Payments

Decided finally what to do:

Paid $640.55 to Am Ex -- paid new charges, interest and $200 on the balance.

Paid $553.06 on MC - paid new charges, interest and $100.00 on balance.

I still have $300 cash to deposit and next month is a 3 pay period month which is so nice.  The third check no insurance is taken out so should be around $1000 instead of $600.  Can't wait.

This month's debt goal is to get below $30,000.  I will need $2301 paid to do this.  It can happen but I need to sell some things, be real frugal and just put everything to debt.

Financial Friday

This week was productive.

* Balanced checkbook.
* Transferred $600 from Ally to checking
* Transferred $300 from Credit Union to checking
* Transferred $400 from savings to checking.
* Am working on determining how to split up money for credit card payments.
* Am working on listing school books on amazon, on my Etsy account and putting some stuff on E-bay.  Also we have a local trading post on Facebook that people seem to be doing very well selling items...so will try that too.

Started working out at the gym tonight, walked 3 miles.  Membership is free because as a benefit from where I work.  Working up to a half marathon in September.  I have a long way to go, lot of walking, lot of losing weight before that is going to happen.

Financial Friday

Not much this week.

Submitted my receipts for my Medical Reimbursement Account.  Need to sit down with the family and figure out how to spend the rest, who needs dental appointments, who needs glasses before the end rush to get the money spent.  My portion was about $80.00.

Won $41 at the casino.

I ended up sick so didn't do much of anything except work and sleep.

Knitting and Reading

Love to knit and love to read.

Still slogging through The 12 Tribes of Hattie.  I want to get it done so I can sell it while the book is still relatively new.

There has been production since I last blogged.  I have finished a dishcloth.  Really, I love to have a dishcloth on the needles, very easy to take with you.  Some people are so, "I'm never knitting a dishcloth" but they are quick and easy doses of success.

Next I have almost finished a Green Bay Packer hat.  All that is left is the tassels.  The yarn is crappy acrylic but it was on sale, it looked like a fun easy knit and it was.

Lastly I have started my 2nd sock.  Actually I had forgotten that I had the one sock done, was digging around and tada, there is was, so might as well finish it.    Love the yarn,  love the color Regalia Kaffe Fassett.

Froze 9 bags of asparagus tonight.  Unfortunately I picked up our Bountiful Basket this past week, had purchased a case of asparagus and didn't get to it until tonight.  It was starting to go bad.  It was a great deal, I would like to buy more case specials like that but not if I can't get to it.  I also got a case of 8 containers of strawberries. Three of those were eaten fresh, I froze 4 bags for smoothies and make 6 pints of jam.  It seems so early to be starting preserving but with the prices I can get the produce for it is well worth it.

Can't wait to see what others have posted at Ginny at Small Things.

Financial Friday

What a phenomenal week.  Things kept going well....will try to keep them going.

3/27 - Transferred $62.00 from paypal to checking.
3/27 - Paid $200 for Haiti trip.
3/27 - Paid AmEx $704.46
3/27 - Paid MC $236.63
3/29 - Deposited a portion of my tax return $1900.00 (we used a portion for home improvement, this was the balance that was mine).
4/1 - Deposited $180.00 ($40 son taxes I fronted him; $140 in cash won at casino)
4/2 - Paid MC $800.
4/2 - Paid AmEx $1000.14
4/2 - Purchased Bountiful Basket food $59.50
4/4 - Paid MC $600
4/4 - Paid AmEx $600
4/5 - Payroll


Balances will be updated.  So excited with the progress this week.

Regroup

Time to regroup the blog.  Back from Haiti, it was a phenomenal experience.  It makes you very aware of how lucky we are to be born in the United States and how very blessed we are.

Last week's financial transactions didn't get done and I combined them with this weeks, will update on Friday.

Hope everyone had a very blessed Easter.

Financial Friday

Trying to pack for trip, leaving on Sunday, cannot wait.  Haiti here I come.  I am hoping for a life changing experience, probably have put too high of expectations.  I want to make a difference. Am having a little bit of restlessness.

Anyway money $$$$$.

Paid $300 on Mastercard.  I want to be at my goal of 8700, but I have used this card for a few items for the trip so in actuality I am not going to update the tickler bar until after I get the bill and pay for any charges made this month.

Paid $367.18 on American Express.  Weird number I know.  I charged $167.18 on this card and will not be charging anything else.  Will pay off what was charged and a little extra.

Worked 1 hour of overtime.

