Wednesday, Kim Back to normal (that might not be good)

 I am back after a 24-hour hiatus of not being Kim.  Don't know what caused it, don't want to know. Might have been the weather, might have been hormones or medication or just laziness. You choose, as I cannot. I swear every time I sat down; I went to sleep it was awful.

I did get some sewing done and had things picked up, but I was dragging. Ate dinner at Sissies and went home to bed. I tried to iron and got into a fight with my ironing board.  Yes, it was a serious fight and we both lost.

After fighting with it for several minutes it ended up outside in the front yard.  Yes, I threw it out! As it was a wedding gift from 47 years ago, I felt I had gotten my good use out. Now I must find or get a new one.  I will have to iron on my board in the shop. I will do a peruse of the secondhand stores before I go get a new one.  And that is great as it puts off the ironing basket for a few days.  Take that as a win!

Today I have already been to the dump and put out my painting cloth to get more things painted for the garden area.  I will send pictures it is going to turn out so cute.

Right now, I have to get my butt in gear and get into the shop as I have to pick the kids up this afternoon, and I have a bride after 4, plus three items that came in today set to go out this evening. I really need to get a move on immediately. 

So here goes, what a difference 24 hours can make!

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

 

Tuesday, What happened to my energy?

 

Okay what a difference 24 hours can make.  Yesterday I was gang busters with energy and today I can hardly pull my pants up.  (Well not literally I do have my pants up. I am just dragging, which as most of you know Kim does not like...

I was able to get all of my pots done yesterday and now have a mess of leftover plants and plastic that I have to take care of.  I have seriously downsized my pots, and this is the first year I have over bought flowers.  But that is okay I will just overstuff a few big pots.

It was hard work yesterday going all over the yard with a wheelbarrow and dirt and bending constantly. 

I sure felt it when I was practicing my piano last night.  My back was achy and on fire when I moved just right. 

The weather was gorgeous yesterday but today it is rainy and cold.  Youi have to take the good with the bad.  I was able to use my clothesline for most of the bedding and that was nice.  Both beds are almost made, as I have to iron pillowcases for the master bedroom.  That is on the to do list for today.

Have three homecoming dresses to alter, but none of them are hard. I also have a couple of piles and then need to get into some bridal sewing before the end of the week. I do think business as far as bridal is down this year, as I don't seem to have the number of dresses in the shop as usual. Or maybe I am just keeping up better. It is what it is.

Today's list:

1. alter blue dress

2. alter purple dress

3. alter green dress

4. iron pillowcases

5. finish making Aunties bed back up

That is the extent of the energy Kim is going to extend today. Hopefully my mojo will return tomorrow.

Have a great and [productive day

God is good

Kim

Monday, A Sissie Day!

 

Sissie took Auntie to the airport early this morning and I am missing her already.   It is still nice to have the house back to what I call normal, but I miss her presence. 

I have stripped both the beds and will be using the clothesline and this beautiful weather to dry bedding. The house needs a really good deep clean or spring clean and I have decided to take two rooms a week plus a bath and spring cleaning will be done by the end of May.

It is prom week, so I have dresses coming in and a few to finish and I am happy that I am caught up so I can take last minute dresses. There is still plenty to do in the shop and I will try and get my quota done every day.

Sissie and I spent the morning doing errands together something we have not done since Auntie has been here.  She has a hard time going for any length of time, so we just didn't venture out as much. We went to both banks and then went and picked out flowers.  I spent my birthday money from my girls and mother-in-law. 

I set the sprinklers to going last night and I think the garden will be just fine with no adjustments to the system.  So that is nice.  Which means I can finish the rockery and get the planting done.

This weekend, I was able to get the bark put around the fruit trees, and the bark on the long flower bed. I also planted all my geraniums in the flower bed for the season.  I will keep adding perennials that I find marked down throughout the summer.  I did some more trimming and blowing. Spent most of Saturday outside and it was lovely. Sunday, I took a nap, which I needed.

So, what are Kim's goals this week?

1.Spring clean the front room, and family room and hall.

2. plant all flowerpots

3. plant the garden

4. pay 100 more dollars to my savings so I fulfill the 1000 challenge for the month.

5. pay all the bills at the beginning of May

6. try not to eat out at all and eat what I have

7. try and have at least 3 no spend days

8. practice the piano piece I have to play for choir in two weeks, Yikes not a very long time to practice.

I am trying to set a routine, of getting up and checking the chickens for water and food, and then trying to check the gardens before the heat sets in.  I still have to water the pots and flower garden by hand and this needs to be done in the evening, so they don't burn.  But I would like weeding and garden care to be done in the morning before the hot sun is out, so that is definitely before 10. I just have to set some habits.  I have a hard time setting habits as I can be pretty scattered.

My car is full of flowers for pots, and I need to get more potting soil, but will wait for Dan as it is too heavy for me to carry. The dryer just stopped so I need to go fold clothes and take what is in the washer out to the clothesline and start another load of sheets.

