Our Trip to Europe-Pictures....

I had a little time on my hands this evening and as I was going through some pictures on our camera, I came across some pictures of my family and I in Europe.

Really no description needed; except that we went to London and Romania, stayed for a month, and it was a good, educational experience. Enjoy!

This is the only time.....................

When I don't mind being busy........why?!

Because I go on VACATION this week............

I badly need it and so does my poor husband. We plan to have a ball!

Gotta get the money, packed suitcases, info, and so much other stuff in order...but I am so HAPPY to do it!!!!

Until Next Time,
Peace Be Upon You!

Ever Heard of The Expression...............

................Christmas in July???

Well, even though its August...I have started planning for Christmas. I love everything about the day; the meaning, celebrating my Lord and Savior Jesus, giving to others, the lights, music, food, and just being with family.

With that said, we all know that Christmas is one of the most expensive times of the year with gifts, food, travel, electricity (Christmas trees & lights), heating costs, etc. Since I can't predict what most will costs, I can start the budget process for our gifts.

Since my entire family is large..very LARGE...we have started doing Pollyanna's; that way no one would be burdened with trying to buy a present for everyone. Also, my husband and I wanted to give a gift to my sisters as well.

Furthermore, I have started my wish list for my husband...LOL..better early than never!
I also created budgets for each of us with the gifts we would like:

$70.00 for our daughter
Doll
Stroller
Educational toy-Jumpstart Game
Book
Misc Toy

$125.00 for Mommy
The Mummy DVD (1st movie)
Pajamaas-Purple or Blue
Wawa Gift Card-$20
$25 Cash
1 nice smelling Candle
Comfy Slippers

$200.00 for Daddy
Surprise!

This is our start to a more frugal Christmas. You wouldn't believe how much we used to spend on each other in the past; but we wanted to spend less money and try to give gifts that are less expensive but really special!

We also have started 3 new traditions within our household to do during the Christmas holiday.......

.....They are:
1. Put on our coats and walk around our neighborhood to view all the pretty Christmas lights.

2. Give/Send a donation box to a shelter or organization that helps those who are less fortunate.

3. Bake cookies, then shut out all our lights except for the Christmas tree and watch a traditional Christmas cartoon (while eating our freshly baked Christmas cookies!)

I can't wait for Christmas!

Until Next Time,
Peace Be Unto You!

I Can Offically Say That I've Been..............

.........Married 4 Years!!!!!!!!

Happy Anniversary Honey!

Emergency Budget-Update

Here's a post I write on March 10th. Now, more than 2 months later, I'd thought give an update; which is at the bottom of this post.

"In these difficult economic times, it is NEVER, ever to soon to start planning for the unexpected. After all, isn't that's what car/home insurance, wills, and other future planning documents are for. It is to have everything in place, as best as you can, so you and your family would be prepared for the worse.

It's no surprise that more and more companies are laying off workers; and although my hubby's job is pretty secure (works in pharmaceutical/technologically field), you just never know. Even if he received a pay decrease, we would need to have a plan in place to cover our bills; especially with me staying home and having 1 income. It's even more important.

I talked with my husband about having an Emergency Budget in place; to cover our necessary expenses until he found another job, if he got laid off. He agreed and we started working on one.

Here's our Emergency Budget (if something happened)-$2,000 a month. (from our savings)
-This does NOT include unemployment, that would just be extra income.

Mortgage, Taxes, Homeowners Insurance, PMI= $1,143.50
Electricity/GAS/Water (Utilities)= $160.00
Phone (basic service)/Internet (basic as well)= $40.00
Cell Phone (reduce plan to just 1 phone with basic plan)= $40.00
Food/Toiletries/household expenses = 275.00
Transportation ( 2 cars, paid off) = $85.00
Student Loans= $40.00 (get them deferred due to unemployment)
Misc= $100.00
Heath Ins. (Daughter would get FREE coverage from state; hubby and I will get coverage through COBRA)= 100.00
Credit Cards= $12.00 ( they have $0 balance, but company charges $12 in monthly maintenance fees)

Total Bills = $1995.50; so we just rounded up to $2,000 (This may sound like a lot, but it isn't)

These are our basic bills, and we figured after looking over everything, we would need $2,000 to cover everything, especially our house payment (so we don't lose it; were new home owners..lol). It pays to save and be frugal, especially in these times where no one or no job is off limits.

