This past weekend our community held a fundraiser for new playground equipment for our school. There were numerous volunteers who put together an amazing evening. The weather wasn't so cooperative, but that didn't seem to matter - hundreds and hundreds of people showed up with their littles in tow. There was a silent and live auction, a BBQ, and tons of fun stuff for the kids to do.
Coming from a small town, I understand the importance of community spirit, but I have to say that I have never witness such an outpour of support as I did this past weekend. It was amazing!
Living in a small community means that you can be assured that you'll run into someone you know at the general store, the post office, or the library. It's such a comforting environment.
Before we had the littles, hubby and I agreed that our kids should go to a small country school. We both did and have carried friendships through the years. We feel so blessed to raise our children in a community that cares about one another. Our teachers are our neighbours, you know your kids friends parents/grandparents/aunts & uncles...what a blessing!
Be glad there's one place in the world
Where everybody knows your name,
And they're always glad you came;
You want to go where people know,
People are all the same;
You want to go where everybody knows your name.
Thank goodness for country living! xo
Monday, May 27, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
The Littles Have BIG expenses!
Like most parents, we want our littles to participate in all activities at school.
Sometimes it feels a little financially overwhelming because there is so much going on... so, I started a "kids at school" money jar that covers most of those extracurricular things (i.e. pizza day, school trips, etc.). A couple of times a week I empty out the change pocket of my wallet and put all of the loonies and twonies in a jar. It certainly doesn't take long for the jar to fill up - and that way I'm not dipping into the "family fund" for school activities.
Also, it's great because I always have the money on hand and don't have to write a cheque (don't get me started on cheques!!! I had to order some not long ago and they cost about $1 a piece - and then of course if you write too many, there are bank charges, etc. - not a fan of cheques!).
Give it a try and see how it goes!
Do you have any "kids funds" tried and true secrets? Do share! xo
Sometimes it feels a little financially overwhelming because there is so much going on... so, I started a "kids at school" money jar that covers most of those extracurricular things (i.e. pizza day, school trips, etc.). A couple of times a week I empty out the change pocket of my wallet and put all of the loonies and twonies in a jar. It certainly doesn't take long for the jar to fill up - and that way I'm not dipping into the "family fund" for school activities.
Also, it's great because I always have the money on hand and don't have to write a cheque (don't get me started on cheques!!! I had to order some not long ago and they cost about $1 a piece - and then of course if you write too many, there are bank charges, etc. - not a fan of cheques!).
Give it a try and see how it goes!
Do you have any "kids funds" tried and true secrets? Do share! xo
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Hail to Gail!
Those of you who know me well, know that I am by far Gail Vaz-Oxlade's (money guru) biggest fan!
One of the things I adore most about Gail is her no nonsense approach to money - very simply, don't spend what you don't have!!!
Her life pie is a great way of breaking down all of your expenses to make sure that you aren't overspending in any area.
Definitions:
Life: this includes food, personal care, diapers, etc.
Housing: this includes rent/mortgage, land/school taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, etc.
Debt Repayment: this includes lines of credit, credit cards, student loans, etc.
Transportation: this includes insurance, gas, oil changes, upkeep, etc.
Savings: this is what it is...
*everyone should have an emergency fund (i.e. as little or as much as you can) in the event that something goes terribly wrong in your life: job loss, illness/disability, or your roof caves in.
Although it takes some time and effort to break down your monthly budget into the categories and do the math to see where you're at, it's so so worth it! And the best part of this breakdown is that you now have a monthly budget listed out.
IMHO, the easiest way to track a budget is:
1. buy yourself a notebook at the dollar store;
2. write down all of your expenses (AND BE HONEST!) - from mortgage/rent, utilities, car payment, gas allowance, food, haircuts, etc. and beside each of those categories, write down the dates the payments are coming out of your bank account (do this for each month - don't forget that some months you will have three payments on certain bills);
3. on the opposite page, write down exactly how much NET money you (and your partner, if applicable) make;
4. at the end of your monthly exercise, see if you have any money left over - if you do, apply it to your debt (if you have any) or increase your savings. DO NOT BUY ANOTHER SHIRT!!! :)
If you are in the negative, you will need to start to cut back somewhere (and that doesn't mean getting another credit card).
Good luck! xo
Gail posts fabulous information to her blog everyday - it's a quick read: http://gailvazoxlade.com/blog/
Caveat: I'm not a financial planner or expert by any means, but this is a great start to preparing a tracking system.