I do need to do a small grocery store run for the week, as I am out of a few necessary items. 

Well, I have set my plans for the week, so I am going to go have some fun in the yard!

What are your plans for the week?  Do you have a garden?

Have a great and productive day 

God is good

Kim

Friday, Frugal Friday How did I do?

 Here it is Friday again.  How did the week go by so fast? I was busy so I suppose that helps. I am anxious to get out in the yard today.  I had my weekly piano lesson this morning. I received two new hymns. I will accompany the choir with these.  Never a dull moment here.

Kay and Dan were here last night and Sissie cooked dinner. Dan did the dishes, how great is that? Tonight, we are going to their place. (Aunty and I)

So how did I do this week on my frugal wants and goals? Well....

1. I did get Easter out away!

2.  I did not touch the windows, another time probably not this week either.

3. only 1 no spend day.  It has always been the yard and garden as far as spending is concerned so I guess that is a given

4. Ate all meals at home or with Sissie

5. did some spraying on rockery but it needs so much more!

6.  I have close to 800 dollars to put toward my thousand for the month and I just might make it!

7. Sissie and I cleaned the shop!

8. put crushed diet coke cans in the bottom of my pots to save on potting soil (this tip was from Sissie who has always done this.

9. purchased three perennials on close out for flower garden

10. picked up more seed I was short of at dollar tree and yes, I always use their seed, and it does grow.

11. washed out heavy plastic bags

12. purchased liners for flower containers at Joanns at 90% off!!!!

So, I think I did pretty well this week other than the spending on the yard which I really have no choice.

I have a pair of lined pants to hem and a mother of the bride dress on which to do a small alteration.  Then I have to a wedding dress, that is not a huge job but still has to be done.  As soon as I get these things done, I can go out and play!

I plan on trimming the yard and blowing the grass back out of the rockery and then of course more spraying.  That is never ending. I have a few plants that I have bought on clearance that I want plant in the flower garden, and I need to lay down bark around the fruit trees and in the flower garden after I weed it for the 3rd time this season. I purchased three large bags of potting soil to fill my pots. I doubt that is enough, but we will see. I hope to get all my pots filled this weekend also.  No real planting yet but getting everything ready!  So excited! 

Have a great weekend.  Any plans?

Have a great and productive day staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim

Thursday, Yikes too much to do!

 Okay unstoppable is my game today. I was supposed to get my toes done for the sandal season but am giving up my appointment for Aunty to have her nails done.  Will reschedule next week.

Let me tell you about a blessing I had today.  Or let me tell you about how blessing others in turn blesses you. You have heard me talk about a young man I sew for the is a little person.  Everything he buys has to be tailored.  Not just shortened but pegged or tailored down to fit him correctly.  It is very time consuming and difficult work. Most seamstress would not or could not do this.  His piles are very expensive, and I always give him a large discount. I never charge full price even though the work is hard, because it is not his fault.  

So, his dad brings me 4 pair of slacks that he had tailored up at Nordstroms and they were not taken in correctly.  I redid them and his wife just picked them up and paid me over twice what the bill was, she said that is what Nordstom charges and I deserve it.  Also thanked me for taking care of her son. This check will more than cover the nails appointments!  What a blessing when I am trying to stay with in a budget. 

Small kindnesses are returned to you, trust me on this, as I see it all the time in my life.

I did not get all my list done yesterday and I was remiss in thinking I could.  But then again, I always over do the list. So today when I get back from the nail salon, I will finish the other things on the list. But it looks like I will be finishing a wedding dress on my day off again.  Oh well it will only take about 2 hours.

Last night before book club, I started up the lawn mower and mowed the whole lawn.  IT took less than a 1/2 hour.  I did not get to rim or blow back the grass, but I can do that this evening. I need to get to the store and get grass seed and potting soil and topsoil for the yard and the flower boxes.

So far, I seem to be on the right track this week on getting things done.  I also plan on putting Easter away when I get home from having dinner at Kays.

Busy, busy, but unstoppable!

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, I did something!

 Anxiety is my friend. It is nice to have friend's that stick with you. That is how I see this issue. 

Guess what?  Sissie and I cleaned the shop yesterday afternoon!  Well not to her satisfaction as she does over kill well, but I am happy about the do. She lectured the whole time, blah, blah, blah and I just went along purging things I did not need.  IT was lovely and only took us one hour or two with the both of us and now I have a nice clean shop to start my day!

It is going to be a day too!  I have to pick up the kids, so I have until 2:15 to get things done and I have a lot of sewing to get done before Friday. Had a lot of things come in yesterday afternoon, while we were tearing through the shop.

We are getting closer to finishing the garden area.  Still sweeping sand into the bricks and that is an ongoing job.  Dan came yesterday to clean and sweep the area a little.  I am getting excited to plant!

