Vacation

Wow!!!  My life has seriously been a whirl wind since Friday.  My Grandpa planned a trip to Arizona in December I think, and his wife has had some health issues.  He did not want to cancel the trip he really wants to see his daughter who is my aunt, and his granddaughter who is my cousin and their families.  The trip he booked was non-refundable, so he called me and asked me to travel with him.  After calling my boss and getting my schedule figured out.....  I am leaving for Arizona on Thursday.  So, much to do, and pack to get ready, and I seriously was not expecting it or planning on traveling or taking a vacation this month.  I am so grateful and so thankful for my saving account....because all I need to take is spending money.  This is going to be a trip of a life time.  It is going to be great to hang out with my grandpa, and I know he is not going to be around forever he is 83 after all.  And my hope is to really have an awesome time and create some wonderful memories.  I am going to take a butt-load of pictures!!!

Not Very Frugal Lately

Wow, I hate to admit this but I have not been very frugal lately...  Lots going on in my life.  My Son has come home on leave from Iraq. So there was a great sense of celebration and the need to really spend some quality family time doing some really fun things. I have made some great home made meals, I have eaten out, I have been out to a bar (or two) I have been to a Casino, I spent the night at a resort, and threw one hell of a party at my house.  It was a crazy week I must admit.  I really need to get my finances back in order....  I must tell you that I am super happy to have my savings account....  and the good news is.....  I did not charge one thing on my credit cards.  So that has been worth the pain and sacrifice of saving.  I sort of feel like I went off the deep end though.  I rarely ever eat out, and spend money at resorts and casino's.  By the way I even gambled and did not win one thing (yikes) But, I did not care, I was spending quality time with my son and family.  And....  as my Idol Suze Orman tells me every week, People First, Then Money, Then Things.  We really created some great memories this week, and I am so grateful for my family.
Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!! 

Why I Love Yard Sales

Yes it is summertime. Summer is my favorite season of the year. One of my favorite things to do is hit up the yard sales. Here are my reasons that a good yard sale is hard to pass up.

Yard sales are cost effective. One man's junk is another man's treasure.
You can get great buys on furniture, outdoor furniture, household items, games, books, clothes, camping gear, fishing gear, tools, art, craft supplies. Seriously, you just never know what you will find. I don't even really look at electronics, you just never know if they will work or not. If you are interested in electronics have the seller plug in the equipment and make sure it is in working order before buying.

I try not to dicker too much... hey, these are hard economic times and if someone is trying to make a little extra money... I get it. Yard sales are usually always or at least should be cheaper than going to the 2nd hand store. Just know in your mind if you think things are priced reasonably then don't dicker. If you think that an item is over priced then by all means ask if they will take less.

I have a running list of things that I need, currently I have on my list a carpet cleaner shampooer, cookbooks, office supplies, canning items, books (winter reading), and craft kits (for my grandson). With this running list I have, I will know to grab these items should they be found while out and about.

I like to go first thing on Friday mornings, when the things have not been picked over much. That seems to be the busy time too. Check your local paper and Craigs List for the yard sales in your area. I take the paper with me and cross off the addresses after I am finished, and then move on to the next address. If there are specific things listed on the add that you need, I recommend going to those sales first. Also I have noticed that the more affluent neighborhoods offer a higher quality of merchandise, depending on what you need and what you are looking for.

Remember to dress comfortably, take a water bottle with you and have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!

Going to the Lake

This Saturday I am going to the lake. Here is a list of my must have items.

Beach Towels, and an old pillow
these are crucial items for lounging in the shade.

Sunscreen...need I say more? Remember to apply and re-apply

Large Cooler... to keep my drinks and goodies cold

Water... and Chrystal Light on the go packets (various flavors)
drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. I like to stick my water bottles in the freezer the night before so they are nice and ice cold.

Sandwiches... Probably take Ham or home made Tuna. Keep these in the cooler, and away from the sun. Don't want to risk any food poisoning.

Fruit... Cut up Cantelope and Watermelon, keep this in the cooler as well.

Miscellaneous Snacks.. granola bars and string cheese

A good book and a smutty tabloid... Smutty tabloids to read about other people's torrid lives and be thankful my life is better (on many levels) Also it is fun to make fun of the outfits that the stars of Hollywood are sporting these days. A good book for relaxing after swimming.


I intend on having a fabulous day at the lake.