Well, here we are at the end of another month and that means it's time to see how much moo-lah we've saved in the past 31 days. I feel like our cabinets and fridge and freezer are busting at the seams and we're still saving TONS of cash!
For the month of March, we saved at total of $120.92!! I didn't realize that it was that much until just now! HOLY COW!! It would have been more, but thanks to the lack of baggers at Ingle's I got distracted and TOTALLY FORGOT to give them my coupons one week. It would have been about $10 more in savings. Bummer. I won't be too sad about that for too long, though. How can I when we just saved FORTY PERCENT this month!!
That brings the yearly savings total to $359.33!! At this rate, we'll hopefully be to $1,000 by the end of the year. And that, my friends, makes me want to do a little dance!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Things I Love Thursday 3.26.09
I feel like I have so many things that I could write about today...
I could write about my birthday (the actual day, and the week and the month!) and tell you how absolutely perfect it has been. I could tell you how I've celebrated with SEVERAL gatherings of friends and family or how Brooke and I had a great time celebrating at the Shane & Shane show last weekend or how I'm looking forward to celebrating even more this weekend and even next week with more family and friends.
Or I could write about how much I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE birthday cake and how I can't believe that I've had a piece of cake for the last 7 days (and still have another piece that WILL NOT be wasted!), but you already knew of my affection for such an amazing bakery item.
But, instead of telling you all those things, I'll tell you that I LOVE when I get to share a really great secret. I HATE keeping them (especially if I know that I'll never be able to tell another soul) but knowing that I know something that will eventually get to be told makes me giddy and so excited that I can hardly stand myself...especially a secret like this...
I'M GOING TO BE AN AUNT!!!
That's right, my brother and his wife are expecting a little baby around the beginning of November. I really can't believe that my little brother is old enough to be married and have a house and a dog and a baby. When did that happen? Nonetheless, a baby's on the way and I'm so happy to finally be an aunt! Mom and I are already planning all kinds of fun crafty projects and baby shower details. So, this next year will be filled with all kinds of unexpected twists and turns as we anticipate the arrival of my little niece or nephew! I know this for sure, I can't wait to meet that little one!
I could write about my birthday (the actual day, and the week and the month!) and tell you how absolutely perfect it has been. I could tell you how I've celebrated with SEVERAL gatherings of friends and family or how Brooke and I had a great time celebrating at the Shane & Shane show last weekend or how I'm looking forward to celebrating even more this weekend and even next week with more family and friends.
Or I could write about how much I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE birthday cake and how I can't believe that I've had a piece of cake for the last 7 days (and still have another piece that WILL NOT be wasted!), but you already knew of my affection for such an amazing bakery item.
But, instead of telling you all those things, I'll tell you that I LOVE when I get to share a really great secret. I HATE keeping them (especially if I know that I'll never be able to tell another soul) but knowing that I know something that will eventually get to be told makes me giddy and so excited that I can hardly stand myself...especially a secret like this...
I'M GOING TO BE AN AUNT!!!
That's right, my brother and his wife are expecting a little baby around the beginning of November. I really can't believe that my little brother is old enough to be married and have a house and a dog and a baby. When did that happen? Nonetheless, a baby's on the way and I'm so happy to finally be an aunt! Mom and I are already planning all kinds of fun crafty projects and baby shower details. So, this next year will be filled with all kinds of unexpected twists and turns as we anticipate the arrival of my little niece or nephew! I know this for sure, I can't wait to meet that little one!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
I love the Madness...a late Things I Love Thursday post
In the cloud of excitement that is Spring Break, I forgot all about posting on Thursday. Better late than never, right?
We are pretty huge fans of Duke basketball an with March Madness in full swing, we are lovin' it! For those of you who don't follow college basketball and the NCAA Tournament, here's a brief rundown: The NCAA Tournament involves the best college basketball teams in the country. It's a single elimination tournament that spans a few weekends in March and the beginning of April. This tournament is the one to win. And while the teams are rated, it's really anybody's game! Marty will be quick to tell you that this is the most exciting time in sports. Period. Not college sports. Not basketball. Sports as an all encompassing word. Period. And I'd agree.
