Challenge

I think I need one. I've been feeling a little disappointed and overwhelmed lately with my spending plan. What makes it worse is that I've been successful before. I know I can do it, and I know how great it feels to see just how much I can save. So why don't I? Why can't I get it together and make smart decisions and stick to my plan. I spend so much time going over and over my plan. I rework it and change things, set new goals. But yet in the end I get too impulsive and screw the plan. WHY?
I am feeling the need for a challenge. To set rules and stick to them. Kind of like a cleansing for my finanaces. I wanted to do a month long "No Spend" Challenge, but that won't work since Mother's Day is within a month and I know I'll be buying gifts and going out of town. So I'm going to try a 2 week challenge. Here are my rules:

1. I set up a weekly budget on Sunday and stick to it through the week.

2. Stay within my $20 weekly cash allowance.

3. Post atleast every other day, and BE HONEST.

I might add rules along the way, as the need arises. Today is Day 1, and May 4th will be the 14th and final day.

That being said, there is no reason for any spending for the rest of this week. Gas, food, and bills have all been bought and/or paid for. David and I each have our cash allowances, and he has duty this weekend and won't be coming home so there is no need for any weekend entertainment. Of my $20, I still have $15, which *should* be more then enough to get me through Sunday.

Menu 4/19-4/25

Sunday: Chicken, Rice, Sweet Peas

Monday: Burgers, Squash, Salad, Wheat Rolls

Tuesday: Tilapia, Brown Rice with Mushrooms, Brussel Sprouts

Wednesday: South Western Burgers, Corn, Cornbread

Thursday: Chicken and Cracked Wheat Pilaf, Peas

Friday: Tacos

Saturday: David has duty at work, so I'll probably have a sandwich and chips.

I'm no Betty Crocker...

Remember that bread I was going to make? Well, I made it. And it was AWFUL. It's the same recipe my mom uses all the time, but for me they turned out like bricks. I ended up just throwing them out. The rolls where good though. I think I kneaded a little too much, so I'll try it again soon.
I also planted a ton more seeds today. The seeds I planted a couple weeks ago didn't sprout, but I think that was mainly because I was out of town for 3 weeks and didn't water them. I know-that was dumb! But today I planted carrots, lettuce, spinach, squash, several herbs and several types of flowers. I really hope these turn out better. I got them at the Dollar Tree for $.10 each, and used old pots I had in the garage, so I think all together including potting soil I invested about $5. Not too bad, especially if I get lots of plants from them!

Update

I am not gone, just been away for a while. I've been visiting family a lot the last month. My brother finally came home from IL, on his way to VA. He'll be at sea for the next 9 months so I spent all the time I could with him. It was fun, but this are so far behind at home. Being away really take a toll on me. I just got in this afternoon and I'm ready to get back to our routine soon. I think and hope we have family coming to visit next weekend. David's family hasn't been to visit yet, so we are hoping they will be able to make it for him Mom's birthday.
While I was at my parents house I finally got the recipe she uses for wheat rolls and wheat bread. It's what I grew up on and it's so easy to make. I also snagged a 25 pound bucket of whole wheat. I am super excited about that. I have a couple recipes I want to try. While we were there David and my Dad make 50 pounds of deer sausage. Luckily my grandparents own the local grocery store in town and they use the grinders and packers there. The deer was killed by my cousin last winter, so the whole 50 pounds cost us $10 is spices. We brought home about 20 pounds, and for David and I that will make about 40 meals. I was beyond stoked!
So here's to tomorrow and getting back on track! I'll update with results and pictures from my first ever bread baking!