5 Frugal Things and an Update

1.       I have not purchased anything besides food and gas since the beginning of the year.  I started January on a spending freeze just because and then when all of our house drama sprang up it seems prudent to not spend frivolously.  Plus it has cut down on crap in.  B has also done pretty well.

2.       We have been doing a Super Use it Up Challenge for several weeks.  Our grocery budget has been well under as we are trying to eat up things so we don’t have to move them.  Milk, eggs, and dog food have been the main purchases.  (#fail though, we have ate out a few times and it has topped our grocery budget).

3.       We shopped around for new home owner’s insurance.  When I say we, I mean B, because he has been in charge of the Missouri house.  I think he did a swell job finding us a good policy.

4.       I borrowed some work clothes from my sister to change up the wardrobe a little bit.  Easy zero dollar spending.

5.       I have saved boxes since the first time I moved to Montana in 2004, purchased a few for the move in 2013, recycled the boxes from work and borrowed from a co-worker after her move (she had borrowed from another co-worker that moved from Kansas to Montana).  We have only had to get more tape to resurrect the boxes.  My hope is to get through this move with just what we have and maybe purge a few more things.  Some boxes are off to the recycling center though from breaking down way too much.

My posting lately has been dismal, obviously, but not because I haven’t been thinking about it.  A lot has been happening at Casas de Moylan in the last few months.  I have been thinking about starting a new blog to focus more on my ramblings and hobbies.  Not to make money or become famous or anything, I just feel like I have out grown this one.  I started it to document things going on in our lives when we were so far away and now that we are closer I don’t feel the need to do so.  Plus, my hobbies and interests keep evolving and I would like to spend more time on that.  I just haven’t come up with a new name yet.

November 28, 29, 30

I was thankful for the morning out with my Aunts, Mom, brother and sister-in-law.  We didn't "Black Friday" shop per se but checked out a neat fabric store.  It was only for a couple of hours but we had fun.


I was thankful for a fun day with friends and family at the KSU football game.  We anticipated it being cold but it turned out to be a beautiful day.

I was thankful to be home for the evening.  It was nice to unwind and vegetate a little on the couch.

This concludes 30 days of Thankful, but know I am thankful for my life, my friends, my family, husband, the Chickie, and the dogs.  We have a very blessed life.

November 26 & 27

I am thankful for my little Chickie, she makes me laugh and think and see things through her eyes. It's like growing up again.

I am thankful for my life and all the blessings each day. Some days are crazy, but it all usually works out.

November 24 and November 25

I am thankful for my sister, the 24th is her birthday. Even though I keep forgetting how old she is, she continues to grow and blossom.

I am thankful we live in a country where we can disagree.  I don't always like the tone or methods in which people disagree, but at least we can.  I keep hoping for that wake up call that will bring our country back to productive dialogue.

I read an interesting article today where two things stood out to me:

But remember that a crucial tactic in winning a debate—and a crucial component of being a good-hearted, mindful human being, more importantly—is listening. Is trying to understand, even when we don’t. Is thinking before you speak.

To everyone with a lot to say and a no-holds-barred social media platform on which to share it: leave room for dialogue. Change the conversation, don’t shut it out when it looks different than your own. Use your voice to spark unity, not hatred.

Full link: http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/11/why-i-want-to-delete-half-of-my-facebook-friends-during-a-national-crisis/

November 22 & 23

I am thankful for time spent with my Grandma. She always makes me smile.

I am thankful for family days with all the sibs and their families.  Its almost hard to believe how much it has grown in the last few years.

November 20 & 21

Thankful for my friends from afar that I can commiserate on games with.

Thankful for a night to myself to go watch a movie that makes me glad I read the books first. The liberties they take with the images in my head..... :)

November 19

I was thankful for the dinner in fridge that I didn't have to make.  With B's schedule change, Willa and I have been doing our own thing for dinner most nights. Getting a text that Ziti was in the fridge for us made our night.