Happy New Year! # 30 days spending freeze

Hello love muffins,

This is the beginning of a new year and I am hoping that it just keeps getting better from here. IF any of you are new to this site let me tell you a bit about me.

I am a mother of two boys and a wife to a lovely man. We currently live in a two bedroom apartment in a small town in Ontario, Canada. I work part-time and I like to blog about everything and anything. My blog has mainly consisted of subscription boxes ( list and review), my journey to a healthier me and now my journey to living frugaly and hopefully be better off financially at the end of this year.


Now that I am back in my own home, in my own bed my head filled with a hundred more great memories and pictures it is time for me to think about my biggest goal for the year. The one I really want to tackle.

My biggest goal this year is to get rid of debt. That was actually one of my tips in this post that I wrote at the end of 2014. Getting rid of debt is one of the most important things to do on my list but also the hardest especially on a tight budget. I am hoping to pay my two debts off ( 1,300$)  in order to be a little less stressed out when it comes to the time of year when I need to pay off three life insurance policies and the insurance that we have on the content of the apartment.  Those are my biggest financial drains in the year and they all come out at the same time every year. When I made a bit more money it was fine because I was able to save money and put it aside but not so much in the recent years. I have used up all the money I had set aside for emergencies and I am now starting at zero.

With all that said I am hoping to pay off debt with the new lifestyle. I think it might be hard for me because I have always been a bit of spender and I am doing this alone. I love my husband and he loves me but he doesn't want to join me in the frugal living and that is ok. It might not be for him and who knows at the end of the year it may not be for me or he will change his mind and decided that this kind of living is for him.  To save money I have decided to go on a spending freeze. That means buying only what you need and nothing else.  I found this idea while browsing on Pinterest and noticed that many people were trying it and I decided why not? I found this little article on wise bread on how to do a freeze. If you are interested check it out it helped me know where to start and how to survive.


The first step was to make a budget. I made one with what I spend now and what I should be spending on my needs.

Category	What I used to spend	What I need to spend
Bank	245$ ( loan, RSP, RESP)	245$  ( loan, RSP,RESP)
Phone	50$	50$ ( will see if there is a cheaper plan)
Groceries	600+	300-500$ ( depends if it’s diaper week)
Daycare	450$ ( if they go for 16 days)	450$ (if they go for 16 days)
Other ( credit card)	150$ ( I spend 100 and, pay off 50$)	50$ ( pay off)
Total	1, 495$ ( this is often times more then I make)	1,295$  ( this is within my budget, if not still more then I can afford)

This is what it looks like. Now, I did write a few notes in there that is to tell me what I can be looking into and what my budget looks like if I need to spend that money. My children rarely go to daycare 16 days a months but I put it in my budget in case I need too. Also, groceries depends on whether or not I have to buy diapers and pull-ups as they add about 50-100$ more to what I need to spend.

You will also notice that I don't pay rent,internet or netflix. That is what my husband pays as he is a little bit more financially stable ( he receives the same amount of money every two weeks his pay does not vary like mine does) he also pays groceries every two weeks ( we take turns) . 

In case any of you wonder no we don't have a shared account.  We have our separate accounts because that is just what works for us.

I decided to go at this alone in the sense I am not recruiting anyone in my family or friends because many of them already know what I am doing but I am encouraging you to join me in this if you would like. At the end of the month I will be writing a summary of my spending to see what I saved. I am planning on doing this for the month of January and then we will see how much longer I will continue.

I now have to decide what I am going to do with the money that I save. I am hoping to keep half of it in my account for savings to pay off the 4 insurances that I have ( 2 kids, mine and content). The other I am hoping on using to pay of my credit card and then my bank debt. 

Other things that I have done and probably mentioned already. I have cleaned out my room, one of the things about living frugaly was to de-clutter and organize. I organized my bedroom ( I had gotten rid of several towels but my hubby decided he wanted to keep them, I tried reasoning with him that we didn't need that much when he didn't want to budge I just said ok. So I will have to find a place for the dish towels to go). I still have the pantry which is at the entrance of my bedroom to go through as well as the rest of the apartment which will probably take me a little while to go through all of it. In my bedroom alone though I have gotten rid of two garbage bags and 3 boxes of stuff. I have also found a lot of opened products that I can still use. I have put all those products together and working slowly on using them all up. The products range from hair care ( 2 hair spray can, 3 mousse cans, several anti-frizz products), Skin care ( creams, soaps), Make-up ( I threw out mascaras that I no longer used, several eye-liners, eye shadows), I also found several toothbrushes, pads, band-aid and polysporin tubes.

