Frugal Friday 495

 Happy Frugal Friday!

Here's how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:

- Friday the kids and I went to the park with friends. The kids had a great time creek stomping and catching crawdads. I had the best conversation with a dear friend and it was just the perfect summer afternoon!

- Saturday morning Mark and Annabeth headed over to his brother's house. He helped Luke disassemble their playset while Annabeth kept track of the kids for them. Luke and Cass are moving soon and we are out of town on the big moving weekend which we feel awful about because they have always been so good about helping us move, paint, etc at each place we've lived. Mark was glad to be able to help them last weekend. 

- When the project was done, two of them headed down to Nashville for the afternoon. They took a walk around lots of the shops and picked up some new magic tricks at the magic shop. This is always the #1 stop for the kids when we're in Nashville. They have learned most of their tricks there and also from this magic book.

- While they were out and about, Owen and I took a long walk downtown. We also stopped in Coffeehouse Five for a coffee. Mark had gotten a giftcard earlier this spring when he reviewed a doctor's office. The giftcard did cover most of the cost of the coffee which was so nice. 

- In the afternoon, we enjoyed two parties. Owen was invited to a friend's birthday. It was Harry Potter themed and he had a great time buying Harry Potter candy at our local candy shop and also gifted her a giftcard to the shop. After the birthday, we headed over to a graduation open house. We gifted the graduate a faith based gift as we pray that above all else she continues to pursue her relationship with Jesus. 

- Sunday after church we headed up to the city for the Indians game. We try to get to one game a year and we found out last year that the May games are still really nice weather wise. Sunday was 70ish and sunny. We always sit on the first base line, up in the shade and it was the perfect day for baseball. The kids enjoyed Kids-Eat-Free lunches but we did splurge on Dippin' Dots and Cotton Candy for dessert.

Indians Game 

We love to sit up in the shade!

- This week was picture week at dance. Over the years, we had opted to not purchase the pictures as a way to save money. The photographer does a wonderful job but we already have stage pictures from different competitions so it feels redundant to buy these as well. 

- Tuesday was our 14th Wedding Anniversary. We enjoyed dinner at home, Mark is eating a special diet and it felt easiest to just cook it at home, took Annabeth to dance, and did loads and loads of laundry. It was the first year that we haven't been out to a special dinner or something but we are saving for something big for #15 so it felt like a great year to keep it small. 

#14

- Wednesday afternoon the kids and I parked and walked downtown. We shopped small for two upcoming graduations - shopping at a local boutique for one and a local restaurant for the other. When we do spend money, we work very hard to spend it in small shops, locally owned places, or with family/friends businesses. 

We spent hours and hours outdoors this week. We cleaned up the yard, watered our little bucket garden twice a day, rode bikes, and walked for miles. It's just starting to get hot in the afternoons so we are trying out best to get out in the morning and evening.

We are looking forward to Memorial Day Weekend with family and are so thankful for all those who gave their lives for our freedoms.

Happy Savings to All

100% - Our 14th Anniversary

 Today marks the beginning of our 14th year of marriage.

Often over the past few years we have often said to each other "Does it scare you how easy this feels?" or "Does life just feel too good?" For several years now, Mark and I have had a real peace in our marriage. 

We, like all people, have disputes - namely over me leaving cabinet doors open, failing to organize items the "right" way, and busy schedules AND over his clutter on the counters, laundry piles, and shopping habits. But aside from little spats, the kind one would have with anyone they live with, we haven't had a real argument in years. 

Over the winter, I heard a couple say that things were going so well for them because 'they had all their big fights in their first 7 years of marriage.' In a way, I think that's really true! 

The real secret to our contentedness? We have each committed to giving the other 100% 

In previous anniversary posts, I have written that we believe the secret to marriage is saying yes and showing up. I think those are both absolutely necessary alongside doing those things 100% of the time. By giving our spouse our BEST version of ourselves we can guarantee that we love them well.

While we live in a world that promotes self-care, self-interest, and sharing jobs 50/50 but the Bible certainly sets a higher standard for us. Ephesians 5 reminds believers to "submit themselves to one another out of reverence for Christ...wives should submit themselves to their husbands...husbands love your wife has Christ loves the church.." WOW! Those are some BIG asks! 

