Ahh damn.
Well reader (are there more than one of you out there? Should this say "readers"?) Yesterday we blew it. We had a really long morning weeding the front lawn outside of the fate, setting up to weed the lawn inside the gate, and mowing, weedwacking, trimming, and raking up the back yard. It was no easy task as the "grass" was easily 2 feet tall.
After a busy morning of yard work, we headed downtown to the science festival. We had fun, but it was super crowded there! On our way home, we stopped for a drink using our gift card for sonic. OK, OK, it wasn't really on the way home, but drinks were half priced, it was hot, and Kaylee was napping in the car.
After we were home for a while, we realized that we forgot to set out anything for dinner. DOH!!
It was already 6 by this time, and we usually eat by 5:30. We knew we were going to eat out. We were going to blow our challenge. We made the (rational?) decision that if we were going to blow it, we were going to enjoy it. So we went to our favorite sushi place in town. They always give us a free appetizer, salad, or roll. (This time it was free edemame, miso soup, and rice for Kaylee!) Despite that, we still went well. well. well over the $10 budget. I feel guilty about it. I guess if we are going to mess up, sushi is the way to go.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Day 5
We are almost done with week one!
The first few days were not hard at all. I mean, how hard is it to not eat out at all, or not pick anything up from the store for a few days? Then Today came. But first, let me get to last night.
A friend of mine was in town from Portland and a bunchy of us got together to visit with her. As I predicted, this was where I would blow this weeks cash. I knew alcohol was out of the question, so I had a beer before I left the house. (Don't worry, a friend drove!) My plan was to grab a bottomless soda/tea and munch on the all you can eat chips/salsa/hot carrots.
That worked pretty well, until I decided to glance over the menu just to see if there was anything within budget on the menu. Surely a drink would only be about $2, and a taco or a side of beans, rice even could only be about $3 or so, right?
WRONG-O!
The cheapest item on the menu was a cup of soup. I had my choice (!) of either chicken tortilla, black bean, or abondagas. It was $6 for a cup! But for $1 more, I could have a bowl, and 4 tortillas - a FEAST! So I ordered the bowl. The bill came, and with tip, mine came out to $10. $10!!!! That means that we are over budget $3 for the week. (remember that sugar I needed?) Jacob insists that we agreed earlier that any pre-existing plans or outings made prior to the challenge start are exempt from the challenge. I agree, sort of. I did make these plans before I decided to do this, but I still went over the $10 mark.
Last night the family had left overs for dinner. I came home from my outing, still hungry, so I had a bowl of cereal before I went to bed.
Today Jacob forgot to take a lunch. He had an orange on his desk that he left there yesterday, so that's all the poor guy had! The kids and I had tuna and crackers for lunch. We went to the grocery store (remember, I still can use WIC and whatever else I buy is to be used AFTER the 30 day challenge is over!)
We had spaghetti, with meat sauce, and garlic toast for dinner tonight.
What am I missing the most right now? A few things, mostly the convenience of being able to run out and pick up whatever I want, where ever I want it from. Like a drink when I'm out and thirsty and my SIGG bottle is empty. Or running out to pick up more beer because I'm out. Going to pick up a dessert and coffee for Jacob and I to share after the kids go to bed. Its amazing how much we did that kind of thing, and I'm only now seeing the frequency of that in the last few days. $5 here, $18 there, $1 there. It adds up so quickly!
As for our bonus challenge of walking every night as a family. We've been really doing well on that! Jacob and the kids still went for a walk last night even though I was out. Tonight we are taking a night off and watching "Where the Wild Things Are"
Adios!
The first few days were not hard at all. I mean, how hard is it to not eat out at all, or not pick anything up from the store for a few days? Then Today came. But first, let me get to last night.
A friend of mine was in town from Portland and a bunchy of us got together to visit with her. As I predicted, this was where I would blow this weeks cash. I knew alcohol was out of the question, so I had a beer before I left the house. (Don't worry, a friend drove!) My plan was to grab a bottomless soda/tea and munch on the all you can eat chips/salsa/hot carrots.
That worked pretty well, until I decided to glance over the menu just to see if there was anything within budget on the menu. Surely a drink would only be about $2, and a taco or a side of beans, rice even could only be about $3 or so, right?
