Making a List, Checking it Twice.

Now that the sun is up just after 6 every morning, and the days are getting longer, the temperatures are rising, and summer is just around the corner (because in Arizona, summer starts at the end of April), the time has arrived to pick through my remnants of warm-weather clothes. At the beginning of every season, I like to try on what's in my closet and what's been in storage to see what still fits, what needs work, what clothes I am missing that would complete some outfits, and just breathe new life into my wardrobe. I am a firm believer in purging. I don't like to hang on to things that are stained, ripped, shabby or tired. Granted, there are a few tried-and-true items I hang on to for sentimental reasons, no matter what their condition, but other than those few things staying, everything else is held up to the magnifying glass.

After doing this for several seasons without fail, and after doing it for two children over the course of two years, I feel like a "seasoned" pro. I know what to look for, what to toss, what to keep, what to donate (or hold back for a yard sale.) I also have started a habit of purging directly out of the laundry. If a shirt or pair of pants has been run through, stain-treated, and is still looking sad, it leaves the house. I feel like a laundry mercenary sometimes; nothing escapes my watchful eye.

Since I did such a good job of stocking the kids' clothes during the off season, the only person I needed to really go shopping for was myself. During the cooler months, I bought on-sale shorts and shirts for Carrick at clearance prices and kept them in a bin for when the weather warmed up. Lily was the recipient of several hand-me-down bags from other moms who have young girls just a little older than her. (Even though shopping for little girl clothes is super-fun, I will gladly accept free clothes any day of the week.) In fact, Lily had so many clothes that I couldn't even store them all. I sent two shipments to a friend of mine who has a girl Lily's age, and gave the another bag to a friend of mine in town. With the kids' warm-weather wardrobes ready to go, I put the blinders on during my recent shopping spree and just focused on myself for a change.

I only needed a few things (mostly bottoms) to make what I already have really become an outfit. I own two denim skirts (from last year's spring clothing swap), and while I like to wear them with fleece-lined leggings in the winter, that idea just won't work for summer. However, I don't feel completely comfortable wearing them without something underneath, so I added tights to my shopping list. I also own several tunic-length shirts that are without summer leggings (tights are sheer, leggings are opaque.) I threw two pairs of leggings into the donation bin while purging because the waist bands were stretched out beyond fitting me anymore. They were in fact three years old, and certainly had their fair share of wear. They were also wearing thin, and just needed replacing (it would have been embarrassing to wear them in public.) So, leggings were added to the list as well.

I could also have some use for a really nice dress. I added a sun dress or a maxi dress to the list; something breezy and casual that I could maybe wear to the park, but also just dressy enough I could wear out to dinner or to church. Flip flops were also a must. I have a really comfortable pair that I wear most of the time, and a not-so-comfortable pair I wear in place of dress shoes (something I bought with Fun Dollars during my hiatus.) But I needed a pair that I could wear to the pool; a pair that could get wet and not get ruined. Capris were the last "must" added to the list. I needed a pair of classy capris that would go with my fancier shirts for summertime. White would be ideal, khaki could work, black would also do, but not as preferable due to the heat of summertime.

With my list made, I added a few items to the "if you see it" category. If I saw a small, light-colored purse that I liked, or a hat, or an extra-cute shirt (because I don't really need a shirt, but sometimes, there's a really good bargain that just can't be passed up), and a new pair of rubber dish gloves. They are not really clothes related, but the ones I have now are probably going to pop a hole in the finger any day now, so I didn't want to be caught with an excuse not to do the dishes.

With my list in hand, I felt empowered to make smart purchases, and not get overwhelmed by the "I wants" while shopping. It's way to easy to fall prey to the "I wants", especially when shopping with your best friend.

 

After dropping the kids off at school bright and early on Monday morning, I headed to the bank to cash my paycheck and have $200 Fun Dollars placed in my wallet. The day was mine to seize, and seize it I did.

Balance this pay cycle- $200.00 (This is an exception to the regular $100 rule of Fun Dollars. I will not be repeating it next pay cycle. Corey agreed that since I was revamping my wardrobe this was an acceptable amount to withdraw.)

