When Buy Get One Free isn't!

So I went to the local women's clothing store and purchased some new pants, shirts and got conned into buying some chunky jewellery - necklaces to be exact. The necklaces were buy get one free so I thought that isn't a bad deal and maybe, just maybe my wardrode could do with some chunky jewellery. Low and behold I overspent (those who know me know that this is a condition I have). So when I got home I pulled out all my clothes and went over the receipt again. Guess what? The Buy One Get One Free broke down like this - 1st Necklace $ 24.00 discounted to $ 14.00, 2nd necklace $ 22.00 discounted to $ 12.00. So I am a little stunned by this and do the math. At most this transaction should have cost me $ 24.00 ($24.00 and the second one free). And if they did do the 50% discount the first necklace would have cost $12.00 and the second $ 11.00 totalling $23.00. Instead I have paid $ 26.00 for the two necklaces. So me being a little bit of a conspiracy theorist thinks this is a really neat marketing tool. How many people would A) actually look at the receipt, B) Bother to do the math (at first glance it appears they 1/2 the cost or C) Return to the store for the total of $ 2.00. Needless to say not only did I take back the chunky (ugly) necklaces and get my money back but I also pointed out the math discrepancy. Of course the store can blame it on a till being programmed incorrectly but I wonder if this isn't just a great use of marketing strategy in order to plump up the bottom line in these tough economic times. Me - I am going to continue to check my receipts. I am already a nightmare for most of the cashiers. I see this as a game and watch for scanning discrepancies (meaning I get the same item for free) and things that are supposed to be on sale that aren't. I am also the woman who will make the cashiers write rain checks AND I use coupons when I can.

Learning to be frugal

Well after 2 months hubby started a new job, in a new field as a mechanic - getting paid 1/2 of what he used to and having to learn a new career. This has put a strain on our finances and a big monkey wrench (no pun intended hehe) into my debt freedom plan. Things will probably be real tight now for the next couple of years. He comes home way happier then he ever did while doing accounting AND I believe God opened this door. So here I am trying to learn to coupon and budget and live less then in our means. I am trying to be faithful on our tithing and trying to trust God. I know things will be ok and we are here for a reason.

I also got an Aerogarden as an early birthday present and I am so funny checking and hovering over the little seeds (they haven't even sprouted yet - day 2 so I guess not). But I am very excited about it - we planted lettuce and I'll keep you posted on how that goes.

Sometimes I wonder if God is a sham....

I know that seems blasphemous and probably is, but I just sometimes wonder if He is really just a sham. I see people like my old boss, a Christian, whom everything he touches turns to gold. Although, part of that is that people buy into his scams, he makes money hands over fist. Then I see other people who are begging God to intervene on their behalf and he doesn't seem to hear them. I know in my own life, we had a great financial tumble and when you think things can't get worse - guess what they do. Hubby lost his job. We were already living less then paycheque to paycheque and now just after figuring out a budget and deciding to try to live below our means boom, carpet pulled out from under our feet. So I wonder are some people born to be have nots? Or is it possible to go from one camp to another? I was feeling pretty good about our life too, we were both working, have a nice little place, things are manageable. Now I need to try to figure out how to make due on one paycheque (impossible at best). Ah well. So God if you are reading this, I am asking for some guidance, some answers.

OK Lord What the ???

We are trying to pay down debt, setup a budget and found out we are living about 500 above our means OUCH. Then my fave uncle passed away last week and that pushed me into finding out what is all going on with my moms finances. I knew she was broke but I didn't know how bad it was. I went to her house to find out she is at least 3 months behind on rent etc. and is signing Payday loans etc. all over town. GRRRR. So we talked and I am trying to get guardianship so at least I can start helping her. Stress, stress, stress then Eddie goes to work today and gets fired. So the bible says God only gives up what we can handle. Well at this moment in time I am "handled" out. We have to go to Saskatchewan for the funeral (the only way my mom could get there anyways). Which means time off work, hotel, gas, food expenses, kenneling etc. I don't know if I want to throw up or cry. I thought I knew why we were out here (to help my mom). Now again I am wondering. I like my job and my house and I thought we had it all figured out. Now I am not so sure. Lord, I don't know if you are trying to move us in a different direction, a different place or what Lord. I believe that this is somehow for our benefit (although I can't see it) and I pray in Jesus name that you give Eddie the opportunity for a new job. One he can feel successful at Lord. I pray that you give us clear and concise direction for our life Lord - do we stay or do we go Lord. In Jesus name I pray.

2011 - One Word "Change"

This year is about "Change" for me. I hit the big "40" this year and I want to make some changes.
- Lose Weight. I don't want to turn 40 in this same old, tired, out of shape body. I want to lose, ultimately 40 lbs this year. Over 1/2 by May. This week I have worked on exercising. Next week I will work more on eating right. I am trying to follow the Food Lovers Diet (which I love btw) but after Christmas I have failed to get back on track. I want to be healthier and kick the BP pills. I feel better after exercising and sleep way better. I am trying to exercise for at least 30 minutes everyday. I want to set a good example for my girls and teach them to eat healthier and be healthier.
- Debt - Pay down Debt and not add to it.
- Project Life and Project 12. This year I want to work on a book for this year. I am trying to follow the Project 12 which is about taking pictures and then doing a layout by the 20th of the following month. I want to use my Digital Studio to do this in, thereby killing 2 birds with one stone. Learning to use my software AND having a great album for a month at a time.
- Read my bible EVERYDAY and I feel the need to get back into Isaiah again. I guess 2 years there wasn't enough. LOL
- Bucket List. I want to set some serious goals for the next 40 and aim for them.
- Family - I want to be better at meeting the needs of my family. We are going back to family night on Fridays.
- Gratitude. Spend more time being grateful for the things we have.
- Be better organized with time and our stuff. Purge our house. It is making me quite crazy. Back to Flylady I go.
- Blog more. I want to blog my journey this year! My failures, my triumphs and my challenges!
I am sure there is way more. But this is a good start.

Stampin' Up! demonstrator site and online store

Stampin' Up! demonstrator site and online store

Food Lovers Diet

Hi
I am trying the Food Lovers Diet by Robert Ferguson. Here is the link:
https://www.foodloversfatloss.com/
One night when I couldn't sleep I watched the infomercial on TV and I was hooked. So I did some research online and found out it isn't a "fad" diet. It is based on the Glycemic Index which is what diabetics use. The diet made sense and had good, unbiased reviews and Robert Ferguson is a certified nutritionist, so I signed up. I got my materials before we left on holidays so read as much of it as I could to be ready to go on November 1, 2010 my starting date. The products were bright and colorful, of good quality and I like that alot. I carry my book everywhere with me. Today I am on Day 4 - which is more healthy breads and sweets. So far I am enjoying this diet quite a bit. I write down all my food, I am practicing portion control, snacking AND I discovered I am an emotional eater so I am trying to stop that by having a glass of water BEFORE I grab something to eat. I weigh in and measure at Curves tomorrow so I am curious to see how the next 16 days go.
I'll keep you posted.