tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36673244781937516622024-03-14T00:11:35.258-05:00Raising Up TogetherRaising our daughter (and ourselves) one project at a time.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914026503305011720noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-58890493556900124822015-02-04T16:07:00.000-06:002015-02-04T16:07:04.718-06:00Vegan Recipes<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, we got a request for some good, vegan recipes. I’ve been cooking quite a bit recently, and I
got to try out some new-to-us meals. A
few of them were not so good (samosa salad, bleh) and a couple were keepers
(butternut squash quesadillas, yum). I
don’t like using a lot of pots and pans, so these are post-dinner-cleanup
friendly, too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"> v<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Butternut Squash Quesadillas (about 470 calories
per quesadilla)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left;">
These are incredible. They do require one thing non/new vegans may
not be used to: fake cheese. Daiya makes
the BEST. I use the cheddar style
shreds, and they melt like a dream. *For
those of you concerned about soy, it is a tapioca base.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->1 Butternut Squash, peeled, de-seeded, and cut
into small cubes (think the size of cheese cubes)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds (how much depends on
how cheesy you like your quesadillas)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->1 Can of Black Beans, rinsed<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Tortillas (we use whole wheat)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Oil of your choice (we use avocado, but olive or
canola is fine)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Pinch of salt<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Pinch of pepper<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Pinch of chili powder (these are obviously exact
measurements)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Optional: some kind of green. Fresh spinach or kale works.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Heat up the oil in a big skillet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Throw in the squash, sprinkle salt, pepper, and
chili powder, and toss it around to coat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Cook, stirring/flipping occasionally, until
squash is tender. It takes a little while, but stove top is faster than the oven
version. (If you want to throw in a green, throw in when the squash is almost
done. Greens wilt pretty fast in my
experience.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Dump the cooked squash into a bowl. Dump in your rinsed black beans and mix. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Wipe out the skillet with a couple paper towels
(DON’T BURN YOURSELF!!!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Slap a tortilla in the skillet, and pile in the
squash/bean mixture and “cheese”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Cover with another tortilla, and squish it down.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Flip when you think it’s ready (not rocket
science. Cheese melty=flip!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Slice and eat!
We like to dip ours in salsa. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"> v<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Vegan Stew (about 420 calories per bowl)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left;">
This is the best on a cold day,
something we have no shortage of here in Illinois! This one has a meat
substitute, but I don’t think of it as “fake meat”. It’s more of a grain cake that’s packed with
protein! Fair warning: it does NOT have the same texture as meat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->1 Package tempeh, cubed (as big as you want)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->1 Sweet potato, peeled and cubed<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->½ cup lentils, rinsed<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->4 carrots, sliced in discs<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->1 Carton vegetable stock (low-sodium)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->2 tablespoon flour (I can’t even pretend to know
the differences in flours. Use what
you’ve got.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Splash of almond milk (original, unsweetened)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->½ onion, diced<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->2-3 cloves of garlic, minced<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Olive oil (enough to coat the bottom of your
pot)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Mrs. Dash Italian Blend (or whatever
herbs/spices you like in a stew)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--> 1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--> 2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Dump in the onions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--> 3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Wait a few minutes, and dump in the garlic.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--> 4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->When you smell the garlic, throw in the tempeh
and carrots.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--> 5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Stir everything for a minute, just to get some
flavor on the tempeh.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--> 6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Sprinkle in flour, and stir to coat everything
in the pot.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--> 7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Add the almond milk, enough to wet everything,
and to scrape up some of the goodness on the bottom of the pot. The milk is
also good to eliminate some of the lumps the flour can leave in the final dish.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--> 8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Pour in the entire carton of vegetable stock.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--> 9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Add sweet potatoes, lentils, and seasonings.
(All ingredients should be covered in stock/almond milk)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 10.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Bring to a boil, then turn down to simmer until
it’s reduced to a consistency you like. I like a really thick stew, so I let it
go for quite a while (about 40-50 minutes).</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> 11.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Ladle into a bowl and eat!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also want to include some premade meals that are a
lifesaver for me. Amy’s Low-Sodium
Lentil Soup is AMAZING!!!! I eat it for lunch almost every day. I can pop in in the microwave, and 90 seconds
later I’m ready to eat. That’s vital
when you have a ½ hour lunch. Amy’s has
a ton of soups, and they are clearly marked if they are vegan. I get mine from Kroger, in the natural foods
section. It’s usually on sale for about
$2.50. That may seem like a lot for a
can of soup, but it’s better than running to the nearest fast food chain! It also keeps me full until dinner (no small
feat). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have I said enough about how much I LOVE Daiya “cheese”
products? They have shreds, slices, and
blocks. I love making grilled cheese
with the slices. Even Tutu likes it, so
it can’t be all bad. It’s not exactly
like real cheese, but it’s the second best thing I’ve found so far.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We love Mexican food, so a taco meat substitute was
necessary. Fantastic Foods has a taco
mix that is super simple. It’s dry, so
you just boil some water, dump in the mix, and boom! Taco meat!
We stir in cheddar style shreds and put it over chips for some
nachos. It takes about 5 minutes from
start to eating. The sky is the limit
with nachos. Pour on some salsa and
sliced avocado (or guac… my mouth is watering!), sliced jalapeños, shredded
lettuce, cilantro, and you’ve got loaded nachos! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope this helps all of you that either want to go fully
plant-based, or just want to lay off the meat a little. Enjoy!
Vegans: Do you have any quick recipes that are a go-to on busy nights?<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105185803999417394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-42617930407764421262015-01-09T13:40:00.000-06:002015-01-09T13:40:21.469-06:00Living Differently<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve always liked being a little different; just a little to
the left of the norm. The goal wasn’t to
be super weird (though I’m sure I’ve come off that way to some). I think we have officially ventured into the
world of the truly weird. We’re vegan
(weird), we don’t own a home (weird for our income and family situation), and
we live below our means (definitely weird for millennials). That sounds like the makings of the world’s
most boring reality show! The only way
you get a show with those criteria is if you also have approximately one
thousand children. No thank you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve almost gone a solid week on the vegan train! These are the good days. I haven’t really had time to crave all the
things I no longer let myself eat. To be
successful at a plant-based diet, I have to turn around the usual logic: I
don’t think about all the food I can’t eat, instead I think about all the food
I can eat. That sounds so cheesy
(cheezy?) and straight out of an upbeat diet book, but it works for me. Another
strategy I use is getting into a good, solid rhythm of meals. I have to build a habit or an
anti-addiction. I like to think I’m
adaptable, but I’m good at getting in a rut.
Is there a positive word for rut? A moat? We’ll say a groove. I need to get in my vegan groove, and after I
don’t have to think as much about eating.
I read that it takes 21 times to make something a habit. Only 15 more days…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People always asked (Zach and I were vegan for a little over
a year right before and after we got married), “Isn’t it hard?” It’s not. So many more options are at the regular
grocery store than you’ve ever noticed.
Do I miss ice cream? No. I can get a coconut-milk based, turtle ice
cream that is out-of-this-world good.
Cheese? Okay, yes. I miss it almost daily. I’d love to take a big bite out of a block of
sharp cheddar a la Schmidt in season 3 of New Girl, but I don’t <i>need</i> it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is my main goal for 2015: sifting out the wants from
the needs. I majorly lack discipline,
and this is the year I’m going to get it.
It was different when Zach and I got married. I knew it wasn’t just me anymore, but I’m
really good at convincing him to go my way.
He says manipulate. He’s
dramatic. But now? I can’t convince Tu to not go to college
because I want a house. That’s not fair
to her. It’s especially not fair because
she has zero say in the matter right now.
So, no more Target runs for fun, no more eating at restaurants, no more
Sunday afternoon mall visits. We are
hunkering down in our 700 square feet of apartment, with our vegan cheese, and
getting out of debt! Who’s with us?!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcl5phlvIdky7_SCn58o8QFTjhCVuBXPa1kqkrSnvhm41IEnZufuwmzWYx9TVIhvM-VdHPfWrcuG51n59gdxw2noCK1LfmjEy3BMriEWHgK2PUMBWDOpxXrjwGVgewHh60DaHb__xo1EA/s1600/IMG_0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcl5phlvIdky7_SCn58o8QFTjhCVuBXPa1kqkrSnvhm41IEnZufuwmzWYx9TVIhvM-VdHPfWrcuG51n59gdxw2noCK1LfmjEy3BMriEWHgK2PUMBWDOpxXrjwGVgewHh60DaHb__xo1EA/s1600/IMG_0394.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1844381490"></span><span id="goog_1844381491"></span><br />
Zach here,<br />
<br />
Passionate and dramatic are regularly confused for the other.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105185803999417394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-23461336804287882872014-12-31T08:00:00.000-06:002014-12-31T08:00:10.122-06:00It’s the Most Spend-er-ful Time of the Year!<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We hope you and yours had a fabulous holiday season!!! Read on to find out what we learned this year.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For the past couple months, I’ve been spending money like it’s my job: boots, baby stuff, Christmas presents, a car…obviously that last one is the kicker. I had a not-so-safe vehicle situation. My lovely Pontiac G6 had a recall because the brake lights decided every day was opposite day: they were on unless I pushed on the break. With Tutu in the back, I didn’t feel safe driving that car. Why not get it fixed? Well, I tried once before the recall (naturally it wasn’t doing it consistently then), and the recall announcement informed us that they didn’t have the parts to fix it yet. Got to love GM. I apologize if you or someone you know works for GM. I’m bitter.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One Friday night this fall, Mama, Tutu, and I went to the car lot. Mama is very experienced in the area of buying cars. She’s my representative at the dealership. Tutu is cute and hilarious. Together they make a formidable team. I hate buying cars. I like having a new car, but I don’t like what you have to go through to get it. Anyway, I have almost no tips on how to get a good deal once you’re there. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before you go, it’s super important to do your research. I ended up knowing more about the inventory that the sales person we were working with. Know about the cars you’re interested in (most lots have the inventory online), get the Kelly Blue Book and NADA values of the new car(s) and your trade-in, and be ready to argue. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am the new owner of a Mitsubishi Outlander. I love it. Did I need it? Probably not. Are we even further in debt? Definitely. Now it’s time to put our noses to the grindstone and pay off a bunch of money. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2015 is the year of living WAAAAAAY below our means. Here’s the plan: we are going to do our best to live on my income and put all of Zach’s toward debt. If I did the math right (good chance I didn’t, but I really think I did), we can do it. As soon as we get a Z paycheck, I’ll immediately transfer it to a designated savings account (we named it “Debt”). When I make a debt payment, I’ll transfer the money and immediately pay the bill. It’ll be like the money was never in our checking account. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We’re considering getting a separate checking account that doesn’t have a debit card. We do all our banking online, so it’s not really necessary. Speaking of debit cards, I’m going to start leaving mine at home. I’m going to use cash for as much as I can.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tip: watch this Rachel Cruze (Dave Ramsey’s daughter) vlog for a way to keep a cute wallet and still do the envelope system:</span><a href="http://youtu.be/2lucl3bwiJM" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://youtu.be/2lucl3bwiJM</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I’m going to do that. Instead of just hoping to stick to my budget, I’m going to withdraw the cash at the beginning of the month in the categories I typically overspend: groceries, eating out, and personal money. Those are the instances that I usually just swipe the debit card. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gas will still be a debit card situation. With winter in full swing around here, there’s no way I’m spending any more time outside than I have to!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">How much have we been eating out lately? I would guess about half of our meals in the past few months have not been at home. Well, we might have eaten them at home, but they sure weren’t made at home! January 1 means no more eating out (or very very little) and switching back to a strict, vegan diet. Zach and I are big fans of the Skinny Bitch/Bastard series. We have three of the books and two cookbooks. No more excuses. It’s time to get skinny/fit! (Zach hates the word “skinny”.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I know this is all super cliché. No one makes plans to change for the better in a new year! I wonder how many products exist pertaining to New Year’s resolutions. Probably millions. We’re hoping to stick to ours not just for the new year, but for the rest of our lives. Here’s to New Life Resolutions! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Happy New Year!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">XOXO,</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105185803999417394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-64048691137153472792014-12-17T11:04:00.003-06:002014-12-17T11:04:39.095-06:00Where Have You Been?!<div class="MsoNormal">
Is it December already??? So much has happened in the past
three months! We moved, Tutu turned 1
(!), Zach got a new job, I’ve fallen into a major spending pit… We’ll talk more about that later.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On today’s agenda: we moved!
I can’t believe all the money it is saving us. I didn’t realize all the extra bills that
come along with renting a house (in our experience): water, sewer, garbage, recycling,
and probably more I can’t think of right now.
Those are just the bills! <span style="background-color: yellow;"> We've already been able to pay off our two smallest loans and are halfway to paying off our third! </span> Zach no
longer has to shovel or mow, and I no longer have to feel bad that I didn’t
landscape! I hated staring at the
overgrown plants, but not enough to do something about it. I hate gardening. We also have to clean less since our space is
smaller. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Let’s talk about that. Our space is much smaller. The house we were renting had 4 bedrooms and
a formal dining room. To me, formal
dining room equals a good sized space.
We only used two of the bedrooms.
We had a guest room and office upstairs, but they ended up being more of
catch-all rooms. We managed to get rid
of A LOT of stuff. We had to make 4
bedrooms of stuff fit in a 2 bedroom apartment. Did I mention that this
apartment has 1 storage closet (slightly bigger than a typical coat closet) and
1 linen closet? Yeah. It’s tight.
How did we do it? Well, we sold
some stuff, but mostly we gave it away.
We posted some furniture via the blog and managed to sell almost all of
it within a week. The remainders were
sold via Craigslist. That was a good
little chunk of change in the ‘ole pocketbook.
I tried taking some clothes to the consignment shop, but they rejected
most of it (they’re really picky; some of it was wrinkled. Seriously.). I made a rule that once it left the house it
didn’t come back in, ever. It all lived
in my car until we took everything to the Salvation Army. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We sold some of Tu’s stuff in the garage sale (not much), and
took the rest to our local Crisis Nursery.
They do great work for mothers in need.
It makes me smile knowing the stuff we donated is making the caretakers’
lives just a little easier. The toys
might also be putting some smiles on tiny faces. Once I packed her room and realized how much
I missed while sifting through for the garage sale, we had another good sized
lot to take over to the nursery. Next
we’re taking her bottles and leftover formula.