I often go through the I can't do this anymore phase.  Sometimes weekly, and often daily. Having a clean and organized workspace helps.  It doesn't do the work, but the distractions are less.

I woke with a bad headache this morning and it still is not gone so I guess I will go take something for it, no excuses I have to get things done today. I can do this, I know I can.

Have you ever met anyone who has to talk themselves into doing anything? If Sissie was here she would kick my A$$.

So here is the list my friends, (you knew this was coming right?)

1. take waist in on four pairs of pants

2. hem a dress

3. hem two pairs of pants

4.hem a set of karate clothes

5. put ribbon on two sets of regalia (Native American)

6. hem a pair of pants and tack a mother of the bride dress

7.hem a prom dress for this weekend

That is enough, as I have to go pick up the munchkins. Tomorrow, I have a wedding dress and other delights!

Kim's life is not boring, it is often a little sad, but also filled with uncontrolled laughter and joy.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Calling Sissie!

 This is where I am right now, facing the consequences of my own actions. My shop is not organized like it should be, and it needs the Sissie treatment. Now could I do this on my own? (yes/no) It is just easier for me to have her tell me what to do.  I can then eventually ignore her, and I am right back where I started. It is about a twice-yearly ritual. It allows her to be superior.  She loves the superior part. So why not let her have it?  I am such a good sister.

My bean soup was delicious and there is enough for dinner and lunch for several days so I think some will be frozen. I can also send some home with Signe' as Nate loves bean soup.

I think Aunty and Kay are going to lunch today, ignoring my problems, which are of my own making.  Drat! and double drat! 

I think it is going to be a lovely day!  I had work come in yesterday to add to the piles and that is good.  But I really need to sew again today.  I was surprised I got anything done yesterday, the mood I was in was not conducive to any kind of work. So, I was pretty proud of me.  

I want to plant, but we have a freeze due in here, so I will wait. But things are coming along fine in the new garden area.  Still have not turned on the sprinkler system and I don't know if it is going to work well in the new space, if it doesn't, I will resort to a hose with a sprinkler on it and just set it once a day.  I can turn off that area of the system. I did not build around the existing system as it would not have allowed me the space I needed.  Fixing that area of the system is not financially advantageous at least at this time.

I have bark to put on the huge flower bed and around the fruit trees, but I am waiting for the tulips to die back some. I will be getting many, many flower bulbs from Sissies place and I am excited about that. 

Sew I am off to get done what I did not get done yesterday and then add to the list, if I can kick through the mess. Lots of dresses, which I like to do, so there is no excuse not to get work done.  But don't you worry, I will come up with an excuse, I am good at that.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Monday, New week, New goals!

 I'm a little blue today.  Don't know why.  I have no reason. Easter is over, but not the celebration. I am starting a new week, and I need to pay attention and I think that is the problem.  I don't want to pay attention. I have a whole day ahead of me that I can get things done and will I squander it?  Squander, say that out loud, SQUANDER.  It just sounds exactly like it means. What is a girl to do?

Well make a list or two of course! But not right now maybe in a few sentences. 

Easter was fun and quiet. Sissie and Dan and Signe' and her family. We had a nice dinner; I was tired as I had not slept well the night before.  Music went well at church. I took a two-hour nap in the afternoon and then got up and made rolls. Sissie made dessert, green beans and deviled eggs. Lil sis contributed scalloped potatoes, so I got off easy with the ham and rolls!

Beans are soaking as we speak for a big old pot of bean soup. Aunty, Sis and I love bean soup.  Dan hates it!  Too many years aboard ship, I think. I am looking forward to a nice big steaming bowl of the stuff.

So, what is Kim going to do this week? I know you are all waiting with bated breath to know. This is where Kim falls asleep.... Well, let's rephrase. What would Kim like to get done this week? Hmmmm...

1. Put away Easter in a few days.  The deco's, not the meaning.

2. wash the windows inside and out (*snort* like this is going to get done) but one can always dream.

3. try and have at least 3 no spend days

4. eat all meals at home if possible

5. spray rockery and yard again, this is a constant battle

6. Get a good chunk of change saved toward my $1000 savings goal to which I have contributed nothing, and I only have 9 days left! Okay to be fair I do have $400 squirreled away for this already but still need $600. at the rate my ambition is going this could be hard.

7. Get Aunty packed and ready to fly home (sad)

8. Try and get shop reorganized for upcoming bridal season!

 Okay that is enough, I am already tired.

What am I going to do today? 

1. feed and water chickens

2. make big pot of bean soup

3. mend a pair of pants.

4. hem a pair of jeans

5. alter and pile of three pants

6.alter a blue prom dress

7. alter a pink prom dress

8. alter a red prom dress

9. alter and blue bridesmaid dress and mend a blouse

10. alter a flower girl dress

It will be a holy miracle if I get all this done today, as the blahs have me. Blah!