WRONG-O!
The cheapest item on the menu was a cup of soup. I had my choice (!) of either chicken tortilla, black bean, or abondagas. It was $6 for a cup! But for $1 more, I could have a bowl, and 4 tortillas - a FEAST! So I ordered the bowl. The bill came, and with tip, mine came out to $10. $10!!!! That means that we are over budget $3 for the week. (remember that sugar I needed?) Jacob insists that we agreed earlier that any pre-existing plans or outings made prior to the challenge start are exempt from the challenge. I agree, sort of. I did make these plans before I decided to do this, but I still went over the $10 mark.
Last night the family had left overs for dinner. I came home from my outing, still hungry, so I had a bowl of cereal before I went to bed.
Today Jacob forgot to take a lunch. He had an orange on his desk that he left there yesterday, so that's all the poor guy had! The kids and I had tuna and crackers for lunch. We went to the grocery store (remember, I still can use WIC and whatever else I buy is to be used AFTER the 30 day challenge is over!)
We had spaghetti, with meat sauce, and garlic toast for dinner tonight.
What am I missing the most right now? A few things, mostly the convenience of being able to run out and pick up whatever I want, where ever I want it from. Like a drink when I'm out and thirsty and my SIGG bottle is empty. Or running out to pick up more beer because I'm out. Going to pick up a dessert and coffee for Jacob and I to share after the kids go to bed. Its amazing how much we did that kind of thing, and I'm only now seeing the frequency of that in the last few days. $5 here, $18 there, $1 there. It adds up so quickly!
As for our bonus challenge of walking every night as a family. We've been really doing well on that! Jacob and the kids still went for a walk last night even though I was out. Tonight we are taking a night off and watching "Where the Wild Things Are"
Adios!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Blogging from my iPhone via text message, curious to how it will work.
Day 3 of our challenge and we are still going strong.
Breakfast The kids had cereal. I had coffee. Took two granola bars to eat in the car for lunch while on our way to the library. Packed a pbj for Connor. Jacob took left over enchiladas verde to work with homemade beans and rice.
On our way to the library near my inlaws house we were at a red light. A homeless man was holding a sign asking for help. I motioned to him that I had a granola bar he could have. He hurried over and thanked me more than once. I said sorry I didn't have any money to give. He said money isn't everything. Thank you for being kind to me.
Tonight we had chilli with sour cream, avocados, cheese, and biscuits!
I just realized that I haven't updated on our food budget for the week. Late last night I ran to the grocery store for WIC. We were also out or sugar, and I wanted to pick up some jello for this dish I'm making later this week. That set me back $4! Today I bought cornbread mix for $1.20.
We managed to go on another family walk tonight! That's 3 days for both challenges.
Tomorrow is a real challenge. I'm heading to happy hour with a group of friends. I'm planning on the free chips and salsa and maybe a soda or iced tea.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Day 2
Today has been easy. I can't find my car keys though I've really tried! I was supposed to go to costco to pick up some food save bags, but alas, it will probably become my big errand tomorrow.
Breakfast: Cereal x3
AM: Snack: Kids had yogurt melts, I had none.
Lunch: Connor and I both had a grilled cheese sandwich and chocolate covered raisins. He had strawberries and peas. Kaylee had only peas.
Jacob is at work, and he had a frozen dinner. Poor guy!
PM Snack: Steel cut oatmeal w/ flaz seeds, honey, dried cranberries, yellow raisins, almonds, and pecans. YUM!!
Dinner: I'm thinking of making enchiladas verdes with chicken. I have it in the freezer along with beans and rice, so pretty quick to throw together.
We took a walk last night after dinner, just around our block because it was getting pretty dark out and it was cooler. We decided to make that part of our challenge too. We are going to try to take a family walk 4 nights a week. It's gotta be at least around the block or to the park.
Breakfast: Cereal x3
AM: Snack: Kids had yogurt melts, I had none.
Lunch: Connor and I both had a grilled cheese sandwich and chocolate covered raisins. He had strawberries and peas. Kaylee had only peas.
Jacob is at work, and he had a frozen dinner. Poor guy!
PM Snack: Steel cut oatmeal w/ flaz seeds, honey, dried cranberries, yellow raisins, almonds, and pecans. YUM!!
