tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81421073732368383702012-03-03T16:54:59.956-05:00Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.comBlogger1131100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-31622231822866524332012-03-02T14:08:00.002-05:002012-03-02T14:08:48.732-05:00

Here's what's on my proverbial plate for this weekend:  Write another page or two of my Senior Thesis for HR class Figure out what my next assignment is for my Econ class Hang shelf and pictures in Tyler's bathroom Put up the last "project" in Tyler's bathroom Clean Tyler's bathroom Finish painting trim in Tyler's bathroom Take pictures of Tyler's bathroom Write (FINALLY!) blog post for

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-65555181809667260392012-02-29T14:00:00.002-05:002012-02-29T14:01:17.702-05:00

Update for end of February:  Today (October 8, 2011) marks the beginning of the last year of my twenties.  Today, I am 29.  In approximately 365 days, I will be 30.  Gosh, I feel old.  So, to commemorate the last year of my youth my twenties, I've created a list of 30 things that I want to accomplish by exactly one year from today.  My Thirtieth birthday. . . OMG, that sounds strange.  Real

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-67021092627265522982012-02-29T13:44:00.000-05:002012-02-29T13:44:00.121-05:00

It's been an expensive week.  Yeah, it's been an expensive week.  Here's how I'm rounding out the month in our budget challenge: Food: $160.43 spent out of $200 monthly budget--Not Bad!!  I managed to come in under budget.  HOOORAY!!!!  Although, I do have to make my grocery list tonight so I'll be starting off next month already kind of crippled.  Oh well.  I managed to totally work it this

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-25886075831844028102012-02-27T09:38:00.000-05:002012-02-27T09:38:04.862-05:00

Okay, don't go being all judgey on me.  Here's how I stacked up this weekend: order heartworm meds for the dog--doing this at work today.  tag stuff for the consignment sale deliver tagged items to the consignment sale on Sunday write a god-awful paper on a god awful subject: Globalization in Mexico and the U.S. turn in previously mentioned assignment meant only to inflict torture upon an

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-84268727431095805442012-02-24T14:35:00.000-05:002012-02-24T14:35:27.337-05:00

Yikes. . .lots of stuff to do this weekend.  Not lots of time to get it accomplished.  Perhaps I should put on my super-woman cape and get to work.  If only I could remember which overflowing hamper of dirty laundry it's currently hiding in.  order heartworm meds for the dog tag stuff for the consignment sale deliver tagged items to the consignment sale on Sunday write a god-awful paper on a

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-71529775792421110692012-02-23T20:47:00.002-05:002012-02-23T20:47:16.507-05:00

For the readers who have been with me for a little while, the fact that I'm single may not come as a shock.  I've mentioned it here and there over on the blog from time to time but I haven't really gone into too much detail about my situation.  When I started Living on a Dime or Less, I wasn't exactly sure what direction that the blog was going to go.  As much as I want (more like NEED) to live

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-55291103659888798502012-02-22T15:51:00.000-05:002012-02-22T15:51:04.410-05:00

You know what?  I kind of blew it again this week.  Shocker, I know.  Want to know something even more shocking?  I really don't care that much.  Perhaps it's the stress I'm under for school.  Maybe it's because I'm just tired of being tired.  And stressed.  Either way, I just really don't care anymore.  I mean, of course I care, I just don't want to spend too much of my time beating myself up

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-26483488609396990382012-02-16T08:00:00.000-05:002012-02-16T08:00:07.711-05:00

For this week's Thrifty Thursday, I wanted to share with you how I get cheap Pet Supplies.  With a big dog who eats a ton and a cat who only eats wet food (he's super ancient, super picky, and super grumpy), finding cheap pet supplies is a huge help for me.  Southern States or other Farm Supply Stores: This is a secret that I honestly can't remember where I picked it up from.  I think someone

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-32613288610950451872012-02-15T19:22:00.002-05:002012-02-15T19:22:36.985-05:00

Uh Oh. . .I'm NOT looking forward to posting this.  It's bad.  REALLY bad!  This week has just been really really spendy for some reason.  I guess part of it is because I've actually been getting out alot more.  I went out with some friends on Saturday night and then again last night so while it's very very good (and very very much needed!) that I've been being a little more social lately, it is

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-39377602017741131012012-02-09T13:11:00.001-05:002012-02-09T13:11:06.636-05:00

I realize that it's Thursday and this is the second Thursday in a row that I haven't had a Thrifty Thursday post up for you guys. . .please forgive me.  I'm in need of forgiveness here!  I've just got a lot going on and my days honestly kind of got away from me.  As much as I'm *hoping* that my semester will settle down soon in terms of school work, it's not looking too promising.  But, I'm