Didn't hear from the job I put an online application in for (hate those) ...so very random if you get selected.  But, am going to put in for a promotion where I am currently working.  If I get it I dread telling my boss, like will be so sick and unable to sleep dread it.

This paying off my credit cards is going slow.  There is a big job fair on 04/03 for a new grocery store in town.  That is where I am contemplating getting a part-time job.  $12.50 for cashiers, not bad for part time.  I will get tired but I need to get moving on these debts.  It was so much more fun to buy the stuff than it is to pay it off.  Plus there are things I want to purchase with cash once the debt is under control/paid off.

Only one book on e-bay sold for $34.00, greatly disappointed but my husband is right that it is not the right time. Will try again at the end of the summer.   Huge yard sale coming up this summer too, 1/4 of the garage needs to be cleaned out.

Now the big dilemma is how much knitting to take.  Will I even get the needles on the plane.  We have a 4 hour layover one place and 9 coming back.  If I have nothing to do I will shop which is not a good thing.  So a book and knitting to occupy my time will definitely help.

Menu Monday

Moneysavingmom.com has a menu that she puts up every week.  I started, I stopped, it is so much more efficient do make a menu.  You use up what you have in your refrigerator and freezer saving money plus the stress of not having to come up with a menu is so nice.  I only make a menu for suppers, lunch is left overs or you are on your own for cooking.

Monday - Pork Loin with cream sauce; rice.  Recipe  Super yum.
Tuesday - Chicken enchilada casserole.
Wednesday - Roast with vegetables.
Thursday - Chili with grilled cheese
Friday - Roasted chicken
Saturday - Ranch Burgers
Sunday - Off to Haiti

My son is home from college (spring break) this week so a lot more food is being consumed.  My son-in-law takes the leftovers to work with him instead of buying junk food.  He works third shift.  All the other people he works with survive on chips, energy drinks and junk food, not good.

Financial Friday

This week is a bit of a downer.  I wish people on e-bay would bid.  I have about $600 in textbooks listed, a lot of people looking but no one bidding.  I'm sure they will wait until the end but it is a little frustrating.  I am hoping to sell at least $300.    If they don't sell I will put them on Amazon or something like that and just let them linger.

I got 4.5 hours of overtime this week which is wonderful, probably will next week too so that will help tremendously on the next paycheck.

Got paid this week.

I deposited my son's tax return, I had fronted him the money.

I have taken over my daughter and son-in-laws savings accounts since they are too irresponsible.  They now have $5700 saved since I took it over about a month ago.  I am also making them start paying me back ..... so this paycheck had them give me $50.  Her husband is all for it, my daughter is not too excited about this arrangement.  They would have nothing if I didn't do it and they would never move out which is the ultimate goal.

Goal this next week is to pay out the $250 (son and daughter $) and also portion out this paycheck.  I just need to decide how much goes where.  Also need to get out cash from savings for my Haiti trip.  Leaving one week from Sunday.

To Do Sunday

I have decided to change my weekly to do list to Monthly.  I have great weeks and then not so great weeks.  Maybe if there is not so much pressure each week it will work out better and I won't feel like such a dismal failure.  It is at least worth a try.

Am really trying this month to sell some of the items on my shelving unit.  Then hopefully in May have a yard sale and clean out the garage.  There is so much to do and it is so easy just to waste time and pretty soon another month is over.

Financial Friday

Excellent week financially.

1. $40 won at the casino.  You will never hear when I lose because I don't play with my own money.  My husband gives me $40, if I lose it that is fine, if I win I have to pay him the money back and I get to keep the excess.  It is a total win for me.  He likes going to the casino, I go because he wants to. If it wasn't for him wanting to go I would never go.  What a huge waste of money.

2. My son's $200 federal tax return came so he can sign that over since I gave him an advance on it.  That will go directly to credit cards.

3. Payments were made on both credit cards this week -
          $340.13 to MC new balance: $8900
          $375.97 to Am Ex new balance $26540

4. Have listed a book to sell so hopefully that will go.

5. Applied for a different job....not totally qualified but maybe they will take a chance if the perfect person doesn't show up.

6. Had a meeting on my Haiti trip.  Because of donations and fundraising our trip expenses at this point are going to be under $200.  Our minister is pretty sure there will be other donations to cover that, what a blessing.

Other than that which I think is good. Anytime the balance is going down on the accounts it is a good week.