I will be giving the boxes away along with some of the kids toys that they no longer use that take up a lot of space. I could probably sell them and yes have a bit more money in my pockets but I prefer to donate things to people that have less then me. 

I have also tried to make brown bread a miserably failed but that is ok I will try and make bread later on. 

I am hoping to continue with this blog and have more followers this year and inspire people. Once my debt is paid off I will then think about reaching saving goals and buying a few things once I meet those goals but I will do that later once my debt is paid off. 

Happy New years, 

ME

Just another day

Hello Pumpkins,

I've been pretty busy today in my quest to living frugaly I wanted to use up a bag of whole wheat flour that I've had for a while so I decided to try and make some bread with it.  I thought making bread is easy I've made white bread before so whole wheat bread shouldn't be any harder well boy was I wrong.

I started off with this recipe. It did not go well, The bread barely rose and the bread tasted awful. I don't know what I did wrong but let's just say it was a disaster I then decided to try two more recipes of my own. They turned out a bit better but let's just say if I want to make brown bread I will have to have a lot more practice.

I also made some Cabbage Casserole soup. I will try and find my recipe for the vegetarian cabbage casserole I used to make this soup and then write what I used for this soup. I always like to use recipes that I can use in another one. I came up with this recipe because like many of us my hubby has a Pinterest account. He likes to look at food porn and had shared this recipe.  I then got an idea, again on the living frugal path I remembered that I had made extra cabbage casserole ( vegetarian) when I was doing one day of meatless Mondays ( really thinking of doing that again) that was probably about to go bad so I decided hey turn it in to soup. So adding a few ingredients to the casserole voilà it  turned into a yummy hearty soup. Again, I will post it as soon as I find that darn recipe.

I did the normal things of bathing the kids and making supper. My hubby has now decided since yesterday that the whole family will be watching Christmas movies which make me chuckle because well he is a bit of a Grinch. Yesterday we watched Home Alone ( the original with Macaulay Culkin). Tonight we watched Frosty the snowman and Frosty Returns ( he and the youngest fell asleep watching this). As I write this I keep peeing at my two sleeping boys and my eldest who is trying so hard not to fall asleep. I am thinking of how blessed I am right now even though we are struggling right now financially, I am so thankful that we have everything we need but mostly that we have each other.

The rest of the week is me working except for Saturday that will be my only day off until the 23rd and then hooray a week off  to spend with all my loved ones.

The last couple weeks have been bad for me exercising in fact I really haven't done much. I've gained 5 lbs in the last two months. I have been extremely sore so much so that I have developed 4 cold sores in the last 2 months because of the fevers I got from my Fibromyalgia. I have done some yoga and I hoping to get more in this week, I have decided to start from the beginning when in comes to exercising. My eating habits haven't been too bad it is more my portion sizes that I have to start watching again. With everything happening it is a bit stressful and I am an eater this time of year ( or any time sleep evades me and stress creeps in). I know that is a big issue I have to work on. I was getting until now. I think I am just giving myself a bit more leeway just because of the time of year it is. Come the first I will be right back on the good track. I am going to continue and have a few yoga sessions in the next couple of weeks. The health eating habits ( not binge eating and portion sizes) will probably come back once the holidays .

That is the latest update from me. I don't know if I will be blogging any more until the New year. If not.

Merry Christmas and Happy New year,

ME

New Boxes from November-December 2014

Hey Guys sorry I am so behind on boxes been really busy and I have been trying really hard to catch up on the list :). I am trying to dedicate 30-60 minutes of my day to the blog so I can keep up. I have finally managed to keep up and I am hoping to continue keeping up in the new year. I will be going through the box list to see if any are no longer working or are now shipping to Canada.


Avalai- Find a new way to manage your time of the month with Avalai products. Plans start at 13$ a month and you can customize your box however you would like.