Happy Spending!

Back in the Saddle Again!!!!

After taking a couple months off, I am ready to report on Fun Dollars again. I left the slate blank for a while because I wanted to work on some other pieces of writing that had been forgotten about. I had ideas and not enough time to spend with them. Taking out the responsibility of reporting Fun Dollars "bought" me time for my other creative endeavors. Another reason that I am almost too shy to admit is that I actually felt a pressure to spend my Fun Dollars. I would start to feel panicky about buying a Domino's Pizza because in my mind, I have already explained and justified my spending so many times that people don't want to hear about it again. So I felt a pressure to do new and fun things with my Fun Dollars, just because I knew people would be reading about it. Taking a step back for a while allowed me to buy, or not buy, and not feel a pressure to make a story of it.

So why bother coming back? Because people missed me. (Well, at least a few of my friends missed reading my blog.) I was just at a baby shower and I was explaining to them why I hadn't written a blog post in so long. One of them told me that she actually started shopping at Goodwill because of reading my blog. Another told me that she just liked reading the stories because they made her laugh. Whether I am entertaining someone, or helping them spend their money more wisely, I do enjoy having a regular (public) writing outlet. So, when I was at this baby shower, we played a game and I won; the prize in the gift bag was a really nice wallet. My friend nudged me and said, "See? It's a sign that you should do Fun Dollars again." How can I say no to that? (Don't answer that.)

To kick off my return to the Fun Dollars arena, I am going on a Spring Shopping Spree. My best friend, Niccole, and I had already made plans to drive to Flagstaff and go shopping together tomorrow, so it's only fitting. I also went through my closet today and tried on most of what I already own to get an idea of what I need to round out my wardrobe. Many items were kicked to the curb; things that are worn out or don't fit me right anymore. I made a list of what I need and a few things that I 'want', and as I go shopping, tomorrow, I'll be referencing my list.

Also, I will be expanding my Fun Dollars budget for this pay cycle. Normally, I get $100.00, but because I am working on building my summer wardrobe (and we'll need to stop for lunch somewhere), I asked Corey if I could have some bonus cash to make smart purchases. (He doesn't want me to get the cheapest things, but rather quality things that will last and hold up, which may require a larger budget than $100.00).

I am super-excited to get back into the swing of things, and thank you to my friends for urging me on to start writing about Fun Dollars again. I hope I don't disappoint you ;)

Balance this pay cycle- $200.00

Happy Spending! 

On hiatus

Well, folks, I have reached a decision. After a year of documenting my Fun Dollars expenditures, I have found that I need to take a break. I have some other creative endeavors that I want to focus on. The few minutes every other day that I spend on Fun Dollars seems like small beans to the work that I truly wish to put out into the world. So unless I can hire either a full-time nanny or a full-time house keeper, I must start arranging my free time differently.

Thank you to everyone who has read and supported this blog with comments, entries, questions and feedback. I have learned much about the writing process and sticking with something long-term through the Fun Dollars blog. Hopefully some day in the near future you will hear of me somewhere other than on the Fun Dollars website, and you will be able to enjoy the fruits of my labor.

Until we meet again, Happy Spending.

Two Lunches

Wednesdays are my day off, every week, no matter what. Lily stays home with me, and Carrick has half days at school. Since the half days range from 12:15 release and 2:15 release, depending on what Wednesday it is, my Wednesdays are scheduled very loosely. Oftentimes, I do light laundry in the morning, and take off to go shopping sometime before lunch (assuming it's a 2:15 release). I usually take the kids to the park after I pick up Carrick from school and have meetups with other moms. Wednesdays are a low-stress day. I just do whatever comes to mind, with just a little regard for household duties.

Recently, I have found myself fantasizing about eating lunch out at Pizza Picazzo's. It's literally right around the corner from my house. I like going there because I can get a salad and a drink with a slice of organic pizza from their lunch menu. It's generally a kid-friendly place, so I dine with Lily sometimes when Carrick is at school. It's been a long time since I've gone there for lunch, and I was just feeling in the mood to go there this past Wednesday.