In committing to giving 100% of ourselves to each other, we have walked through some very difficult years (2020 - worldwide pandemic/my health crisis, 2021 - unexpectedly losing Mark's Dad to COVID, 2022 - Adjusting to our new normal) and through these years we have held each other up, together so well. In the past, difficulties drove a wedge between us as we each selfishly chose to put ourselves first but in the past few years we chose to keep serving, loving each other first. Each day that has made all the difference.

100% looks different on different days. On days when we are tired, worn down, sad, etc 100% may mean we have less to give than another day. Fine. As long as we give our very best, in that moment, to loving the other well. More often than we see couples who fight or argue we find that other couples simply become complacent. They forget to pursue, to treasure their spouse and to give their very best. 

I am forever thankful for 14 years of working to daily pursue the one God had for me. 

Happy #14 to my Always and Forever

*Picture from our 17th Valentine's Day together

Frugal Friday 494

 Happy Frugal Friday!

Here is how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:

- Last Saturday we had a 14 hour dance day. My parents and sister came into town for the weekend so everyone was able to take turns running home to play with Oscar and to replenish our snacks at the high school. The kids had their best performances of the season and are ready for recital and then nationals! We packed in lunch and snacks to help save money and also did not shop the t-shirt stand. 

- Sunday was Mother's Day and this year was extra special as both Mark and I were able to see our moms ON the holiday! After church we had lunch with the Kuhns, Mama chose chicken pot pie and pound cake as her special meal. We gifted her a giftcard to her favorite coffee shop and some bracelets the kids chose. For dinner, we headed to Mark's mom's house. We had a taco bar and favorite desserts of all of the moms in the group. Mark planted a special plant for her and then also gifted her some special items that Annabeth had shopped for. I felt very thankful to have the gift of time with all of my favorite people. Mark and the kids gifted me some Disney themed gifts and Owen made me a wood burned sign. 

With me three who call me "Mama"

- This was our third week of summer vacation. We had many, many appointments the first two weeks so this was our first week of truly "lazy" days at home. We spent many hours outside, built soooo many Lego creations, and read like crazy since the summer reading program began at the library.

- I made a semi-impulsive purchase online to help get me to free shipping. When it arrived it wasn't anything like what I wanted so I promptly returned it for cashback. I know I've mentioned it before but I know so many people who buy things they never use and yet never return them. I'd much rather have my money back than an item I might, maybe someday use.

- Tuesday we popped over to pre-shop a friends' book sale. We found a ton of great books for just $5. Thank you Liz and kids for the deal on books and afternoon of fun!

- We ate our meals at home this week. We spent $50 at the grocery and are really just counting down until we can get fresh foods at the local farmer's market. We're also working on diligently eating down our freezer as our pig and cow will arrive later in the summer. 

- Last night was my last big commitment for the school year with our co-op. We are very blessed to do part of school each year with this group but I am very thankful for the summer off!! 

- I have had several phone meetings with clients for Disney 2024 trips. I can begin booking these trips on May 31 so please reach out if you are interested in a trip next year! 

We are looking forward to all of our school friends being out of school soon so we can begin the fun of summer play!

Happy Savings to All! 

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Frugal Friday 493

 Happy Frugal Friday!

Here's how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:

- Last Friday after baseball we drove down to Evansville for the weekend. We stayed with my parents and skipped a hotel stay for Derby this year which saved us $500 compared to the same weekend last year. Hooray!

- Saturday we headed to Owensboro for my Momaw's 93rd birthday and Kentucky Derby. We had a great time with the family that was in town. For Momaw's birthday we decorated homemade sugar cookies with a Derby theme. 

Annabeth with her award-winning "Most Creative" hat

She made this carousel fascinator with items we had on hand.

We did spend $1 on the headband

- Derby Day is the one time a year that we gamble. We let each of the kids have $8 to bet with. They lost it all but the winners in the family were thrilled with their prizes! W, age 11, was this years big winner and he said he plans to save it.