Goals to achieve financially in March:
1. Have MC balance at $8700. (may use the tax return to pay on this)
2. Have Am Ex balance at $25900.
3. Decide if I am going to continue with my cell phone plan.  I hardly use my phone and need to look into a prepaid or some other type of phone.  My son is on my plan also and he hardly ever uses his phone.  It is $115.00 monthly that seems like a total waste of money.

The coordinator in Haiti has certain things, wants so to speak, for the mission groups.  This time on the list is teaching 4-5 older kids at the orphanage to knit.  How could that be more perfect?  Right up my alley although I have never taught anyone how to knit so may need to practice.

Cleaned out the freezer today, what a waste of money.  Threw a bunch of old vegetables out that were very freezer burned.  I really thought I would like a chest freezer but I really prefer an upright.  It seems to me an upright is so much easier to find what you have stored.  This summer I think I am going to sell the two chest freezers we have and buy a nice upright.

Messed up

Okay, I messed up big time.  I was putting purchases in my checking account like I used my debit card.  Actually I had used my mastercard.  Duh no wonder I couldn't get it to balance.

Sunday Goals Update

Updated my goals from two Sunday's ago.  Making progress, slow but steady.

Financial Friday

This week was super unproductive.

02/16 - Won $30 at the casino (husband's money)

2/22 - Bid on some used stuff from work.  Really don't care if I get any of it but definitely have people who can use older computers, a file cabinet that was never used and my son-in-law wants to write a book on a typewriter, so I bid $2.00 on one.  Like I said I really don't care if I get any of it, nothing necessary but in total if I win everything it will be less than $20.

2/22 - Worked a 40 hour week, no overtime :(

2/22 - Got paid with 3 hours of overtime from the last two weeks :)

I am still waiting for my Mastercard bill before I make my payments.  I need to cover both minimum payments and then decide what to do with the extra.

Gave my son an advance on his tax return money.  He owes me $200.00.

Also today made my son go apply for a job.  He goes to college full time and is doing very well but he can still put in some time for a job and stop whining about having to watch his money.  He has a nice sum in savings but I won't let him have it, mean I know.  If he had access he would piss it away, doesn't really have the concept of eating at school for free (already paid for) versus going out for a pizza which would taste so much better.  If he wants to go out, he works.

Tonight will make a desert for a funeral tomorrow.  A good friend from church, her mother passed away this week, sad week.  Tomorrow will be hard.  I'm glad I can help.

Am looking at a possible new full time position.  I would continue working where I am for as long as I can keep it up.  The combination of the two would be most advantageous in keeping this bill paid off much quicker.

Spaghetti

Off to church to make spaghetti for 100 people.  Fundraiser tomorrow for the Haiti trip.

Financial Friday

My Friday blog posting is boring although probably the most exciting for me.  Financially this week was really good.

2/10 - Went to the city and went shopping (this was not good other than I used my debit card and really didn't spend over $200.00)
2/11 received withholding error from work $417.00 ($400.00 in checking)
2/12 - Extra payment $500.00 to American Express
2/12 - Won $11.00 at the casino (only gamble with husband's money)
2/12 - Received notice of payment due on Am Ex ($286.12 interest :(  Credit card payment is out of next check on the 22nd for both MC and Am Ex).
2/15 - Extra payment to Am Ex of $400.00 from withholding error.

Final customer on 4th book sold on E-bay has paid so will get that mailed tomorrow.  This weekend will be busy listing more items, a large volume.  Also I have decided that to really get going on this goal and get these two credit cards paid off I need a part-time job.  My dilemma is to figure out if I should get one now or wait until mid April.  My thinking is I will be gone 10 days in March and a week the first of the month in April.  I hate to take a job, even though they would know up front upon hiring, and then miss time.   I need to decide by Saturday a time line.

Does anyone out there know a good tickler to use for keeping track of balances on credit cards?

Yarn Along and Reading

Still working on the same book, Minding Frankie.  Just not into reading as much as I am enjoying knitting.  Maybe it is a weather thing, maybe it is just a I like to knit thing.  Who knows.

I am trying to get my finances into check.  Love to spend money and even though I realized that I was spending more than I should I chose to do nothing about it and ended up having a balance much higher on my credit cards than I should  have.  In my efforts to not spend money I am knitting from my stash and pulling out older projects that are WIPs.  I wish I was monogamous with my knitting but I'm not.  There are always at least 4-5 projects going at a time.

