Target, Here I Come!

This month was not nearly as hard as January.  I hope at the end of this year I can say that about every month!  I have spent a lot of time reflecting on how easily money is thrown away.  The amount we spend when my husband and I have a date night or even just the whole family going out to eat is crazy.  I've learned to utilize what I already have and be creative with the kids.  I will be much more conscious about spending money on extra things.  I've already planned a cheap date night for us this coming weekend.  We are going to hit up one of our favorite sushi places for happy hour and then see a free play.  I'll let you know how it goes :)

 As I am sure you have noticed by now, I am not an eloquent writer.  My posts are fairly short as I don't have time to get into every detail of my life.  I have also been really bad about taking pictures lately but I think every post should have at least one picture.  So I am subjecting you to this: A picture of my kids with a free box of beans.  See you next month!

Potluck

If you can't join them, invite them over!  I've missed going out with friends this month so it was nice that we hosted our monthly playdate/bookclub.  Everyone brought something to share and the kids entertained one another.
 
Since we can't spend all of our time and money at Target this month, we've been hanging out at HEB a lot.  The Buddy Buck machine is a freebee that we frequent at least 3 times a week.  Today Dawson scored an "instant winner" and got this awesome placemat...who needs to spend money!?!
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I have to admit that I am ready for this month to be over.  I desperately need new underwear and I am ready to eat out!  

Trucking Along

There really isn't anything I have needed this month and I have saved so much money already. I am realizing that it isn't the big ticket items I have to worry about with spending, it is the little things I take for granted that add up.  Stuff for the kids at Target dollar spot, a smoothie at the gym, grabbing lunch on the go with the kids, ordering alcohol at restaurants, etc.

Of course time with my kids is always free :)

Free Weekend in Fort Worth

I forgot to mention that this month would involve mooching off my parents :)  My whole family was invited to a friend's wedding reception in Fort Worth this past weekend.  My wonderful parents drove us all up there, fed us and got cupcakes for my son's 2nd birthday.  We stayed at my sister's house and had a great time (and free meal) at the reception.  It really doesn't get any better than that!

Cheater!

I have to be honest and say that I have already cheated this month!  I used Turbo Tax to file my taxes and that cost me $20.  I am getting a refund and I just couldn't wait until March.  I am also going to sign up for a race that is in April so I can do it with my girlfriends.  But that is it!!

 I have found myself wanting to buy little things here and there and I love that this month is making me think about these purchases that add up so quick.  I checked my credit card balance and it is awesome that the only other charges are from HEB.

Playing outside....free.

Hillbilly sledding....priceless.

Bring On The Free Stuff!

We have already been taking advantage of free stuff around town.  Our library has a story time for kids several days a week.  This week we scored a free craft too :)

Home Depot does a free project the first Saturday of every month.  Everyone else must be spending no money in February too because it was packed.  The kids made heart keepsake boxes...much better than the battery holders we made there last year.

And riding the lawnmowers is free too.

We forgot to get my husband a haircut before this started so he was brave and let me clean up his neck and around his ears.  I must say that I did a fabulous job and hair cutting may be my calling ;)

February

I bought a new vacuum and a birthday present for my son last night so I am ready for February!  This month our family will spend no money besides groceries, bills and other real necessities.  So, there will be no eating out, going to the movies, buying books, toys, junk from the Target dollar spot, movies from Redbox, Pei Wei, apps, craft supplies, and Whole Foods. Stay tuned to see what fun we have!

Last night was my book club meeting where I broke my cleanse.  I think we were over prepared for seven people :)

 Unfortunately it was anticlimactic because I am still sick and on lots of medication.  I only had a half glass of wine but it was very tasty.  And, surprisingly, I did not wolf down this entire amazing smore bar yumminess.