My baby is a toddler! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzbl9cBPmULezGE30uLhyphenhyphenIeiOvBRcYsH-8sDptsgb_COxo37f0l8PchtKkM9lYjpx8VDELBK1Kzf6OHVylbfJZArYMssz98MJSmr85yHO6mD4xibkqG28ulh9xBjoW95fI7a4qDKLYmU/s1600/Tu+Yogurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzbl9cBPmULezGE30uLhyphenhyphenIeiOvBRcYsH-8sDptsgb_COxo37f0l8PchtKkM9lYjpx8VDELBK1Kzf6OHVylbfJZArYMssz98MJSmr85yHO6mD4xibkqG28ulh9xBjoW95fI7a4qDKLYmU/s1600/Tu+Yogurt.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mama and I (with a little help from my friend Liz) ended up
painting every room in the apartment.
The existing wall color was a little too close to the color of skin, and
one wall (an accent wall, I guess) in Tu’s room was hunter green. That took a
good two weekends of work. You notice
every single wall and trim issue while you’re doing that. Let’s just say the previous tenants were not
as precise painters as Mama and me. I
might be painting the trim come spring. <o:p></o:p></div>
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That is just one of many apartment projects on my list. I have definitely bitten off more than I can
chew. My goal with this place is to really make it feel like home. We have every intention of staying here until
all our debt is paid. I don’t want to
move again unless it’s a house that we own.
I have a theory: if I put a lot of work into our apartment, I’ll want to
stay longer. I’ve moved at least every
year since I was 17. I get the 1 year
itch for some change. I’ll just have to
find said change elsewhere; new curtains maybe.
Here is my current project list:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"></span></span><!--[endif]-->Make mason jar storage for bathroom.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Put up wallpaper as pseudo-backsplash in
kitchen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Paint side table for living room.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Paint bistro table and stools?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hang curtain rods and curtains in bedrooms.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Paint dresser.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Finish gallery wall in living room.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Frame chalkboard on living room wall.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
Paint island/refinish top.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Re-organize kitchen cabinets.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Figure out a pantry?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Put hardware on cabinets?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Paint doors and trim<o:p></o:p></div>
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Spray paint door knobs.</div>
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Hang light in living room attached routed switch.</div>
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I might be insane. Stay tuned for the exciting
conclusion! Will she get any of these
done??? </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105185803999417394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-45907005153122016182014-08-14T12:48:00.003-05:002014-08-14T12:48:31.246-05:00Have Baby, Will Travel<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When my grandma and aunt offered to pay for Zach, Turner, and my flight to visit in Florida, I was instantly excited. I saw nothing stopping me from saying, “YES!” Zach was a little more hesitant. He was understandably worried about traveling with a 9 month old. I found that with a good amount of planning, we had a successful trip! It’s exhausting to travel with a baby, but seeing her face when she sat on the beach for the first time made it so worth it.</span></div>
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<img alt="Displaying photo.JPG" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/kvHd-WzUBrKKa2IDsHAaLORZpw1o1Rw272r8_Hr8rCT4bmOvCBWqkpbYAnSCGwI-ljRQpeKff296fU3ZKaerIiN98xdK48YT=w1656-h809" width="480" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE FLIGHT:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My number one fear was of Tu having a meltdown on the plane because of her ears popping. I’m a very nervous flier, add my baby screaming, and I might have had a meltdown too. Luckily, Tu’s very favorite activity is meeting new people. That kept her more than occupied for the flights (we were also lucky to have direct flights each way). If her ears were popping, she didn’t notice. Trust me, I didn’t just hope for the best. I made plans. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We brought enough formula for 3 bottles. She typically eats every 4 hours or so, and it was a 2 hour flight. I think we were covered. I planned on her having two small bottles during takeoff and landing to avoid the ear popping. I gave her the first bottle on the way up, and she was asleep on the way down (and didn’t wake up until we were leaving the plane). WIN! I used the same plan on the way home, and I am happy to say she never acted like her ears were bothering her.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I downloaded some shows on my phone. She’s obsessed with The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I had a couple of those ready to go. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We had different toys/books in the diaper bag. It turned out that her favorite toy was the key decoration on my purse. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We made goodie bags for the passengers around us. They included two fun sized candy bars, gum, and ear plugs. Everyone around us really liked it, and one woman even said she should give hers back since Tu was so good. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I made sure we had Ziploc baggies in the diaper bag in case of a stinky diaper (yeah, that happened). </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We packed plenty of snacks. </span></div>
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</ul>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tutu watched all of about 3 minutes of Mickey Mouse, and spent the rest of the time smiling and talking to the people around us. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once we landed (huge relief), the car seat battle began. I have never been so thankful for our car seat bases. Every time we left the house, I had to buckle in that car seat. I feel bad for the parents of the pre-base days. I bet they built up some killer back muscles. All-in-all, that was the worst part of traveling with a baby. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since we went from the Central to Eastern time zones, we opted to not change Tu’s schedule. It was only an hour ahead, so that meant she went to bed later and slept later. Okay by us! She usually goes to bed around 8:30 or 9, and I get her up at 6 every morning. She’s a pretty good sleeper, so the scenery change didn’t disrupt her much. She would get restless in the early morning, so we’d just put her in bed with us. She’d sleep a few more hours and wake up smiling. I think the issue was the bed we got for her. It was a tiny, pop-up tent. There was a pad that snapped on the outside of the bottom (no suffocation hazard), but it wasn’t very thick. She was basically sleeping on the floor. I had to make it up to her with mama-snuggles. (I know that’s not the best thing to do, and trust me, I’m a very nervous mother. She’s a pretty big girl, so I wasn’t really worried about rolling over on her. I was mostly awake, anyway.)</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We stayed at my grandma’s house, and that was a huge plus. We were able to spread out, and I was able to execute my BEST TIP: Order supplies ahead of time, and have them shipped to the place you’re staying. Wow, this saved so much luggage space! We shipped diapers and wipes (The Honest Company, where we usually get that stuff), formula (Target), baby wash and lotion (Target), and sunscreen (Target). Instead of rushing out to Target as soon as we got there, we were able to relax. We also avoided forgetting anything, or risking the Sarasota Target not having something. (No joke, we bought the very last canister of soy formula last Saturday at our Target, so, it’s possible.) This is definitely my numero uno suggestion!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you have any baby-travel-tips you absolutely can’t live without? </span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-3aea49e4-d59b-d6ee-78c4-09de4770cad2"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105185803999417394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-40326345599105962952014-08-05T15:02:00.002-05:002014-08-14T13:15:55.983-05:00Moving Sale!!!Tara and I have been able to cut $150 in expenses by switching internet providers and cell phone carriers! We stumbled into another banging deal with a 2 bedroom apartment for $550/month only 5 minutes from our current house, allowing us to cut another $150 in expenses. We will have $300/month to put towards debt, not including the money we will save as garbage and water are included in utilities. Unfortunately, we are downsizing and need to get rid of some big items in the next few weeks. Help a brother out!<br />
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First up, a Queen size bed frame for $150 (with or without the box spring/mattress).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8m_Z60Y-sxHth8h4OiIKUOZNH3p5D7NBH0vgKxvMrb1YuLpVx6bEdCSdrODUtzkxUQZI5vawtiIoQzFwkzcqDrSXTeOoABai05XY0feUy2J1y8nCZ3kYWQFDnneJkkZ5ovgAFBx_emA/s1600/photo+1+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyI7P_juO2s1vpemj4kQGd16-qUPRXkXRx_NOVZptAvdP4nVXDFh3JrtSQKAiaq8-YAAo34InlAAvbV7Hgv0E-UfgcMZbniTrExq6GyvYbDdPhT8qzIsqM5mHgWiQz9odzgCadsRDWU0o/s1600/photo+3+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyI7P_juO2s1vpemj4kQGd16-qUPRXkXRx_NOVZptAvdP4nVXDFh3JrtSQKAiaq8-YAAo34InlAAvbV7Hgv0E-UfgcMZbniTrExq6GyvYbDdPhT8qzIsqM5mHgWiQz9odzgCadsRDWU0o/s1600/photo+3+(1).JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XK6wEaNj7MwwVARRJuGNWAfCGnM7OWxf-YKSkXilygrxY89SKamcEYrwIX2dutn1POq9ndu4zj6vaVXpf8jhxu63PAnxeAN_ohakcPy6d9LCquNMmiT2ijUaFaUMA0fTSBCutG0gfcY/s1600/photo+2+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XK6wEaNj7MwwVARRJuGNWAfCGnM7OWxf-YKSkXilygrxY89SKamcEYrwIX2dutn1POq9ndu4zj6vaVXpf8jhxu63PAnxeAN_ohakcPy6d9LCquNMmiT2ijUaFaUMA0fTSBCutG0gfcY/s1600/photo+2+(2).JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8m_Z60Y-sxHth8h4OiIKUOZNH3p5D7NBH0vgKxvMrb1YuLpVx6bEdCSdrODUtzkxUQZI5vawtiIoQzFwkzcqDrSXTeOoABai05XY0feUy2J1y8nCZ3kYWQFDnneJkkZ5ovgAFBx_emA/s1600/photo+1+(2).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></div>
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Next, a tall and solid 5 drawer wood dresser/family heirloom for $80.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXbtMOU6HLaBOT3irxJg23Kho9vw1CRT5jBpMRMca07wNs-DWVmOS0xklW3Mx72NWX49mXt3bKwf2esDHgsim08fqYPfLjI7SevdXolL7LkGDGLuh7ZS7_jgOIbFOgGtQfXjgsIx0VXI/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXbtMOU6HLaBOT3irxJg23Kho9vw1CRT5jBpMRMca07wNs-DWVmOS0xklW3Mx72NWX49mXt3bKwf2esDHgsim08fqYPfLjI7SevdXolL7LkGDGLuh7ZS7_jgOIbFOgGtQfXjgsIx0VXI/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomnA_RyB6-KG0_ZtB8z2pPSuT1IBGKHRNku7yHjW3waMEKeKGRx_BGc3VzyXd3wxlJfjZtW8TCRdNRcKT9Dx8uO8aCkYql5y5hzHTmUI7D6eo6JKe-DaZw2DnJF84TwxQx-a22w0p7SI/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomnA_RyB6-KG0_ZtB8z2pPSuT1IBGKHRNku7yHjW3waMEKeKGRx_BGc3VzyXd3wxlJfjZtW8TCRdNRcKT9Dx8uO8aCkYql5y5hzHTmUI7D6eo6JKe-DaZw2DnJF84TwxQx-a22w0p7SI/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Anyone need a big black fridge? Only about 3 years old and in great condition! $600.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ezi0e0c91Zu2msQr19SgzQBoVseT0QV5f5r5SHSKRhlq-J6duDHMZSrrV8eAOsYWoI9MtrIxpVs1-F0kRxiJiJ2NSyVPHY0MAJKafXjpndkQGPDTj1RUrE8VmkzDJlHo9GxO-oXih4A/s1600/photo+4+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ezi0e0c91Zu2msQr19SgzQBoVseT0QV5f5r5SHSKRhlq-J6duDHMZSrrV8eAOsYWoI9MtrIxpVs1-F0kRxiJiJ2NSyVPHY0MAJKafXjpndkQGPDTj1RUrE8VmkzDJlHo9GxO-oXih4A/s1600/photo+4+(1).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freezer Drawer</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhHdyDJ7UX1-xcKRIXNIpYA2tXpq5FC4ZkWNsln-U6LqjYsx7rARAAJu0MGEoH3jyk8rBYvGDT_6CMxst9MA0KT6iuEiBnii7w2PWCxo_87IJkKgFQpQzJaUyjiCH1xeDPTVyO5oFYNA/s1600/photo+2+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhHdyDJ7UX1-xcKRIXNIpYA2tXpq5FC4ZkWNsln-U6LqjYsx7rARAAJu0MGEoH3jyk8rBYvGDT_6CMxst9MA0KT6iuEiBnii7w2PWCxo_87IJkKgFQpQzJaUyjiCH1xeDPTVyO5oFYNA/s1600/photo+2+(3).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fridge Door</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicH04OVi6pdfXoczqwHP6PVELBTvRBG5pMnGClEOUwP9n6_t2f81POnhU57TDkPsBPJG3_42C1w-kI_fsj2lIPXp9DXaH3o-ivNMr6yx0lKflaNhlYKPXQS8zVYBmoU1HVjyUulNliL84/s1600/photo+3+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPQbBTscTfToCPL5nWVT_dgHdfHAuhWWopjdGrgPvHI01wz6f5x7XcW5xJQvTZ9A7ztZrjAOsD6tYbV8j1nj_ilgk3LObsP8-BueCxAwNb7t9K_a7QEgy_oxlvSMTx_w_MEcceNctZTw/s1600/photo+5+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPQbBTscTfToCPL5nWVT_dgHdfHAuhWWopjdGrgPvHI01wz6f5x7XcW5xJQvTZ9A7ztZrjAOsD6tYbV8j1nj_ilgk3LObsP8-BueCxAwNb7t9K_a7QEgy_oxlvSMTx_w_MEcceNctZTw/s1600/photo+5+(1).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicH04OVi6pdfXoczqwHP6PVELBTvRBG5pMnGClEOUwP9n6_t2f81POnhU57TDkPsBPJG3_42C1w-kI_fsj2lIPXp9DXaH3o-ivNMr6yx0lKflaNhlYKPXQS8zVYBmoU1HVjyUulNliL84/s1600/photo+3+(2).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></div>
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Up next, a round of a few smaller items including a new computer chair, a vintage armchair, and weight bench. $35 each.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipSf_nk21USDmR1hfLOyMOTuQAaCACBiMhqRBcxhi09PB_veCSWVObN5_HRNhbLfFzKwsQoQb0EC_SY7tnr5FtUed4qgSSZTHZ4q2XKXvkV8lRQWq-TIwSB-Up11ZMUxFvFkYWVzcEAQ/s1600/photo+3+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipSf_nk21USDmR1hfLOyMOTuQAaCACBiMhqRBcxhi09PB_veCSWVObN5_HRNhbLfFzKwsQoQb0EC_SY7tnr5FtUed4qgSSZTHZ4q2XKXvkV8lRQWq-TIwSB-Up11ZMUxFvFkYWVzcEAQ/s1600/photo+3+(3).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymDldLZsYIkLvWOZz8h5X9J9G4GXJntBcib2oykftLWjEYE-AKn-SbI8uj5T74SHTqu5wtZ331m7M1YWgniM279g5TcMZLoEgGUnr0qjwT1u7MfEW-zLf6Tn4AFqpzkX-Y4X9eFElw0k/s1600/photo+1+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymDldLZsYIkLvWOZz8h5X9J9G4GXJntBcib2oykftLWjEYE-AKn-SbI8uj5T74SHTqu5wtZ331m7M1YWgniM279g5TcMZLoEgGUnr0qjwT1u7MfEW-zLf6Tn4AFqpzkX-Y4X9eFElw0k/s1600/photo+1+(4).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6oqliQiHZrbq8AgSKCkvipNpFpsKa-dn4EggyQX019KPxpc63m1-Tts1WVMDXenyIwLrZxko6LmnhgUzhXSq0BZQCGvBDeErn4v07OiC8xt3UoxvtHLRachhgW3jZRFRMKXeHeDGz9E/s1600/photo+1+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6oqliQiHZrbq8AgSKCkvipNpFpsKa-dn4EggyQX019KPxpc63m1-Tts1WVMDXenyIwLrZxko6LmnhgUzhXSq0BZQCGvBDeErn4v07OiC8xt3UoxvtHLRachhgW3jZRFRMKXeHeDGz9E/s1600/photo+1+(5).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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We have a gas stove available for $250.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkqZia8866sXkHWa_vpfuMouPeADJfDv5658GxoD_vbeJ7A3r7qagybk8tu9lsU5v5Y2cTHnq_2QonfZAeH6vM_Q42avrs6vAUeumey0NH3FzpSsOcDOsBkw-Ec12DAQyhrDwtWqep8c/s1600/photo+4+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkqZia8866sXkHWa_vpfuMouPeADJfDv5658GxoD_vbeJ7A3r7qagybk8tu9lsU5v5Y2cTHnq_2QonfZAeH6vM_Q42avrs6vAUeumey0NH3FzpSsOcDOsBkw-Ec12DAQyhrDwtWqep8c/s1600/photo+4+(2).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGXt_9Zib_MpyC7YPHMUvWsUoZSSeLKc76jsS5lEG2dSPdvH3fAaSEOAcr4XFClqnJQJbnkAH5YPsV431a8n_tCSi_M64BBi379gOdWiBVaVDM4fuiLevvq6M70IsSmEOqCdgpwypQzs/s1600/photo+5+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGXt_9Zib_MpyC7YPHMUvWsUoZSSeLKc76jsS5lEG2dSPdvH3fAaSEOAcr4XFClqnJQJbnkAH5YPsV431a8n_tCSi_M64BBi379gOdWiBVaVDM4fuiLevvq6M70IsSmEOqCdgpwypQzs/s1600/photo+5+(2).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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Tara has been using this armoire/entertainment center for her salon stash. This solid, wood piece has a pull out rotating shelf with a power source in the cabinet. $50.<br />
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Lastly, we have a solid oak 6' X 3' desk and a bookshelf handcrafted by an experienced carpenter. $40 each.<br />
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We will be selling many of the books seen on the shelf, men's clothes (Large & Extra Large), women's clothes, and a TON of baby goods including clothes, toys, and other miscellaneous objects. If you are interested in any of these please contact us via FB, text, or email. We are willing to negotiate prices or even sell multiple items. Here's to getting out of debt and changing our family tree!<br />