The project that I have decided to try to complete is a Kaffe Fassett scarf I started a very long time ago, maybe 5 years even.  It is made out of Kid Silk Haze, is fun to knit with but with this pattern you use two different colors and there are many color changes.  I started this as a new knitter and did not weave in the ends as I went.  Now I am maybe 1/4th of the way done with the scarf and have a zillion ends.  There is a border on the scarf so am going to incorporate the loose ends into the border and secure them that way.

The colors are beautiful.

Can you see the haze of the yarn?

This is supposed to end up being 60 inches.  I obviously have a very long way to go.  See those loose ends.  I tucked a lot of them under the scarf.

Pattern:  Earth Stripe Wrap
Yarn:  Kid Silk Haze

No one does color better than Kaffe Fassett.

Check out Ginny every week for her Yarn Along.  Wonderful inspiration.  There are so many talented people every week that post their projects.

Sunday Goals

It is so easy to get distracted.  We went shopping today.  For us to go shopping based on where we are located, the bigger city is 2 hours away.  So when you go shopping, you plan and you shop.  Groceries are so much cheaper when we go to the bigger city and what is available makes you take advantage of the opportunity.  We were driving around going to Staples and a little Fiat 500 was sitting in the lot.  It was so cute, I got so excited we went and looked at it.  Of course it had to be in the perfect color, red; 2012, current; and only 5,000 miles.  You know how you get so excited you don't think logical.  Logical says you are not getting this car, emotion says "oh it is just so cute".   So after thinking, mulling, working numbers, trying to talk myself into it ....I finally talked myself out of it.  Maybe next summer but right now it is the credit cards and only the credit cards that cash is getting thrown at.  I hate when I lose focus.  My husband doesn't help with comments like "it is the perfect car for you".  Yes it may be the perfect car but the timing stinks.  So I'm over it, yeah.

This week has some very specific goals:
1. Decide what I am choosing as my Lent discipline.  I have never really given serious thought about giving something up for Lent as a means of building discipline. This year I will, but I want to decided to either do something or give something up that is going to make me work at it, not just doing something that has no meaning or challenge.
2. Finish the fingerless mitt for my sister-in-law.
3. Finish a knitted frog.  This is one of those projects that has been on my list forever.  I have two arms, the head and sewing it together.  It will take one night to finish it up.
4. I sold four books on E-Bay this week, they need to be mailed.
5. We stocked up on groceries, I need to put them away and reorganize our pantry, it has become a mess.
6. List all patterns on E-Bay.
7. List 3 books on E-Bay.
8. List 3 skeins of yarn on E-Bay.
9. Knit 25 rows on scarf (check on Wednesday, I'll post a picture).
10. Send in Menard's Rebate.

I am motivated to continue to make a little money from E-Bay but also continue to get rid of items.  It is nice to see a little more space where there used to be something I no longer had a need for.

Financial Friday

Overall a good week.  There was one time eating out this week so not an expensive week food wise.  I got paid this week which is always good.  Am going to put $100.00 on Mastercard and $400.00 on American Express.

My son unexpectedly received $625.00 reimbursement from overpayment last semester for college.  I pay for his college so he got $125.00 and I scheduled a $500.00 payment on my Mastercard which has his latest semester charged on it.    After I had it scheduled I received notice that my American Express was lowering my credit balance. WTH.  I know my balance is high but I always make more than minimum payment each month.  Well I got ticked, unscheduled my payment for the Mastercard and put it on the American Express.  It has now become the card I want to pay off first.  My big fear is they lowered it to within $200.00 of my credit limit.  Once interest posted for the next month I would be over my limit, they could charge an extra $35.00 over the limit fee.  Not happening.

For extra money I have four books listed on e-bay, three are definitely selling one is a maybe.

Also, for more good news my place of employment screwed up my withholding last year (actually they messed up everyones).  I am scheduled to get within the next two weeks approximately $400.00 reimbursement.  Straight onto the credit card it will go.

This weekend we are going to stay home for the whole weekend so hope to finish up ironing the shirts on my to do list and also list a bunch more items.   I hope by the time I go to Haiti to have sold about $500.00 worth of stuff.  I want another extra payment to the Am Ex.

It seems like it will take forever to get this paid off.  Ugh.

Balances:
American Express - $27,401.00
Mastercard - $9.000.00

Yarn Along

Finally have finished some knitting.  Have one sock of a pair done that will be a Christmas gift probably for my niece instead of my sister-in-law.

I am also making some quick handwarmers for gifts.  Have one done, am about 1/3rd of the way on the 2nd one. These will be for my sister-in-law.  She is not a person who likes very bright  colors so the grey is perfect.  It is hard when you are a person who loves color to make something on the blander side.  My favorite colors are red and purple, hers would be brown and gray.