What do you do for the blahs?

Have a great and productive day (see how positive Kim is?)

God is good

Kim

 

Friday, Good Friday and Frugal Friday

 It is Good Friday! Lots to think about today.  A day of sacrifice and thinking of blessings.  I am humbled today as I have so many blessings. Many of them all of you.  So grateful for the friendships I have forged here. You are such a support to me, through all of my trials (SISSIE) joking.

Prom dresses are coming in like crazy and next week will be very busy.  I am going over to Sissie's tomorrow to help Dan in the yard.

We will have a ham dinner here for the kids on Sunday and an Easter egg hunt for the littles.

My shoulder was so much better last night, and I am so grateful. I woke about 4 a.m. and it started to throb but nowhere near like it did all of yesterday.  I was very careful not to use overuse the shoulder. As in I did nothing outside.

Things were not as frugal as I would have liked them to be, this last week.  But I muddled through.

My goals were pretty well kept

I was able to put enough money in the bank to pay for taxes.  I paid the utilities with cash, and I paid Aunties dental bills with cash. I only had 2 no spend days and need to get better at this again.  I was so good at the beginning of the year. We ate all meals at home or with Sissie. So, I guess it wasn't all bad.

I did spend on groceries, but that was almost a have too, and Sissie stocked me up with butter at $1.99 a pound and that was worth it, as we have not found it for less than $3.50 anywhere in the last 6 months.  As much as we bake, we use butter.

I will not have to buy anything for Sunday's dinner as I already had the ham in the freezer.  I bought it right after Christmas for .69 a pound.  I know unheard of, right?

Did you keep any financial goals this last week?  If so what?

Today I am going to get sand and gravel in between the brick work outside.  That will not be too labor intensive on my shoulder. Then it is just finishing the patio, turning on the water and cleaning up.  I have decoration to hang on the fence, Will get Nate to help me with that.

Have a lovely Easter weekend, eat chocolate, visit family. 

He is Risen!

Kim

Thursday, Another chart! picture heavy

 Onto #8 so this is a good sign. I actually did get some sewing done yesterday!  Hurrah for Kim. Still spent a little time outside but not as much as I would have liked.

Today I am taking Auntie to get a pedicure, and I am having my nails done, they are a mess.  Of course, the yard work isn't helping. Every form of refuge has its price.  Nice nails, weedy yard.

Sissie has been running around stocking up on the sales.  Which is so nice for me.  Keeps me out of the stores and I just reimburse her. I love it and it does save me money.  In fact, looking at my spending register I realized that I had not done any kind of a grocery shop since the first of February.  Not that I had not picked up a loss leader, here and there.  But spending under $10.00 a week on loss leaders does not a grocery shop make.  Sissie was always running a half gallon of milk and bananas over for Auntie and I was just using what I had or eating with Sissie.  

So yesterday in spite of saying I was going to stay out of the store, I broke down and spent $62.00.  Bread, milk, eggs, fruit, crackers, veggies, snacks for Auntie. Just a general shop for necessities.  Here I was so smug about my spending and there was none of these foods in the house.  I mean really. One can over do you know. I am the Queen of overdo.

Here are some pictures of what is happening in the new garden area.  I would love to say it is almost complete but there is still so much to do.  I am slowing down as my right shoulder is protesting loudly. Tuesday night it was very sore all night keeping me from getting a good sleep. Last night was almost agony. I really have to cut back on using it for a while.

Lifting all those bags, pushing a lawn mower, digging, digging, lifting, lifting and it is not happy. I really dislike it when my body gives way.  However, life will go on if I take a short break to heal. Dang it anyway.

New to me strawberry bed.  Poor plants are in shock from getting transplanted, but I will hit them with some fertilizer and see if they snap out of their doldrums.

This is what the area looked like. I can fence it off as deer will not jump into small, enclosed area, where they cannot get a running start leap. The original garden area was raised higher and moved slightly.

We are at a standstill here. I now have three beds for planting each one gets a little smaller according to the yard shape. We still have to fill in the walkways with sand and gravel.  I also have about 4 more feet of patio and dig and place brick in, but that is on hold due to shoulder.

I put brick paths between gardens as our soil is almost solid clay and it gets so sticky and gumbo like when it is wet.

Here is where I must continue the patio.  Sissie took my load to the dump bless her and she is now going to find me 22 more bricks to finish this beast of a project.

Planting will commence the first of May.  We have had a cold spring especially in the mornings.  Even the nurseries here are being cautious about putting plants out. I noticed Home Depot had a few racks of frost-bitten plants they were trying to sell. I am proceeding with caution.

So much work and so much more to do.  Yikes!  But I have loved every minute of it. My shoulder not so much.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, I am on a lazy streak!

 Well, those of you who know me, know that once I get bitten by the spring is here bug, I have a hard time staying inside! I had such a good time Monday.  Outside all day and it was lovely!