Becca<s organic oils- Plans start at 30$ a month and you receive good for you oils to put in food or your baths.

Does not ship to Canada


Fashion Stork- 75$ a month and you get all the fashion accessories you need to stay in style. ( for men)

Junior Explorer- Plans start at 19$ a month. Receive a monthly learning adventure kit for your kids. Ages 6-11

box- For 33$ a month you can send a lovely care package to the seniors you love in your life.

Gwynie Bee- For 35$ you get to have an ever changing wardrobe. Really like an item buy it out.

New Years Resolution

Hello All,

So I told you I would try to write this by or just after New years. Today I had a bit of time so here it is. My resolutions list.

Now every year many people say don' make to many resolutions or you won't stick to them. Well I like to make a big list and then try and tackle something off the list every couple of months.

I did manage to get several items off of my list this year and I am happy for it. Some I half conquered and others I didn't conquer at all and that is ok.

I managed to kick start my healthy life this year and I am quiet glad I did. I didn't lose a bunch of weight but. I did lose several pounds ( 20lbs to exact), While doing so I also established beter eating habits and I am happy for that. I started exercising and build strength and endurance which helped me with pain management and keep up with the kids.

I also managed to knit up a few items. Yes, I did buy yarn for these projects although I siad I wouldn't buy any more but I still did finish the projects with them. I knitted My oldest halloween costume and I made a wonderful scarf for a new friend. I also learned how to arm knit which is cool.

So what are 2015 Resolution?

I am hoping to continue with the blog along with updating and checking up on the boxes that are already added to see which still exist and which possibly now ship to Canada.

Not buying new yarn this year. ( which will be hard but I can do this)

Continue on my road to healthy habits.

Becoming more frugal. That's right I want to be able to live comfortably on the little money I have left. I am hoping to blog about my adventures to you guys.

I am hoping to get out of debt. Year 2016 will hopefully be debt free.

And of course I am hoping to have another kick ass year with my little family and have a lot more laughter and love into our lives.

Me

New Boxes from October 2014

Animal Tracker Box- 20$ a month and receive a great learning kit for your child ( 3-6 years depending on the box you choose)

Bean Box- For 20 a month you will receive 6.8 oz of coffee ( approximately 15 cups) to your door to try out

Good Mouth Box- For 2$ a toothbrush pick the type, amount and delivery frenquency for your toothbrush delivery. 2 toothbrushes are donated via goodhealth charity to the needy.
.

Helen Jewellery- For 25$ a month you receive 50-125$ worth of arm candy each month.

Ozone Socks- For 150$ ( plus 20$ shipping to Canada)  a year you will receive 13 pairs of socks ( 250$) Value. For Men and Women.

Wet Shave Club- For under 30$ a month you will receive a box full of great shaving products delivered to your door step for a quick, clean easy shave.


Does not ship to Canada

Cuisine Cube- For 30$ a month you will receive  fun ingredients for each meal time of the day including a snack and dessert.

Little Life Box- For 19.99$ a month ( plus 3.75$ shipping) you receive a box full of samples and full sized items that are better for the earth and you.

Primal Snack Box- For 30$ a month you get to receive a box full of Food ( for the Paleo diet)( UK only)

Olfactif- For 17$ a month you receive a package of 2-3 sample sized perfumes.

Send Me Gluten Free- 30$ a month gets yo ua box of 7-10 Samples of gluten free product to enjoy and share.


Tinker Crate-  Kids will learn and develop crucial skills with these hands-on monthly learning crates prices start at 29.99$ a month.

Yogi Surprise- For 44.95$ a month you receive sample and full sized products to complement your yoga practice. You will receive anything from a new mat, mat sprays and yummy treats to keep you balanced.

New Sub Boxes

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Farm To People box- Boxes start as low as 29.95$ and receive a box full of products that are handpicked from farm to people. You are sure to discover products you love.

The Great Snack box-  Boxes as low as 20.95$ and receive a box full of great snacks for you and your kids.

Does Not Ship to Canada

Agent Ribit- For 24.99$ your child ( ages 4-9 years) will receive awesome scientific experiments to learn about his surroundings.