I was trying to find the link to the pattern but can't find it, it is very easy.  Knit in the round.  Cast on 55 stitches.  Knit 3, purl 2, repeat.  Complete 40 rows in this pattern.  Knit in pattern back and forth for 10 rows to make the hole for the thumb.  Rejoin and knit in the round for 10 rows.  Bind off.  Weave in ends.  Honestly I don't remember what yarn this is but I think it was probably from Hobby Lobby.  It was left over from making a pair of socks.  There will still be some left over which I think I will probably just start some left-over socks, whatever is left over will be knit together.  Should be interesting what I end up with, interesting or ugly, time will tell.

As far as reading I am still working on Minding Frankie.  It is a good book but I am having more fun knitting right now so it is not progressing very quickly..

I am joining Ginny at Small Things for her Yarn Along.  It is a great place to get ideas, I love to check out what others are making.

Weekly Goals

I have finally, finally accomplished a few things on my goal list.  Listed a few things on 3-bay, finished knitting a couple items.  Now just need to keep the momentum going.  Added a couple things, deleted a couple things, it is a work in progress, very fluid.    Just need to keep going, there is never an end just a journey.

Debt Irritation

You know the dumb part of debt besides the fact that you are in debt, is the amount you pay for the privilege to be in debt.  Between my two credit cards I pay $13.81 per day (based on 30 days per month) to be in debt.  That works out to $20.72 per working day per month (based on 20 days per month).  I have to work two hours per working day just for the privilege of owing someone money.  When you figure it out like that, how foolish was I.

Keep in mind when I write I am only talking about my personal situation not making judgments on anyone else.  We all have our own story.

Right now I am irritated with myself and need to get my butt moving to get this paid off faster.

Financial Friday

This week was boring in financial news.  I did not list anything with e-bay to make extra money but did work a little overtime so that will help.

I bought three sodas this week for a grand total of $3.75.
1/29 $9.85 for food (supper)
1/30 $2.00 for food

I also put $40.00 into my envelope for the month of February for my spending money.
Balance is $46.15.  I really like following Dave Ramsey's program.  It makes sense and is easy to work.

For any extra payments this week I am putting $200.00 onto my Mastercard.

One good thing financially this week is I found out that where I work provides the Hepatitis B vaccine series and a tetanus shot for free.  I need both of them for my Haiti Trip.

One bad thing this week is I committed  to paying $1,000 to tile my laundry room.  I know I shouldn't have but I really want it done, it would be the only area on the first floor that we have not put down hardwood or tile.  It looks really bad.  This week I will give my husband $300.00 to apply to that balance.

At this point I either want to get going on E-bay sales or try to figure out a way to work a part-time job for some added income.    My head says it is easier to work a part-time job but I really still want to get rid of all this stuff I have.  This summer my daughter and I are also going to have a yard sale.  About 1/4 of the garage is full of stuff to get rid of.  It is overwhelming and wasteful.

I am so glad it is Friday, has been a long cold week.  Yesterday was -18 today should be in the 20s, a heat wave in comparison.

Reading and Knitting Yarn Along

Reading and knitting are two things I enjoy the most so participate with Ginny - Small Things in her weekly Yarn Along.

This week has been spent knitting on a plain basic sock pattern.  It is the first of my Christmas gifts for next year.  My goal  is to have a totally home made Christmas which would include knitted items and cooking/kitchen items.  Knowing myself and the way I can procrastinate I need to get going now otherwise it may not  will never happen.

I started reading The 12 Tribes of Hattie but just can't seem to get into it.  So far it is good, but not a "I can't put this down" kind of book where you stay up until 2 AM when you know you have to get up at 6 AM for work.  So far, not that kind of book.  My book club a couple of months ago read Minding Frankie.  It was in December, I was super busy and didn't get it read.  So far a great book so hope to be done by the end of the weekend although it is Super Bowl Sunday and there are parties to go to so it may take a little longer.

The sock I have decided is actually for my s-in-law.  I need to knit about an inch more on the foot and then do the toes.  Am hoping to be done with this by tomorrow, will cast on another and hope to finish by mid February with that one. With that accomplished her Christmas gift is done.  I need to keep plugging away.

The needles I am using are square, I love them.  They seem to be easier on my fingers than round ones. If you haven't tried them most shops will let you experiment before buying them to see if they are for you or not.  The brand that I like is Koliage.  