We filled out our brackets this week (predicting which teams will advance in each round of the tournament) and our brackets definitely speak volumes of our personalities. Marty's is a computer print out and he's been keeping up with them online. Mine is filled in with markers and I keep track with very detailed system of "X"s and circles and lines. My big hang up with "bracketology" is that I have a hard time predicting that Duke will get beat out...even when I know that they probably will.
The games started on Friday and about 5 games into round 1, Marty revealed something very interesting to me. Something that was so true, I had to laugh out loud when I heard it.
I'm very interested in this tournament, but I'm probably more interested in making out a chart and filling it in and marking things off and keeping it all organized. Don't even pretend like you're shocked to hear that :)
We are pretty huge fans of Duke basketball an with March Madness in full swing, we are lovin' it! For those of you who don't follow college basketball and the NCAA Tournament, here's a brief rundown: The NCAA Tournament involves the best college basketball teams in the country. It's a single elimination tournament that spans a few weekends in March and the beginning of April. This tournament is the one to win. And while the teams are rated, it's really anybody's game! Marty will be quick to tell you that this is the most exciting time in sports. Period. Not college sports. Not basketball. Sports as an all encompassing word. Period. And I'd agree.
We filled out our brackets this week (predicting which teams will advance in each round of the tournament) and our brackets definitely speak volumes of our personalities. Marty's is a computer print out and he's been keeping up with them online. Mine is filled in with markers and I keep track with very detailed system of "X"s and circles and lines. My big hang up with "bracketology" is that I have a hard time predicting that Duke will get beat out...even when I know that they probably will.
The games started on Friday and about 5 games into round 1, Marty revealed something very interesting to me. Something that was so true, I had to laugh out loud when I heard it.
I'm very interested in this tournament, but I'm probably more interested in making out a chart and filling it in and marking things off and keeping it all organized. Don't even pretend like you're shocked to hear that :)
Monday, March 16, 2009
This week's headlines...
So, it's Spring Break here at the Gilbert house (Marty's on Spring Break, and I decided I needed one too!) and there are many projects to be done! We're working on a new drop zone by the back door, purging the rest of the house, doing some cleaning and (hopefully) getting LOTS of rest!
This past weekend, Brooke and I went to IKEA in Charlotte and it was INSANE! It was pouring the rain. There were so many people there, that they made us park in the bike lane ACROSS the street from the parking lot. It was more like cattle herding than shopping. And it was awesome. We had a great time, got some great things (including a big live tree for our living room that I had to carry through the parking lot in the rain-and yes, we laughed the whole time!) and enjoyed the day! Note to self: next time, go on a weekday.
In other news, Duke won the ACC Tournament on Sunday and if you know us, you know that made us HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!! Looking forward to filling out our brackets for the NCAA Tournament that starts this weekend. While I would love to see Duke take it all, I'm also very realistic and realize that it probably won't happen. At any rate, we'll be rooting for Duke...or anyone but Carolina :)
The first day of Spring is on Friday and I like Spring. Spring means my birthday is getting nearer and so is Easter. I like Easter. And I like Easter candy. Nothing says happiness like a pile of Cadbury Bunny Eggs and Reese's Eggs and Whopper Eggs and Pastel Peanut Butter M&Ms. I should probably get on the treadmill just thinking about all that sugary, peanut buttery goodness.
I went to the Hobby Lobby with Brooke on Friday night and scored some SUPER cute fabrics for some Living Room pillows. Can't wait to get all creative there. I'm also trying my hand at applique-ing. We'll see how that goes...if I'm successful, I'll post pics. If I'm unsuccessful, I may still post pics so I'll have someone to laugh at it with me!
I like Spring. I like breaks. And I like Spring Breaks. :)
This past weekend, Brooke and I went to IKEA in Charlotte and it was INSANE! It was pouring the rain. There were so many people there, that they made us park in the bike lane ACROSS the street from the parking lot. It was more like cattle herding than shopping. And it was awesome. We had a great time, got some great things (including a big live tree for our living room that I had to carry through the parking lot in the rain-and yes, we laughed the whole time!) and enjoyed the day! Note to self: next time, go on a weekday.
