Day 7: 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero!

One week down! I have a new view on spending and I feel like it is a great way to feel. Today Brady and I went to the store to get some essential items like milk... Brady's main "essential" were cookies :)  We did make a list of the few items we needed and it was really hard to stick to it. But we did it. Brady was trying to convince me that sometimes you don't know that you need something until you see it in the store. But I stood my ground and we only got the things on our list. Before this challenge I thought I was doing good at sticking to a list but I don't think I did it 100%. It's pretty hard. I challenge you to try it.

The scariest part of starting this challenge was telling people about it. There are probably a lot of people who think this challenge is silly or think there is a better way of learning more about managing spending habits and its scary to think people are judging me for doing this. But I am learning how to get passed possible judgments and just try to do what makes me happy. 

The thing I am most excited about participating in this challenge is probably finding out how little we can actually live without. What is the lowest amount we can live on? 

The biggest struggle for me is figuring out what to make for dinner. This is always a struggle but I had the convenience of running to the store when I finally decided on a recipe and I didn't have some of the ingredients. But with this challenge I have to find recipes that have ingredients that I already have or make substitutions. It's a way of expanding my list of recipes.  

I cheated a couple times. Day one in fact was a bad start to a no spending month but I learned from it and I think that's the biggest part about his challenge. So I didn't get discouraged about it and I moved on so I  could have the momentum to continue through the rest of the month. 

The most surprising thing about this month was seeing how much I do enjoy spending money! I like it a lot especially if I can get a good deal on something. Writing this down hit me even stronger. I kind of feel like I have been in denial about spending and thinking I was only buying things we needed. It's helped me to see I have other things that I like to do that will be a lot more beneficial to my family and myself that don't require me spending anything. Walking to the Park or finding a new park has been Jack's and my favorite morning activity. We bring our snacks and water and we get to spend a couple hours outside together playing. It's been a fun time for us both! Also, I've been finding community events more appealing. Usually they are free and they are going on all the time.  

That's pretty much all I have for week 1. Let's see what day 8 holds...

Day 6: 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero!

For day 6's assignment I was to check out some free learning activities found on the web. Here are a few of the things I found most interesting...

How to blog: This was a great post that skims the surface on how to blog and how people make money blogging. It really opened up my eyes to how easy yet complicated it can be. I have a lot of learning to do in this subject. But really made me think anyone could create a successful blog and earn money if you follow the steps she outlines. I just might give it a try... or I am trying it now you could say. So we'll see where this blogging thing takes me.

How to make things out of old books: Crafts are my favorite and I have a bunch of old sheet music that I could use for a bunch of these crafts. I just loved how elegant the paper leaves looked on this hutch. I thought it might be fun to make something like this for the holidays and add in some pine cones.

Pine cones: At the park Jack and I collected pine cones so I can make some different crafts with them for fall and winter decorations. Jack was happy to help and searched for pine cones to put in our sack. I just love having a little buddy around to join me in all my weird activities. Here are a couple of the ideas I found I wanna try....

Burlap bow with hanging pine cones

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Dyed and Bleached Pine Cones

Pine Cone Topiary 

Pine Cone Garland

Oh and if any of you decide to gather pine cones from the park you NEED to bake or soak them before you use them so that it gets rid of all the bugs and sap. Ehow has a nice explanation of how to do bake them...

"Use an old cookie sheet or place aluminum foil on a cookie sheet that you use often. Place as many pine cones on the cookie sheet that will fit in a single layer. Put the cookie sheet on the middle rack in a preheated 200 degree oven for about an hour. The pine cones should open up during this time, if they are still tightly closed. This cooking process also kills any bugs and other bacteria that may be living in the pine cones. Let them completely cool."

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_7683297_make-cinnamon-scented-pinecones.html

I'm also going to give making cinnamon pine cones a try. This is one of the links that explains how to make them... How to make Cinnamon Pine Cones 

Seems simple enough. Bake out the bugs, spray with adhesive, add pine cones to a bag with spices in it, take them out and let the pine cones dry. So easy and simple.

So today was another successful day of no spending. I stayed home and baby sat then wend to the park to play and collect pine cones, visited grandma and grandpa and spend the evening making dinner and hanging out with my family. What a great Monday it was. 

What sort of things do you like to learn about for free on the internet? Are there other places you go to learn new things for free? 

Day 5: 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero!

Today I am happy to report I didn't spend any money. Usually Sunday is already a no spending day anyway so this made it really easy. I spent I nice day with my son Jack at home and my husband Brady actually had to work on a big paper that is due tomorrow so he took a lunch with him. Brady has been really good at making and taking lunches. He's been such a good support to me in this no spending month. It makes the challenge that much easier because everyone is on board. Thanks Brady!

Today's assignment was to eat "out" at home. I did sorta do this... We had a family Mexican potluck today and it was delicious. I love having family so close enjoy meals with.

I did like the idea of finding restaurant copy cat recipes to make at home. I just don't like the calories that come with restaurant meals. I found a list of recipes that are done healthy so you can find something delicious without overdoing it on calories. Here's the link: Restaurant Favorites Made Healthy.