One of the things I adore most about Gail is her no nonsense approach to money - very simply, don't spend what you don't have!!!
Her life pie is a great way of breaking down all of your expenses to make sure that you aren't overspending in any area.
Definitions:
Life: this includes food, personal care, diapers, etc.
Housing: this includes rent/mortgage, land/school taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, etc.
Debt Repayment: this includes lines of credit, credit cards, student loans, etc.
Transportation: this includes insurance, gas, oil changes, upkeep, etc.
Savings: this is what it is...
*everyone should have an emergency fund (i.e. as little or as much as you can) in the event that something goes terribly wrong in your life: job loss, illness/disability, or your roof caves in.
Although it takes some time and effort to break down your monthly budget into the categories and do the math to see where you're at, it's so so worth it! And the best part of this breakdown is that you now have a monthly budget listed out.
IMHO, the easiest way to track a budget is:
1. buy yourself a notebook at the dollar store;
2. write down all of your expenses (AND BE HONEST!) - from mortgage/rent, utilities, car payment, gas allowance, food, haircuts, etc. and beside each of those categories, write down the dates the payments are coming out of your bank account (do this for each month - don't forget that some months you will have three payments on certain bills);
3. on the opposite page, write down exactly how much NET money you (and your partner, if applicable) make;
4. at the end of your monthly exercise, see if you have any money left over - if you do, apply it to your debt (if you have any) or increase your savings. DO NOT BUY ANOTHER SHIRT!!! :)
If you are in the negative, you will need to start to cut back somewhere (and that doesn't mean getting another credit card).
Good luck! xo
Gail posts fabulous information to her blog everyday - it's a quick read: http://gailvazoxlade.com/blog/
Caveat: I'm not a financial planner or expert by any means, but this is a great start to preparing a tracking system.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Remembering Stu
Today is the 8th anniversary of Stu's death.
It's so hard to believe it's been that long - sometimes I can still hear his laugh, see his strut, and see how desperate he was to live...
I find this year especially difficult - maybe it's because I just spent an evening with his three beautiful/amazing/brilliant/kind kids and think it's so sad that he didn't have the chance to watch them grow up - one off to University this fall, and the other two so athletic and sweet young men...Stu would have been so proud!
Maybe it's because I'm inching ever so closely to my 40th year and can't imagine having such little time to absorb everything about my kids - place it somewhere in my mind that even death couldn't take away. Maybe it's because young people shouldn't lose their lives - that's not the way it's supposed to work out...
May you rest in peace - we miss you every day! xo
It's so hard to believe it's been that long - sometimes I can still hear his laugh, see his strut, and see how desperate he was to live...
I find this year especially difficult - maybe it's because I just spent an evening with his three beautiful/amazing/brilliant/kind kids and think it's so sad that he didn't have the chance to watch them grow up - one off to University this fall, and the other two so athletic and sweet young men...Stu would have been so proud!
Maybe it's because I'm inching ever so closely to my 40th year and can't imagine having such little time to absorb everything about my kids - place it somewhere in my mind that even death couldn't take away. Maybe it's because young people shouldn't lose their lives - that's not the way it's supposed to work out...
May you rest in peace - we miss you every day! xo
Sunday, May 12, 2013
A Tribute to all Mothers!
Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful mothers out there!
Every day we are faced with new challenges as mothers, but in the end they are all worth it! There is nothing more rewarding than unconditional love - we are acutely aware of how lucky we are. My babes were SO excited this morning to give me all of their arts/crafts that they made at school - these are the real treasures. The new Bogs were a nice touch.
Enjoy your special day, Mothers. xo
Every day we are faced with new challenges as mothers, but in the end they are all worth it! There is nothing more rewarding than unconditional love - we are acutely aware of how lucky we are. My babes were SO excited this morning to give me all of their arts/crafts that they made at school - these are the real treasures. The new Bogs were a nice touch.
Enjoy your special day, Mothers. xo
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Today is my first day testing out the blog world. I've always loved to write...and I wanted a space that I could call my very own. I follow quite a few blogs that inspire my creative side - I will be sure to share them with you.
On this blog I hope to post a number of things: how to live life on the frugal side (various homemade recipes, money tips, where to catch a sale), living life as a Mama (what works and what doesn't at our house!), and any other ramblings that may or may not impact anyone else.
On this blog I hope to post a number of things: how to live life on the frugal side (various homemade recipes, money tips, where to catch a sale), living life as a Mama (what works and what doesn't at our house!), and any other ramblings that may or may not impact anyone else.
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