I was able to empty all pots into new garden beds and do a lot of cleaning around the new garden area. I put stone in places that needed to be filled.  I emptied all the bags of compost and soil into beds. I was able to pull up all the strawberry starts that came over from the neighbors and get those put into a new to me bed, that I obtained from Sissie's back yard. I also started my new lawn mower all by myself and mowed the lower part of the yard.  It only took 15 minutes but was very hard as the ground was uneven.  I was proud of myself as this means I can do it by myself. I cleaned and reset the blocks around the 4 fruit trees. Now I just have to mulch.

I have a battery-operated blower and weed whacker, that are very easy for me to use. Joel really did all of the major yard work, and I just filled in the flowers. Having to do it all is time consuming and very labor intensive.

Yesterday I was supposed to get back in the shop, but the sunshine was calling me.  I could not resist.  I cleaned the garage and put the chickens in the coop with the help of my brother-in-law! No more stinky chicken mess in the garage. Then I took all the yard decorations that were made out of wrought iron, and I painted them bright primary colors.  I was able to get all of these pieces from Lil sis, and Sissie. Heaven, forbid I pay for anything. 

I need about 28 more bricks to complete my small patio out by my garden and Lil sis's husband says I can come and get more.  So, I have to do that. It is back breaking work but when it is done it is done!  I don't want to add anymore small rock or sand between the bricks to lock things in until I get all the patios laid.  It is so much work but will be so worth it in the end.

The chickens are happy down in their new larger coop. It allows them to fly up to perches, and to roam around more. I am happy with my much cleaner garage! Sissie will be happy also, as she did not have to do it.

The problem now is when will Kim get back in the shop? She really does not want to be in the shop she wants to be outside. This is my yearly dilemma.  But I do have a few things I must get done today, sewing wise that is....

I also have to go pick up the grandkids this afternoon and take Kelsa to gymnastics.  That will take a couple hours out of my day, so I had better get my ducks in a row.

I have at least two trips to the dump that I need to make in order to call the yard/garage cleaned up, maybe I can get Sissie😁 to do this for me.....

But truly I am going to do some sewing before I go to bed, I really am. I promise!!!!

Did you know it is 76 outside and the sun is shining? 

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Monday, Easter Week

 The beginning of Holy week.  I always loved this week as a child. It was special.  We had extra Church services, and special meals.  We celebrated pass over yesterday with a dinner of lamb at Lil sis's and it was so good. The weather is beautiful, things are in bloom.  The dead plants are alive again and it is just a beautiful time to worship and celebrate.

I spent all day Friday in the shop.  Not only was it busy but I had a wedding dress and a very hard bridesmaid dress to finish. I mean I sewed all day.  Does anyone remember that I was supposed to be taking Friday's off?  Anyone?  ANYONE?

So, I am taking today off.  It is gorgeous out and supposed to be in the low 70's.

I worked so hard with Dan on Saturday, and we are almost done putting the dirt in the new garden beds. The new tiller worked great, and I can handle it with ease. Nate and Signe' came down late Saturday, and Nate mowed the lawn.  My trimmer pooped out of battery power so that is the first thing I will do today is go trim the yard.

We are running Aunty into the hearing aid place at one for a lose wire issue.  But the rest of the day is in the yard. Color Kim Happy!

Goals for the week!

1. cash flow enough money to pay taxes

2. pay utilities, and water bills with cash

3. try and have at least 3 no spend days

4. eat all meals at home

5. buy no groceries unless terrific loss leader!

6. Try and cash flow Aunties denture reline.

I desperately need to clean and reorganize the shop for the upcoming season, but I think I need Sissie to help me.  I know I need Sissie to help me!

Right now, I have my bibs on, and I am putting on my garden boots, Hair goes into a ponytail and I am going outside!!!!! Anyone want to join me?

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Friday, Frugal Friday

 It's that time again folks!  It's Frugal Friday, when Kim awes you with her spectacular ability to save money! She does this by eating grass, (not that kind of grass) and watching QVC with her CC in hand! 

Today is Joel and my 46th anniversary, and also my grandson James 9th birthday.  Two reasons to celebrate.

I spent most of my time in the yard yesterday, instead of sewing.  The shop was busy with pickup and drop offs, so I was in and out of the house a lot.

Aunties hearing aid appointment went really well.  She is doing everything right, and we go back in two more weeks.  I am proud of her.

Yesterday I cut around 10 cement steppingstones that were becoming overgrown with lawn. I still have 5 more to go.  It is really hard work requiring a saw.  I finally wore out on stone 10.  I also did a lot of clean up around the construction site.  But it is such a mess right now.

Dan put together the new to me rototiller and I am anxious to see how it works.  Dan is coming to my place tomorrow and I also think Nate is stopping by or Signe'.  Not sure but I do have help coming. SO much of what is left is work I physically cannot do. I cannot lift those huge bags of soil and sand and rock anymore.

