in some blanks with food these next couple weeks. One lasagna down, one still in the freezer. Pork tenderloins gone, but provided two generous dinners, so yay. Two chicken enchilada casseroles, still in the freezer.  Moving one to fridge to defrost.  I’d love to grab a bag…

  • Low-Spend June: Day 4

    The hardest part of this plan has been explaining the whole deal to the hubby and kids, although they’ve all been great sports about me saying no to Taco Bell or shopping trips just to “look,” etc. Today my 12yo and I went to Dollar Tree.  I thought I’d try purchasing paper towels, trash bags…

  • Low-Spend June: Day 3

    It’s still early in the day, so I may have to update if I don’t make it through the day without buying SOMETHING ELSE. I just spent $38.58 but it was on something I desperately need…two new bras.  I had a 40% off coupon for LaneBryant and I only ordered two of my beloved wire-free…

  • Low-Spend June: Day 2

    Did pretty well today.  I cooked about 8 days worth of dinners/lunches from food I’d already stockpiled, and stopped at the grocery store for a few things and only spent $12.86.  Sadly, my Sam’s Club mozzarella was VERY moldy (dated July 29th mind you) so I wanted to buy cheese for the top of tonight’s lasagna.…

  • Low-Spend June: Day 2

    Did pretty well today.  I cooked about 8 days worth of dinners/lunches from food I’d already stockpiled, and stopped at the grocery store for a few things and only spent $12.86.  Sadly, my Sam’s Club mozzarella was VERY moldy (dated July 29th mind you) so I wanted to buy cheese for the top of tonight’s lasagna.…

  • How to have a painless “low-spend” month! June, Day 1

    I haven’t done one in a while, and I will admit that I often fail miserably when I try.  I usually do great for a week or ten days and then….poof.   I’ve been trying to follow a strict budget this year, but not having the success I’d like.  I’d love to start significantly adding to…

  • How to have a painless “low-spend” month! June, Day 1

    I haven’t done one in a while, and I will admit that I often fail miserably when I try.  I usually do great for a week or ten days and then….poof.   I’ve been trying to follow a strict budget this year, but not having the success I’d like.  I’d love to start significantly adding to…

  • Expenses to cut for healthier finances

    Updated 12/29/18! We gave up cable years ago (saving about $100 per month) but there are still often other expenses that are nickel-and-diming our budget. Sling ~ only $25/mo but no one was watching it.  I’ll consider it again once they fully launch their cloud-based DVR service. Trampoline Class for kiddos ~ As homeschoolers, I…

  • Prepping to pare down the stockpiles!

    This is a great topic being that we’re doing a low-spend month, trying to get into better budgeting habits in order to bulk up our savings.  For the record, I don’t stockpile intentionally…I really just buy stuff regularly, and don’t use it all.  Over time it grows.  I like having excess in the pantry, fridge and freezer.…