Dinner: I'm thinking of making enchiladas verdes with chicken. I have it in the freezer along with beans and rice, so pretty quick to throw together.
We took a walk last night after dinner, just around our block because it was getting pretty dark out and it was cooler. We decided to make that part of our challenge too. We are going to try to take a family walk 4 nights a week. It's gotta be at least around the block or to the park.
Day 1
I'm already behind in blogging about our experience. I guess kids and a house that needs work will do that to you.
On our first day, here is what we had:
Breakfast: Cereal, coffee
Am Snack: None
We had to run out to Jacob's parents to drop off a birthday present. We were going during lunch, and I knew we would be tempted to pick up something to go on the way home if we didn't pack our food up.
Lunch: Italian sandwich, PBJx2, Fried Egg sandwich, pirate booty.
Dinner: Stuffed Chicken Breasts, 2 bunches of oven roasted asparagus, and Applesauce.
On our first day, here is what we had:
Breakfast: Cereal, coffee
Am Snack: None
We had to run out to Jacob's parents to drop off a birthday present. We were going during lunch, and I knew we would be tempted to pick up something to go on the way home if we didn't pack our food up.
Lunch: Italian sandwich, PBJx2, Fried Egg sandwich, pirate booty.
Dinner: Stuffed Chicken Breasts, 2 bunches of oven roasted asparagus, and Applesauce.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Pantry challenge
So here we are!
Over the past few months I've been carefully shopping to stock our pantry using coupons combined with sales to get pantry goods for very little.
In reviewing our bills, it looks like I spend about $60 a week for groceries for four people. I think that's pretty good and probably below some national average. Jacob and I have recently ran into a few bills that need paid off sooner rather than later, and Connor would really love to go to preschool. To fund both of these we need more income or reduce our expenses. My job prospects have been slim.
Jacob and I decided that one of the ways we can do better is to reduce our grocery bill even further.
We are challenging ourselves, to spend no more than $10 per week for 30 days on grocery shopping.
Here is our current set up. We have a walk in pantry, a 6 shelf unit in our office closet - which serves as a second pantry, a fridge/freezer combo in the kitchen, a deep freezer in the kitchen, and a fridge/freezer in our garage. The garage fridge is mostly holding milk, beer, wine.
In the interest of full disclosure, we receive WIC which allows us to recieve several gallons of milk, pounds of cheese, beans and peanut butter, bread, eggs, cereal, and a small amount of fruits and veggies.
The rules:
1) The challenge starts on Sunday March 21.
2) All meals, snacks, drinks, etc must be made from home. The goal is to get to 30 days with no grocery shopping.
3) Any meals, snacks, drinks, etc purchased by someone else is OK.
4)Any meals, snacks, drinks, etc. Paid by gift card already in posession is OK. We currently have gift card to Sonic for an unknown amount ($20?) and a $20 starbucks gift card.
5) Because it costs us nothing,WIC is allowed.
6)$10 per week in supplemental spending is allowed. This should cover any unexpected food costs.
7)In the spirit of the challenge I will continue to coupon and stock our pantry for very little. These items will not be part of the $10 stipend. And will not be included in the available food.
8) All of the money we save will be used for bills.
Over the past few months I've been carefully shopping to stock our pantry using coupons combined with sales to get pantry goods for very little.
In reviewing our bills, it looks like I spend about $60 a week for groceries for four people. I think that's pretty good and probably below some national average. Jacob and I have recently ran into a few bills that need paid off sooner rather than later, and Connor would really love to go to preschool. To fund both of these we need more income or reduce our expenses. My job prospects have been slim.
Jacob and I decided that one of the ways we can do better is to reduce our grocery bill even further.
We are challenging ourselves, to spend no more than $10 per week for 30 days on grocery shopping.
Here is our current set up. We have a walk in pantry, a 6 shelf unit in our office closet - which serves as a second pantry, a fridge/freezer combo in the kitchen, a deep freezer in the kitchen, and a fridge/freezer in our garage. The garage fridge is mostly holding milk, beer, wine.
In the interest of full disclosure, we receive WIC which allows us to recieve several gallons of milk, pounds of cheese, beans and peanut butter, bread, eggs, cereal, and a small amount of fruits and veggies.