But today I have to finish a bridesmaid dress, and I have to finish a wedding dress, before I can venture outside, so I don't see myself getting out until later this afternoon, if at all. 

So, haw was my frugal week?

What were Kim's goals for the week?

1. No eating out except on the Temple trip and I was able to accomplish that

2. shared meals with Sissie, 5 days this week. Used things from the freezer!

3. Only bought two pounds of butter that was a loss leader for groceries.

4. Cash flowed bills!  Paid accountant $420.00, have enough in the till to pay the $453 I owe the Feds, so I can write the check next week.

5. trying hard to be grateful for all of my blessings.  It is so easy to moan and groan about the bills and the unexpected.  But I am blessed to be able to find a way to pay these things and also to have the skills to do so!

6. purchased bark on sale even though I am not ready for it.  Had Sissie buy it and then paid her, as she has a military discount. Saved about $60.00

Things that were not frugal this week! 

1. had to buy a new rototiller!

So, I am going to get busy finishing up this bridesmaid dress, and then onto the wedding dress. So much fun here, I tell you, NOT!

Any exciting plans for the weekend?

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Thursday, Still sewing!!!!

 This is so true, and usually I am in bad company. (Sissie)

I sewed hard yesterday and then was able to get out and set the last of the bricks.  They still need a little leveling, but I will let Dan decide.  Now I need to get my new to me tiller going and start making the soil.  Unfortunately, the bags are so heavy I don't know if I can do this myself.  Will probably need help.

I had a specialist's appointment this morning and blood work was all good.  The booster drug seems to be working as I have had no really bad hand or wrist flairs in the past three months.  I can't count my shoulders as this is from overuse and work.  Can you believe that?

Anyway, left office, and went and paid accountant and I was able to cash flow that, so I am very grateful.  Then ran to Albertson's to get 2 lbs of butter marked down limit 2.  My huge grocery purchase.  But Sissie will pick up and few more things for me and I will pay her. Keeps me out of the store. 

Then home to make up a large batch of chicken salad.  We will eat on this for a few days, and I will give some to daughter. So, dinner tonight will be at my place and Sissie can have a break.

We take Aunty back to the audiologist this afternoon, for a follow up, and I have several clients coming by later this afternoon. Busy season has started.

Giving away, my old tiller for parts and also a hose caddy I don't like.  Sissie has a nice caddy she is not using, and it will be better for me with my arthritis. It is nice to be able to give away thing's others can use., plus it keeps me from having to deal with a trip to the dump. Also keeps things out of the landfill.

I have a wedding dress and bridesmaids dress to finish before Monday.  Much of it is hand work and I really must get to it.  But the outside is calling me.  It is supposed to be in the mid 70's, and I just cannot resist sunshine. I can sew in the evening.

I am subbing in the Sunday school this weekend for the pianist and just was sent a list of songs the children are working on, I know most of them but will need to do a run through.  Haven't played in primary for a few years.  It is always something.

I will also need to make a treat for choir.  I am tired of scones and muffins, can anyone give me ideas for a breakfast type treat that is simple, to make and to serve on a napkin? Thoughts ?

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, Sew much to do!

 I completed another chart this morning.  Yippee!  I am only $50 away from being able to cash flow the accountant's fee.  You go Kim!

Had a nice day at Temple yesterday.  Long drive, but good company. It is good to recharge; I needed it badly.  Now I have to face the monster. The piles!

I have 17 pairs of pants to hem today and a very difficult bridesmaid dress to alter.  I would love to get these all done and still have time to work in the yard. We will see.

I had so many phone calls while driving yesterday and I know the shop is going to be very busy after school as prom season is upon us. 

I am also making dinner for us tonight.  Just spaghetti sauce that Sissie made and froze.  We have rolls left from Sunday that can be our French bread and Sissie has salad left from last night. She has cooked for the last three days and needs a break. They are working in their yard today and I wish I could be there with then but...

Dan and I had to go and purchase a new to me rototiller.  Our old one that Joel kept running had electrical tape holding together the gas tank. I don't know how that man made things last, but he did. We have a snow blower that is 25 years old and still running.  Too funny. Anyway, I am not prepared to keep the old tiller going.  I bought electric, as I can use it.  All of these garden plans are part of the savings strategy I have incorporated.  Hope they work out!

List for today, let's break it down so it feels more doable!

1. hem pants

2. hem 8 pair pants

3. hem 5 pants

4. hem 3 pants

5. mend pants /replace zipper

6. alter bridesmaid dress that is too big.

On your mark, get set, GO!

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Monday, handling setbacks

 Sometimes when one is trying so hard to pay off debt and make financial plans, we have setbacks.  Now I am not talking about the current state of our economy, that really has not hit yet for most of us.  I am talking about unexpected large bills or large than planned for bills.

I have very little in savings right now due to unexpected bills and also trying to meet savings goals for particular things. Let's just say after these goals have been met Kim is going to have a much larger emergency fund. 

