On the 4th Day of Christmas - Budget Saving Tips

I'm not sure if you have heard of the name Dave Ramsey?

He's a famous Financial adviser! He's great!

Aaron went to one of his counseling classes a few years back & since then

we were taught a new method for saving money!

Its seems kind of cheesy, or that's what I thought when he introduced me to it, but it works!

You mark an envelope for each bill, hobby, or expense

divide your paycheck up [according to how you get paid]

and each paycheck you put a certain amount of money in there.

For Example:

Let's just say you get paid $100 your next paycheck -

My Envelopes:

Gas- $10

Electric Bill - $20

Clothes - $2

Christmas-$4

Doctor - $5

Groceries- $12

Car Payment - $15

Emergencies- $10

Birthdays- $5

Extra-$17

You don't take a anything from that envelop until the time has come!

You may add vacations, certain people, crafts, etc. It doesn't matter, whatever you spend your $$$ on!

Any $$$ left over [after putting your regular amount in the envelope], you place in the extra envelope!

Simple as that! It works!

Since Aaron & I started this, we've paid a LOT of stuff off. We are very close to being debt free!
That's right, I said debt free!

We pay everything with cash!!!!

That's one method we use for saving!

Another random method I use, and just recently started using is...

I save my dollar bills!

Nooo, not every dollar that comes my way, but the ones that have the letter B on them!

[Let's see if you can figure out why I picked the letter B]

[via google]

You don't have to save the B's. You can save any letter!

I did this for Aaron's birthday too. I saved the A dollar bills!

& I started saving the C's for Christmas a couple of months ago.

I don't have many, but it's money toward my hugh Christmas list!

You don't necessarily have to match the letter to what you are saving for. Depending on where

you live in the U.S you may not see many A's, B's, or C's.

I think the lowest letter on the alphabet I saw was the letter L, and that's because Aaron

brought it back from Indiana!

So, have you guessed why I'm saving the B's???

Other than that, I don't do anything else really.

Besides try to shopping as early as possible... which most of the time never happens,

I don't have much advice!

Oh wait... I am a proud coupon shopper! I use them all the time, when I can!

B is for Bride!

Day 1: Christmas/Holiday traditions

Day 2: Black Friday/General Shopping Tips & Tricks
Day 3: Most meaningful gift/best gift you've receivedDay 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly holiday season
Day 5: Favorite Holiday Movie/TV Show Special
Day 6: Gift ideas (what do YOU want? We all have family/friends reading our blogs
...so let them know!)
Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY (If you don't make anything, what do you WISH you could make?)
Day 8: Least favorite thing about the Holidays
Day 9: Favorite Holiday recipe
Day 10: Favorite Christmas Songs/Caroles
Day 11: New Year Resolutions
Day 12: Show us your decorations (indoor/outdoor)
Day 13: Favorite Cookie Recipe
Day 14: Oprah's Favorite Things: What item(s) would you want if you were in the audience?

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving."

I am very thankful for the life I have and especially the people to share it with!

My wonderful boyfriend, My parents, Family, Friends, My job, &  My house.

God is GOOD!

Here are a few family traditions or Must haves on Thanksgiving at my families feast -

The Menu -

What will be served; Northern & Southern dishes

A Nut Bowl, A fruit bowl, Olives & Stuffed cerely, & candy mints

- ALL must haves

Each person is served, their choice of fruit cocktail or Tomato juice!

You don't have to eat it, but you should take it anyway!

[Gannys demand]

Northern Style & Southern Style Food

My entire family is from Long Island, New York...

When they ventured down here back in the 70's, they all married

Southern! Whoop Whoop!!!

Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Blueberry Pie, and Cherry Pie

will ALWAYS be found on the PIE table,

on Thanksgiving Day!

We have many traditions for THanksgiving!

Where they came from... I believe my wonderful Grand mother, Ganny!

But.. it's a big holiday for us!

We also sit together at ONE table. Putting many tables together. The food usually goes on the table we are eating on, but Mom had too many people last year and wasn't able too.

But we pass each dish a long [to the right] and before you know it, when it's time to dig in...

your food is luke warm.

Candles must be on the table & wine should always be available,

Here are some more pictures of last years THanksgiving Day & More traditions...

Mama teaching me the right ways to do THanksgiving...

Stuffing the Turkey...

My First Ham!

Our THanksgiving Ham must have pineapple & Cherry, with Cloves
on it for taste & looks!
[The Cloves come off, after being cooked]

My Brother in law, Tommy & my Two Aunt

Helping prepare for the big feast!

The Beau getting something down for Mama...

Her cabinets are too high!

When I was a little girl, we came up with a game

where on Thanksgiving Day you make a hat...