In other news, Duke won the ACC Tournament on Sunday and if you know us, you know that made us HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!! Looking forward to filling out our brackets for the NCAA Tournament that starts this weekend. While I would love to see Duke take it all, I'm also very realistic and realize that it probably won't happen. At any rate, we'll be rooting for Duke...or anyone but Carolina :)
The first day of Spring is on Friday and I like Spring. Spring means my birthday is getting nearer and so is Easter. I like Easter. And I like Easter candy. Nothing says happiness like a pile of Cadbury Bunny Eggs and Reese's Eggs and Whopper Eggs and Pastel Peanut Butter M&Ms. I should probably get on the treadmill just thinking about all that sugary, peanut buttery goodness.
I went to the Hobby Lobby with Brooke on Friday night and scored some SUPER cute fabrics for some Living Room pillows. Can't wait to get all creative there. I'm also trying my hand at applique-ing. We'll see how that goes...if I'm successful, I'll post pics. If I'm unsuccessful, I may still post pics so I'll have someone to laugh at it with me!
I like Spring. I like breaks. And I like Spring Breaks. :)
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Things I Love Thursday 3.12.09
I've watched American Idol since the second season (it's in the 8th season now), but this season might be among the best ever! I'm not gonna lie, I get annoyed, just like the rest of America when Ryan Seacrest drags on and on and on and on and reveals the results..."after the break" or when an INCREDIBLE singer is sent home as someone ridiculous gets to stay for another week or when Paula rambles on and on for what seems like forever only to make a comment on how someone looks in the outfit they're wearing. Is it the most riveting show on television? No. Is it entertaining and sometimes exciting? Yes!
Let's start with the biggest change this season...a new host. Kara Dioguardi joined Randy, Paula and Simon (who I agree with about 98% of the time). I wasn't really all that keen on there being 4 judges, but Kara actually says things that make sense and are constructive in nature. Besides, Kara's a Duke graduate, so I gotta love the girl! She can stay, Paula can go.
Another big change this year was that instead of a Top 12, the judges decided on 13 finalists. I certainly have my favorites and opinions and, because I know you're all dying to hear what I think, here you go...
Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta are my picks for the final 3. Danny's my favorite, with his gruff sound..I'd buy his album tomorrow if I could! Adam's range is RIDICULOUS and while I don't think he'll win, but he's gonna be around for a while. Allison's a rocker and even at 16 years old, she's a great performer...not an amazing personality, but a great singer regardless.
Some other favorites are Anoop Desai (a NC resident), Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud and Kris Allen. These people are definitely talented, and I enjoy hearing them every week, but I don't think any of them will win it all.
And, as always, there are some that make me say "eh" (in other words, I don't love them as singers and my feelings aren't going to be hurt when they leave). This season, Scott MacIntyre, Michael Sarver and Alexis Grace fall into that category.
"Are you kidding me?" That's what I say about these people: Jasmine Murray (eliminated last night), Jorge Nunez (eliminated last night) and Meagan Joy Corkery (should have been eliminated weeks ago). Jasmine was just kinda ok as a singer. Jorge sounded like he was straight out of the early '80s. Meagan's weirdo dance moves are so ridiculous it's not even funny and they totally take away from her ok voice...and really, anyone who chooses "Rockin' Robin" on a show where you're judged by what you sing should be sent home immediately.
So, there ya have it. It's sure to be an interesting season...I'd love to hear about your favorites!
Let's start with the biggest change this season...a new host. Kara Dioguardi joined Randy, Paula and Simon (who I agree with about 98% of the time). I wasn't really all that keen on there being 4 judges, but Kara actually says things that make sense and are constructive in nature. Besides, Kara's a Duke graduate, so I gotta love the girl! She can stay, Paula can go.
Another big change this year was that instead of a Top 12, the judges decided on 13 finalists. I certainly have my favorites and opinions and, because I know you're all dying to hear what I think, here you go...
Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta are my picks for the final 3. Danny's my favorite, with his gruff sound..I'd buy his album tomorrow if I could! Adam's range is RIDICULOUS and while I don't think he'll win, but he's gonna be around for a while. Allison's a rocker and even at 16 years old, she's a great performer...not an amazing personality, but a great singer regardless.
Some other favorites are Anoop Desai (a NC resident), Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud and Kris Allen. These people are definitely talented, and I enjoy hearing them every week, but I don't think any of them will win it all.
And, as always, there are some that make me say "eh" (in other words, I don't love them as singers and my feelings aren't going to be hurt when they leave). This season, Scott MacIntyre, Michael Sarver and Alexis Grace fall into that category.