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UPDATE: We have sold the bed, dresser, refrigerator, stove, desk, desk chair. We still have a bookshelf, weight bench, and vintage floral arm chair available.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105185803999417394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-22388097808513660792014-07-15T14:22:00.001-05:002014-07-15T14:22:04.171-05:00Doin’ It Up in Flo-Rida!<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Usually the debt snowball does NOT leave room for a vacation. It definitely doesn’t leave room for a vacation to Florida when you live in Central Illinois. We are lucky enough that my grandma and aunt REALLY wanted to see Turner. They offered to pay for our flight, and put us up in Grandma’s guest room. We cannot explain how grateful we are for their generosity!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div>Even though the big expenditures were taken care of, we didn’t want to completely blow our budget. We used the money we made from the garage sale and the money from me doing two clients’ hair as our spending money. While this money could have gone toward debt, my grandma can no longer come to visit and her seeing the baby seems more important.</div><div><br></div><div>The benefit to staying in a house is not having to eat out for every single meal. While I have zero problems with doing that, it’s not exactly wallet friendly. Grandma was so worried about what we were going to eat, she actually went to the store before we got there and bought vegetarian-friendly stuff. What we would’ve done is used our usual weekly grocery budget and gone on a grocery run. She was also pretty adamant about paying for our meals when we did eat out. We did pay for her a couple times as a thank you. I think feeding people is her love language.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaP2DBBu3qGGc3AbBtwsLyQLunjebR-guwXaW4lU4OYY3xBjz_WbMKXhEKKBYmZ6OZb6Z92fozn22KdpiN23qXARxMhuSLWo0cGIYtGWUWYO7hYPAYQ0pfEIXG72LzPmmuQvpd_YELpE9B/s640/blogger-image-1648111692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaP2DBBu3qGGc3AbBtwsLyQLunjebR-guwXaW4lU4OYY3xBjz_WbMKXhEKKBYmZ6OZb6Z92fozn22KdpiN23qXARxMhuSLWo0cGIYtGWUWYO7hYPAYQ0pfEIXG72LzPmmuQvpd_YELpE9B/s640/blogger-image-1648111692.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So, obviously having all of our food paid for cut the spending down significantly. But you don’t just sit in the house and eat when you’re on vaca! We were 15 minutes away from one of the most beautiful beaches in the world: Siesta Key Beach (look it up!). Hello, free beach! We even got an amazing parking spot (Zach and I always seem to get amazing parking. I can’t explain it.). We probably could have gone to the beach every day and been happy, but we’ll save that for another trip. (Side note: it seems we have a daughter that tans! This pale girl’s dream has come true!) We took sandwiches and a cooler with water for lunch, so we didn’t have to spend more. Tu got lunch right before we left, so she was good to go with just a bottle while we were lying in the sand. It was a great day, except Zach’s foot was SUPER burnt when we got home. We still can’t figure out how only his left foot burned.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iGZedzf6v9dudKIQiUxAYZe4QJ3gmhkpF8VGdEP_Ixc0E1LhijNDEYUVQxgYkV_J5QfiAGhSkDBMVtVjWSyxNjz53eyImTOJUih76m_7_Vue-aawNsfaiTt29ODfaGirp2x5g1C5YrTV/s640/blogger-image--1003481083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iGZedzf6v9dudKIQiUxAYZe4QJ3gmhkpF8VGdEP_Ixc0E1LhijNDEYUVQxgYkV_J5QfiAGhSkDBMVtVjWSyxNjz53eyImTOJUih76m_7_Vue-aawNsfaiTt29ODfaGirp2x5g1C5YrTV/s640/blogger-image--1003481083.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The day after beach day was Turner’s first Fourth of July! My Aunt Crystal has a gorgeous screened in porch (called a lanai in Florida) complete with a pool and grill. We got to hang out in the pool all afternoon and eat some delicious (veggie) burgers. We ventured downtown to Sarasota Bay to watch the fireworks after. Did I mention all of this was free to us?! We got great parking again, but it was rigged. My uncle’s friend has a gallery downtown and let us use his parking spot. He has connections.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv5tAa2NR1YVsuVP85zkKjzQZ_LAObfA2NbynPno6ewMugEY_tlWrNGGQIaFqG5aT_gGTXx4LqbhdrNS6oh8zDzO45MFsVQdeaOSpm9DQ4hyphenhyphenvvkOoMJEesJRjnOuduoFV1Dr-yDfDAau1/s640/blogger-image--1435874378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv5tAa2NR1YVsuVP85zkKjzQZ_LAObfA2NbynPno6ewMugEY_tlWrNGGQIaFqG5aT_gGTXx4LqbhdrNS6oh8zDzO45MFsVQdeaOSpm9DQ4hyphenhyphenvvkOoMJEesJRjnOuduoFV1Dr-yDfDAau1/s640/blogger-image--1435874378.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Saturday was the day that broke the bank. A trip to Florida always includes at least one shopping day. First we went to lunch (I paid for Grandma and myself), then we got down to business. We do not have the pleasure of a Nordstrom Rack back home, and I may have gotten a little carried away. Zach and I agreed on a budget before Turner and I left (this was a girls only trip so he drove around in my aunt's new BMW). In my defense, I did come in about $50 under budget. In hindsight, the budget was too high to begin with. I haven’t really purchased new clothes in a long time. Most of my summer clothes are either maternity or were purchased when I was in college (we’re talking 7-9 years ago). However, no matter how badly I wanted the clothes, they were not a need. I have some buyer’s remorse, but not enough to return anything. #sorrynotsorry </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhva80ceg596rXxfvZ97L8GuE5jqtAaYVCz0hjSDVDcqKtGqABPffe0r3iOvJoXwck6oCb9ccyPC7mnYe1eQyeCcCcpIec9gx4zZgtGUHGhUA_GHhyphenhyphenfj1Jath18xgcT_LbPitj5XAIkNH61/s640/blogger-image--1295501367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhva80ceg596rXxfvZ97L8GuE5jqtAaYVCz0hjSDVDcqKtGqABPffe0r3iOvJoXwck6oCb9ccyPC7mnYe1eQyeCcCcpIec9gx4zZgtGUHGhUA_GHhyphenhyphenfj1Jath18xgcT_LbPitj5XAIkNH61/s640/blogger-image--1295501367.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sunday was a low cost day thanks to Aunt Crystal paying for our activity. We visited the Ringling Museum, Circus Museum, and Ca’ta Zan (“House of John” in Venetian dialect). I cannot tell you how amazing this place is. It’s a little pricey to get in (tickets are $25/person, and we had a guided tour through the house, an extra $5), but it is totally worth it. I happen to have an unexpired student ID (thank you ICC!), so there was a small discount. Florida residents can go to the art museum for free on Mondays. The grounds are right on Sarasota Bay. It is incredible that it was one man and wife’s estate, and only for the winter! The first stop is the Circus Museum. Pretty recently, they opened the mini circus model. It is incredible. Every single detail is there, down to the china pattern on the plates in the food tent. I think it’s my favorite part of the entire experience. It takes a good 20 minutes to walk completely around the model. It depicts a circus coming to town when they still put up the tent and traveled by train (think Dumbo). The rest of the Circus Museum is a timeline (very interesting) and various, interactive displays. I successfully walked the “tight rope” (a rail mounted to the ground the same width, anyway). The Old Circus Museum houses the actual train car that John and Mabel Ringling traveled on with the circus. It is lux. It’s all gold-leafed ceilings and exotic wood furniture. You can walk right up and look in the windows.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGboWt_SWk6N8sT3zZV399FY-Ymgly4rXwRcwpz6P_pr4FWRvgSVuo1NqT7NFzqMbR9T1lebhqVhEE-uQ_9Lpbxwc2vIUMte2XYA93Ydglu3z5LAZSHJBRhaSIg4afBehRCc72OLU5iBJ/s640/blogger-image-1866824193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGboWt_SWk6N8sT3zZV399FY-Ymgly4rXwRcwpz6P_pr4FWRvgSVuo1NqT7NFzqMbR9T1lebhqVhEE-uQ_9Lpbxwc2vIUMte2XYA93Ydglu3z5LAZSHJBRhaSIg4afBehRCc72OLU5iBJ/s640/blogger-image-1866824193.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16rrg7p_oozR73_AIEgeYB74gEVc5_76SNvAvjq6oyOvEYazxHC-xtDCan1qjosPRrK52QJiEFKjCqgQ0ceG00WvcYHaCFsTaBdsz-OQBqBXY5qt6mBb2oZMvwZKDw4NMiyL65he9FRZh/s640/blogger-image--2008386084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16rrg7p_oozR73_AIEgeYB74gEVc5_76SNvAvjq6oyOvEYazxHC-xtDCan1qjosPRrK52QJiEFKjCqgQ0ceG00WvcYHaCFsTaBdsz-OQBqBXY5qt6mBb2oZMvwZKDw4NMiyL65he9FRZh/s640/blogger-image--2008386084.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The next stop was John Ringlings house. It is Moorish themed, and unlike any house I’ve ever seen. The original budget in the 1920s was $250,000. They spent $1.5 million. After hearing that, I didn’t feel so bad about my shopping spree the day before. Zach and I are both history buffs, so the guided tour was right up our alley. We definitely endorse it. I won’t say anymore in case you decide to visit.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuxpKsxqE_zvtvfH2BQWAq5a35rxtcc3e-zXjNWDEOB8X_ERafYKsboUkcvZqfmyqQSZpU2M0XpOx3NYm77JGtrxRpE9qJtQsLLCZBdQLJpoaQY89XyJlTwZExX00WnxxbYIiGZRG4C69/s640/blogger-image--1553546739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuxpKsxqE_zvtvfH2BQWAq5a35rxtcc3e-zXjNWDEOB8X_ERafYKsboUkcvZqfmyqQSZpU2M0XpOx3NYm77JGtrxRpE9qJtQsLLCZBdQLJpoaQY89XyJlTwZExX00WnxxbYIiGZRG4C69/s640/blogger-image--1553546739.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGj9NCuxc6Z_m5rsmXH3mis66XVYTStP71cSfk6mz03kyIg-VWmXR-2w4Tk3KCUBSr9wPqndAjqdFgm4Eedwo0Eio2sE75_kw6XF0da1sjNX11k4qchUn59rO1xLZitIvSHWCP2Eovmy-X/s640/blogger-image--307739568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGj9NCuxc6Z_m5rsmXH3mis66XVYTStP71cSfk6mz03kyIg-VWmXR-2w4Tk3KCUBSr9wPqndAjqdFgm4Eedwo0Eio2sE75_kw6XF0da1sjNX11k4qchUn59rO1xLZitIvSHWCP2Eovmy-X/s640/blogger-image--307739568.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepTbtujYRVn2FW1LHf5VAMlZAqi240bZPr_1yH6WJ9JO5HcV-0UEjYjwthdLYs6sidhyBtlWGNOfnksfZLyE4dZWuLyfpsQIbdOON-Lr_KUzm466OCuNumvE25-YoNLElkejfJq-THcxv/s640/blogger-image--1308105712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepTbtujYRVn2FW1LHf5VAMlZAqi240bZPr_1yH6WJ9JO5HcV-0UEjYjwthdLYs6sidhyBtlWGNOfnksfZLyE4dZWuLyfpsQIbdOON-Lr_KUzm466OCuNumvE25-YoNLElkejfJq-THcxv/s640/blogger-image--1308105712.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The Ringling Museum holds John Ringling’s enormous art collection. We didn’t spend a ton of time there because it was close to closing time. I guess we’ll have to go back! Tu enjoyed the Rubens.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-1D8MzrG7cstkF2d8M28HgEC-Z5pztV6tMhrTwvBAQqd_47MSQs6ggMsmbRQBMwhyiQAowyBnzyLdFRbEwBJifl5vQJavc2giZ04-WvxDngOamSTjjL9QonsmXIM6ialU8hHOOPTMCVh/s640/blogger-image--1014806289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-1D8MzrG7cstkF2d8M28HgEC-Z5pztV6tMhrTwvBAQqd_47MSQs6ggMsmbRQBMwhyiQAowyBnzyLdFRbEwBJifl5vQJavc2giZ04-WvxDngOamSTjjL9QonsmXIM6ialU8hHOOPTMCVh/s640/blogger-image--1014806289.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">On Monday, Zach, Turner, Grandma, Aunt Crystal, and I went to an amazing seaside restaurant on St. Armand’s Key. We were literally sitting over the water. While it was blazing hot everywhere else, the breeze off the water kept us cool and comfortable. This was a fries in a basket kind of place, so pretty affordable. The food was great, but the atmosphere was even better.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5yxxZAVcF8wAJgWhNAAEDbRdkOtUv01CUwv-IBZVMs2gI5h8KKWAEwSbRd5fM4keb72O8g49EWap-NpSVMfSt3zvldGhp3pfdWLerpWvvMuvWwpSuAPgiThf8b1__KpuPzA6sxSRBX6O/s640/blogger-image--1512056681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5yxxZAVcF8wAJgWhNAAEDbRdkOtUv01CUwv-IBZVMs2gI5h8KKWAEwSbRd5fM4keb72O8g49EWap-NpSVMfSt3zvldGhp3pfdWLerpWvvMuvWwpSuAPgiThf8b1__KpuPzA6sxSRBX6O/s640/blogger-image--1512056681.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">After, we took a stroll to some shops at St. Armand’s Circle. There are some chain stores, but a good number of the stores there are locally owned. Aunt Crystal and Grandma made friends with the people at The Giving Tree (a jewelry and art gallery). I got a gorgeous bracelet (courtesy of the ladies) and necklace (from my hubby). We also got souvenirs for our families at a shop on the circle. </span></div><div><br></div><div>It was a great trip. I’ll write another post about traveling with a baby. That’s a post unto itself.</div><div>Things we wish we would’ve done differently:</div><div>1. Set a smaller budget for shopping.</div><div>2. Put on sunscreen more thoroughly. (Zach and I were the only victims of this.)</div><div>3. I think that’s it! </div><div>Any vacationing on a tight budget tips?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914026503305011720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-3573331724765349362014-06-26T17:18:00.001-05:002014-06-26T17:18:07.965-05:00GARAGE SALE!!! DEBT SNOWBALL UPDATE!!!!<p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="padding-left: 36px;"></span></span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Last week was it! We finally had a garage sale! I think Zach and I moved </span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">boxes labeled “garage sale” to three different houses. Well, that stuff is out, and it is out for good! Our biggest category by far was baby stuff. </span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Tu</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> grows like a weed, so we had clothes up to 12 months and all her little baby stuff (*tear). Out with the old, in with the…well, I guess</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> the</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> new us! We’re using all the proceeds to get out of debt, not buy stuff to replace the stuff we sold. We already sold some larger items (see our post from May 8</span><span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; vertical-align: super;">th</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">)</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">, but I had no desire to take picture after picture of all of the outfits Turner has outgrown. While we know things don’t always go to plan, Zach and I aren’t planning on having any more babies for quite a while. By then, even if we had another girl, all the stuff would be super outdated. Some concern</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">s</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> over us selling as much as possible have been brought to my attention. Right now, the best thing we can do, not only for Turner but our future children as well, is get out of debt.</span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPS6wgIENLAIDl9vs8f_gFwNCJcmeEYKa581vevcx7f-9chsc5X7zkZDfQqmL-9kO3Flu_aKO9Wali2XQfwWlpPiwI-zGcbSvRMlQ7c58u54dtyNpoB9TL2Xvf938LiVxVv6YVfMM9saXR/s640/blogger-image-1837484295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPS6wgIENLAIDl9vs8f_gFwNCJcmeEYKa581vevcx7f-9chsc5X7zkZDfQqmL-9kO3Flu_aKO9Wali2XQfwWlpPiwI-zGcbSvRMlQ7c58u54dtyNpoB9TL2Xvf938LiVxVv6YVfMM9saXR/s640/blogger-image-1837484295.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Prep: </span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">My family used to have a HUGE garage sale at my </span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mamaw’s (</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">that’s Southern for “Grandma”) house every year. I don’t think any of us are particularly sentimental about our stuff, so we had no shortage of things to sell. My mom let me keep the money from my sales which I would promptly spend at either our </span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">sale</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">or others in the neighborhood. I remember them fondly. </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"> Fast-forward 15 years later, and now I actually have to go through the stuff and decide what to get rid of. I usually purge clothes about once a year (if I didn’t wear it in a year, I probably don’t need it), and I went on a mad spree after </span><span class="s2">Tu</span><span class="s2"> was born. I never wanted to see maternity clothes again! </span><span class="s2">Poof, gone.</span><span class="s2"> </span><span class="s2">Tu’s</span><span class="s2">stuff is easier, because it doesn’t fit her, so she has zero use for it. I saved a couple special pieces (the outfit she came home in, some shoes) and the rest is out of our lives! </span><span class="s2">Zach did a great job of going through </span><span class="s2">alllllll</span><span class="s2"> his books</span><span class="s2"> (trust me, all those “</span><span class="s2">l”s</span><span class="s2"> are necessary).