Applesauce muffins

Yum made the best muffins this evening.

Applesauce Muffins

Sorry no pictures.  They are much better sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, than without.   Super yummy, used up 2 jars of canned applesauce.  Hopefully this will help fill up some stomachs here.

Menu Monday

I have discovered that even though you don't follow the menu you have printed it still helps in the long run to use supplies you have on hand and to help be prepared on the nights you do end up using the menu.

Monday was changed before even published.
Tuesday we had homemade chicken tenders.
Wednesday we had an unexpected night off from babysitting my grandson so my husband and I went out to eat.
Thursday I honestly can't remember but we didn't have what was on the menu.

So we'll try again this week.

Monday - chicken noodle casserole (left over chicken to use up).

Tuesday - Roast with vegetables.

Wednesday - Butternut Squash Chowder.  Sandwiches.

Thursday - Stir-Fry.  Egg rolls.

Friday - Pork Chops with apples.
              Mashed red potatoes. (I have a few left to use up)

Sounds good, looks like everything I have on the menu we have the items in storage for will need to pick up only a few items.

Hope everyone has a great week.

Sunday/Friday Post

Why do I feel so unmotivated.  My goals for the week are still going to be the same as last week for the third week in a row.  Need to get off my butt and get going.  About 1/2 of the shirts gone done, but the goal was not achieved.  Truly I am motivated in the big picture, it is the day to day that I can't seem to get going on.

Financials for Friday are:
 1/20 - Auto Gas $46.05
1/20 - Supper - $20.62
1/21 - Soda - $1.25
1/23 transferred $50 from Paypal into checking.
1/24 - groceries - $$$ forgot to record it.
1/24 - Kum & Go - $9.87 food for son-in-law and cough drops
1/25 - Payday !!!!!!!!!!

All my credit cards payments are due so will make those this next week and then figure out what extra I can put to them.  A charge came through on my Mastercard for $294 which I thought had already cleared, it is legit, a hotel bill from our daughter's wedding but all the other charges from the wedding cleared I guess I assumed this one had to.  So that is a little higher than I would have wanted but such is life, it will get paid.

The husband and I went away for a mental health break from the rest of the family.  We are trying to be supportive but it is difficult.  Honestly I don't know how multigenerational families did it for years on end.  We are coming on the end of our first month and it has been difficult.  We will continue to make it work, for my daughter and her husband to get in a better place we have to have patience.

Menu Monday

This is the third week I am making a menu and have discovered that we eat the same thing all the time. I realized we need a little creativity so in an effort to spice up the menu and also clean out my file of recipes I want to try every week there will be a new recipe to try. What a great way to take care of two things, boring menu and a file that definitely needs to be cleaned out.

Monday - Spaghetti (my fallback when we have too much going on) Husband has a meeting and needs to eat early, others need to eat later.   Pancakes, eggs and bacon, he didn't eat supper.

Tuesday - Chicken Stir-Fry
                 Egg rolls.

Wednesday - Herb Chicken Cutlets
                      Roasted potatoes

Thursday - Butternut Corn Chowder (new recipe)

Friday - Gone.

This week's new recipe I will post next week if I like it.

This week's recipe is the Herb Chicken cutlets.  This is a recipe I found cruising the internet and it is so good.  To change the recipe you can easily omit the alcohol.

Herb Chicken Cutlets

This is just chicken scratch from a recipe I found.

On a plate put 1/4 cup flour.  Salt and pepper chicken cutlets.  Coat in the flour and fry until crispy.

The sauce is the best.
After frying the chicken cutlets, take them out and keep them warm in the oven.

With the drippings add 3/4 cup white wine, 2 Tbsp butter and let mix.  Add parsley and one stalk of mint, both chopped fine.

Plate the chicken and drizzle the sauce over the chicken.  Sprinkle  a little chopped parsley over the dish for decoration.

Sunday To-Do List

Well last week was for the most part disappointing in goal achievement, so all the goals stay and I am only adding a couple.

This is my biggest project this week.  I let my ironing pile up, then it is overwhelming, but I have to get through it and this week is as good as any.  So #1 on my list is getting this ironing done.  I would bet there are at least 50 shirts in the pile.  I did 12 already today, it is looking better, but still way to much. When looking at this I also have feelings of what a waste, why the need to have so many.  These are all my husband's shirts except for perhaps 1 or 2.  Maybe if I bombard his closet with ironed shirts he will stop buying them....honestly I doubt it but it is worth a shot.