Update

Since the time I wrote this article more than 2 months ago, we managed to save over 4 months of Emergency Expenses (Once we get to 6 months; we will STOP adding money to our E-Fund) and my husband received a promotion & a 14% raise.

We will continue to contribute to our regular accounts as well; I.E. Retirement, Vacation, Regular Savings, Auto, Christmas & a soon to be New Car Account (yes, we really have all these accounts..lol)

Have you and your family developed a plan in case something happened?

My Husband Got A Promotion!!!!!!

He is now "The Group Leader of the Quality & Compliance Department" at his company. He works in the Pharmaceutical/Technology Industry. He will officially be promoted once they get the paperwork together in the coming days, but they congratulated him & told him yesterday that he was excellent at what he does and he's the perfect person for the job! He went from being an Quality Assurance Analyst.....they bumped him over the Sr. Analyst position and made him the Group Leader!

I thank GOD for what he has done. Especially with this type of economy, the LORD still opens up a door for his people. We certainly are unworthy of this blessing but I am so grateful that he looks pass our faults and looks at our hearts. It just makes me what to do right by God. My hubby said that when he was told about the promotion...the sun immediately came out and he knew that meant the Lord was there with him.

Isn't God good. He's just wonderful.

Taxes, etc.

I was busy from Friday Morning until now and we have some guests coming over in a bit. I had a good weekend but since I had time I wanted to put up a post.

My husband got a bonus from his job and a nice one too. He got 10% of his salary but boy oh boy, when the tax man took his share, we were left with about 53% net of his bonus. Yes, the tax man took 47% but to be honest we understand. See, I grew up not having money and was able to use free government programs/services because my mom didn't hardly make any money. We were on welfare and WIC because we could not afford these things on our own. I thank GOD for those programs because they allowed me to go see a doctor, get 2 surgeries, food, and other important items. Some people would turn their noses up on the poor, but because both my husband and I saw how much the government services helped our families when we were growing up, we totally see the need for taxes.

I try and remember how it was not being able to by milk, eggs, or diapers for my sisters. Because of taxes, the government is able to provide these services to families for free. Yes, there may have been people who abuse the system or could've made better choices, but I think about the children. They didn't ask to be in their situation and why have them suffer for their parents bad mistakes.

So..... he got the bonus and first we paid our tithes, saved some, and got computer monitor from BEST BUY of coarse! Thank GOD because he was able to get a nice bonus in these hard economic times, where many people are losing jobs. I want the LORD to continue blessing us and if we turn our noses up and become uppity and high minded, then he wont allow us the have more because of how we look down on others. He would rather have mercy than sacrifice. To have compassion on others! To never forget where you came from!

BTW- our church service was GREAT! Thank GOD for JESUS!

Just Us Girls Tonight!

Yep...my husband is going out to a business dinner with some of his co-workers (company paid) at a very nice restaurant. He wont be home until late, probably not until our daughter is in bed; but I have a fun night planned for my daughter and me.

We ventured out to Old Navy because I had an 30% off coupon and was able to get a shirt, pants, and 2 pairs of socks for our daughter for just $8.75! Amazing, huh?! I then went to a store called Plato's Closet; it's like an upscale thrift store that sells a lot of famous designers like Prada, Guess, etc. I found a pair of really cute brown shoes for just $10.00!