</span><span class="s2"> Together, we had one part of a multi-family sale!</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"> Advertising </span><span class="s2">is </span><span class="s2">key</span><span class="s2"> in having a good turnout. Our local, free newspaper has a garage sale section that’s updated every week. We’ve gone to that section to find sale before, and we’re sure we’re not the only ones. </span><span class="s2">Mama bought an ad to run the week before and the week of the sale. She also put up colorful signs not only on her street (where it intersects the main street and a guiding sign a little further down) but also at Kroger and Walmart. Zach and I posted on Facebook about it the morning of the beginning of the sale. In hindsight, we should have been posting every day that week. </span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> The turnout was good on Thursday, okay on Friday, and virtually non-existent on Saturday. We couldn’t believe it. Then we drove up the street. Someone had taken down our signs at the intersection and halfway down the road. We were bummed. Of course, we didn’t discover this until the sale was over.</span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">We made $112 dollars. We were hoping for closer to $200, but</span><span class="s2">it’s</span><span class="s2"> $112 we didn’t have before! We took all the baby stuff that didn’t sell to the Crisis Nursery. It is a fantastic charity that offers free daycare and services to mothers that are out of options.</span><span class="s2"> They offer everything donated for free to these women. I volunteered there in junior high, and it was an amazing experience. They were super grateful and even showed us around the facility! I couldn’t be happier with our choice to donate to them. Don’t live in the Peoria area? They have locations nationwide! </span><span class="s2">Google it!</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> We had a furniture piece that didn’t sell, and my cousin took it for their Alzheimer’s Benefit auction that they throw every year. She actually donated all of her sales to the Alzheimer’s Foundation. We can’t wait to do that someday when we’re out of debt.</span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So, it did not go as well as we hoped. Things we learned:</span></p><div class="s5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 38px;"><div class="s4" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; position: absolute;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">•</span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">Post on Facebook till people block you because you’re so annoying</span><span class="s2">.</span></span></div><div class="s5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 38px;"><div class="s4" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; position: absolute;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">•</span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">Location, location, location isn’t just for selling real estate.</span><span class="s2"> Have garage sales in a visible place. Exception: a neighborhood sale.</span></span></div><div class="s5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 38px;"><div class="s4" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; position: absolute;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">•</span></div><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Make sure you have a lot/most of the stuff sitting out in the driveway/on the sidewalk. There’s something a little creepy about going in someone’s dark garage.</span></div><div class="s5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 38px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Mama and my Aunt Diana did a great job of keeping the sale organized, and Mama is great with haggling. We had our best people on the job, and we just didn’t get the traffic we expected. But, I guess now we know!</span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Zach is listing books and DVDs we didn’t sell. Look for a post on that soon!</span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">DEBT SNOWBALL UPDATE!!!</span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">Turner is officially paid off!!! In other words, my hospital bill from </span><span class="s2">Tu</span><span class="s2"> being born is paid in full! We have moved on to my smallest student loan. We started attacking it about a week and a half ago, and it has gone from over $900 down under $500! Woo! It’s happening!</span></span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914026503305011720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-44834885885565000902014-06-10T19:33:00.001-05:002014-06-10T19:33:37.836-05:00Woodworking… Say What?<p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Lately, I’ve been on a project kick. If someone needs a gift, they get something homemade </span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">out of</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> a piece of wood. People that have been gifted with a Tara original include my mama (her birthday AND Mother’s Day), Emily (wedding gift),</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Liz (another wedding gift)</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">, and Missy (yet another wedding gift, terribly belated)</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">. They didn’t all get the same thing. I’m not a factory. Some gifts were similar, but with distinct differences (Mama and Liz). Admittedly, I stole these ideas from other blogs. Instead of posting step-by-step instructions, I’ll give you links to the other blogs, and tell you about any changes I made to my projects.</span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></p><div class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px;"><div class="s3" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; position: absolute;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="s3" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; position: absolute;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br>1) Mama’s Birthday</span><span class="s2"> Present</span><span class="s2"> (stolen from thehandmadehome.net)</span></span></div><p class="s5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 18px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVGZMPbMWoaNN6EfJ4bv8Xy8vsOg53ZIaQre4yDB9WdBrIBnfaRiNQo6ZrvOpSGtb929Tx9SPSlFVm__Lj2NTj7349zOc7R1IF8tkSuszPlqTWBe8kGwMWpdXLgo0xUGi4ipooqX55JfW/s640/blogger-image-27394061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVGZMPbMWoaNN6EfJ4bv8Xy8vsOg53ZIaQre4yDB9WdBrIBnfaRiNQo6ZrvOpSGtb929Tx9SPSlFVm__Lj2NTj7349zOc7R1IF8tkSuszPlqTWBe8kGwMWpdXLgo0xUGi4ipooqX55JfW/s640/blogger-image-27394061.jpg"></a></div><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="padding-left: 36px;"></span><span class="s2">So, the chick </span><span class="s2">at </span><span class="s2">thehandmadehome.net did her last name and number of people in her family. Well, the Williams 2 didn’t have the same ring to it. Since Mama and Brian have three girls, I did “Our Fab 3”. Mama made a supplement to this which I’ll share another day (super cool picture display).</span><span class="s2"> </span><span class="s2">Thehandmadehome</span><span class="s2"> woman used a projector to trace her letters. I just printed mine in extra huge fonts. </span><span class="s2"> I went to Menards and dug through the remnant bin. Enter: mistake. I was only checking the boards for similar lengths (as you can see in the picture, I didn’t succeed, but I thought it was quirky). When I got home, I noticed one of the boards was smiling. Also, most big box stores (Lowes, Menards, Home Depot, </span><span class="s2">etc</span><span class="s2">) </span><span class="s2">are supposed to </span><span class="s2">cut boards for you. Not my Menards (which made we wonder why the</span><span class="s2">y</span><span class="s2"> </span><span class="s2">had</span><span class="s2"> a remnant board section… they’re cutting boards for someone!). I don’t have a saw or a truck to haul full length lumber. If you do, great! Note: do not listen to the guy selling nails when you know a 1” nail won’t do much when you’re working with a 1” thick board. Good thing I used wood glue.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br></span></span></p><div class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px;"><div class="s3" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; position: absolute;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="s3" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; position: absolute;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">2) L</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">iz’s </span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">W</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">edding</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Present</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> (I guess </span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">it’s</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Kevin’s wedding present too.)</span></div></div><p class="s5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 18px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxI6KDAMdhyphenhyphenLLqBCGdUP0nOnmV9tb3Z0XzpwVf4h0atnyPqOO4LoELVYWSQK9otx2_kyFnJ8LgF8g0Y2t_bmvMthuDp5L9XxRV0Qat223U76TimVlCRQRoAC9irYy_xZz0gI4A-lhW5YiR/s640/blogger-image--1333497631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxI6KDAMdhyphenhyphenLLqBCGdUP0nOnmV9tb3Z0XzpwVf4h0atnyPqOO4LoELVYWSQK9otx2_kyFnJ8LgF8g0Y2t_bmvMthuDp5L9XxRV0Qat223U76TimVlCRQRoAC9irYy_xZz0gI4A-lhW5YiR/s640/blogger-image--1333497631.jpg"></a></div><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="padding-left: 36px;"></span><span class="s2">Next project was pretty much the same as Mama’s, but different fonts, </span><span class="s2">dimensions</span><span class="s2">, and paint color. This time I went to Lowes (I learned) and had them cut a perfectly straight board for me.</span><span class="s2"> I also got 1-1/4” nails (you could also use screws, but I’m impatient and can’t spend th</span><span class="s2">e time drilling a pilot hole). I couldn’t wait until the wedding, so I showed this to the couple before the wedding. Patience is clearly not a virtue I possess. </span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br></span></span></p><div class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br><br></span></span></div><div class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">3) Emily’s Wedding</span><span class="s2"> Present</span></span></div><p class="s5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 18px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5mHxWRYf1bq-vpr3__GvTiaoI27LdEU3dn_ZtKBQM9UmRy1hXyhHk5Mk0_7pwFS7fMii2nZOPCw6ivK6SL0_CAEJFNh60nGzvjiHzzqt5QWhH35c-Ym7y60OzKggxH8G4HxcDbKQJ5OJ/s640/blogger-image--1360126620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5mHxWRYf1bq-vpr3__GvTiaoI27LdEU3dn_ZtKBQM9UmRy1hXyhHk5Mk0_7pwFS7fMii2nZOPCw6ivK6SL0_CAEJFNh60nGzvjiHzzqt5QWhH35c-Ym7y60OzKggxH8G4HxcDbKQJ5OJ/s640/blogger-image--1360126620.jpg"></a></div><p class="s5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="padding-left: 36px;"></span><span class="s2">This one is an oldie, but </span><span class="s2">a goodie</span><span class="s2">. I made this last year, super pregnant, on the floor in our dining room (we had just moved in maybe a week or two before). I saw state nail art on</span><span class="s2">Etsy</span><span class="s2"> and Pinterest, and decided I didn’t need to pay that much to make it. I got a scrap piece of wood from Mama and Brian’s house (I think it was a 2x10, about 15” long, but I’m not sure), some nails, and some string. Emily and her hubby, Josh, got married in Alabama, but they (inconveniently for me) had the wedding in Gulf Shores, at the very bottom of the state. This made the super cute heart that is usually negative space a little tricky. </span><span class="s2">I just used her other wedding color and filled in the heart. To get the outline of Alabama, I printed a map on legal paper, taped it to the wood, and started putting nails around the outline (hammered about halfway in). I didn’t count, but it came out to exactly 100 nails for the outline and 20 for the heart. Afterward, I just ripped the paper off (I was a little scared that it would pull some nails out, but it didn’t).</span><span class="s2"> Then I ran string from each nail to the outside of the heart. In hindsight, I would have 1) not strung an outline of the state, 2) left the wood plain, I would’ve stained it, and 3) been more meticulous about my string to nail ratio. I think it turned out pretty well, regardless.</span></span></p><p class="s5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br></span></span></p><div class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br>4) Mother’s Day </span><span class="s2">Present </span><span class="s2">for Mama (from shanty-2-chic.com)</span></span></div><p class="s5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 18px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcJkRpsm9J9Oj_ofD_Rl8x1E4zbKwI5a5GBYrmTEAzG5f4pxBTp2rgYRaUqZYIEUg6ea2zdm-_1p2NmiynTnSJNBPNru20ehIbBQztKHxtcWoogl7jS65unckIkyJB5ItrjizIUlifFcS/s640/blogger-image-2140128316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcJkRpsm9J9Oj_ofD_Rl8x1E4zbKwI5a5GBYrmTEAzG5f4pxBTp2rgYRaUqZYIEUg6ea2zdm-_1p2NmiynTnSJNBPNru20ehIbBQztKHxtcWoogl7jS65unckIkyJB5ItrjizIUlifFcS/s640/blogger-image-2140128316.jpg"></a></div><p class="s5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">While I was at Lowes getting lumber for Liz’s wedding present, I also had a 2x12 cut down into 15” pieces. This one I pretty much followed exactly, except I just used more nail heads to fasten the pictures I chose. Mama ended up using some double-sided tape to hold down the corners that weren’t nailed. Project redo: I would’ve used chalkboard paint instead of the free print out so Mama could change what it said. </span></span></p><p class="s5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br></span></span></p><div class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px;"><div class="s3" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; position: absolute;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5</span></div><div class="s3" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; position: absolute;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">5) Mi</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">ssy’s SUPER Late Wedding Present</span></div></div><p class="s5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 18px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi960tLrtCsJpe9BmgawVZls_f_pTna_vcO9sBOz0eb4o2JrqHFgt3xTGVgTMqpHehaQkc3Ke_RVyZo68WDJu68NE570ACFfMo5OOeN7wovIs2E8liL9n3ePlLjh0VrSAgUvEFZSoJtKhnO/s640/blogger-image-282669101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi960tLrtCsJpe9BmgawVZls_f_pTna_vcO9sBOz0eb4o2JrqHFgt3xTGVgTMqpHehaQkc3Ke_RVyZo68WDJu68NE570ACFfMo5OOeN7wovIs2E8liL9n3ePlLjh0VrSAgUvEFZSoJtKhnO/s640/blogger-image-282669101.jpg"></a></div><p class="s5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="padding-left: 36px;"></span><span class="s2">I guess the best way to describe this one is as a hybrid of the Mother’s Day project and the Mama’s birthday/Liz’s wedding projects. Missy and Liz were both super excited about their married last names, so I knew I wanted to integrate them in their presents. I saw some tutorials online about how to transfer a photo to a piece of wood, so I decided to try it out for Missy. I had a bunch of the blocks of wood from the Mother’s Day project, so I used that. I Googled “country sunrise” (because Missy is my </span><span class="s2">fave</span><span class="s2"> country girl!) to use for the photo transfer. You have to print the picture on regular, copy paper from a laser printer. I read that laser printers deposit more ink than inkjet printers, so the transfer is more complete. </span><span class="s2">It also seems like the ink is sort of floating on top of the paper rather than soaked into it. </span><span class="s2">I printed my photo on legal size paper (it was a panoramic shot, so it wasn’t distorted). I had to buy some </span><span class="s2">Modge</span><span class="s2"> </span><span class="s2">Podge</span><span class="s2"> (MP) for this one, but it was so worth it. I got to use my new orbital sander for the first time, and sanded the crap out of that wood (she’s got little ones, so I rounded the edges quite a bit)! Then I wiped it off with a damp towel to get all the sand dust. I poured a little MP and spread it where I thought the picture would go in a thin layer across the wood. I laid the picture ink side down on the MP while it was still wet. I tried my best to center it. </span><span class="s2">After it dried overnight, I covered the </span><span class="s2">whole piece of paper with a more-than-damp-but-not-soaking-wet-towel for a few minutes. I used that same towel to kind of scrub the paper off (this whole process is reminiscent of the temporary tattoos of my childhood). I did mine in two rounds, peeling/scrubbing two layers. My towel started to rub some of the picture off, so I switched to my fingers. Certain parts of the picture are more, um, rustic than I had hoped, but I’m rolling with it.