Do you have any restaurant copy cat recipes you use? I find it hard to find one's that are close to the real deal. I have yet to find a Cafe Rio pulled pork recipe that will match the original's greatness.

Day 4: 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero!

Today has been another success! I'll probably call every day a success because I've been learning new things. But today was truly a success as far as no spending. I didn't spend a dime on any activity or meal I ate. This morning I headed over to a new housing development where they had a few new parks, a lady doing free balloon animals, free snacks, free pumpkins to decorate, and best of all free Famous Dave's BBQ for lunch. This was meant to lure people in to buy a new home but I was not ashamed. The thought of buying a new house right now isn't even on my radar.  I was just there for the free stuff! But it was fun to tour the houses and dream a bit.

Today's assignment was to invite people to participate in a meal swap. I decided to make it a freezer meal swap and I invited my Facebook friends to join me. I really like the idea of having someone else make a meal for me. I am not a picky eater and I like to try new foods so this gives me a chance to try new things. And I don't have to think up a meal for that night!!!  Another plus is that I currently have a lot of the same foods around so I am able to make 3 or 4 of the same meal to swap with 3 or 4 other people. If you haven't done a meal swap before check out this link. <<< I like the way they explain how it works. 

I am still looking for willing participants to help me with this freezer meal swap so if you are interested send me a message on Facebook. <<< 

Have you ever done a meal swap before? What were your experiences? 

Day 3: 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero!

For yesterday's assignment I was to make an inventory of what I had. Whew... This is a lot of work! So here goes my list...

Black beans
Diced Tomatoes
Green Beans
Canned Corn
Red Potatoes
Russet potatoes
Sweet Potatoes
Watermelon
Zucchini
Oranges
Bananas
Apples
Cucumber
Mini Wheats
Granola Bars
Goldfish Crackers
Spaghetti Noodles
Pineapple
Chicken: fresh, canned and frozen
Pasta Sauce
Grapes
Tuna Fish
Mandarin Oranges
Canned Salsa
Olives
Canned Potatoes
Rice- a variety of types
Boxed mac and cheese
Yellow cake mix
Instant potatoes
Jalapeno Peppers
Artichoke Hearts
Evaporated Milk
Parmesan Cheese
Canned Mixed fruit
Garbanzo Beans
Chipotle Peppers
Tomato sauce
Split Pea soup
Tahini
Popcorn
Coconut milk
Diced Green Chiles
Chicken noodle soup mix
Potato soup mix
Honey
Maple Syrup
Agave
Coconut Oil
Olive oil
Vegetable oil
Vinegar
Bisquick
Oatmeal
Ramen Noodles
Egg Noodles
Tortellini
Raisins
Cranberries
An assortment of nuts
Milk
Eggs
Butter
Bread
Jam
Peanut butter
Mustard
Pickles
Lemon juice
Mayo
Worcestershire sauce
BBQ Sauce
Ketchup
Beef
Smoked Sausage
Hot dogs
Cheese
String cheese
Carrots
Iceberg lettuce
Romaine  lettuce
Cilantro
Red onions
Yellow onions
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Milk
Salad Dressings
Sour Cream
Yogurt
Canned Pears
Bread crumbs
Apple Sauce
Cream Cheese
Ice Cream
Root beer
Frozen peas
bell peppers
bacon
tater tots
frozen fruit
chicken nuggets
Pot Pies
Tilapia Fillets
Apple Juice

And that pretty much covers it. In some ways I feel like I have a ton of food and then in others I feel like I have no idea what meals I will make from it. The idea of just shopping from my cupboards for a month is a little daunting. I feel a little anxious that I am not able to go to the store to pick up a missing ingredient for dinner. But then again I do have a lot of food around at the moment. I think my strategy will be to keep the meals simple and only use a few ingredients for each in order to stretch the food I already have.

For today's assignment I was to brainstorm meal ideas. Here is what I came up with..

-Mac and Cheese (first on my list because I just love Mac and Cheese and it's always on my mind)
-Burrito Bowls
-Eggplant pizza
-Rosemary Chicken
-Smoothies
-One pot pasta
-Quesadillas
-Tortellini Crock Pot Soup
-Cob Salad
-Santa Rosa Salad
-Potato Salad
-Rosemary potatoes
-Tuna fish sandwiches
-Mediterranean wrap ups
-Crock pot freezer meals I have in the freezer already.
-Nachos
-Tilapia Bowls
-Cauliflower Chicken Alfredo
-Beef and broccoli Stir Fry
-Backed potato soup
-Chicken and broccoli casserole
-White Chicken Enchiladas
- Oven Fajitas
-Chicken Caesar Salad wraps
-Spaghetti Squash Enchiladas
-Spaghetti
-Artichoke Spinach Lasagna
-Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad
-Coconut curry
-Zucchini Squash tomato bake
-Spaghetti Squash mac and cheese
-Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce
-Buffalo Chicken
-Thai Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
-Pizza
-Slow cooker coconut curry chicken
-Kind Bars

I already know that some of these call for ingredients I don't have but it was a good exercise for me to see the meals I can make for the future. This list will surely make things easier to come up with whats for dinner in the future.


