Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Goals Update: July 2016

 

July was so crazy!  We were still in the RV for most of the month, I worked my normal schedule, plus had a tea, we had to pack for vacation, and had several events at the museum, so needless to say, I kind of feel like a cyclone has blown through.  Some goals I did great with, and some not so much, but I'm still plugging along.  We've been spending a LOT of time outdoors, which wasn't a goal this year, but I think it might make the list next year.  Howard is loving the variety of parks and playgrounds we have found around town.  So, with all that being said, here is how things progressed in July...

Personal:
  • Lose 20 lbs (about 1.5 lbs a month) I have lost 11 1/2 pounds! I kind of plateaued in July, which is fine, at least I didn't gain anything back.  I am hoping to get back on board with weight loss in August. 
  • Exercise 292 days - In July I exercised 27 out of 31 days.  For a total of 176 for the year.  I'm right on track with this goal!  I have really missed my normal workout routine while we've been in the trailer.  I still found ways to exercise, but I am so looking forward to getting back into my regular groove in August. 
  • Drink at least 70 oz of water everyday - I did great with this goal in July.  It has been SOOO... HOT!!!  Like melting hot.  So, I have had no problem getting my water intake in each day.
 Financial:
  • Coupon and deal shop to stick to my $350/month budget - I shared my budget update for July here.  If you click over, you can see all of the great things I was able to stock-up on while still staying $43.48 under budget!  This included tons of fresh produce, diapers, ice cream, sunscreen, and a variety of other items.
  • Earn at least 6 - $25 Amazon gift card through Swagbucks - 2 Down, and 4 to go.
  • List at least 10 things per month online or 120 for the year - I did not list anything in July because of the renovations, and living arrangements.  I probably won't list anything in August either since we will be away for most of the month.  I am hoping to list a few things in September.  January - Check (23), February - no check (0), March - Check (43), April - no check (1), May -no check (0), June - no check (0), July - no check (0),
  • Set up at 6 Flea Markets/Shows to sell our wares - No shows this month.  Our next flea market is in August.  Total for the year = 2
Household:
  • Completely declutter the entire house - I only have one spot left to do, and it is on the to-do list for August -- the cedar chest.
  • Finish my 2016 project list - I have my project list update posted separately.  However, I will share that I was able to get some painting done, and some curtains hung, as well as a few other things on my list.

Blogging:
  • Post at least 3 times a week - I was 1 post short of posting 3 times a week in July.  I needed to do 12 posts and only got 11 done.  I had some ready to go, but with living in the trailer and having shotty wifi, and going on vacation the last week where there is no reception on our cell phones, those posts just didn't get up until we got home in August.  
  • Do a 31 day series in October - Not there yet.  I have been working on some ideas in my blogging journal though. 
  • Set up a Facebook page for my blog - Not yet, I am hoping to get this done in August.
How is everyone else doing with their goals?
Anything new or different you are trying this year?
Share some of your goals in the comments...

Budget Update: July 2016


We were still in the RV for most of July, and then at the end of the month, we went away to our 'working vacation' in the trailer - Ha!  But overall it was a good month, especially spending-wise.  I definitely bought more convenience foods than I like, but sometimes you just have to do the best with the money, space, and time that you have.  I was able to stock-up on a LOT of great deals like diapers, produce, meat, and sunscreen, all while staying under budget!  August will be a little crazy with two vacations, and lots of work in between, but I am hoping to have a little wiggle room in the budget come September for some apples and tomatoes to can.  I LOVE being able to open a jar of home-canned tomatoes in January, delicious!  Okay, so enough rambling, we're here to discuss the grocery budget -- below is my wrap-up for my July spending...
  • Week #1: $109.39 oop, Earned $10 ECB's
Total OOP: $369.35
Total Earned: $52.55
Total Remaining from July: $43.48!!
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Weekly Spending Report: 07/24-30/2016


This week was the beginning of our 'working vacation,' so you will see some convenience foods and treats below that we don't normally buy (like ice cream cups).  We were in the middle of a hay field selling our wares at a flea market - where there is no Wifi, gasp 😉
Any way, here's how our spending went that week...
  • Sunday's CVS Trip: $24.90 oop, Earned $18 ECB's ($10 Huggies, $2 x 2 Coppertone, and $4 Benefiber - rain check)
  • Sunday's ALDI Trip: $31.81 oop (included, but not pictured are 8 gallons of H2O), Earned $0.10 Mobisave Rebate (Bacon)
  • Sunday's Giant Trip: $22.57 oop, Earned $0.50 Saving Star Rebate, and $0.10 Mobisave Rebate (Ice Cream)
  •  Friday's Giant Trip: $10.83 oop (no picture, just 5 Luna Bars for me, and 2 boxes of Turkey Sausage Links for Howard)
Total OOP: $90.11
Total Earned: $18.70
Total Remaining from July: $43.48!

Menu Plan Monday: August 1, 2016


We arrived home from our 'working vacation' yesterday evening.  We had a wonderful time helping prepare for the Steam Show, selling at our flea market stand, and taking Howard to his first carnival.  He LOVED the rides they had, especially the small fire trucks!  If you are ever in Sharptown, MD in July/August, they have an amazing carnival - good food, clean facilities, and all the profits go to the fire department, plus it's a month long!  On Mondays and Tuesdays the ride-all-night wrist bands are only $10.  Being the frugal Mama I am, we went Tuesday.  We played a few games, Howard rode tons of rides, and we had dinner, all for around $30.  I feel like that is an amazing deal for a night out to the carnival.  Any way, the menu this week is super easy!  We have a LOT going on, so I get a few nights off, which I am certainly not going to complain about.  Here's what's cookin'...
  • Breakfasts: Fruit, and Luna Bars for Me; Pop-Tarts for Joe; Turkey Sausage Links, Mini Muffins, Fruit, and/or Fruit and Grain Bars for Howard 
  • Lunches: Egg Salad/Tomato and Bacon Sandwiches, Leftovers, Chips, Veggie Dippers with Ranch, Soup, and/or Fruit for Joe and I.  Howard will have Turkey Sausage links, Cheese Slices, Mac and Cheese cups, and/or PB Waffles, and Fruit.
  • Dinners:
    • Sunday - McDonald's while packing up our stand
    • Monday - Snacks in the car on the way home
    • Tuesday - Out while running errands
    • Wednesday - Crock-pot Chicken Fajita Salads, Mexican Rice
    • Thursday - Crock-pot Meatloaf, Baked French Fries, Salad
    • Friday - We have an event here at the museum, so I am hoping for a pit beef sandwich
    • Saturday - House warming picnic at my sister's new house
For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!