</span><span class="s2">Next time I’ll probably use a thicker layer of MP. I think I might have been a little stingy. Also, my picture didn’t go all the way to the edges. This was an issue after I did the letters…</span></span></p><p class="s5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="padding-left: 36px;"></span><span class="s2">I’m a bit of a font junkie, so finding the perfect one was</span><span class="s2">key</span><span class="s2">. I wanted the piece to feel a little western, so I Googled “western font”, and found a free website that made her last name a picture. Then I copied and pasted the text “picture” into word and resized it super big. That’s as technical as I get with this one. It was tricky, and I’m sure there was an easier way to do it in Photoshop, but I was done messing with it (this was about 45 min into font searching). </span><span class="s2">The letters were about a page tall each. Turned out, they were too wide, so I manually cut and pasted them (literally with scissors and tape). After editing the letters, I t</span><span class="s2">raced them and painted around my lines. I was super impressed with myself until I realized the “R” at the end of “BAKER” looked super bad since the picture didn’t go to the edge. I got out my little paint brush and some stain, and fixed it right up! (Note: I thought about staining the entire thing before I transferred the picture, but I’m really glad I didn’t. The picture turned out darker than I expected on the wood even though the wood was pretty light.) </span></span></p><p class="s5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="padding-left: 36px;"></span><span class="s2">She g</span><span class="s2">o</span><span class="s2">t</span><span class="s2"> it,</span><span class="s2"> </span><span class="s2">and </span><span class="s2">she love</span><span class="s2">d</span><span class="s2"> it! I think it’s my favorite so far!</span></span></p><p class="s5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 18px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I’m sure my instructions are by no means complete, so please ask if you have questions on how I did something!</span></p><p class="s5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 18px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Do you have any favorite homemade gifts given or received? </span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="padding-left: 36px;"></span><span class="s2"> </span></span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914026503305011720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-64474310868836639772014-05-08T11:07:00.000-05:002014-05-08T11:07:04.475-05:00Craigslist-ing<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.1500000000000001; white-space: pre-wrap;">How are you? Feeling neglected? Well, I hope this feels like a virtual hug! In an effort to pay off our debt, Zach and I have begun selling stuff. Top of the list was our couch (don’t worry, we are getting Zach’s grandma’s couch). Mama is having a garage sale next month, but we hear if you have big stuff you should use Craigslist. Mostly, we didn’t want to move big stuff to Mama’s house. We also listed Turner’s baby swing. She hasn’t met the weight limit, but she’s a little too close to wiggling out of it for comfort. (Note: We were always close to her when she was in it. No need to worry that she goes unsupervised!) She is also just a hair away from meeting the weight limit. (Have you ever seen a swing set’s legs pull up when the person on it swings too high? It was a little like that.)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRrFr4PnFQwkoaXdCDkC8AEzsM5pU75gVkutBvTlcV98NU_EcpdrXD6ylb778yXITXS9ZE3DvMWnErlNmASstEPk8wQvBS7J9PEh7yuTqsnTUEBQO7ZbPec89wMIT0IFnqplmkU9squI/s1600/photo+1+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRrFr4PnFQwkoaXdCDkC8AEzsM5pU75gVkutBvTlcV98NU_EcpdrXD6ylb778yXITXS9ZE3DvMWnErlNmASstEPk8wQvBS7J9PEh7yuTqsnTUEBQO7ZbPec89wMIT0IFnqplmkU9squI/s1600/photo+1+%25281%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Both pieces are in great shape. We bought our couch just before we got married 2 ½ years ago, and we were OCD about keeping it clean. We asked about half what we paid for it (it is used after all). We made sure it was looking good, and snapped its portrait. I cannot stress how important it is to post a picture of whatever you’re selling. I don’t even look at listings without pictures. For some reason, I instantly think something must be wrong with the item. So, load up your listing! Our couch was still advertised on the manufacturer’s website, so Zach just paraphrased their description. We used our own photo, though. I hate when people post a picture from the store’s website. I want to see what the actual thing I’m buying looks like!</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0P3nFWcdTLR_i6vKbjPfUqeKl4Xxhsg4bAf60eNWZoGP34CaFrBPPhAE9K6472dJBEH0gzTkMKtQm2pgqnIZ9p1pnPV3B6PdMKTk9og4g_7K7AW84lMoRsH2f6Bh7Tr36I709QWe5MK4/s1600/photo+2+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0P3nFWcdTLR_i6vKbjPfUqeKl4Xxhsg4bAf60eNWZoGP34CaFrBPPhAE9K6472dJBEH0gzTkMKtQm2pgqnIZ9p1pnPV3B6PdMKTk9og4g_7K7AW84lMoRsH2f6Bh7Tr36I709QWe5MK4/s1600/photo+2+%25281%2529.JPG" height="200" width="131" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHt9JA7ZnClG2Uw_swwfND_5kNpNcHo7mWRFF6eLlWeJ2c_4a_OQihz1AWOCjvtEc8y3XOrwDIk05lF4QCC2FuH6hebgk0EegHWxBI9eSL7i1ES0qTwiSCXtSeaEt07DLzy3uetN8x0Bs/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHt9JA7ZnClG2Uw_swwfND_5kNpNcHo7mWRFF6eLlWeJ2c_4a_OQihz1AWOCjvtEc8y3XOrwDIk05lF4QCC2FuH6hebgk0EegHWxBI9eSL7i1ES0qTwiSCXtSeaEt07DLzy3uetN8x0Bs/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The swing looks almost brand new and has a lot of features, so I posted a few pictures. Even though it is still for sale in retail stores, I didn’t use the product description. I just said a few points that I really liked. Keep those short and sweet. No one wants to read a book about your old stuff. As for pricing, I </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.1500000000000001; white-space: pre-wrap;">found a similar model for sale, and based mine off that one. The other one didn’t have all its parts and was a little more worn, so I went higher. After all, it was purchased less than a year ago. We just have a super-fast grower! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Well, we got very few hits on either listing. I chalk it up to two things: 1. we posted on Sunday (read: MISTAKE!) I find people usually hit up Craigslist during the week, probably at work. We should’ve posted Monday morning, I think. 2. We priced too high. People are looking for cheap stuff on Craigslist. I can tell you that we would have bought our couch in a heartbeat if we were on the other side and furnishing our place. We tried to find a couch second hand before we were married, but no dice. Next time we will try attaching a “willing to negotiate” disclaimer.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I promise this story has a happy ending. At the time of this post, both are sold! How, you ask? Enter Facebook and word-of-mouth. Zach and I shared the couch post on Facebook, and we had a response about a minute later. Boom! Sold! (We actually got a response to the Craigslist post on Wednesday night, but too bad, sucka!) As for the swing, I told a coworker that has a new granddaughter, and sold! The moral of the story: reach as many people as possible when trying to sell. You never know who needs what!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Up Next: Preparing for a garage sale… </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105185803999417394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-72700744581816260102014-04-25T09:54:00.000-05:002014-04-25T09:54:51.036-05:00Goldieblog<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.1500000000000001; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was trying to come up with something to blog about, and a friend requested vegetarian recipes! So, I figured I’d do one for Zach, one for me, and one for Tu (hence “Goldieblog”). Fair warning: I don’t like measuring, and usually judge amounts on consistency.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Papa Z-Vegetarian “Chickn” Noodle Soup</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This recipe is a veggie version of the chicken noodle soup my mama makes. We’re not one for thin, brothy soups, so this one is very hearty. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fake chicken strips (without breading; we buy the Kroger brand grill strips)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Egg Noodles (sub a non-egg version, and ta-da: recipe is vegan!)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Vegetable Stock (Even if you eat meat, you should be using this. So good!)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Carrots (and any other veggies you like) sliced into disks</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Milk (I use almond milk because I like the consistency, but coconut milk (in the carton not the can) would work too. Oh, and regular milk if you’re into that.)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Olive Oil</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spices (I’m old school and just use salt and pepper.)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A big ‘ole pot. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sauté the “chickn” over medium heat in enough olive oil to just coat the bottom on your pot. You don’t have to totally cook it, just get a little color on the outside. Dump in the carrots, veggie stock, and milk. I let that work with no lid for a while. If you feel like too much liquid is evaporating, put the lid on (this isn’t rocket science). When your carrots are almost tender, dump in the noodles. Cook for the time on the package. Don’t add any more liquid. I like my soup thick, so I add noodles until there’s just enough liquid to cover them. If you like a thinner soup, add fewer noodles. Add salt and pepper at the end, and serve!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mama T’s “Egg” Salad</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I definitely stole this one from Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi’s chef. He has a great book called </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Vegan Cooking for Carnivores</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. So good. Soooooooo good. I love egg salad, so this is a welcome substitute when Z and I are eating more vegan.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Extra Firm Tofu</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Vegan Mayo</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mustard (I use Dijon)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dill pickles (+ the juice)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Drain and slice the tofu into about ¼” slices. On a plate, lay out several layers of paper towels, a layer of tofu, a layer of paper towels, tofu, and a final layer of paper towels. I just press the heck out of it with my hands, but you can put a pot with something heavy in it (can of soup, etc.) and leave it in the fridge for a while (1 hour or so). I’m not generally one to work in advance, so pressing it myself works just fine. Just get the majority of the liquid out, or the good stuff won’t stick. Chop the tofu into small cubes. Add a couple tablespoons of mayo, a squirt of mustard, and a splash of pickle juice. Stir it up, and see if you like the consistency. Add more of any ingredient you want. Chop up some pickle, and throw it in the mix. You could cut out the middle man and use relish, but I usually only keep a jar of dill pickles at my house. I like to put mine in a pita pocket with some lettuce, but it’s also great between a couple slices of bread!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn613Af_y3SmLGYMCT1tXruDA7br3NNe3x5x01nFCdk2CTcu-F1ZrfZ_Oraqh0gD5BUVtw7ddsOFLNlCr00vhMARBq0Xj7yczy7Ss11YfENuaTQaz1BwZffcitlb56NnqFMtLUz_Huf-E/s1600/photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn613Af_y3SmLGYMCT1tXruDA7br3NNe3x5x01nFCdk2CTcu-F1ZrfZ_Oraqh0gD5BUVtw7ddsOFLNlCr00vhMARBq0Xj7yczy7Ss11YfENuaTQaz1BwZffcitlb56NnqFMtLUz_Huf-E/s1600/photo1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Baby Tu’s Sweet Potato Mash</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Turner hasn’t done much culinary exploring, but she’s liked pretty much everything she’s had so far. One of her favorites is sweet potatoes. I had to Google how to bake a sweet potato (don’t judge), and I’m guessing other people don’t know how to do it either.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Baking sheet</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fork</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sweet Potato</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Poke a bunch of holes in the sweet potato with a fork. Wrap the sweet potato in foil. Put it on a baking sheet, and bake for about an hour, or until tender (it usually takes an hour in our oven). Unwrap it, let it cool, and scoop out the insides. Mash. That’s it!</span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-44fd77d9-995e-bd71-333b-ac2036266873"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hope you get a chance to make one (or all) of these for yourselves! They’re really just jumping off points. Add some spice to the soup or some curry power to the salad, and you’ve got a completely different dish! You can even make them, gulp, non-vegetarian. It’s up to you! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105185803999417394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-69904998633281509842014-04-21T18:58:00.001-05:002014-04-21T18:58:26.506-05:00Baby Food Update<p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">One of my money saving tips is making baby food at home. We spend maybe $10 on our weekly grocery trip for extra fruits and veggies. Something about baby food being in a jar, on a shelf fo</span><span class="s2">r who-knows-how-long just rubs</span><span class="s2"> me the wrong way. Now I know Turner is getting preservative-free, organic food. The only</span><span class="s2"> problem </span><span class="s2">was </span><span class="s2">storage</span><span class="s2">.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">The first containers we used were the ones that came with the Baby Bullet. Those were great. We could twist the top to the correct date, so we didn’t end up feeding </span><span class="s2">Tu</span><span class="s2"> old food. Well, she quickly out-ate those little jars. My mama bought some little plastic containers, and </span><span class="s2">Tu</span><span class="s2"> blew through the amount they held as well. </span><span class="s2">She really likes to eat. </span><span class="s2">I also wanted to start freezing large batches</span><span class="s2">, but I didn’t want to mess with proportions and switching containers (I’m a diva)</span><span class="s2">. Enter </span><span class="s2">the baby</span><span class="s2"> shower gift from my friend, Brittany. </span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">If you have a baby, you’ve definitely seen the pouches of baby food in the store (probably even if you don’t have a baby, you’ve seen them). Well, I got </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Infantino-208-101-Squeeze-Station/dp/B009IVKY7Q"><span class="s3">this</span></a><span class="s2"> fancy doodad! I can make my own baby food pouches! I can freeze them, write on them, refrigerate them, and so much more! I really should be on infomercials. </span><span class="s2">I steam fruits (if needed) or veggies like normal, then squish them into the pouches (it’s a little more complicated than that, but the Amazon link explains it much better than I can). </span><span class="s2">The only downer is they can</span><span class="s2">’t</span><span class="s2"> be microwaved. This is for the best, though. I really shouldn’t be using the microwave for</span><span class="s2">Tu’s</span><span class="s2"> food anyway. This stops me. They heat up in no time in a c</span><a name="_GoBack"></a><span class="s2">up of hot water. I think I had it in there for all of about 3 minutes. Since summer is coming, I probably won’t be heating up fruits for her anymore. </span><span class="s2">I might even make her some all fruit</span><span class="s2">popcicles</span><span class="s2">! Guess I need to find another doodad…</span></span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914026503305011720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-91772293572636620852014-04-08T08:42:00.001-05:002014-04-08T08:42:39.207-05:00Thrifting or Bust!