One goal that was nice to get done was the magazines on my desk.  It went from this:

to:

So much nicer.  I have learned that when I go through magazines any more to tear out what I want to read if I don't do it at the time, if I want to look up something on the internet or make a recipe, pull it out and get rid of the magazine.  These magazines have been there for probably a year, they looked bad but were not in the way.  I have many of these little "projects" i.e. stacks or boxes of stuff, tackle one a week and they will all eventually will be taken care of.  Looking at the picture the eyes looking at you are kind of weird, I want to try to do the make-up like she has it and it is a reminder to me.  I should probably put it somewhere else, kind of creepy.

Financial Friday

This week went very well.

1/14 - $2.00 soda and candy bar
1/15 - $1.25 soda
1/16 - $2.74 cough drops
1/16 - Committed to Haiti Church Trip
1/16 - $1,000 paid on MC (extra payment)
1/18 - Transferred Ing Money to checking, closed accounts.
1/18 - Returned a Christmas gift that didn't fit, $106.50 back into my checking.
1/18 - $1.25 soda.

Need to stop the soda (bad for you) and the candy (again bad for me)....I could stand to lose about 45 pounds.  This does not help.

I was interested in going on a Haiti mission trip with our church this year, starting talking about the possibility last year.  Finally decided that I felt the need to go, asked off work, got off, then was planning the budget.  I will probably need to contribute $500.  My mom feels pretty strongly that I need to go and wants to make a contribution (which in actuality because of her generosity will be $500).  Between fundraising and her contribution I don't believe I will need to pull money away from paying off the bills for this trip, if so it will be minimal.

Was a good week, low spending and a lot of organizing, cleaning, planning (other than I missed my first day of work for being sick in three years).  Irritating.  Obviously I truly was sick.

Yarn Along

I love knitting, and love reading so participate in Small Things Yarn Along.  I think knowing that you are going to post something every week gives that little extra push to get with it and not waste time.

This week I have on my to do list to finish a baby bunting that I made for my grandson, who is now 2 years old.  Why do I do this?  I have a full at least 7 months to prepare, you would think I could get it together but obviously not.  As you can see there is a grand total of 6 buttons to sew on, really I can't finish this in time.  The knitting part has been done for almost 2 years.   So, that is project 1 in the knitting arena that I am working on.  Not that you can really see it in the picture but the yarn is a turquoise tweed with little flecks of yellow in it which is why the yellow buttons.  The yarn has long ago lost it's band so don't have a clue what it is.

What I am currently knitting is a sock.  I always try to keep a pair on hand for a last minute gift, which came in very handy last week for Secret Sisters at church.  My secret sister was someone I didn't know, had never met and had to have the pastor's wife point her out.  It is really hard to choose a gift for someone you don't know but usually something hand knit is enjoyed so made a gift basket of foods from our area, a kitchen dish towel and a set of hand knit socks.  I didn't make the party but everyone thought the socks were pretty cool.

Yarn:  Regia - Kaffe Fassett  The link is to his yarn but I bought mine so long ago they no longer make the color.  Is a nice soft yarn to knit with and I kind of like the stripes, a different background would take a better picture...next time.

The book I am reading real quick is Proof of Heaven.  I say real quick because I am having to use my e-reader, I prefer a book.    Book club is on Tuesday and I haven't even started it yet.  I hate when I forget what is coming up.  Anyway I hear it is a quick easy read, lets hope so.

Monday menu 1/14/2013

Sunday - Lasagna

Monday - Chicken Noodle Soup

Tuesday - Pork Chops
                 Au gratin potatoes

Wednesday - Roast with vegetables.

Thursday - Spaghetti

Friday - Chicken Stir Fry

Saturday - Ranch burgers

Last week actually went better than I expected.  It was nice to not have to run to the grocery store (1-1/2 blocks away - unfortunately a little too convenient) to buy ingredients for supper.  What I have on my menu I have almost all of the ingredients for in storage.  Things that need to be used up anyway.

The only change last week was my husband was out of town on Tuesday so my grandson and I did our favorite supper, pancakes and bacon.

It is interesting the stress of having to figure out what is for supper when I get home from work is just gone.  We did not eat out except for our party on Friday because there was not a question and indecision about what to make.

Financial Friday

This is the post I dread, the confession post.  I have a great job, not a job I love but a great job and I make decent enough money for my education level.  For the level I spend I should be at a doctorate level.  So in that vein I have debt, enough debt that it makes me nervous with the economic conditions as they are, it makes me irritated that I feel I have lost control and every month when I get the bill and look at the interest I get angry at myself.  So here goes.