Gardener's Kit- For 43.99$ a month you will receive seed kits, tools and other whimsical items to make your garden beautiful.

My Community Box-  For 30$ you will receive anything from jewellery, food, bath and body and more all from small businesses that are all from hand made.

Plated- Prices vary. You chose from the menu provided and they send you all the things you need to try out new recipes every week.

Popcorn of the month- For 27.95$ a month receive several bags of flavoured popcorn, From ranch to peppermint.

SporkPak- Plans start as low as 19.99$ a month and you get to receive tons of cool kitchen gadgets, delectable treat and kitchen essentials.

Tasty Kits- Plans start at 30$ a month and you receive great vegan snacks that will keep you going all month long.

The wine Bee- Plans start as low as 39$ and receive wines from the greatest Italian Wine Suppliers.

The Sock Lounge NYC- Receive one pair of socks every month for a year 120$

Violet Box-  68$ for three months and you receive about 80$ worth of beauty and lifestyle products per box ( 4-6 sample and full sized products). Shipping in Australia.

Christmas is near.

Hello Loves,

Today I will be talking about a bunch of things just cause I want too :).

The first thing is my measurements I took these on the 23rd of November I know it's earlier then what I normally take them but I am trying to avoid taking the measurements while I am on my period although I was still bloated when I took these measurements so it didn't make much of a difference.

Weight: 174 ( down 1 lbs)

Neck: 14 1/4

Shoulders: 46 1/2
Waist: 39 (40)
Chest 42 (43)
Hips: 40

Biceps: 14/1/2
Thighs: 25 (26)
calf: 16

I lost one pound and 1 inch off of my chest, hips and thighs. I was also using a new tape measurer so the measurements might be off.


I am still working out although I haven't had as much energy to do.  I am often exhausted probably because of being in a lot of pain lately due to all the weather changes but it will pass and I will be working out often again. I also try and do at least part of a workout everyday. I do walk or from daycare and work which is a bit of exercise. I have added some yoga back into my life 1-2 a week especially on days that I don't feel like working at all. I did a bit today but odds are later tonight ( If I don't fall asleep first) I will be doing some yoga just to relax and let some tension go.

This weekend was a bit of a bust for my eating compared to my week and today too :). I had a staff party where I totally binged on kielbassa and M&M's I probably gained 5 lbs all weekend. I then went of to the restaurant with the hubby and the kids. We had a salad, chicken parmesan with spaghetti and I had a millefeuille dessert yummy. Today I made a bunch of cookies for gifts and for Christmas so my oldest can have dessert as he is allergic to eggs.

Later on this month or first thing in January I will be talking about my goals that I managed to get through this year and the ones I want to set for 2015.

On the note of Christmas I was seeing a lot of things on the news and I just wanted to remind myself and you what Christmas should be about.

I noticed that a lot of the news talked about Black Friday and how so many fights happened but what surprised me the most was the video of a man that had fallen on the opening of the doors at a mall and not one single person helped him up instead they just stomped all over him for the sake of toys.

That's when I started thinking what is Christmas to me?

My husband and I have this debate every year. Every year I hear him say that it is just some stupid religious thing that no one actually cares about any more. It's just all about toys.

My answer is. Yes, there are many people who celebrate Christmas and not everyone does it to celebrate the birth of Jesus any more in fact probably most people don't celebrate the birth of Jesus.

I know I don't. So why do I celebrate Christmas? In part tradition, I think tradition is something that can be great especially when it comes to Christmas. For me Christmas is about family. I do think that families should meet up more often and not on just Christmas but we often don't that is why I like Christmas we all take time to visit and see family. Christmas is about laughing with each other and reminding and showing each other how much we love each other even if we see each together only a few times a year. The gifts are great but they aren't necessary. I think it is time to show our children what Christmas is about. I don't buy my child gifts on Christmas my family members do and some just give us money which goes in an account for the kids and we use it when we need it.

This Christmas share the laughs and the love and if you buy gifts great but don't make the holiday seasons about them. Remind yourself and your children that compassion and caring are more important then toys. Remind them that they don't have to be caught up in materialistic things.

So Merry Christmas to all of you out there just in case I don't get to write to you again before the new year.

Me