<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.1500000000000001; white-space: pre-wrap;">As promised, I went thrifting on Saturday with my mama and Turner. The main goal was to get 9 month clothes for Tu, and maybe some other goodies for the house if I found any (we needed an outdoor rug desperately…if you can need an outdoor rug desperately).</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We started out at a thrift shop in a small town. We confused consignment shop with thrift shop. This particular thrift shop would take ANYTHING. I saw half empty bottles of shampoo for sale. I did get a potato masher for $1, so I call it a win. The place was more fun for the people-watching. Zach and I have been watching Big Love (HBO show about polygamy), and I felt like I was in the show! Potato masher and an experience? I’ll take it.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Second stop was Castaways Consignment in Washington. I was much underwhelmed. I was half looking for a pair of jeans, but they didn’t have any long lengths in my size. Also missing were any 9 month clothes for Tu. I found exactly 2 items that were 6-12 months. After I left, I realize I paid $7 for each item. A little (A LOT!) ridiculous for second hand. I am not proud of that. I was just so excited to find something!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Third on the list was a new consignment shop in Washington, called New 4 You. The store carries new accessories. It’s smaller than Castaways, but I really liked the décor. They only have women’s clothes and accessories, and this mama found a super cute scarf for $5 and it was new! I tried on a pair of jeans, but tiny back pockets on a big butt look like regular sized pockets on a huge butt. NO THANK YOU.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After New 4 You, we went to Peoria. I’ve heard good things about Wee Wares from several people, and it was a success! Tu got three pairs of shoes, a dress, and two pairs of shorts. All this was only $27 including one pair of shoes were StrideRite, which are not cheap new. Again, we had a lot of trouble finding 9 month clothes, but what we did find was good.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even though Wee Wares was better than the other consignment/thrift shops, I still didn’t have enough to outfit Tu for the spring. Target just so happens to be just down the road from Wee Wares. Jackpot! Well, “jackpot” might be a little overkill. Does everyone have a baby in 9 month clothes right now, or do they just not stock as much? Either way, I decided the way to go was comfy. I got a bunch of onesies and cotton pants. She even got a bicycle onesie for PawPaw Brian (he’s a big time bike rider)! I also got an outdoor rug at the Target. They had almost all of their Threshold outdoor rugs on “clearance”. Sidebar; .99 off $12.99 is not a clearance. $6 off $12.99 is a clearance. Naturally, I chose the only one not on clearance, but the extra .99 didn’t hurt too badly. Last on the list was formula (we are so lucky that we had the most luck with the Up&Up brand of soy formula since it’s half the price!). Out the door, I was $138 poorer. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, I failed at the second hand shopping game; bust. Do you have any tips? I’m excited for garage sale season. .50 is more my style than $7 for second hand. </span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-04c67cf3-4191-f328-85a2-93e135948318"><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105185803999417394noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-69422733000145272152014-03-19T08:26:00.000-05:002014-03-19T08:26:07.385-05:00Updates!<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m sorry I’ve been neglecting the blogosphere these days. The job, post-promotion, has been taking up all my time! Oh, and snuggling with my baby girl. That takes up the rest of my time.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I thought today I’d update you all on some past posts:</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Shark: We still love the new vacuum. So far, it was definitely worth the money. Since Turner will be crawling soon (we think…) it was a necessary purchase. I definitely feel better about putting her on the floor now.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Working Out: I don’t understand the question… I haven’t been doing so well in the running department. As many of you know firsthand, winter in the Midwest this year was ROUGH. We’ve had a couple nice days, so I plan to get on the move soon! I even snared a running buddy (that’s you Brittany C!). But let’s focus on successes. I have been doing some squats and lunges to get ready to run. Hope it helps! Part of the working out post was also what I needed to buy to start running, and contacts were on the top of the list. Walgreens now carries contacts, and they give some pretty good deals to get people on board. My contacts were 1) cheaper than 1-800 Contacts (where I usually get them) and 2) 20% off with a coupon! In total, I spent just over $70 (hello free shipping) for a 6 month supply (my 3 month supply was about that much before). To you non-astigmatism people, count yourselves lucky. Toric lenses cost about 50% more per box. I really hope Turner lucks out and doesn’t need glasses (both for her eye health and our wallet!). </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wedding Invitations: So, I think they turned out great! The bride hasn’t seen them, so I suppose I haven’t passed the real test yet. If you have no clue what I’m talking about, I offered to address my friend’s wedding invitations as a shower gift (part of tapping your talents to save money). They took about 3 hours over 2 days, and I only had to throw away 3 envelopes. Since there were 79 to address, I’m going to put that in the “win” column. The bride (hey Liz!) is pretty excited, so I hope they live up to her expectations!</span></div>
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</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchIG8DY9y8nhG7OlJ9kpgLbz7biRyph4tdi4jkKKHExq7SSndNmtLbGKdaHN0jUfstzme-MhsfZcCl4kvcyQED1nw-pWitKv_Z1Z6VDl-0-lUECF08fXuW9D0A-X_uGR60KDSDXzZkvQ/s1600/invitations.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchIG8DY9y8nhG7OlJ9kpgLbz7biRyph4tdi4jkKKHExq7SSndNmtLbGKdaHN0jUfstzme-MhsfZcCl4kvcyQED1nw-pWitKv_Z1Z6VDl-0-lUECF08fXuW9D0A-X_uGR60KDSDXzZkvQ/s1600/invitations.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Meal Planning: This one does NOT go in the “win” column. We’ve had some extra busy nights lately, and sometimes we don’t even eat dinner. I guess that saves money! I’d really like to work on this one, though.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tax Return: I’m sure you know that we spent some of our tax return on the Shark (have I written enough about it?), but we didn’t tell you where the rest went. Post baby, the doctor bills were through the roof. We’ve managed to pay off all but two (including Turner’s bi-monthly doctor visits). That left our emergency fund almost completely depleted. Well, it’s beefed back up to $1500! Dave Ramsey (we follow his plan) suggests having a $1000 starter emergency fund until you are out of debt, but Tu and I are currently uninsured. Zach and I feel much more comfortable having that little $500 cushion just in case. As soon as we’re covered (come on June 1</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap;">st</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">!), we’ll send that $500 toward debt. As for the rest, well, Tu may have gotten some new clothes. Girl is growing like a weed!</span></div>
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</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuWSnS__MCtY0zy51pY_P1AXNb8vsLhQ7lQeFFEJmMg-153F8uEQZl8uIz35Xjr-YYg0uicrMx_zS_7i9OX65G19WHHRe5CEuMNL5S18MSyn1HKBY3Dmo7JG9jqMMiZTo-tbyiFrYldo/s1600/Tutu+sitting+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuWSnS__MCtY0zy51pY_P1AXNb8vsLhQ7lQeFFEJmMg-153F8uEQZl8uIz35Xjr-YYg0uicrMx_zS_7i9OX65G19WHHRe5CEuMNL5S18MSyn1HKBY3Dmo7JG9jqMMiZTo-tbyiFrYldo/s1600/Tutu+sitting+up.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-7d935304-da7e-661f-c22a-1207a3fbcaea"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On tap for this weekend is some thrift shopping! It seems silly to buy a whole bunch of brand new clothes for the baby when she’s in them for about 3 months. Since that seems to be how long babies stay in once size, Mama and I should be able to find some good stuff at some local consignment shops. I’ll report back!</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105185803999417394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-62817600993164111202014-03-06T08:13:00.000-06:002014-03-06T08:13:42.857-06:00Movin’ On Up!<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dave Ramsey constantly talks about increasing your income. Well, with a baby at home and a husband that works constantly, I could not figure out how to do that. When I hear him telling people to deliver pizzas part time, he is usually talking to men or single people without children (if you fit in one of those categories, by all means get your delivery on!). What is this mama to do? Turner already spends most of her awake time at my mom’s house (she very generously babysits for free). I’m not about to leave her there even more so I can work some low wage job. That’s not fair to Turner or my mom. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I learned a valuable lesson at Paul Mitchel the School: Never say no. When I am at work, I never turn down extra work. If someone wants to teach me to do something new or have me take over a project, I do it. This is how you get promoted (I realize more corporate situations have very structured advancement ladders, but it’s still worth a try!). If you decline extra work, your company assumes you can’t handle your current job, so why would they give you more responsibilities? At my latest job, I took on any extra work they wanted to give me (that fit in my regular hours). This resulted in a $1/hour wage increase after less than 2 months on the job and a promotion (with an additional $3/hour!) 1 month later. That extra $4/hour adds up to over $690/month (I get paid weekly, so some months I get more than 4 paychecks)! I would probably make about half that at a part time job. And let’s face it, my part time gig would probably be in retail (LOVED working retail), and all of it would be given right back to the store. I worked at the mall in high school, and I had an amazing wardrobe but no money. So, I’ll take more work during my regular work hours to spend more time with my sweet, baby girl. </span></div>
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRRiHpfDap4uWE72hfbd4F3vPYPnKIb8Gb97V-sErF7_3x0EIcOYQ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRRiHpfDap4uWE72hfbd4F3vPYPnKIb8Gb97V-sErF7_3x0EIcOYQ" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This spring, we’re also working on selling some stuff. I don’t know why it’s so hard for me to take some pictures and post them online. We have a goal of getting rid of half the stuff in our house. If anything is still in a box from our move (last July), we probably don’t need it. Also, Turner goes through clothes super fast (not even 6 months old and already almost too big for 6 month clothes), so I have A LOT of her stuff to sell. I think we might try a few different avenues and figure out which we like best (eBay, VarageSale, various Facebook groups, Craigslist, etc.). </span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-d505bd9d-97bb-1ac2-db61-2c2e81bc9959"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you have any ways to increase your income that don’t involve a second job?</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105185803999417394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-5120474272600841222014-02-26T07:48:00.000-06:002014-02-26T07:48:32.659-06:00In Love with a Shark<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sorry I’ve been slacking with the blog posts. I’ve been busy VACUUMING!!! We bought our new Shark Navigator Lift-Away Pro on Sunday. I shopped around, and we ended up going to Wal-Mart (not my favorite place, but they did have the best buy this time). </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JzOxuUvSlymWHNPLIfthQ643_DREY61NsVQc6XBm9UnCqRn0Do1VXig02-W9fY0Sxhmure01UOXqYOD47qfDAr7sKNduJGyOklOtnyYfLsKXgXW9MwIF-HNOljtVYlxoQh6e-9pWdT4/s1600/shark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JzOxuUvSlymWHNPLIfthQ643_DREY61NsVQc6XBm9UnCqRn0Do1VXig02-W9fY0Sxhmure01UOXqYOD47qfDAr7sKNduJGyOklOtnyYfLsKXgXW9MwIF-HNOljtVYlxoQh6e-9pWdT4/s1600/shark.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.1500000000000001; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is really the first time I’ve looked for the best price. Usually I’m all about the convenience factor. If I’m at Target, and what I want is at Target, I get it at Target. I checked online retailers as well as brick-and-mortar stores. Wal-Mart was the lucky winner.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since Turner was a little fussy, the Shark even got to ride shotgun home (I ride in the back when she decides to fuss, so our car ride home is more pleasant). For ease of assembly, I give Shark 5 stars! My stubborn nature usually doesn’t include following directions, and I didn’t need them! Everything snapped right together. Before I knew it, Shark was practically pulling me across the living room. The brushes are strong, so hardly any pushing is necessary. It also has some handy tools:</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pet hair attachment</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. We don’t have a pet, but it’s great on the couch. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Crevice Tool</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I have every intention to use this… I did notice it has some vents toward the top, so it won’t suction to EVERYTHING. I hate the sound the vacuum makes when that happens. I’m afraid it will explode.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hard floor attachment</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Oh man, this is amazing. It’s a brush-free vacuum head with a washable, “Swiffer Duster”-like cloth that attaches behind it. What the vacuum doesn’t suck up, the cloth catches. Simply wonderful. You actually detach the regular carpet vacuum head and attach the hard floor head to the wand. Blew my mind. </span></div>
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</ul>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://sharkclean.com/">Sharkclean.com</a> has some other attachments (hello vacuum-under-appliances tool!), but we’re good with these for the moment. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The “Lift-Away” part happens when you lift the canister and motor off, so you can just carry that where you need to go. If you need to get something up by the ceiling, you can lift it right up there. My biggest beef (should I say tofu since I’m vegetarian?) with my old vacuums was that the wand was a nightmare to get more than two feet from the vacuum. I’m glad to say it is no longer an issue. I think I’ll vacuum tonight!</span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-217719e4-6e71-c6be-a49f-7d5b47ea615a"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">P.S. Zach just vacuumed with the old vacuum last Tuesday, and I picked up so much just 5 days later with Shark! The dirt and dust reached the fill line. I’m so glad we got this before Turner’s crawling days! </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105185803999417394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-80113312732004364012014-02-19T14:18:00.000-06:002014-02-19T14:18:00.681-06:00I Work Out<div class="MsoNormal">
I *will* work out.