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-56149354237802449412012-02-08T09:56:00.001-05:002012-02-08T09:56:51.413-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately, ladies.  I'm going through some stuff personally and school work seems to be really piling up right now so I'm forced to focus my attentions in some other areas at this present time.  BUT, I'm still doing what I can to stick to my budget this month!!  So far, here's how the numbers have come in: Food: $72 spent out of $200 monthly budget--this is actually an

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-89963376535128240272012-02-01T09:00:00.000-05:002012-02-01T09:00:05.918-05:00

I'm strangely excited about the challenge that we are taking on this month.  I find it very strange that I'm actually excited about going public with my budget and potentially failing miserably in front of all of you.  However, I am highly hopeful that since I'll be accountable not only to myself, but also to all of my readers, maybe it will be the incentive that I need to stick to my budget.  At

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-18513656375660995722012-01-31T11:59:00.000-05:002012-01-31T11:59:58.376-05:00

Well, what's seemingly becoming a monthly trend, I fell really short in some areas of my budget this month.  There were some areas which were a bit more successful too so I'm clinging to those like a tiny little life raft in the middle of the wide open sea.  Since I'm trying to bring a more positive spin to things, we'll start with the successes first: Food--somehow I managed to stay within my

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-89987005463572755262012-01-31T08:00:00.001-05:002012-01-31T12:08:28.246-05:00

Ladies and Gents, the big day is upon us.  The moment we've all been waiting for. . . .this very post marks the monumentous 100th post here on Living on a Dime or Less.  Can I get a Boo-yah?!  Thanks, Tyler. . .Mommy heard your Boo-yah, Buddy!  I know, it's your favorite thing to say.  I hear it all day long, Love.  In recognition of the fact that I've actually made it to the Big 1-0-0, I'm

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-60667493465358833882012-01-31T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-31T08:00:03.789-05:00

Update for end of January:  Today (October 8, 2011) marks the beginning of the last year of my twenties.  Today, I am 29.  In approximately 365 days, I will be 30.  Gosh, I feel old.  So, to commemorate the last year of my youth my twenties, I've created a list of 30 things that I want to accomplish by exactly one year from today.  My Thirtieth birthday. . . OMG, that sounds strange.  Real

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-4464465797622834632012-01-30T09:14:00.002-05:002012-01-31T12:00:18.563-05:00

**Here's how I did with my To-Do list this weekend: World Globalization Exam for class--uh. . .my professor never sent it to me!  Not sure what's going on but I think he might be holding off until a meeting that we have scheduled for Tuesday night.  Maybe he'll forget?  That would be AWESOME! Start research for term paper in HR class Prepare case study for possible presentation in next week's

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-62574922768408969742012-01-30T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-30T08:00:13.804-05:00

   Holy Bajeeeebers. . .This post is wuh-ay overdue.  I've been talking about these projects that I've had in the works for what feels like forever.  Oh, you think this is the big bathroom reveal?  No sweetie, that one's not quite done yet.  Just a little while longer. . .please run down to your local big box store and purchase a small amount of patience.  And then throw some my way, cuz I

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-15317315784587574722012-01-27T12:03:00.002-05:002012-01-27T12:03:35.910-05:00

A relatively short list of weekend goals this weekend but that's because some of these items are going to be very time consuming.  Ick.  I think I'd rather work all weekend than actually be off work and have to get some of this stuff done.  SAVE ME!!! World Globalization Exam for class Start research for term paper in HR class Prepare case study for possible presentation in next week's class Do

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-89781016495658755322012-01-26T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-26T08:37:39.275-05:00

I'm girlie.  Therefore, I like girlie things.  And you just can't get too much more girlie than make-up.  Am I right or Am I right?  I'm right.  Back in the olden days (i.e. before popping out a mini-me who seems to suck my disposable income bucket dry on a regular basis) when I had more money than I knew what to do with, I would peruse the counters of the department stores looking for new (and

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-86742136931893238152012-01-25T11:06:00.000-05:002012-01-25T11:06:08.676-05:00

After what I thought was a genius suggestion from the.mrs over at rich.in.love (who is absolutely hilarious and fabulous in every way!), and in a completely desperate attempt to try to stick to my budget at least once in my life, we're hosting a Blogger challenge for the month of February centered around budgets.  Whether you're an old pro at sticking to your budget, a newbie in the budget ring (

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-44798599514727020972012-01-23T14:51:00.001-05:002012-01-23T14:51:41.302-05:00

Here are my goals for this weekend.  Ugh. . .that list looks long! Type two papers for HR class Finish reading book for Econ class--yeah right, it's 490 pages.  Umm. . .I think I'll just wing the exam this week.  I don't see much else of a choice. Laundry Start painting last (or, I hope it's the last!) project for Tyler's bathroom--started, but didn't finish. sweep and mop downstairs floors