If you win... you get recognition. [haha]

Here are a few from last year...

Granddaddy's hat. He is a farmer!

My Sisters family. She made the hats for each one of them, even Emily!

Although, you can see her face.

Mine & Aaron's Hats.

The back of mine...

Each feather had something I was thankful for!

& Last but NOT least!

We have always made turtles out of walnut shells.

Crack the walnut in half. Clean the middle out & pour hot wax

into the shell. THen you make a head, four feet, & a tail.

Again, Notta clue where this came from.. but we have always done it!

Here are some of my cousins working on their turtles from last year!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recap of last night

So I made my first pumpkin pies!

After two trips to the store ....

[I bought two ground ginger spices & not a ground cloves &&& then got back to notice I had regular pie shells & not deep pie shells]

&& an extremely messy kitchen...

Here are my Pumpkin Pies!!!

It's another MUST HAVE to cut out a pumpkin to bake on the top...

But I added leaves to my third pie!

I also made these cute Turkey Cupcakes I saw in a Magazine!

[Excuse the Phone picture]

Now, I'm off to make Green Bean Casserole [easy]

&

Squash Casserole [never made before, ekk!]

Wish me good luck!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

 

On the Third Day of Christmas....

One the THIRD day of Christmas my true love [Grandmother] gave to me.... A Scarf & a Purse!

My grandmother, Ganny is truly an amazing women.
Who doesn't think their grandmother isn't amazing???
To read about her, and understand her a little better... Read GANNY!

Ganny never was a rich woman, she didn't need to be!

She showed everyone in her family what love was and how to give!

Ganny had 17 grand children & 3 great grand children when she left for heaven 5 years ago.

She had many many talents. Sewing, Crocheting, & knitting were one of them!

She crocheted me this beautiful scarf & purse!

I don't really use the purse, but you will never find it tucked away!

It's always hanging in my closet, there with the scarf through all seasons!

I see to always wear the scarf when something happens and I need to feel close to her!

Even during Georgia's hot, humid, summer!

On everything she has ever made... which a whole bunch of stuff,

You will aways find this label inside...

Made Especially for you

Ganny

It's definitely the greatest gift ever!

It was made with her hands, & made with her love!

Day 1: Christmas/Holiday traditions

Day 2: Black Friday/General Shopping Tips & Tricks

Day 3: Most meaningful gift/best gift you've received

Day 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly holiday season

Day 5: Favorite Holiday Movie/TV Show Special

Day 6: Gift ideas (what do YOU want? We all have family/friends reading our blogs

...so let them know!)

Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY (If you don't make anything, what do you WISH you could make?)

Day 8: Least favorite thing about the Holidays

Day 9: Favorite Holiday recipe

Day 10: Favorite Christmas Songs/Caroles

Day 11: New Year Resolutions

Day 12: Show us your decorations (indoor/outdoor)

Day 13: Favorite Cookie Recipe

Day 14: Oprah's Favorite Things: What item(s) would you want if you were in the audience?

12 Days of Christmas - Day TWO

 On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me....His Christmas Bonus (haha), seriously he did!Now I'm ready to be apart of....

I've NEVER participated in Black Friday!  I'm not the shopper who likes lines or looking through a pile of mess. I'm a run in, run out, I want what the manikin is wearing kinda shopper! But... My boss gave me the day off [it's a working day for the company I work for], so I figured I'd try it out. I don't see myself shopping ALL day, because I'm sure I'll get overwhelmed. But, who knows...

I've never been! I don't know the tricks or deals.. yet! I was just told to wear comfy clothes and shoes.

I've already looked up a few places I want to go; We are starting off at Bass Pro Shop.

They open at 6:00AM so we are leaving the house [30 minute drive] at 5:00AM.

I don't really know where to go from there... We will see!

Here's my Christmas [check] List -

Maybe I'll get lucky and get everyone out of the way... HA!

Aaron - Boot Warmers/Dryers, Clothes, Water Proof Camo BackPack, Grill Appliances

Portable Grill/Stove top, Stocking Stuffers

Mama - Clinique Gift Card,

Dad Aaron - ????

Daddy - ????

Diane - ????

Brian & Kerri- Stationary with their Animated Family

Kim & Tommy - Stationary with their Animated Family

Chloe-  Something Fun & Crafty

Austin- ???

Aaron- ???

Ashlyn- Something Fun. & Crafty

Angel- Fun & Crafty

Addyson- Fun & maybe Crafty

Emily Grace- Whatever is FUN for a 1 year old.