You are in for a treat: a post
about working out from someone that doesn’t do it! This is really Zach's territory (he works out
at least 5 days a week), but I figure most of us are beginners, not seasoned
vets. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next month marks the beginning of training for the <a href="http://www.steamboatclassic.org/">Peoria Steamboat Classic</a>. I have tried running a few times, but to no
avail. I’ll do it maybe two or three
days. Last year, Mama and her friend
Kathy did the 4 mile race together, and I saw how good they felt crossing that
finish line (and how quickly Mama’s legs slimmed down). That day I decided I would do it the
following year with my (still in the oven at the time) daughter. I even got a fancy jogging stroller. Zach and I blew our Christmas budget getting
my running shoes (holla <a href="http://runningcentral.net/">Running Central</a>!). I’ll feel really silly if this running thing
doesn’t work out.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This will change our budget.
Registration is $80.00 (!), and I still need some things. I have little ears, so headphones that
actually stay in are a must. I’m
thinking <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/earphone/3316106.p?id=1218400854104&skuId=3316106&st=categoryid$pcmcat143000050009&cp=1&lp=4">these</a>. Any ones I find, I’ll have to see in real
life before purchase. Be thankful,
normal-sized-ear people! I also need
contacts. I only go to the eye doctor so
I can get more contacts. This past
visit, I also got glasses to save some money on contacts (I’ve worn contacts
almost exclusively since 7<sup>th</sup> grade).
Not wearing them every day stretches out their life a little longer, so
I don’t have to purchase them so often.
Those suckers are expensive! I’ve
been wearing my glasses ever day for the past 4 months, and I’m done. I am a contacts girl. It’s time to get back to it. </div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alright, so I need headphones and contacts. Not bad, right? What do you need to prepare to start a
workout routine? Do you need the new gear
to amp you up?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105185803999417394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-29105411300608210492014-02-16T19:20:00.001-06:002014-02-16T19:20:40.797-06:00Show It, Don’t Spend It<p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6i7O2nybvEHu_EVuOFzZ6M0T7iZFzLQflpr9HMCTV9b6IbHBgJjsAK9qeFRRKIBEfTgr00D-WDcIABwsmP16zTSbhPagXrySowwWqSe08sQoPf3oMSuodhuXkV1g2aKSnk2CNwMdElhN/s640/blogger-image-2062392238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6i7O2nybvEHu_EVuOFzZ6M0T7iZFzLQflpr9HMCTV9b6IbHBgJjsAK9qeFRRKIBEfTgr00D-WDcIABwsmP16zTSbhPagXrySowwWqSe08sQoPf3oMSuodhuXkV1g2aKSnk2CNwMdElhN/s640/blogger-image-2062392238.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">Ah, love is in the air. I think Valentine’s Day is dreaded and loved by an equal number of people. A very clever friend (shout out Lisa G!) always called it “Singles’ Awareness Day” because no other day makes you more aware that you’re single. It seems mean to make such a big deal out of something so many people are excluded from. I spent a majority of my V Days with my mama as my Valentine. Since I have a husband now (who absolutely loves </span><span class="s2">Valentine’s</span><span class="s2"> Day), it’s time to celebrate!</span><span class="s2"> (Well, it’s time to celebrate him.)</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">I wanted to do something special for Zach this year, since I haven’t celebrated in the past. I’ve been anti-Valentine’s for so long, it seems hypocritical to suddenly be all about it. I know he would want nothing more than to shower me with gifts and candy, but that isn’t in the budget (story of our lives). </span><span class="s2">We aren’t able to be together on the actual day (dang sectional wrestling tournament), but we will be Saturday evening and Sunday. Sunday lunch is DATE TIME!!! We’re actually going out to eat</span><span class="s2">*</span><span class="s2">! I can hardly wait!!! I’ve decided that Saturday is Pamper Zach Day. I’m going to clean the whole house (or as much as Tutu will allow me to do), do the laundry (usually a Zach job), and decorate for my Valentine! I had some down time, and I cut some hearts out of red, pink, and purple paper. I was going to leave them unadorned and scatter them through the house. Then I thought they needed something extra. I didn’t have access to many crafty supplies, so writing was the winner. Each heart says “I love you” in a different language. I knew the three languages I had to use were Korean (Zach is ¼ Korean), German (that pretty much makes up the rest), and French (he took French through most of school). I had some fun with the others. Russian came to mind because of the Olympics. I did Spanish, Italian, and Latin just to round out the romance la</span><span class="s2">nguages. I also did a Farsi heart</span><span class="s2"> (shout out </span><span class="s2">Sadaf</span><span class="s2">), and it was definitely the most tricky of the bunch. </span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">I’m also toying with the idea of </span><span class="s2">giving him a “spa-like” experience by having a nice, hot bath drawn for him when he gets home. He’s not a wine drinker, so maybe I’ll pour him a glass of beer to sip while he soaks. He’s been working really hard lately (lots of early mornings and late nights with school and wrestling), so I think a relaxation day might just do the trick. Oh! And I don’t have to buy any candles, because we bought 100 tea lights when our power was out a few months ago. Win</span><span class="s2">win</span><span class="s2">!</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">What are you doing/did you </span><span class="s2">do</span><span class="s2"> for your lover boy/girl? Did you break the bank this year?</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">*We’ve been saving up our once a month restaurant trip for Valentine’s Day. It’s nice that it falls right in the middle of the month!</span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALCmYJG87EQoLhiuqv6yZ9j8iW_WfWWbR10oJK4LRM6e4zdUYHhcRVZO43m_68s5tI3khVa-X_JOd5za0AW9VCEKovZDoPJht0uytuQyWKGiIVp4QmWdwsLV5ZZUXaRd180B0QR7y-yWD/s640/blogger-image--1927468349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALCmYJG87EQoLhiuqv6yZ9j8iW_WfWWbR10oJK4LRM6e4zdUYHhcRVZO43m_68s5tI3khVa-X_JOd5za0AW9VCEKovZDoPJht0uytuQyWKGiIVp4QmWdwsLV5ZZUXaRd180B0QR7y-yWD/s640/blogger-image--1927468349.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914026503305011720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-50317405445332875182014-02-13T07:47:00.001-06:002014-02-13T07:48:07.793-06:00All in the Name of Research<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let me just push my glasses up on my nose here… Alright. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A couple months back, the vacuum crapped out on Zach and me. I’m not even sure what brand it is. All I know is after two and a half years it’s dunzo. Luckily, Tutu is not mobile just yet, but that day is approaching quickly. We decided to use part of our tax return to buy a new one. Zach set a limit of $200. It’s a good thing I have him around, because I was all set to blow a huge chunk of money on a Dyson. I wanted to find concrete evidence (via customer reviews) that a Dyson was not the best. So, to the Google I went. I found a website that ranked the best vacuums of 2013 (the models that are currently out), and Dyson was not top dog! I couldn’t believe it. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shark is now top…fish? My mama got a Shark Rocket (it is a stick vacuum with a small canister at the top) and loves it. I’m not sure it would suit our needs, though. 1) She is much better about regularly vacuuming than Zach and me, and 2) she has mostly hardwood to vacuum. Our house has three rooms on the main floor and an entire second floor with new carpet. New carpet=lots ‘o fuzzies. I’m afraid I would be emptying that little canister after each room. No bueno. I’m already reluctant to clean, so I don’t need extra obstacles. On Amazon, you can sort your search results by highest average customer rating, and Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright was number one. This matched the results of the website I saw before. Oh, and did I mention it is only $199?! Winner!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/eFXNqq5vF0OmQJJ_d9LgHQw1io-ZLQ_PWvfuRWMLQGDdUXNlvedNQdfqCErxOJwC6YcSpMUuwoWdfmq2q3PzzcJv4ezwuLgYvRdY5PmivoiVtxZRQrocZUG45rKe75IC4vc" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255px;" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/eFXNqq5vF0OmQJJ_d9LgHQw1io-ZLQ_PWvfuRWMLQGDdUXNlvedNQdfqCErxOJwC6YcSpMUuwoWdfmq2q3PzzcJv4ezwuLgYvRdY5PmivoiVtxZRQrocZUG45rKe75IC4vc" style="border: 0px solid transparent;" width="235px;" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since I decided the Shark and I could be very happy together, it was time to comparison shop. I looked at Amazon (since I was already there), Target (some great sales on vacuums right now!), Bed Bath & Beyond (since they almost always have a 20% off coupon), and Walmart (I don’t like to shop there unless I have to, but I do make exceptions). It pains me to say it, but Walmart had the lowest price. They have it listed for $178, and it’s in stock at my local store. They had an interesting offer as well. If you got the Shark, you could choose a hand-vac or steam mop for just $30 more. Guess which girl’s mama needs a steam mop! This one’s mama! That steam mop is usually $60. So, even though a BB&B coupon would make it $160ish there, the $30 steam mop is too good of a deal. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I promise to report back once we’ve used the new bad boy a few times. I’m hoping to be so excited that I can’t help but write a post all about it! Keep your fingers crossed!</span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-759777ba-2b7f-5a17-4b1b-db5cbde4f6d9"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Duh na…..duh na….. duh na duh na DUHNADUHNADUHNA!!!! (Jaws theme…)</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105185803999417394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-86059655847016738702014-02-06T14:14:00.002-06:002014-02-06T14:53:03.297-06:00Tapping Your Talents<div class="MsoNormal">
A good friend of mine (shout-out to Liz!) is getting married
in a few short months. Weddings are an
insane time of gift giving. I love
giving presents as much as the next girl, but a shower gift <i>and</i> a wedding gift? Not in our budget this year. Liz was asking me about shower ideas when it
dawned on me: I have to get her a shower
gift, too! I’ve had her wedding gift in
mind for awhile (no worries, I’ll do a post about it after the wedding), but I
had no clue what else I could give her on our budget. She is definitely one that likes personal,
handmade gifts. I would much rather go
out and buy a gift, and if gift wrapping is included I’m game! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last time I had to do something big on a budget was our wedding. Luckily, Zach and I have A LOT of super
talented, artistic friends. We tapped
them out for as much as we could.
Photographer friend: check. Bossy
friend to deal with vendors and do hair: check.
Pastor friend: check. We managed
to have a beautiful wedding and reception for 100 people on about $5,000. Well, this girl over here isn’t without some
talent! I have my cosmetology license,
so I could have offered to do her wedding hair as her wedding gift, but I wanted
her to have something tangible (post in June!).
So, I thought and thought about what to give her as a shower gift that
would cost time and work, not money. She
has always complimented my handwriting, so I offered to hand address all her
invites. Having a professional address
them would cost about $1.50 per envelope (or so I found when I Googled
it)! She is estimating 88 envelopes, so
$132! I know I’m not a professional, but
my grandma thought I hired someone to do mine.
Yeah right. Those bad boys were
addressed at my parents’ dining room table by yours truly. Addressing invitations is also one more thing
to check off her To Do list. Right now,
that is the one thing she wants the most!</div>
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<br></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlca_Gk-x-5Ck6gcWYj9jB80rA56Hjy81VLx_WxPAUcSSbgIIq90-j_6erXag5PmsulK4tRDETgRtrN-nwXRZvj00OSH9Y0X-R-Q2KOsYz9mkK24GEymL7frlLUY-qcjD6Xv76dzA3u4/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlca_Gk-x-5Ck6gcWYj9jB80rA56Hjy81VLx_WxPAUcSSbgIIq90-j_6erXag5PmsulK4tRDETgRtrN-nwXRZvj00OSH9Y0X-R-Q2KOsYz9mkK24GEymL7frlLUY-qcjD6Xv76dzA3u4/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" height="320" width="289"></a></div>
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<br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, evaluate your talents.
