In which I can't write a blog post

A big part of my problem lately -- and I know you've noticed -- is that my mind is focused elsewhere.

I used to be able to wake up and go through my day and easily sit down and digest it and write about it. That is no longer the case.

Writing got in the way. Professional writing, that is.

Life got in the way. The frugal life, that is.

You see, last November I started handling our family finances. Since I do all of the spending, we realized it made no sense for Dan to handle the money. All along he could tell me we had XX amount in the checking and I would hear him, but then would disregard it and tell him that we needed XY and Z this week. He'd graciously move that money from savings or do whatever and I would get XYZ that week.

Enter: Wake Up Call. By doing the bills myself I see firsthand how little we have to work with -- until we sell this house, anyway. But, it also gives me a weekly project to see just how creative I can get to get what we need and want, without sacrificing our savings.

The truth is that we've been tight -- living on the edge -- for as long as we've been married. When we had less bills and more income, it was tight because we spent too much. Now, with more bills, less income, it's still tight -- and yet we're making it.

What I learned, though, is that as the cook and grocery buyer, I have a lot to do with making it or not making it and everything between. I'm also someone who gets what she wants.

And so in the last two months, I've discovered a world of frugal living. I'm collecting coupons and comparison shopping. Instead of rushing to the nearby newest grocery store that has top of the line everything, I've become an Aldi-lover.

But, all of this is very time consuming. Sundays are now spent searching all store sales for the best deals and clipping coupons and shopping. Meal planning, too, is very important.

And, since I see it working and we're seeing a dramatic change in our outgo, it's become rather addictive. Honestly, I dig getting good deals and, as it turns out, am pretty good at it.

Now, my days are torn between planning toddler activities, making meals, planning pitches to send to magazines, writing for current clients and searching for the latest deals for things we need.

There is so very little time leftover and when there is I'm spent and heading off to bed.

We didn't know when we bought this house that twins were going to come along, which would change our financial outlook completely. We didn't know anything that we know now, which seems like everything. I know it isn't.

But, we know what our values are and where we want to be, which makes it easier to be frugal. We have purpose to save now when in the past we didn't.

So, if you do not hear from me for a day or two, I might be plotting how I can get to the Aquarium or Zoo this summer for cheap because I refuse to give up my lifestyle altogether!

I want to give a great big thanks and hug to Bella for awarding me with a Daily Dose award, which lately I'm sure I do not deserve.



I will bestow this honor on a couple others later this week ... since this laptop isn't as nice to work on than my office computer which is TWO FLOORS UP, people.

And, I will probably surprise you with who I confess my true daily -- or more than daily -- reads really are. I mean, besides the obvious several who get links from me all the time.


Thank you for visiting today.

Did you like this blog post? Please consider subscribing here:

Subscribe in a reader