After that we went to the market to grab some groceries. I didn't want to order takeout because it can get really tiring and it doesn't make you full; it's just a temporary fill. We wanted something tasty and healthy. We are having a chicken salad for dinner..yum! Also, I was going to rent a movie from the redbox they have, but red box didn't have any movies my daughter or myself would want to watch, so I just passed on the idea. Maybe, we'll just color or make something from construction paper...lol

We'll that's what I have planned for us girls this evening. I hope you all have a great evening as well!

Instead of ordering takeout, I went to the

Laughter, Fun, Headache = Quality Family Time Together!

What a weekend I had. Hubby is changing our daughter while I'm writing this. Before I started though, I had to use the restroom and who do you think was banging on the door, whining and crying for me?! Just guess! Yep...you got it, my daughter. But I'll open the door and then she goes on about her business. What is with that. I can't have 3 min of private time in the bathroom before I'm become the HUNTED..LOL. At least I can say thank God for door locks...LOL.

Moving on.....We had some family over for dinner to thank them for their help with helping us move. They babysat, painted, help remove wallpaper, move t.v.'s, etc; so we wanted to have them over for dinner to show our love.

I served Chicken Breast and Shrimp Kabobs with yellow, orange, and red peppers; Tomato and Basil Rice Pilaf, and a garden salad (my hubby is a healthy eater...I'm slowly coming around..lol). We also had a nice fruit tray for them and for dessert...Chocalate cake, strawberry cake, and Ice Cream...it was soooo good!

When we were done we talked for a little while and then it was game time! We usually play board games but my hubby bought a WII and we played Guitar Hero and Tennis for 2 hours! Yes, everyone from the young to old. It was so funny watching my mom trying to play tennis with a blanket tied to her back (she gets cold often; very often..lol) or my dad playing tennis and on the first try beat all of us. Yes, we were shocked! LOL

Everyone left around 9:30pm so we could prepare for church the next day; and with day lights savings time, losing an hour would make things harder to prepare for. Even setting my clock right, I still woke up late...I somehow manage to always mixup the daylight savings times every year.

I did go with my hubby to Best Buy like I mentioned in another post and I really tried not to complain; really!LOL. I was quiet for almost 30min...LOL....Then I started the "honey, how long is this process going to be?"...LOL...

We'll that pretty much sum my weekend up. I hope you all had a nice one as well!

Enjoy the rest of your evening!

Thinking of taking on another bill/expense.....

Update: We will NOT be enrolling her in the class. We found another group that is free and they are also in a great neighborhood. Free sounds a whole lot better than $71...LOL!

....well maybe. I am a stickler for trying to save anyway I can; my husband actually calls me a cheapskate sometimes...lol.

Anyhoo.....My husband and I have talked about different teaching methods for our only child. Since I stay home with her, I do play and read to her; we count, say our ABC's, say sentences, and other things....but after a while..she gets bored with me. How can I blame her. Children feel better and more free when around other children their age and they even learn more. And with the weather being so cold, we cannot go to the park until the weather gets warmer.

We decided that a play group or class would be a great option. This is NOT a daycare!
Rather, it's with a place/company called Gymboree ( the same company with the children's clothing store).

After thinking over it we found a couple of pros and cons.............

Pros:
~ Allows daughter interaction with other children
~Meet once a week
~Held in a church located in a GREAT neighborhood only 7min away.
~Time will be on Fridays; 11:30am-12:15pm (so NO driving in Friday rush hour traffic!)
~If we miss a class, we can reschedule for another class
~They have play gyms where she can play anytime or day FREE of charge since she attends class

Now the Cons:
~$71.00 a month; so that $17.75 a week for one 45 min class.
~Don't want her picking up bad habits from other children!
~To sign her up for more than 1 class at a time is another $78, but they'll give you a discount
~They bill your credit card automatically each month; unless you give them a written notice 2 weeks before hand.
~$35.00 initial registration fee

So..after going over both the good and the bad; we figure that it would be worth it to enroll her in a class, at least for a month and I love that it's just 1 class per week, which will allow me to teach her other things and take her to educational places.

I also LOVE that fact that parents can be in the class too but NOT participate!

