Goodbye 2012

The girls and I did a wonderful send-off to 2012.  We did a party theme.  Everything we did was a party.  We ate dinner at a hibachi restaurant so it was a hibachi party and that it truly was.  Then we got supplies at Walmart so ....Walmart party.  We also did game party, movie party, cake party, xbox party, 2012 memory party, then at midnight we did our "fireworks" party (aka lots of poppers).  We had too much fun.  Surprisingly everyone made it to midnight. 

 

My Goals for  2012 that I placed on a board on Pinterest were not all completed.   I am truly happy with the goals I did reach and how some of mine were re-touched or changed.

 

 

Take the girls to a Balloon launch/festival.

I honestly kept forgetting about this goal.  When I did remember it was too late to take off work to travel.  I will put this on my Goals for 2013. 

 

 

I will find time to meditate/pray daily this year.

Accomplished!  Even if it was a few minutes before waking the kids up or taking a brief walk to the Healing Garden at my work it was well worth it. 

 

 

to chase the end of a rainbow with my girls :)

Very well done!  We should have brought snacks because it turned into over an hour excursion.  Maybe GPS as well I almost got lost on the return home.

 

My coloring book got jacked by a 2 year old.  I never finished it but I do not mind at all.

 

explore new horizons to find a new hobby

I have explored: crocheting, skating/derby, rediscovered reading, sewing, cooking, candy-making, being a soccer mom :) , and lots of others.  I have found more than one new hobby.  I do think this one will make the 2013 list. 

 

 

to lose @ least 20 lbs & fit back into my size 10 jeans

I was almost there but I will get there one day.  I entered my Dad into hospice and did a lot of couch sitting, sleeping and lousy eating.  On the bright side I am fit enough to do a 5K/obstacle course so size 10 or not I feel fit.

 

 

Try a new recipe each week. I'm starting with this one.

I had so much fun with this one.  I only tried a couple complete stinkers.  My children were not as excited with NEW, untried recipes.

I'm too old for this!  We slept on the floor in sleeping bags.  As I said before I'm too old for this!  My back was sore for a day after that. 

To get Yogafit certified

It never happened.  The weekend I signed up for I cancelled on because I signed my Dad into hospice.  I did not want to be several hours away if something happened to him.

I did instead finish the Run For Your Lives 5K/obstacle course.  

 

Get "that" closet organized & I luv this idea!

Yeah that organization maybe lasted 2 months.  Live and learn.  It's "that" closet for a reason.

 

Memory Jar, Put memories made throughout the year in the Jar. Then on new years eve empty and read them all from the wonderful year you've had. I'm so doing this.

We enjoyed the memory jar and sharing them on NYE.  It will become a wonderful tradition.

 

 

don't know if it'll be 40 days because i've already hit 3 rooms.

I loved this project.  I have already decided it will be an annual project.

 

30 Day Mom Challenge.

I never finished it.  I would start, forget, get back on track, forget. 

 I have some new goals already in mind for this year. 

Happy New Years to everyone!

 

 

pop...pop...pop

Tightening up on my budget I love finding awesome ways to save on Pinterest, from friends or family.  A box of microwaveable butter popcorn can run $3.78 on up.  If you purchase paper lunch bags, popcorn and/or popcorn oil you have the ingredients to make your own microwaveable popcorn.  The first purchase is more than a box and requires effort beyond unwrapping but is beyond belief beneficial.  One bottle has gotten us 15 bags so far; we are not done with the bottle yet.  There are not as many preservatives as in the prepackaged bags.  Plus, if you need a little more you do not have to pop a complete bag.  

 

http://pinterest.com/pin/170573904606348626/

 

 

 

taking my finances back

Online banking and debit cards have made me lazy in the financial responsibility department.  I stopped using a ledger more than a year ago.  The only check I write is for MDO each month.  During the summer I realized I waste a lot of money  so I started keeping a written ledger of all money and expenses.  I update it each week.  Then check it against my online account.  I really like the ideas on this blog about using envelopes.  The blog also encourages you to go a week without using your debit card to raise awareness of the extras you purchase. 

My biggest dumb expense is stops to Bush's for a sweet tea or Sonic during happy hour.  To help with my unplanned spending I allot myself so much in quick stops by placing a $5 each week in my glove compartment.  When that is spent I cannot make any extra stops.  Any money left the next Monday goes into my piggy bank or is given to my daughters for theirs.  I do not add it to the next week.

 

I also save money by meal planning and shopping alone.  It seems minor but it truly saves a bundle when you know exactly what to get, have a cash budget to remain within and no kids or hubby's begging for this or that.  Our breakfast, lunch and dinners are planned for a two to three week period.  Then I normally have two extra meals that are super easy like hot dogs or spaghetti.  And of course I keep back-up breakfasts like cereal on hand.  I have started doing freezer meals. 

 These help me cut cost because some recipes are for 6-8 portions.  By making ahead and freezing I don't have the waste of leftovers that never get eaten.  I love that. 

I'm at 1015 Pins.  I wonder if you can max out on Pins?!!