The rules:
1) The challenge starts on Sunday March 21.
2) All meals, snacks, drinks, etc must be made from home. The goal is to get to 30 days with no grocery shopping.
3) Any meals, snacks, drinks, etc purchased by someone else is OK.
4)Any meals, snacks, drinks, etc. Paid by gift card already in posession is OK. We currently have gift card to Sonic for an unknown amount ($20?) and a $20 starbucks gift card.
5) Because it costs us nothing,WIC is allowed.
6)$10 per week in supplemental spending is allowed. This should cover any unexpected food costs.
7)In the spirit of the challenge I will continue to coupon and stock our pantry for very little. These items will not be part of the $10 stipend. And will not be included in the available food.
8) All of the money we save will be used for bills.
Why blog now?
I've never really had a blog because I never felt my life was interesting enough to share. The last few years have brought a few changes and challenges to our lives here is a quick recap to help show why we are doing what we are doing!
2005 - Jacob and Shannon are married
2006 - We bought a 2/2 condo and immediately learned that Connor would be joining us that same year! After a difficult pregnancy a healthy boy arrived on his due date!
2007 - What a great year! We hired a nanny, worked our asses off and it paid off. We were making longer term plans, setting up vacations, talking to financial planners and investors.
2005 - Jacob and Shannon are married
2006 - We bought a 2/2 condo and immediately learned that Connor would be joining us that same year! After a difficult pregnancy a healthy boy arrived on his due date!
2007 - What a great year! We hired a nanny, worked our asses off and it paid off. We were making longer term plans, setting up vacations, talking to financial planners and investors.
2008 - Jacob and I decided that although we were making significant financial gains, we were missing so much of our sons life! We rebudgeted, reprioritized, and made a decision that I was going to resign my position at work to stay at home wih him. The same day I was going to pun on my resignation, Jacob lost his job. His well paying, stable, amazing health coverage, 75% of our income job. 3 weeks later we found out another difficult pregnancy was in store for me. A few months later, my doctor decided it was no longer safe for me to continue working. Now Jacob and I were on unemployment or disability payments, our income was only a small percentage of what It once was. Our emergency fund was gone.
2009 - Three weeks before I was due with my daughter. Our condo was foreclosed on. We moved into a big (2500 sqft, 4/3, loft, country kitchen, front and back yard, 2 car garage!) Jacobs parents bought the home, we pay rent, all bills, and make most repairs and improvements with our own work and money. The house will be ours one day which is great because I truly love this house and the community it's in.
Kaylee was born sunny side up, and it fits her personality perfectly!
I went back to work after a while. Jacob stayed at home with the kids. I would come back on my lunch to eat, play with the kids, and nurse Kaylee.
In late September, Jacob found a job!!! I began working a modified position from home. At Christmas I lost my job.
2010 - We are currently struggling to make it on my husbands income. Currently, our kids and Jacob are fully insured. I however, am in insurance purgatory, waiting to hear back if I can be approved by the insurance gods for individual coverage.
The only debt we carry is our car payments. We have prepaid payment for the next 12 months on our cars. After all of our bills are paid and expenses accounted for (gasoline, etc) we have a fairly limited amount left over for groceries, family outings, clothes, dining out, cleaning products, pharmacy needs, repairs, and of course unexpected expenses. The only savings we currently have is about $4000 left in my 401k, and $400 in an IRA. Thanks to a tanking stock market, this is sadly what is left!
About me
If you've stumbled upon this blog, let me tell you a little bit about ourselves.
We are a family of four living in San Diego. Jacob works for a market research company as a software developer and project manager. Shannon (the main voice of this blog) worked in the HR department for a major pet retail company. Currently unemployed, Shannon takes care of two children and household errands and chores. Connor is a 3 1/2 he likes Yo Gabba Gabba, trash trucks, and broccoli. Kaylee is 1, she enjoys music, and motor skills.
We are a family of four living in San Diego. Jacob works for a market research company as a software developer and project manager. Shannon (the main voice of this blog) worked in the HR department for a major pet retail company. Currently unemployed, Shannon takes care of two children and household errands and chores. Connor is a 3 1/2 he likes Yo Gabba Gabba, trash trucks, and broccoli. Kaylee is 1, she enjoys music, and motor skills.
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