- My sister traded me two big bags of clothes. I came away with about 10 new-to-me items for my closet. We took the rest, along with a bag of my items, to my friend Nicole whose beginning her first full-time job since having her children. Join me in praying for her as she begins working in a low-income school with students who desperately need the joy, laughter, and lessons she will bring them. 

- My sister-in-law brought clothes for Annabeth. Annabeth was thrilled with Disney and Harry Potter items as well as new church dresses. Some were not her style or did not fit so we passed those along to one of Annabeth's friends. 

- Mark has been back to work on his Etsy business and he's back with new bags repurposed from tents! 

- We had a busy, busy week with activities every evening. I made sure we had quick, easy meals on hand so we wouldn't be tempted to eat out. We had fridge pizza with tons of veggies on it along with fresh veggies on the side, pasta bake with veggies, nacho night, and chicken Alfredo.

- Owen had baseball games last Friday and Wednesday. He was thrilled that Nana came one night and our next-door neighbors came the other. Wednesday night he had a hit at both of his at-bats and also hit his first double!!

- This week Disney announced they will allow travel advisors like myself to begin booking for 2024 on May 31. I contacted my 2024 wait list people and hammered out some details so I am ready for launch day. Are you thinking about Disney next year? Let's talk soon! Message me at a.riley@magicalvacationplanner.com or on my Facebook business page 

We are looking forward to the kids' last regional dance competition this weekend as well as celebrating our wonderful mothers on Mother's Day!

Happy Savings to All! 

Frugal Friday 492

 Happy Frugal Friday!

Here is how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:

- Friday was our last day of school! Our kids have officially finished 2nd and 6th grade! We always take the kids out to a special dinner, their choice of place, to celebrate. This year they chose Big Woods. It was Owen's first time there and he loved seeing the golfers while we waited for our food.

- Saturday morning the boys went to Little League day at the high school baseball game. Owen got in free so we just paid for Mark. 

- While the boys were there, Annabeth and I went to get the grocery pick-up. I found a Starbucks card in my wallet so I got her a treat while we were out. At home, we made desserts for Sunday Family Lunch. We made chocolate covered pretzels with spring colored sprinkles and rice krispie treats. 

- Saturday afternoon we all went out for a walk. Even lazy Oscar joined us for a bit and happily trotted around. After dinner, the kids went back out to ride bikes while Mark and I organized some totes in the garage. It began to rain while we were out and the kids LOVED that! 

- Sunday afternoon we had lunch at Mark's mom's house. We had a great time visiting with everyone. We took along the special desserts the kids had made. 

- After lunch, I picked up our few remaining items from the kids' sale. I will deliver the unsold clothing to friends who have a daughter and sons in smaller sizes than our kids. I am guessing the swimsuits and leotards will be hits.

- Tuesday and Wednesday we had some errands downtown. They were both chilly, but sunny, days so we took the time to walk downtown each day. I LOVE our little town and taking our daily walk in a different setting was great for everyone's mental health. 

- I've had the same phone for probably 4 years. (I literally do not care AT ALL about new phones/updated phone features. Mine calls, texts, and takes decent pics so I am happy) I've had the same case and screen protector this whole time. My old screen protector was getting quite bubbly as I have to peel it off for people to scan my phone at ticket venues. Mark spent $8 on Amazon and I got a new screen cover. It's like having brand new phone! It's so smooth, nice, and I don't have to bang on the screen to get it to read my fingerprint anymore!

- Yesterday I splurged on a new brand of dairy-free smoothies at the store. I was thrilled that I had an $8 off coupon AND cashback on Ibotta meaning they paid me $2 to take them out of the store. Didn't realize until I got home, took a sip, and my mouth/face blew up that it contained something I am allergic to. So...no fun treat for me but Mark will happily drink them so it was a win for him. 

- Last night, after a long doctor's appointment, I treated Annabeth to dinner out downtown. We walked afterwards and talked a ton. I cannot believe my girl just finished the 6th grade - she's really becoming a little lady!

- Mark and Owen went to his moms and fixed her dryer. Mark was able to source the needed part online and he was able to fix it so she didn't have to call/pay for a repair person to come out.

We had a great, first week of summer and are looking forward to some time off school!

Not from this week but it's our family

Easter picture that I don't think I ever shared

Happy Savings to All!