Today's recap: Today was a really easy day and I didn't spend any money! It helped that I walked to the park in the morning and just hung out around home in the afternoon so I didn't use the car all day! If I don't put myself in situations where I could spend, I won't/can't spend. But not all day's will be this easy. It's when I'm out and about when it'll be a challenge.

Tomorrow I'm taking Jack to an opening for some new parks and housing developments where they are going to have a bunch of free activities and food. I thought it would be a fun free activity. But I know since I'll be passing the stores I like and there will be tons of signs for yard sales, I will be enticed to spend just a little or even go browsing. But I'm gonna make a plan and not take any extra stops along the way. If I stop the probability of spending just increases. :)

What are some free activities you like to do with your family?

Day 2: 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero!

Today was a wonderful day! I had planned a day out with one of my friends a couple weeks ago to go to an orchard and hunt for pumpkins and other veggies. So today I did spend money but it was on my list of planned expenses (see day 1's assignment). I followed the guidelines of the challenge and I was able to have a very nice time.

I rarely make plans in advance in order to have the forethought to budget for them. I usually just fly by the seat of my pants and spend money on things all willy-nilly and a lot of times I feel guilty about spending money on things like that. There was something about today that allowed me not to feel any remorse about spending. I figure I felt that way because I had planned it out beforehand that I was going to use money on this event. I had a better sense of where my money was going so maybe I didn't feel so out of control with it? I'm not totally sure... but there are many more day's to experiment with how I spend money to come.

With this challenge Brady and I decided to talk with one another if we felt we needed to buy something and we had a good little talk today. Brady wanted buy a soddering iron to work on his guitar over the weekend. We discussed if he could borrow one or if he could wait until November to buy it. But I really enjoyed having the conversation. In the end I'm still not sure what he'll decide. But I think it was a good conversation to have just realizing that buying things isn't the only way to getting them. I think we both have been in the mind set lately that if a thing is inexpensive and we want it why not buy it. Why not right? Today I really felt the value of just being open to different options instead of just buying because we can.

Today's assignment was to organize your pantry and take an inventory. This assignment will just have to wait until tomorrow because I got stuck in a horrible traffic jam for two hours on my way home from a delightful day with my friend so I had no time for this. Tune in tomorrow for Day 2 and 3 assignments.

In conclusion, even though I have spent money the first two days of this challenge I am still calling it a success because I am learning about how I manage my money and I am becoming more aware of how I can spend less. Tomorrow's goal is to make it a true no spend day.

Have you spent money yet in your 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero challenge? Let me know how its going...

Day 1: 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero!

On the 31 Days of Living Well and Spending ZERO challenge site today's assignment is to set the ground rules. The following are my Ground Rules:

Grocery or Toiletry items I/We MAY buy this month:
-Fruits/Veggies that otherwise would have gone bad by the end of the month.
-Milk

Things I/We have already committed to paying for this month:
-Going out to eat while my parents are in town
-Family outings with my parents
-Outing with Friends
-Normal Monthly bills
-Gas (try to keep it to one fill up)

Things I/We may absolutely NOT purchase this month:
-Fast Food
-Clothing
-Movies
-Restaurants for convenience
-Fountain Drinks
-Internet shopping

Other Rules/Notes:

Today's Recap:

Today has been pretty much a success! I say pretty much because we spent some birthday cash on dinner... I feel sorta bad about it but I feel better than I would if I wasn't flexible in this situation. We were meant to eat dinner over at Brady's parents house but they decided on inviting more of the family over and opted to get taco's because there wouldn't have been enough food to go around. I was trying to figure out a way to gently break it to my in-laws that I wouldn't be able to eat what they were having. But I feel like there would be awkwardness with them trying to buy my dinner for me or them feeling bad they changed their plans. So I decided to just go with the flow on this one. I did it consciously though, and I talked it over with my husband before as well. We decided for anything we think we need to spend money on this month we would talk with the other to see if they would yea or nay. This way we can step back and think if it is really something we need.

Tonight's dinner situation brings up a tip for anyone who might be trying this challenge in the future. Make sure those you hang out with know you are doing a no spend month. It will save you from awkward moments and I feel like people will be more willing to work with your goal especially if it's not sprung on them.

I made another observation today; I am feeling urges to spend money. This is probably because I am consciously not trying to spend money. This is a great eye opener! It's like my brain is programmed to find ways to spend money. For instance I was folding laundry and some of our washcloths were looking a little worn and dingy none of them match and I immediately thought... "I bet it wouldn't be too much money to buy a new pack of washcloths" and I started thinking about where I wanted to go and get some new washcloths. How nice it would be to have NEW washcloths. But I really don't need them! I have lived this long with old washcloths and I probably could live much much longer without buying new ones. If I had this thought last month I probably would have a brand new stack of crisp white washcloths under my sink right now.

Even after one day I noticed a change in my thinking that I feel will be a powerful way of thinking going forward. Have any of you had urges to spend or noticed something about the way you are starting to think?