Reid -  Ride on Four Wheeler [Not a real one]

Mrs. Kandi (MIL) - ??? Perfume [Her Perfume], Baking PAns

Mr. Paul (FIL) - Callaway Golf Balls, [I forget what else he asked for]

Bridget - Fashion

Patrick - Bass Pro

Grammye & Da - Date Night Basket Full of Goodies

Uncle Gary - Golf Balls

Aunt Angel -????

Julie - Fashion

Garrett - Bullets [Aaron is getting him]

Mady - Fun & Entertaining

Yeah, so... There are a lot of question marks! Not good! Our parents & his Grand parents are the HARDEST people to buy for. They have everything they need.

I'm really excited!

It's not to late to link up!

If you would like to join the fun, go HERE!

Day 1: Christmas/Holiday traditions

Day 2: Black Friday/General Shopping Tips & Tricks

Day 3: Most meaningful gift/best gift you've received

Day 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly holiday season

Day 5: Favorite Holiday Movie/TV Show Special

Day 6: Gift ideas (what do YOU want? We all have family/friends reading our blogs

...so let them know!)

Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY (If you don't make anything, what do you WISH you could make?)

Day 8: Least favorite thing about the Holidays

Day 9: Favorite Holiday recipe

Day 10: Favorite Christmas Songs/Caroles

Day 11: New Year Resolutions

Day 12: Show us your decorations (indoor/outdoor)

Day 13: Favorite Cookie Recipe

Day 14: Oprah's Favorite Things: What item(s) would you want if you were in the audience?

12 Days of Christmas - Day ONE

Day 1: Christmas/Holiday traditions

For Christmas, my family doesn't have any hugh "traditions".

Being together is what matters!

Since both Aaron and I have big families, it's a must we fit it all it.

No, Your family this year, my family next!

Christmas usually goes something like this...

The weekend before Christmas, usually on a Sunday, Mom & Aaron have

all my brothers & sisters [SIX of us] and spouses & their children

at their house so they can watch everyone open their gifts to them!

It's big, awesome, and noisy!

But I love it!

This picture doesn't even show everyone!

Last year, we decided with our group of friends to start having a Christmas Party!

Our newly weds, Brycelyn & Jeremy hosted it last year!

It was Tacky Sweater Christmas Party

I made both, Aaron & myself outfits! They were great!

This year, Aaron & I are hosting! I'm so excited & have many ideas!

We keeping it the same, well... kind of! It's still Tacky, but it's theme

is "Santa's Little Helpers". I'll share more later. I don't wanna ruin it!

On Christmas Eve, it's kinda quite... until around 4pm!

Aaron's grand parents host an oyster roast for all family & friends!

It's gives everyone a chance to celebrate Christmas together!

Aaron's Grandpa

Cousin, Mady & his Grandmother!

Aaron & his Mom

One thing Aaron and I have never done, is spend the night together

on Christmas Eve. No certain reason.

I usually go to my parents, & he goes to his!

Not this year! Aaron told my parents he would be joining us!

How exciting! I am really looking forward to it.

Aaron's family has a big tradition they've always done together.

They watch the Grinch [together] on Christmas Eve & then go to bed, only to get up really early in the morning. Last year, I did watch the Grinch, but then when to my parents! I'm sure we will do the same thing this year!

On Christmas Day, My parents & I make it a rule, to get up at 7am.

I start the coffee and we get situated for Santa!

After opening presents, we start on stockings [my favorite] and then we cook breakfast together! I usually met up with Aaron after that. By that time, his family has opened presents and went to his grand parents for breakfast. 

 Again, we will see how this year goes.

Either my parents, my Uncle John & Aunt Teresa, or Uncle Mike & Aunt Tammy usually

host Christmas Dinner! This year, it's Uncle John. Then we usually leave to go to Aaron's Christmas Dinner at 5pm! I

It's a busy day, but I love every.single.minute.of.it!

 Don't make fun, It's a tradition to wear Christmas Pj's!

Okay, that's it! That's how we spend out our Christmas!
Now, go link up!

Day 1: Christmas/Holiday traditions
Day 2: Black Friday/General Shopping Tips & Tricks
Day 3: Most meaningful gift/best gift you've received
Day 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly holiday season
Day 5: Favorite Holiday Movie/TV Show Special
Day 6: Gift ideas (what do YOU want? We all have family/friends reading our blogs
...so let them know!)
Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY (If you don't make anything, what do you WISH you could make?)
Day 8: Least favorite thing about the Holidays
Day 9: Favorite Holiday recipe
Day 10: Favorite Christmas Songs/Caroles
Day 11: New Year Resolutions
Day 12: Show us your decorations (indoor/outdoor)
Day 13: Favorite Cookie Recipe
Day 14: Oprah's Favorite Things: What item(s) would you want if you were in the audience?