A Budget???

So for the last few months we have begun envelope budgeting, I know the oldest trick in the book. Along with this we have implemented meal planning, (by we, I of course mean me). With these two things we have nearly cut our grocery/target/costco/entertainment costs in half and without giving up a whole lot. I notice how I used to buy things at the grocery store b/c they were on a great sale not because I needed them. Now I am able to buy just what I need, I actually know what I need and it feels great. So here is to envelope budgeting. We did a very simple version. The monthly bills don't get enveloped because I can't save on them they are coming whether I like it or not. but we have 5 envelopes. 1.Grocery 2.Costco 3.Target 4.Entertainment 5.Hobby. I am so glad that we have found something that works in our family to keep costs minimal and keep me in line (I do like to overspend at Target, and this has helped the most probably at Target...and a little at Costco too) Another benefit I have seen is that I am getting more creative for dinner, because I have to plan 2 weeks of meals at a time, so when you see it on paper spaghetti 3 times a week doesn't seem reasonable. :D...

So long story made short... We are so going to buy something someday :) in the housing market and if envelope budgeting and meal planning get me there sign me up. Does anyone else have any fabulous budgeting ideas. Or fabulous...easy meal ideas???

Random Fact Wednesday

...a day early, I know I'll be too busy tomorrow. Today's random fact is about Kevin, he he

Kevin was actually named after a character in a book that I was reading when I met Bryan. The guy was the romantic lead and they met online. So there you have it. I loved that character and I liked the name and it was a good one and neither Bryan nor I had any issues with it. That is sort of how names come about in our family. We feel very fortunate that we don't have the arguments and debates that we hear about in other families when it comes to naming our children, We are both extremely easy going about it.

Random Fact Wednesday

A little about Tanya...

When I was between the ages of 5-11 I hated babysitters, not disliked, hated. I was a horror. I sent most of them home crying and often they would call my mom part way through the babysitting job, crying, of course. I did horrible things like poured dinner onto the floor because it was not cooked how I liked it, crawl out the window when sent to my room, yell at them, lock them out of the house/apartment...etc. So my parents and I were so glad when at 11 years old I took over the babysitting responsibilities at our house and everything was a little more peaceful. I pray all the time that I will not be punished for my behavior by having one like myself.

Does anyone else see how much Kevin looks like his Aunt Sarah in that pic? (of course the boy version)

Car Painting

Today we were forced to stay home because of apartment stuff. But we filled the time. We blew bubbles and got soaking wet on the patio and then we came in for some painting. The boys had a blast making tracks. I totally got this idea off of some other mom blog but it looked like lots of fun, and they both loved it.

So Proud

I have to admit I am so proud of myself for completing this dress, and making it look like a dress that could actually be worn by a child :) . It is for my little niece, Kyah who is almost 2 months old so she will definitely be growing into this a little later it is probably a 6 - 9 month size. But It turned out dang cute and I can hardly contain my excitement for making my second item of clothing. My first item of clothing was a pair of pants for Adam, then I made a pair of pajama pants for Kevin who said Adam needed some too. so that picture is below too. Yay for making things!!
Gotta love how they pulled their shirts up to show the pants off, they were the old curtains that used to be in their room for their closet. So they have been repurposed.

Random Fact Wednesday on Thursday

So you know....it is not really Wednesday, any way the random fact for this week is about Bryan, Yay. I know we are all excited about this.

(Bryan is the totally cool one in the hat, my kind of guy)

Bryan graduated H.S. in 95 and started college. He started out majoring in...yup you guessed it film. Doesn't everyone around here? He then went on his Mission from 97-99' and when on his mission got a strong impression to change his major even though he had already put a couple years into the other one. So when I met him, right after his mission, he was changing his major to Architecture. This meant a change in School which meant a change in location, which is why we now reside here in Studio City with all our Studio City friends. Bryan is probably one of the few people that moved to Studio City because he decided not to be a film major. Bryan graduated in 2007, Arch programs are 5 years no matter what you did before, and now works for the city of Los Angeles as an Architect in their Harbor Department. So now you know something more about Bryan because we all know how he loves to talk about himself...NOT.

Finally, I am cool....ish

I got a new phone. It is not a go phone. it has bluetooth and takes pictures. I feel I have joined the modern era. It was cheap because samsung just released a new one that is just like it but with a touch screen, mine does not have a touch screen, but it has tons of features and If I am ever up for spending the money for one of those data plans I can and it will work fabulously on my phone. for now I am just excited that I can text more efficiently with my new qwerty pad.

The Blackjack II

I got the red one and Bryan got the black one.