Debts:
American Express - $28,000.00
Mastercard - $9,750.00
Christmas money to deposit - $300 or 350.00

Money available:
Reimbursement credit card - $1.56
Victoria Secret Gift Card - $22.18
Coldwater Creek Gift Card - $42.51
Target Gift Cards - $15 and $50.00
Starbucks Gift Card - $5.00 (So I can use the internet if needed)
CVS Bucks $3.50
Staples Rewards $23.50
Cash - $43.00 (misc)
Cash $40.00 (budgeted)
CU Savings - $15.33
X-mas Club - $150.00
Savings - $213.74
Checking - $381.14
Ally Savings - $376.08
CU Savings - $149.72
Paypal - $51.47
CU Checking - $213.22
ING - $62.65

Money Owed:
Daughter $1,869.50
Son $697.00

Obviously some of the savings accounts need to be consolidated, some of them are used for various purposes.  The CU checking is so my mother can transfer money to me.  That is how she handles my children's birthday and Christmas gifts, then I just write them a check or get cash.    But some of the other accounts I either need to consolidate or withdraw the cash and pay on my credit cards.

Since the start of the year I am giving myself $40.00 monthly spending money.  The $43.00 above is misc cash that I had.  I am not including it in the budget (I know probably wrong way to go right).  So far this month (since the totals were gotten) I have spent $1.50 on a soda.  As soon as I put the money in the machine and hit the button for the soda I kicked myself.  It was a waste of money plus I am trying to cut out coffee and soda from my diet.

I am realistic enough to know I will not get this all paid off this year, but 50% would be a great start.    If anyone leaves a comment please encourage, give advice don't scold or demean, I know it wasn't a smart thing to do, I don't need to be reminded.

In my goals starting next week I am going to start aggressively selling some books on Amazon and other things either through Etsy or E-Bay.  There is the possibility of a part-time job I can do from my home also which would make a huge difference.

I will be getting paid today and will probably pay another $750 on the Am Ex and $250 on the MC.

Knitting and Reading

Joining the Yarn Along at Small Things.  I love to read and love to knit, honestly don't have enough time to do either.

I am just beginning to read The Twelve Tribes of Hattie, it has gotten good reviews so I truly hope it is good.  For a while I read all of Oprah's Book Club selections and then she seemed to go through a dark phase and I lost interest, can only do doom and gloom for so long.  The sweater I am knitting is for my grandson's in Florida, I'm not sure which one it will fit, depends if I can keep gauge. It is the Anchor's Away Pullover.  Have just started the sweater knit from the top down, my first attempt with this technique.  Was able to learn a new skill also the provisional crochet cast on.  Super easy and really easy with the video.

Also this week finished a scarf I have been working on forever, super simple but for some reason took me forever.

 Ignore the pile of ironing in the picture, I know I do, much rather knit.

Isn't this a fun fabric.  It is tecido trico.  The link I pulled is actually the least expensive I have found the fabric/yarn.

Menu Monday

Monday - Shrimp Scampi
Tuesday - Soup or Stew (left over roast from Sunday evening meal)
Wednesday - Chicken with dumplings
Thursday  - Lasagna
Friday - Children left overs. Husband and I have a Christmas party.  I hate Christmas parties in January, doesn't feel the same.
Saturday - Husband and I are not home.

It is so much easier and cheaper to function with a menu so am going to try again to have one each week.  Also am going to try to go through the file of recipes I have tore out of magazines to see if they are keepers or not.  So many sound so good but then I never make them.  Time to start.

Beautiful day today in the high 20s.  I can live with that.

Yesterday was pretty tough, felt under the weather.  Slept for probably 16 hours, today am feeling exhausted.  We have the flu going around the community, wonder if I got it, or still have it.

Restart

Okay time to try again.  I really need/want to do this....to document my life changes, if only for myself.

The plan is on Sunday post a weekly to-do list, Monday post a menu, Wednesday post knitting, and Friday post finances.  My end goal of self sufficient living is still the same, there is much to do before that will ever be a reality, but honestly until you are dead you have the opportunity to make changes to your life, to bring it into the rhythm of what you believe.

My d and s-in-law with their son have moved in with us for probably 6 months.  It will be a test of my patience but if we can help them get a good start it will be worth it.  They have been married for five years and are still at the bottom.  This will work.