Haha - I know, I start early I have done a little collecting of things along the way this year, so I do have a few items already. Also, my circle of good friends has practically doubled with the guy I'm dating having such a closeknit group of friends, so I decided I am making fudge as part of my gift giving to that group.

I had made a single batch for a birthday a while ago - it was SO easy, so I am definitely doing that again!

The people I have to buy/make something for are:

Mom
Dad
Sister
Nephew (plus Nephew's birthday)
Sister's boyfriend
Sister's bf's son
Sister's bf's daughter

My boyfriend

Friend NG
Friend MC

Friend BH
Friend NB

The below mentioned people will probably be getting the fudge:

Friend MGHN
Friend LNDS
Friend MELF
Friend KSEE

Friend PS
Friend ANT
Friend CAM
Friend LIZ
Friend CRY
Friend CHSTK

Work friend KC
Work friend SR
Boss C
Boss K
1 Group Fudge for work peers

Additional Expenses to Budget for:
Wrapping
Cards
Stamps
Work HOliday Happy Hour
Thanksgiving Meal (Include in christmas budget)

Seems like a lot! But I can do it - just need to finalize my Christmas budget this week. Its definitely doable.

Good Morning All! Sorry - this will be long & rambling.

I went to the grocery store yesterday & then to Walmart to pick up groceries (WM is right by my house, so going to 2 places is not bad).

At the Acme, I stocked up for entertaining/my caffeine addiction by buying their Coke 12 packs 3 for $12.00. They had a coupon in the flyer for a 8 pack of 7.5 oz Coke free with the purchase. Additionally, I signed up for emails from ACme yesterday while at work & was able to print out a $5.00 off coupon. Because of this, I was able to get 3 - 12 packs of soda, plus 8 7.5oz cans for a total of $7.00 (this breaks down to $0.16/can).

After food shopping last night, I prepped snack bags of almonds, pretzels and animal crackers to put in my snack drawer at work. I packed both breakfast & lunch for work.

I recently replaced my lunch bag with a $5.00 no frills one from Dollar Deals (formerly Dollar Tree). Its actually pretty nice. My goal with packing is that between today & the end of the month, I pack breakfast/lunch all but one day (tomorrow we have a work lunch out).

Last night's date night was pushed to tonight, so last night I was able to get a lot done at home, including replying to any potential roommates. My current one is gone at the end of the month, so I really need to find someone soon!

Today's 5 Things Will be as follows:
1. Pay Bills
2. Update Craigslist Ad
3. Pack breakfast/lunch for work
4. Clean out purse
5. Have fun on date night!

Hey all,
I am back again & I have missed you guys. My health is holding steady at good (Yay) but my spending was a bit out of control. I am working on creating a new budget with a strict focus on paying down debt.

Additionally, I am dating someone seriously and I find that I am spending so much more because of it. He is a gentleman and tries to pay most of the time, but I like to do my fair share. I need to start saying no to some things, lol.

And - here's the BIG money mistake - I agreed to do a trip to Germany for Oktoberfest. I was able to get an awesome deal on airfare & lodging. I am working to save funds for the rest of the costs. I only have about 2 months to do that - so part of my plan is to sell some of the furniture that is currently taking space in my basement. I inherited a full dining room set from my aunt & I will never use it, its just not my style. So I am working on cleaning it up, polishing & then selling.

I have lots of goals right now - but I am going to stick to my 5 Things lists. This is where I tackle a minimum of 5 things off my To Do list.

Today will be:
1. Grocery shop
2. Pack food for work tomorrow
3. Put up Craiglist ad for new roommate & email photos to a potential one found already
4. Clean bedroom
5. Have fun on date night with the boyfriend. Movies & Dinner out