"Are you kidding me?" That's what I say about these people: Jasmine Murray (eliminated last night), Jorge Nunez (eliminated last night) and Meagan Joy Corkery (should have been eliminated weeks ago). Jasmine was just kinda ok as a singer. Jorge sounded like he was straight out of the early '80s. Meagan's weirdo dance moves are so ridiculous it's not even funny and they totally take away from her ok voice...and really, anyone who chooses "Rockin' Robin" on a show where you're judged by what you sing should be sent home immediately.
So, there ya have it. It's sure to be an interesting season...I'd love to hear about your favorites!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Things I Love Thursday 3.5.09
In keeping with the birthday month thoughts...
I love Birthday Cake Ice Cream!! I didn't even know such a heavenly things existed until last year and boy, have I been missing out. By no means does it replace my most favorite food pairing of all time, birthday cake (chocolate cake with white butter cream icing) and vanilla ice cream, but it'll do in a pinch. I had some today at work (the lady I work for also has a March birthday) as a little birthday month celebratory snack. The cake flavored ice cream and blue syrup swirls and the butter cream sprinkles are oh-so yummy. I'm so glad it's birthday month :)
PS...I also love American Idol. Tune in next week for my thoughts on this season's Top 13!
I love Birthday Cake Ice Cream!! I didn't even know such a heavenly things existed until last year and boy, have I been missing out. By no means does it replace my most favorite food pairing of all time, birthday cake (chocolate cake with white butter cream icing) and vanilla ice cream, but it'll do in a pinch. I had some today at work (the lady I work for also has a March birthday) as a little birthday month celebratory snack. The cake flavored ice cream and blue syrup swirls and the butter cream sprinkles are oh-so yummy. I'm so glad it's birthday month :)
PS...I also love American Idol. Tune in next week for my thoughts on this season's Top 13!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
March, you're here!
I am of the belief that the day of one's birth is far too important to be celebrated on one day only. Therefore, I choose to celebrate my birthday for an entire month, complete with countdowns and multiple gatherings and LOTS of birthday cake, my favorite food. And I figure that since I've developed a new found love with the treadmill, that should be fine, right? I'm not so much about the presents (even though they are fun), but I do love a good celebration. And did I mention the birthday cake? My birthday just so happens to fall in the month of March and it's here!
PLEASE NOTE: Choosing to focus on cake and celebrations does not equal choosing to focus on the age that inevitably increases every year. We won't go there.
Birthday excitement aside...I just flipped my calendar over to March and what do my eyes behold, but the cleanest most blank 2 pages of my life. Other than a Grey's date with the girls, some birthdays, some Shane & Shane good times in Greenville, SC, Marty's Spring Break and the normal weekly events, I'm free as a bird...and I intend to keep it that way. February was a good month, but pretty stressful and not so nice to my ever-aching body. So, in efforts to give me what I want for my birthday, I'm just going to enjoy March with some "me" time (gotta use that AWESOME gift certificate at the posh Biltmore Village Spa), some cleaning, plenty of organizing (hoping to work in a trip to IKEA to assist me with this), more purging (moving right along with the great purge of '09), some movie watching, some projects around the house, and some relaxation time with Marty. I think I'm refreshed just thinking about it :)
Happy Birthday month to me! Yippee!
PLEASE NOTE: Choosing to focus on cake and celebrations does not equal choosing to focus on the age that inevitably increases every year. We won't go there.
Birthday excitement aside...I just flipped my calendar over to March and what do my eyes behold, but the cleanest most blank 2 pages of my life. Other than a Grey's date with the girls, some birthdays, some Shane & Shane good times in Greenville, SC, Marty's Spring Break and the normal weekly events, I'm free as a bird...and I intend to keep it that way. February was a good month, but pretty stressful and not so nice to my ever-aching body. So, in efforts to give me what I want for my birthday, I'm just going to enjoy March with some "me" time (gotta use that AWESOME gift certificate at the posh Biltmore Village Spa), some cleaning, plenty of organizing (hoping to work in a trip to IKEA to assist me with this), more purging (moving right along with the great purge of '09), some movie watching, some projects around the house, and some relaxation time with Marty. I think I'm refreshed just thinking about it :)
Happy Birthday month to me! Yippee!
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