I like being present but not involved, so my baby can learn to play and resolve conflict with children her own age by herself. But if she needs me or something happens, mommy is there to come to the rescue!

With this extra expense/bill, I would need to tweak my budget sheet a little but not too much. Besides, we don't mind paying for something if it will be useful, but that's with anything you pay for!

BUT First, they have a FREE Class pass for us to see if it's something good for our daughter. We'll try it FREE first and take it from there!

Any tips/advice/suggestions are welcomed!

Februrary was costly BUT it could've been worse..........

Sometimes we cannot see unforeseen events. Sometimes we just have to roll with the punches. But sometimes (with planning) these "surprises" can be almost done away instantly. February was such a month.

We bought a house, had to renew car insurances on BOTH cars, have homeowners insurance, get BOTH cars inspected, and a host of other things. What we didn't plan on was the battery dying in one of the cars. I guess we could see why since it was the original battery and the car is 11 years old! We had to get a battery from an auto store which cost about $100 including installation. Then a couple of days ago, the same car wouldn't start; we knew it wasn't the battery this time because we'd just replaced it. So my hubby said it could be the starter and he was right. Cost: $435 for part and labor & $55 to tow the car to the auto shop!!! Yes, that's almost $500! But this is another reason why I am a TRUE believer in saving money. Having a savings account allowed us to take care of this issue right then and there. It felt good not having to worry or wait to fix the car. Since we had some extra money coming in this month; we only used $150 of our Emergency Fund and we still have over 4 months of living expenses saved up!!

Also, the same car got inspected and passed but the mechanic "suggested" that we get the filters changed and fix something regarding the fuel injection; needless to say, we didn't want any problems with the car so they were able to fix it for $222 included the inspection, parts, and labor. We took this from our regular savings account the but the money will be replaced by the end of March.

So now we have our homeowners insurance paid up until next year, our car insurance on BOTH cars paid for six months, both cars inspected, we have moved into our new home and are settled, and both cars are up and running. Thank GOD for Jesus!

I'm looking forward to March...warmer weather, no more gigantic bills, hubby's gets a bonus, a promotion at hubby's job is in the works, he will be going to Europe again but just for a week! (we went last year for a month; so we are grateful for a week this time!), and might have to travel to SLC, Utah. I look at this as good news because with so many people losing their jobs, hubby's company trusts & depends on him enough to pay for him to travel to other states/countries to train their staff for them. Thank GOD!

So March/April should be interesting! Am I ready? Is my hubby ready? I guess we'll see!

Enjoy your day!

Ahhh...It's Nice To Be Back!!!!

It's good to be back blogging since my hubby's accident and finally moving all of our stuff to our new home. We gave the keys back to the landlords and the rest is history.

My hubby is feeling great and is back at work. He gets the staple taken out of his head Monday.

I am so behind on a lot of things....making my grocery list/matching coupons, laundry, updating our budget, even cooking...sometimes I just found it easier to get take out....

Since then, I updated the budget, cooked dinner and I am now doing laundry and will start my grocery list soon; I don't like going to the market unprepared. I am also in the process of unpacking all our stuff..I'm hoping to have that done by Tuesday, Lord's will...

As for the last post in my financial series (Investments/Retirement), that will be coming this weekend....I had to put that on the back burner because of everything that's going on at the moment.

Enjoy your day!

My Husband is the Best!!

I just had to interrupt this financial series to tell you how wonderful my husband is. He came home early yesterday from work around 4:00pm with 2 dozen pink roses, a big bag of pistachios (my favorite), gave me a huge hug and kiss, and told me he was going to take me out to dinner; that night!
So of coarse I put the flowers in some water, gave some nuts to our daughter, got dress, and we were on our way. I order the crab cake, broiled Tilapia, with broccoli and rice...YUMMY!

I also got some nice "smell goods" and a candle with a container for it from Bath and Body Works....it smells so good! It's the Dancing Waters scent..I believe it's new.