I decided it was going to be a girls' day. I dressed Lily in a dress with a black and white striped bodice and a denim skirt. I too wore black and white on top with a jean skirt, black leggings and my new black flats (I bought them with the pay cycle that I did not report recently.) We went to Beall's  Outlet first. There were a few things I wanted to price there, but I ended up finding some things for the kids as well. There was a How to Train Your Dragon T-shirt in the boy's section that screamed "Carrick!". It was blue, his favorite color, and had a picture of the main character with his dragon on it. The price tag said $4.15, but when the lady rang it up, it came up as a 90% discount, and was $.67 (from the original price)!!!!

I also found a really cute 3T shirt for Lily. It was pool blue with a little purple seahorse on it. It was $4.00 on clearance as well. I figured I should get her something too, since I was buying something for Carrick. As we strolled through the store, she fussed with the T-shirts, and kept talking about the "Dragon Shirt". Needless to say, when we arrived home, she escaped with the bag and emerged minutes later clad in the blue dragon shirt that came down to her knees. Apparently it's hers now. At $.67, I should just go back and buy the other one so they won't fight over it.

While shopping, I also bought myself another coffee travel mug. I might have an obsession with drink vessels. It was yet another one with the Eiffel Tower on it. I just like to have a spare one if my other one is in the dishwasher (or forgotten in the car for a few days.) As we were heading to the cash register, Shania Twain came on the store radio. "Man, I feel like a woman..." she sang as I checked out with Lily, underscoring the girl's day theme. The grand total at Beall's was $10.00.

Afterwards, Lily and I headed across the street to Pizza Picazzo's. I thought about saving a couple bucks and just getting a cheese slice with my combo. Instead, the words of my father in my birthday card surfaced in my mind; "Treat Yourself". So, I did, ordering my favorite slice of pizza; the Puttanesca. It's basically a Greek Salad on bread with cheese. Tomatos, freshly sliced basil, Kalamata Olives and artichokes. That's exactly why I went to Picazzo's. If I had ordered the plain cheese slice, I would have left there still craving pizza because it's the Puttanesca that I really wanted. I ordered their "spicy" Ceasar salad and a Ginger Beer with my combo. Both were super satisfying. Lily had a slice of cheese pizza, and a LOT of my ginger beer (ginger ale, but spicier).  She was the perfect little lunch date.

The next day, it was back to work, and I did not pack a lunch for myself. Since I had Fun Dollars, I figured I would take off for lunch and go out again. I called Corey and we planned to meet at India Palace. It's fast because it's a buffet, and it's about the same price at the lunch combos at Picazzo's. Also, it's super healthy homemade Indian food. I arrived there at 1:00 as agreed, and he wasn't there yet. Rather than wait for him and risk spending too much time out to lunch on a work day, I went inside and began my dining experience.

Half an hour later, Corey called to apologize for letting time slip away. Apparently he was working outside on the patio, sitting in the sun with his shirt off and he lost track of time. I would too if I were working from home in the sunshine. I wasn't mad, but it was strange feeling as though I had been stood up...by my own husband!!!! He came into the restaurant several minutes later, gave me a hug and a kiss, and took off for the buffet. We did get a few minutes to chat, but I had to return to work ten minutes after he arrived. Oh well. Next time, I'll call to remind him on his work phone, not his personal phone, that we have a lunch date.

Two very different lunches with two people I love dearly.

Shirts and coffee mug at Beall's Outlet- $10.00

Lunch at Pizza Picazzo's- $21.00 (with tip)

Lunch at India Palace- $13.00 (with tip)

Balance this pay cycle- $21.00

Happy Spending!

Lip Service

Every month, a fabulous little magazine arrives in my mailbox. With some scape of Red Rock Country on the cover, the words Sedona Monthly grace the cover. This international periodical proudly highlights the best of what this artsy little tourist town has to offer. From hikes to nightlife, Sedona Monthly is the best publication about Sedona.