Play an instrument? Offer to play
while guests are arriving to the ceremony or even during the ceremony! (Please only do this if you’re really, really
good and play a pretty sounding instrument.
It’s hard to turn someone down, and no one wants to walk down the aisle
to Canon on the trumpet.) Planning a big
event? Ask your friends to help! A lot of people underestimate their talent
and wouldn’t think to offer it. You
might have a cousin that’s really good at hair, or a brother that is just
starting out in photography. Use ‘em and
abuse ‘em. Well, don’t abuse them, and
only use them if they’re truly willing. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105185803999417394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-8780772137548056672014-01-31T20:23:00.001-06:002014-02-01T13:00:23.516-06:00Baby Savings<p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">As I’m sure I’ve mentioned before, we make our own baby food. My friend, </span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sadaf</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">, got us the Baby Bullet as a shower gift. At Turner’s 4 month check-up she was cleared for solids! Now, the pediatric “solids” aren’t actually solids. They just mean purees. To the usual baby-food-from-a-jar family, this adds a little extra cost to the monthly budget. For us it’s about $4 per week. Not bad for the little Tu to have fresh, organic fruits and veggies! </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I wish I had recipes for this, but it’s so easy no recipe is necessary. I guess I was a little lost on how to cook the different foods for the least amount of nutrient loss. Avocados don’t need to be cooked at all, just scoop those bad boys in the Bullet! With apples, baking and steaming are the best. We’ve done both. Steaming took a lot less time, and I thought it was easier. We have a rice cooker with a steaming tray on top. I just peeled (worst part) and chopped one apple, dumped some water in the bottom of the cooker, threw the apple chunks in the steaming tray, put the lid on, and let it rip! While I was waiting for that, I pureed a banana. In a half hour or so I had enough food for three to four days of good eats! </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">I also made some rice cereal. That was a little tricky. The recipe that made the most sense to me called for you to grind up the rice first, before cooking. The Bullet had some issues with that. I think it’s better equipped to grind up soft stuff. I ground up that rice until I smelled the motor in the Bullet get too hot. The rice still wasn’t fully turned to dust (that’s what you’re looking for, by the way). I thought I could sift it, but it turns out we don’t have a sifter or a strainer; might have to invest in one of the two. </span><span class="s2">After a good sifting, the ratio of rice to water for cooking is </span><span class="s2">½ rice to 4 cups water</span><span class="s2">. I don’t think I did it right, but I just brought the water and rice dust to a boil, then cooked it till I thought it looked done. This is probably not a good method. 20 minutes of cook time is what the recipe I followed said (I really only followed the first part, not the cooking part…). The first time baby girl had the rice cereal, she ate it plain. Then she got a taste of fruits, and it was goodbye plain rice. Now we have to mix some fruit in the cereal (not a big deal). </span><span class="s2">Tutu’s menu to date has included the following: apples, banana, sweet p</span><span class="s2">otatoes, avocado, and carrots. So far it seems she will eat just about any fruit or veggie you feed her, but the top of her list belongs to apples and carrots. She LOVES those two. She almost sat up out of her semi-recline to get closer to the spoon. </span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Homemade baby=success! I definitely suggest trying it. I can’t wait to try actual recipes when she’s a little older!</span></p><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyhIemRpcFD1LTFch21ITLSuvUu-ClRbLpzsIb38B6PCQGQ557U2iRksZc4O__W7BlviXhW_nipKvD7_l_D-jcjTk9GJF8OhjWrJQIQv8lsjjeNsL3OQbb3esH_7992sdkYqgM3s4fycU/s640/blogger-image-913320740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyhIemRpcFD1LTFch21ITLSuvUu-ClRbLpzsIb38B6PCQGQ557U2iRksZc4O__W7BlviXhW_nipKvD7_l_D-jcjTk9GJF8OhjWrJQIQv8lsjjeNsL3OQbb3esH_7992sdkYqgM3s4fycU/s640/blogger-image-913320740.jpg"></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914026503305011720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-67589796156244992802014-01-28T13:40:00.001-06:002014-01-28T13:40:34.239-06:00Slip Up<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.1500000000000001; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was just a matter of time, right? The mall was calling my name this weekend. As many of you shoppers know, January is an amazing time for sales. Gap dramatically marks down their prices (they had men’s jeans for $15 each!). Just like its big sister, Baby Gap marks down their clothes, too. I got Turner a romper, swimsuit, headband, and shoes for just under $20! She also got two sleepers and two outfits from Macy’s (I had a gift card so this part doesn't really count) for about $45. The prices were amazing. I didn’t even look at my section of Gap. I have vowed to not buy any clothes until all the baby weight is gone. I still have about 15lbs left (funny enough, that’s about how much Tutu weighs). </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oh, and I went to Target (bad news bears) and got more than formula. *We love their Up and Up brand of soy formula. It’s half the price, and Tu spits up less than when we used the Enfamil ProSobee* Tutu needed a Valentine’s outfit and matching shoes, right?! The girl can’t go anywhere without a bib, so she got some of those, too. I walked out of Target $85 poorer. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How does all this fit in the budget? Oh, right. It doesn’t. About once a month I get an itch to shop. I see this as a victory, since it used to be about every three days. Lately, Zach has done the grocery shopping (yes I even get my shopping high from the grocery store) since the car seat takes up a majority of the cart. I needed my fix. I hadn’t shopped since Christmas, and I got that done early (thank you, Cyber Monday). After church on Sunday, Mama and Brian took us to Flat Top (Thank You!) and asked if we wanted to go to the mall with them. We thought it would be fun to push Tutu around in the stroller, so we said yes. We spent about 3 hours walking around, going in and out of stores. Word to the wise: if you can’t hold yourself back, don’t even go! EVERYTHING was on sale. I was saving my Macy’s GC for Tutu’s Easter dress/hat, but we’ll have to put that in April’s budget.</span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-062d94ac-da5b-b53f-9f5a-4f440cfb11aa"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hopefully, this will be the last shopping trip for awhile. Maybe when Tutu is in all that ridiculous stuff from Justice, I won’t be so tempted. Any slip ups out there?</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105185803999417394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-63603414209057007512014-01-23T11:42:00.001-06:002014-01-23T11:43:34.075-06:00Meal Planning<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.1500000000000001; white-space: pre-wrap;">Zach’s good friend, Decatur (the one that visited with his girlfriend, Deana, a couple weeks ago) wrote me a message on Facebook before his visit. It was all about tips to save money on food. As previously noted, spending money on food is our biggest struggle. I used to go without food to buy shoes, but times have changed… </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He said one of his best money saving tips is meal planning. This week will be my first attempt at making a meal plan and only buying groceries that correspond to it. Oh, and all meals will be vegan. Double whammy. (If you’re interested in our diet, we highly recommend </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Skinny Bitch</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Skinny Bastard</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. They’re worth the read even if you aren’t thinking of a vegan lifestyle because they’re so funny!) Luckily, our Kroger is pretty good about keeping vegan alternatives in stock. We also use the Kroger app to load our card with coupons. You don’t need the physical coupon; the discount happens automatically when you scan your card and buy the product.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First, I decided to brainstorm. My biggest issue with meal planning is not being in the mood for that night’s assigned meal. I can’t even pick out my outfit the night before because, inevitably, I don’t feel like wearing it the next day. I’m not going to try any new recipes (except maybe a dessert surprise for my hubby) this time. I would like to make it as simple as possible. And we’ll have to shop for the little Tu this trip, because she’s eating real food! Proud Mama over here!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcM-cAhG5QUfYnzNVKUk5WgwfL1L5Ph5FiFYPNrodqaiUWqO9TLYgTP5-6x9An5D0blXEaADRH4pZnk9KP_wq6ybdkGUVEaK_tN_dOhTEoD2G7BoczA2-57Xv2OHgQetQAFNyFgsbB6T8/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcM-cAhG5QUfYnzNVKUk5WgwfL1L5Ph5FiFYPNrodqaiUWqO9TLYgTP5-6x9An5D0blXEaADRH4pZnk9KP_wq6ybdkGUVEaK_tN_dOhTEoD2G7BoczA2-57Xv2OHgQetQAFNyFgsbB6T8/s1600/photo.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Next step: fill out my fancy Meal Plan sheet. One of my bffs, Lisa, got these for us as a wedding gift. (She also got us check-it-of-when-it’s-gone grocery lists: best idea ever.) I included what Tutu would be eating as well. We’re not supposed to introduce new foods too quickly, so she eats the same thing for three days. This is an easy way to keep track. I also included a couple snacks that are easy to grab, but still healthy. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36Sl5WRYYTW7WfffILrMp7cRSIOB3dDrHEGUc6FT-vhqN7ry8GBaOc623-2hGk_wJ-LL6Mz_CZkobOJDVTOVuHjyOZbtdz8AnL6Y19l-rBKOCX_ry1n1cZaBUEgE8Nw2AR3YJwshPA8s/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36Sl5WRYYTW7WfffILrMp7cRSIOB3dDrHEGUc6FT-vhqN7ry8GBaOc623-2hGk_wJ-LL6Mz_CZkobOJDVTOVuHjyOZbtdz8AnL6Y19l-rBKOCX_ry1n1cZaBUEgE8Nw2AR3YJwshPA8s/s1600/image.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now the list. Tutu’s list is easy. She needs 1 banana, 1 sweet potato, and 1 avocado. Done. Our list is a little more tricky. We love (love isn’t a strong enough word, are in love?) with Daiya “cheese”. It is the best vegan cheese hands down. It actually melts. That’s usually my main complaint (I almost said main beef…but that seemed inappropriate) with other vegan cheeses. It is tapioca-based and soy-free. We eat a lot of soy elsewhere in our diet, so we cut back where we can. Anyway, our local Kroger doesn’t carry it, so we venture out of town for it (it’s that good). </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I forgot the list page at home, so this time I’m doing it the old fashioned way: by hand. We WILL stick to the list. I’ll follow up after week 1 of meal planning.</span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-5e4348fd-c02f-e998-78f8-8f32aec1ac50"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do any of you follow a strict meal plan? How does that work out?</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105185803999417394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-50118250093102105602014-01-20T14:14:00.000-06:002014-01-20T14:14:51.326-06:00Date Day!<div class="MsoNormal">
Zach and I are firm believers in dates after you’re
married. BT (Before Tutu) we usually had
dinner out once or twice (or three times) every weekend. Now, as noted earlier this month, we are
allotting one meal out per month. Well,
we both blew it this month. We both had
breakfast at McDonald’s separately (gross). </div>
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<br /></div>
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Well, lucky for us, we had gift cards!!! I had a Buffalo Wild Wings gift card from my
former manager, and we got movie theater gift cards from family friends last
Christmas. Hooray date day! Sunday was the only day this would
happen. Zach has wrestling tournaments just
about every Saturday until March. We are too busy during the week to fit in
date night, so Sunday was the lucky winner!
We decided to go right after church since my parents could take Tu home
from there, and we’d already be in town.
So, off to B-dubs we went! We ate
quickly (the service was great) and decided phones would only be for
emergencies. Then we headed to the
theater. We saw American Hustle (really
great) and talked about it the whole way to my parents’ house. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidk7RftixnVVPBLqdQlA8N809fP7CbR9HpjYFzRUnKn7oeTsstxvBTTJnToo_uV9ZwTjFBvwsP5Dxi5h2P_tQC_kkp-ULMqbjbWpdO85ew11BBTwNpD40ljzmnzHqzfSTfr_DRNfcN_lk/s1600/IMG_0719-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidk7RftixnVVPBLqdQlA8N809fP7CbR9HpjYFzRUnKn7oeTsstxvBTTJnToo_uV9ZwTjFBvwsP5Dxi5h2P_tQC_kkp-ULMqbjbWpdO85ew11BBTwNpD40ljzmnzHqzfSTfr_DRNfcN_lk/s1600/IMG_0719-1.JPG" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, there you have our free day date! It wasn’t totally free. We did
have to pay $2.68 at lunch to include a tip, but I think that’s okay since both
our meals this month were at McD’s (not exactly fine dining prices). Next month we will be stronger (especially
since we don’t have any more gift cards).
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We can’t wait for summer so we can go for picnic dates! Do you have any creative date ideas that
won’t break the bank?</div>
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Love,</div>
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T & Z</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105185803999417394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667324478193751662.post-71736153903016499922014-01-15T13:08:00.000-06:002014-01-15T13:08:10.177-06:00Funding a Baby<div class="MsoNormal">
This post is not about paying the hospital bills. We don’t have a grasp on that, so we are in
no place to give you tips. This is about
a little secret a friend told me.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At my newish job (I've been here just over two months),
employees must wait six months to receive health insurance. Naturally that would fall when Tutu is going
to the doctor every two months. I looked
into temporary insurance, and it turns out they do not have to cover anything
under the super high deductible. Ah, the
woes of being an adult. So, since Zach
and I are on a very tight budget, we decided paying over $100/month for it
wasn't smart. Keep your fingers crossed
that nothing horrible happens!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was telling my friend about this, and he told me about his
girlfriend not having insurance with her first daughter. She wanted to stay with her pediatrician, but
the cost of vaccines was through the roof.
Well, turns out you can take them to the Health Department for $8 per
vaccine! The baby still has her monthly
check-up, they just skip the shots. Oh,
and the Health Department sets up shop at a church right in our town! (This was key, because the Health Department office
is about 40 minutes away.) So, this afternoon little baby Tutu gets to go to
the doctor and skip the pain! That makes
this mama happy. However, on February 4<sup>th</sup>,
we have to go through the harrowing experience.
The shots don’t bother her nearly as much as they bother me. After about 10 seconds, she’s over it. We didn't even give her pain medicine for her
2 month shots. She’s a trooper!</div>
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<br /></div>
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You have a chance to help us with our getting out of debt
journey! I entered Tutu in the Peoria
Journal Star’s Cutest Baby Contest! Vote
Tutu! <a href="http://contests.heartlanddailydeals.com/engine/Details.aspx?p=V&c=113229&s=53735545&i=1">http://contests.heartlanddailydeals.com/engine/Details.aspx?p=V&c=113229&s=53735545&i=1</a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We actually plan to put any winnings in Tutu’s savings
account. As of right now, it’s her
college fund. If we are able to save
enough money, it will be her nest egg for her wedding, a down payment on a
house, or whatever she wants. </div>
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<br /></div>
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XO,</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tara </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105185803999417394noreply@blogger.com0