It is happening....I'm not even half way through the semester and I'm already wishing it was summer. The past couple of days all I can think about is how much I want a vacation. Not a quick trip to the parent's house or a little day trip to some nearby city-- I want a long, far-away, relaxing vacation, just me and my husband. Last summer we had a couple of nice trips planned but we never really followed through with them. Perhaps the lack of time and/or money.
Looking back on it, we really wish we would have taken some of those trips. Not any more! I've decided that I not going to plan trips and then never go on them, this year we are making it happen (hopefully). There are always some factors that are out of our hands, but if the stars align just right maybe we might be able to take our dream vacation this summer. We were looking up vacations in Cape Code, Massachusetts just for fun tonight and unfortunately that has left me wishing I could be there right now. We've been wanting to go there for some time. Spend a day or two in Boston, then go down by the coast near Martha's Vineyard and simply relax. Anyway that is what I'll be asking for my birthday this year.
May I first start out by saying sorry to all those who follow our blog. As you can tell I am not so good at regularly updating it; however, we are still alive and well....for the most part anyway. Collin has been sick for the past week with a bad cough and sore throat and doesn't seem to be getting much better. We got him some medicine yesterday so hopefully that will help.
Anyway onto other matters, Collin and I finished out last semester with flying colors and enjoyed a fun and relaxing Christmas break in Ely and also celebrated our one year anniversary. I honestly don't know where 2010 went, it just seemed to whiz by. Although we were only celebrating our first anniversary together it felt like we've been together so much longer. This past year has truly been one of the best years of my life. The good days always beat out the bad, and through the tough times we've learned so much and have grown so close together. I feel so grateful for all that I have and for my wonderful life.
As for the new year, Collin and I are about a month into our new semester at school. Collin is loving his classes but truthfully I am having a more difficult time motivating myself this semester. I was a little slow getting back into the groove of things at school so now that midterms are coming up I'm frantically trying to play catch-up. Unfortunately that is not the only thing I'm trying to catch-up in. With the holidays, more car repairs, and the cost of books this month has been really tight budget wise. However, I am very proud of how resourceful and creative it has caused us to be. With a budget of $80 a month (about $20 a week) for groceries, I've learned how to be very resourceful in the kitchen.
Here are some tips that have helped us stay within our tight budget.
I always plan out meals for the week based on what is on sale at the grocery store and what we already have. I've learned if you buy only what you need for the meals you have planned you spend a lot less. Secondly, I try to only take cash with me when shopping. I also use the calculator on my phone as I'm shopping to make sure I'm staying within my twenty dollars. Lastly, I've been doing a lot more cooking. I've made my own bread, tortillas, rolls, etc. Last week we didn't go grocery shopping and made due with what we already had.
Monday- BBQ Beef Sandwiches Shredded BBQ beef (given to us by my brother and sister-in-law) Homemade rolls Corn
As for this week I did go grocery shopping on Friday and was able to purchase food for five meals with only $20! Although we don't have much I truly feel so blessed for what we do have. Thank you to all our friends and family that have so lovingly supported us and helped us when we needed it. Also for all of you out there on a tight budget here are some more cheap and easy dinner ideas. Good luck!
Hot Dogs Chili and Cornbread Chicken Noodle Soup Spinach Lasagna Rolls Frito Pie Beef Stew Spaghetti and Homemade French Bread