Roscoe's bill was $627.00, so the emergency fund took a hit.  As I am a widow and this is the first year of actually living correctly on my SSI and Joel's pension, I owe $469.99 in Federal taxes.  Only in America can your income go down by over a 1/4 and you can still have your taxes go up.  The world is not kind to widows. On top of that the accountant was $420.00 I was expecting about $300. Her fees have gone up significantly and I may not use her next year. So, I in just a couple of weeks have had $1,516.00 worth of oops's to my financial life.  This on top of meds and gad going up significantly.  What am I going to do?

Throw in the towel? Believe me parts of me wants to.  Then again, I think of the two goals I have already achieved this year, and I realize I can do this, after all no one is going to do it for me. I have been able to save for a $5670.00 goal and pay off another 9247.00 goal and it was before the 1st of April!  Now will this put me behind on my yearly plan. Why yes, she says. But will I let it completely derail me? NO!  Why?  Because there is no rescue party, and I will find ways to make it up.

Right now, I am scrambling to find cash on hand to pay the accountant. I have $335.00 of the $420.00. Hopefully in the next couple days I will have enough product picked up to earn the remaining money.  That is my plan.  I have already incorporated the $627.00 into my budget by not putting more money into a savings plan that I cannot touch. Now the money I owe the Feds $469.00. I am just going to have to write the check and pray that before the 15th of April those funds will be here. I have 8 days. I am pretty sure I can do this. The $1000.00 emergency fund is not enough.  I will not go into funds that are invested, and no not in the stock market.

Kim is going to have a $5000 emergency fund by the end of the year. This is scary!!!!!

I don't like setbacks, life is hard, I work hard.  But I am blessed to have a good life and skills that make my life easier.

I have goals for the week.

1. No eating out except when I am going to the Temple

2. buying no groceries unless it is such a good loss leader it cannot be passed up.

3. Working hard in the shop to make money to pay said bills.

4. Being grateful for what I do have

It would be so easy to just sit in a puddle and scream and cry but is that going to solve my problem?  No not really.  I might feel a little better for a short time but even that.... Not really.

So here I am off the hem a dress and complete 4 bags of piles and I know I have at least 2 more clients coming in with bags! 

I can do this.  Drum roll please, or at least some applause would be nice.  A little louder please?

Have a great and productive day!

God is good!

Kim

Friday, Back to old ways!

 I originally started this blog about 14 years ago, primarily to help with debt payoff and it worked! We all banded together with ideas and plans and encouraged one another, and this community really helped me.

I have kind of gotten away from this since Joel died, as I was in such a blur of widowhood and new territory.  But with the state of the world right now I think I (we) need to get back to the old ways.  Read "Cheryl's Frugal Corner", she has never left the old program and is a wealth of info.

My drugs go up $10.00 every month and now near about $110.00 out of pocket.  Gas has gone up here .50 since last Monday. My medical insurances take over a 1/4 of my income and pay for nothing so far.  It is just a scary time.  The only thing that really saves me is that I have very little debt and will soon have none. My house loan goes down every month and I will keep plugging along until it is gone.

Sissie and I peruse the ads and cook together to save money. This also leads to less waste. I am expanding the garden, and we will have chickens. 

SO how did Kim save money this last week?

1. washed out plastic bags (except for meat bags)

2. made pancakes from scratch for grandkids

3. used up canned goods in the pantry and meat from the freezer

5. cooked at home

6. took car in for maintenance to preserve its life

7. don't laugh but saved the thick rubber bands off produce as I use them all the time

8. borrowed prelude music from piano teacher so I did not have to buy.

9. Washing sheets and will put them on the clothesline to dry

10. Really watching how many treats we give the dog so he can lose weight.

11.combining errands with Sissie to keep from driving all over

12.taking turns making dinners with Sissie.

13. The cheapest toy you can buy a grandkid are crayons and sidewalk chalk. If you will color and play chalk with them, they will go for hours. All the expensive toys in the world don't make up for this time with them.

Yesterday I was able to get a really hard alteration done on a dress and then hemmed another formal.  I also helped an out-of-town client by fixing her dress while she waited. Today it is Sister's lunch, and I will get out in the yard after I get home.  I also have clients coming from out of town later this afternoon.

I plan on working in the yard on Saturday and Sunday we are having prime rib.  Sissie found it in my freezer, and it needs to be eaten.  Oh darn!

Financially this week, i paid all the bills that were due, and paid cash for all car repairs, and my piano lesson. I have more bills to pay but will cash flow them accordingly.

What did you do this week to save money?

By the way Aunties hearing aids are a hit!  She is so funny.  She told us she could hear herself pee....

Well, we all needed to know that right?