It was a wonderful night! I love when he does these surprises!! I'm so lucky to have him and that he's mine! All mine!!

I love you honey!!!! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

I'm Back!

Note: I decided to put up a new post since I had tidy up the house, did one load of laundry, folded clothes, fed daughter, prayed and read the bible, and ate breakfast myself and it's only 9:21am!

Boy, what a past couple days; preparing to move, moving, getting unpacked, bringing misc items to new home, going shopping for new items for new home and all the while trying to keep life normal for hubby and our daughter.

Even with all that, I still can't complain. The Lord had his hand on this process the whole time! This was the easiest move I ever experienced and hubby agreed it was pretty good.

Here's how our last couple days went:

Thrusday:

We finished up the painting and cleaning at the new home. I got home around 8:30pm, hubby and family member stayed until about 1am (yep, we have a great family).

Friday:

Hubby off from work! I woke up about 6am and started to get boxes, bags, and other items ready for the movers. I was severely behind schedule and ask hubby to help me, which he did without complaint. Movers came around 8:30am and got started. I remembered when I called to make the appointment, the guy told me that the move would take 6-8 hours to complete. So if you do the math $100 an hour would equal $600-$800 plus $100 travel charge.

Now I know some of you may say this sounds like a lot of money and it is! However myself and my hubby made it an requirement that we get movers; especially for my husband. He has moved many people over the years and every time he comes home all broken up, has the stay in bed and heal, and still has to go to work. We budgeted for movers and decided that it was worth the costs to keep hubby in good shape. We knew it wouldn't take 6-8 hours to move our things but maybe 3 or 4 hours; so we set aside $500 max. The costs of the movers included 3 guys, a truck, equipment, insurance, and a peace of mind.

I have to say that our experience was really good! When they first came, these guys were clearly mid to late 40s and I ask hubby, would they be a little slow because I was expecting younger guys. That was a lesson in it's self for me. Never judge outward appearances. Never judge at all! These guys were fantastic. They were moving dressers and beds like it was nothing. They had the whole house (furniture/bags/boxes) in the truck in 1hr! Yep, these guys were good. My hubby and I were looking at each other in amazement.

When we got to the new house, they unpacked the truck and took each item to the rooms we wanted. They even set up the bed frame, put the bed on it, had the drawers in the dresser and night stand, put the t.v. on the stand and everything. The only thing we had to do was make the bed and put our clothes on the drawer!

They finished the entire move in 2 hours! Yes, 2 hours and the move was done! So instead of $500 it was $300 (included $100 travel fee). We were so impressed we gave them each a $30 tip! And even with the tip the budget came to $390 instead of $500! It was the best $390 we spent; I mean we were done the move in 2 hours!

Saturday:

Our battery died in one of the cars. Hubby planned on taking it Sunday to get it replaced. Also, We went to Delaware with my bro-in law to search for a t.v.. Since we are 20 minutes from Delaware and they have NO sales tax, we thought we'd go there to find a good deal. We were un successful though, they ran out of the televisions. Yes, Best Buy ran our of 3 different Samsung T.V.s.

Sunday:

Hubby got the battery replaced and I went to the market to go food shopping, since we needed food badly. We also unpacked more of our stuff and some of our family came by to visit.

Monday:

Hubby was off today as well. We unpacked more stuff and went out to some stores to get some items for our home. We were out for hours and before we came home, we stopped at the old house to get some more stuff to bring here. We capped off the family time by playing Guitar Hero on the WII. I did poorly, LOL....Hubby did GREAT!

So there you have it; we were tired, happy, excited, and frustrated; but we are VERY grateful to GOD for his many blessings.

Have a Great Day!!

Happy Birthday Honey!!

Yes, isn't he handsome!

After 5 1/2 years together, my love for you grow even stronger. You go out and work to provide for me and issy and we want you to know we appreciate all your hard work. We don't know where we would be without you in our lives. I thank GOD for bring me to you this day and forever more. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and many, many more. We love you honey!!!!