No Spend Month and other tidbits

So I've been partaking in a "No Spend Month" where I try not to spend $ on things that I haven't allowed for....For the record...We're headed for an epic FAIL on that front.  But I absolutely HAVE to get my spending habits under control. And here is why.....

We are currently getting our hours cut at work AND our Distribution Center is cutting us a truck a week for at least the next 2-3 months.  NOT fun by any means.  Seriously considering looking for a second J-O-B just to have a little more security $wise in my bank account.

On Monday I turn 27...Seriously the highlight of the past week.

My step-aunt's funeral was yesterday.  Liz was loved by a lot of people and for such a sad occasion there were a LOT of happy memories.

Knitting-wise I'm really challenging myself...I'm attempting my first pair of socks.  I've given up on mittens for a little while.  I'm going to have stick with my original pattern.  The one I tried off of Ravelry was giving me serious fits.

The plan for today is to do some reading, some knitting and some digital photography therapy....All of which is great stress releases after a VERY stressful week.

Me vs Our Pantry

So my goal for today...after I post this post actually...is to tackle our pantry.  We know we have all sorts of food...we just can't find it in all that mess.  Wish me luck...I'm going to need it.

Oh, and on the no spend front...I did spend 3 dollars last night....I needed caffeine (I'd forgotten my beverage at home) or I was gonna murderize someone and I didn't care who.

February is declared a NO SPEND MONTH!

I've recently posted about how I am up to my eyeballs in debt and how improving my knitting skills has caused me to blow my budget.  So I have decided to declare February (with 1 exception day) a No Spend Month.  I found this post which lead me to find this blog, which is also having a No Spend Month this month, who linked to this blog post, which had me coming up with my own No Spend Month.

Now we're 2 days into February already and I know I need to be extremely frugal with this paycheck that's coming in on Friday. Because of the blizzard we are currently having (which has resulted in me NOT going to work) and being in a slow time at work where we are getting our hours cut I will be short 2 days on my next paycheck and I still have bills to pay.

Here is how my No Spend Month is going to break down....

1 exception day...February 21st....My 27th birthday

My Goal:  To put an additional $100 into my savings account by the end of the month.  NOTE:  I have $100 taken out of each paycheck and directly deposited into my savings account.

The Details:  I am allowing myself $200 for the month of February to spend on anything I want.

What's included in my challenge:

~ Food
~ Gas
~ Clothing
~ Household items...which includes dog food
~ Entertainment
~ Valentine's Day

What's NOT included in my challenge:

~ Fixed bills (car insurance, credit card bills, cell phone)
~ Tithe
~ Medical Expenses
~ Car expenses (oil change)

Here is what I'm starting with....

~ A full tank of gas (it has a trip to and from work on it)
~ $17 cash
~ At least 2 weeks worth of soda
~ A library card
~ A full pantry...just have to clean it out and organize it figure out what kind food we have in there.
~  I'm hoping for a boat load of support from my bloggy pals.