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Thursday, Must Sew today, have a headache

 I did get everything done on my lists yesterday and also took the kids to the park for an hour! My car in getting an oil change right now and then I will take it up to get the part put on that Sissie tore off a month ago. SO glad I did that as the part was going up about $40.00 on Monday when tariff prices go into effect.

Took Aunty to get her hearing aids yesterday and it was a religious experience for all of us.  Many tears let me tell you.  I am so happy about this and know it was the right thing to do.

Did not get any sewing done yesterday and I must really get some things done today.

I am a little headachy and don't know why.  Will take some Aleve and see if I can cut it. I want to work in the yard after I get my allotted sewing done. I have a dress that needs to be done, and I have 4 piles that really should be done today.  We will see.

You know money just flows out so easily and it is so hard to get.  The oil change will be about $150, the car part $140, then tomorrow I pay the piano teacher $100.  Money is just gone let's not mention I have prescription's that are ready and who knows how much those will be. All I can do is shake my head well and keep working.

Kind of discouraging, but I am blessed to still have the ability to do what I do. I know I am better off than so many people, plus I have a marketable skill. I just really like days of not having to do anything, but what I want.  I get so few of those, because of the demands made on me by well clients (as it should be) and family, maintaining the house and yard, housework.  It just all seems like too much.  Or am I just spoiled? 

Do you ever feel like you are spoiled?

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, Things I forget!

 

Things I need to add to the list of to do's.  I need to get the oil changed in the car! I need to get to the pharmacy and order two different meds. I need to go and see how much it is to reattach a part to the car that Sissie bless her heart knocked off. Just little niggy noos that remain in the brain bothering me. Not important enough to make a monthly goal and they never seem to be on a weekly or daily goal. But they must be done!

Yesterday I was able to get 4 dresses hemmed and altered.  Today I have three on the list, but I also have the kids.  So, choices must be made.  They want to go to the park, and I think I will take them and run them around doing just these errands or maybe just go over to Sissies for a while.  I don't know.  I could stay home and just work in the shop, but what is the fun in that?

Aunties appt is this afternoon for her new hearing aids.  She is excited and so are we.

Dan and I went and bought a new lawnmower last night.  It is still in the car as I cannot unload it. But it will get done eventually.  That is my whole life it will get done eventually.

I got all of the important bills paid but one and I will do that sometime today.  I guess this calls for a run around town trip to complete all the above things and just get them done!

GET THEM DONE!

I am off! Do you ever have secondary lists? I think that is all my life is... a secondary list!

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, April Fools, Kim's day to shine!

 Can't think of anyone to pull a joke on, but I am picking up the grandkids this afternoon so I will come up with something. 

I spent all yesterday just lounging on the sofa.  I had clients come in and drop off and I had a bride dress picked up and another one fitted.  The fitting went perfectly. I was a little worried as it was a toughie, but it fit like a glove.  I might just know what I am doing.  I surprise myself at times.  This fake it til you make it might be working.

So, what are my plans for April?  Well financially things will be a little different as I have that vet bill $617.00 to work into the budget.  I only have one more large goal to complete, along with saving for taxes, tithing and other expenses. Plus, I would like to have a little more in the slush fund so to speak. It will all get done, it just takes time!

Last month's goals recap!

1. Did really well with using pantry food, spent $160.00 on groceries but mostly that was for party and entertainment food.

2. Only ate out once twice I paid for, I really held my ground.  Both meals were things I brought in, Pizza, and Chinese.

3. Only had 10 no spend days.  It was an expensive month. The dog and then yard supplies.

4. I did get my taxes in but still have not heard.

5. I was able to get all the spraying done for a while, but it is ongoing.

6. made major progress on the garden area but still not ready to plant.  Bit off way more than I can chew, so still chewing and chewing.

7. Bottom rockery is done for now.

8. Got the $2000.00 goal achieved so that is done!

I think I did really well for the month.  But I am not going to push myself as hard this next month.

April goals!

1.Put $1000.00 on my next saving goal

2. fund my penny a day challenge

3.Get as much of the garden area done as possible (So much work!) More on this later

4. pick up taxes and pay accountant and whatever I owe

5.Try and have at least 15 no spend days

6. eat out of pantry and no spend on groceries as much as possible

7. host Easter dinner.  Already have the Ham and most fixings 

8. purchase a new lawn mower that I can use! 

9. Extra money goes to my house tax fund

Well, my friends let's see if I can do this. I am trying to put a little less pressure on myself, so I am not so wired all the time. Still, I am very proud to me. I have really done well with my austerity goals, and they have made a big difference. I can really tell in my desires to waste and spend money needlessly. Now I have been frugal for a long time, but I could feel myself slipping into bad habits. I can still be generous, and have fun, but I don't need to be stupid!

Do you have any goals for the month?  What are they?

I have to get at least 4 dresses hemmed today maybe more!  Let's try for more!

Just got a call Aunties hearing aids are done, and we got tomorrow.  So excited.

Have a great and productive day.

God is good

Kim