The cover of this magazine usually has (a) professional model(s) each month. One of the talented Sedona artists responsible for the hair an makeup of these models is Liz Margin.

Liz hails from the Big Apple, and has a personality to match. Her edgy and trendy style is apparent as soon as you meet her. As a veteran of hair and makeup arts on the big screen, she has experience to back up her chic style. She walks the talk.

As part of my birthday present, my best friend took me to Liz Margin's home studio for some one-on-one makeup time. She wanted to buy me a new lip color. Leave it to my bestie to know that I need a new lipstick. She had her own personal color consultation with Liz a couple weeks ago, and got the idea to take me there for my birthday. She knew Liz through Zumba class (they are both instructors now.)

I really enjoyed picking through all the lipsticks and lip glosses. I ended up purchasing the first color combo I tried on; Micro Latte Lipstick and Sugar Berry Lip Gloss. I liked these two colors together because they look like a more bold expression of my natural lip color. They just give my lips a little "pop".

The entire order was $40.00. My friend had set aside $25.00 to put towards the order, and I chipped in $15.00 Fun Dollars to cover the balance. I couldn't just get one, I had to have a lipstick and a gloss.

Liz Margin sells her cosmetic line at Favorite Clothing in Sedona, and you can check out her website at lizmargin.com.

New lip gloss- $15.00

Balance this pay cycle- $65.00

Happy Spending!

Happy Birthday to Me

Well, as promised, I am coming to you from a brand new machine; a Lenovo Yoga (mini) to be exact. This white mini laptop folds over and becomes a tablet, fits in my purse and has me organized. My poor little acer netbook felt like an arthritic and senile grandmother compared to this little flash of technological lightning. I can now write up a post and not be interrupted by the computer randomly shutting down for 20 minutes to update. My birthday was on Sunday, so even though the Lenovo came today, It's still the best birthday present my husband has ever bought me.

On my actual birthday, I kept things pretty low-key. Usually I am so jazzed about my birthday, I'll tell anyone who will listen that I am celebrating my special day. I didn't even jokingly ask the theater employee if they gave a birthday discount when I bought my movie ticket on Sunday morning. Normally we go to church on Sundays, but for some reason there was no Sunday School or nursery care this week, so taking the kids to church was not an option. I decided to go see a movie with my best friend since we were on "sabbatical" for the Sabbath. What better movie to see on a day when I should be in church than 50 Shades of Grey? Honestly, it would not have been my first choice of movie; The Kingsmen looked way more up my alley. However, I had to skip out on a girls' night last Friday in order to get in a Valentine outing with Corey, and the girl's night was going to be opening night of 50 Shades of Grey. Since me and my best friend had to miss the girls' night, we decided to make up for it by going out for my birthday. We chose a time (and day) when our husbands would be at home to watch the kids.

After the movie, my friend and I went across the parking lot to Zainey's for frozen yogurt. I counted it as my birthday cake. Even though she bought my fro-yo, I still dropped $5.00 on a goodie cup to take home to Corey. Call it "paying the babysitter".

After seeing a very grown-up movie without my kiddos, and  eating frozen yogurt that I didn't have to share, I felt sufficiently celebrated for my birthday. However, we did do one more thing that day that made my 33rd revolution around the sun special; we took a family hike at sunset. Getting out into the fresh air and experiencing God's creation felt like I made up for the naughtiness of watching the movie during church time. My little darlings running around on top of Airport Mesa, Corey setting the pace and leading the family, sunset over the red rocks, the perfect end to a wonderful birthday.

 

Matinee Ticket and popcorn- $15.00

Frozen Yogurt for Corey at Zainey's- $5.00

Balance this pay cycle- $80.00

Happy Spending!

We'll be right back after a word from our sponsor...

Just taking a two week (one pay cycle) break on my reporting of Fun Dollars. My laptop is less than cooperative at the moment, and my birthday is coming up, so I have been told that a new machine is on the way. I have also been sick on and off, so my days are a little askew. Happy Spending1