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-61790634231419540842012-01-20T15:30:00.000-05:002012-01-20T21:11:07.383-05:00

Here are my goals for this weekend.  Ugh. . .that list looks long! Type two papers for HR class Finish reading book for Econ class Laundry Start painting last (or, I hope it's the last!) project for Tyler's bathroom sweep and mop downstairs floors dinner with friends Saturday night clip coupons on Sunday clean Tyler's room lunch with a friend Sunday afternoon give Tyler a haircut Finish up the

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-19361658907714233542012-01-20T10:42:00.000-05:002012-01-20T10:42:08.218-05:00

Blogger Buddies, I have been made privy to an awesome awesome giveaway that Cassity is doing over on her blog Remodelaholic.   I LURVE this blog and all the great ideas that she posts on a regular basis!  Long time follower. . .even though she has no idea who I am, I am in total awe of her! Cassity is giving away one of these UH-MAZING dresses to one (seriously) lucky winner: Wow!!  I'm 

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-89425389919538652982012-01-20T10:22:00.001-05:002012-01-20T10:26:21.703-05:00

OMG. . .I just found this and I absolutely cannot wait to share with you.  I stumbled across this website called Refinery 29 while procrastinating here at work today.  I'd never heard of it before but maybe that's because I'm pathetically behind the times or something?  Anyways, it seemed at first as if it was this high fashion New York City-ish diva website--and I'm all about being a diva, but

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-44635626732191745642012-01-19T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-19T08:00:09.626-05:00

Now that you've done the pre-work in order to prepare yourself for the wonderful new world of being a coupon goddess, you are probably wondering where you can find the deals.  Right?  Yeah, there are alot of very different opinions on this topic.  I can only share with you mine.  And we all know that its worth my weight in gold.  You agree, right? Yeah, sure you do!  Anyyyyways, there are about a

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-20183292817376451112012-01-18T16:43:00.005-05:002012-01-18T16:48:45.679-05:00

I'm starting to feel like a broken record.  I already feel like a complete failure.  And I'm REALLY starting to get so very discouraged.  I cannot seem to get this whole budget thing figured out.  I mean, I have a budget.  I just can't seem to stay within my budget each month.  I'm learning as I go and sometimes learning comes with some painful mistakes along the way.  I get that.  I also

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-88207937893623925242012-01-12T15:09:00.000-05:002012-01-12T15:09:02.421-05:00

If you're a total newbie to the world of couponing and grocery stockpiling, then this post is for you.  Totally basic and honestly, just kind of broken down to the bare bones so that you can build onto your skills (because it is a learned skill!) as you go.  When I started with couponing and stockpiling, I was like a sponge.  I went out and soaked up everything I could possibly find

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-80310188033705967122012-01-10T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-10T08:00:06.338-05:00

Yes, I know that the majority of what you'll find at those major "After Holiday" sales is mostly Christmas (or "Holiday" if you're trying to be PC. . and since I'm in HR, I'm always minding my P's & C's) decorations but if you know what you're looking for, there are plenty of items that you can use in your every day life.  If you see any of these types of items included in an After Holiday sale,

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-83135802421034156332012-01-09T22:37:00.001-05:002012-01-20T10:27:09.588-05:00

Updated to show what I accomplished over the weekend and where I fell flat on my face.  Please be kind. . .it was a busy weekend! Here's what my goals are for this weekend: Get Christmas Tree in the Dining Room taken down Put all Christmas decorations back in the attic Boy Scouts Nature Walk on Saturday Thirty One Event on Sunday Laundry Sweep & Mop downstairs Hang cabinet doors, hardware, and

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-8522943940151617142012-01-06T09:54:00.000-05:002012-01-06T09:54:12.848-05:00

Here's what my goals are for this weekend: Get Christmas Tree in the Dining Room taken down Put all Christmas decorations back in the attic Boy Scouts Nature Walk on Saturday Thirty One Event on Sunday Laundry Sweep & Mop downstairs Hang cabinet doors, hardware, and pictures in Tyler's bathroom Finish the bedside table for Tyler's room Make the cuts for a project in Tyler's bathroom (still

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-5172109644291696872012-01-05T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-05T08:00:14.742-05:00

**I'm cheating a little bit today.  This post is actually one that was featured over on Brit's blog, Knewlywifed, a few months ago.  But, I'm knee deep in projects (more coming soon. . .hopefully!), getting back in the swing of things from after the Holidays, and well, I've been slacking just a little bit too, I suppose.  Anyways, I don't know how many of you have already seen this post so I

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-90330256643605924102012-01-04T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-04T08:00:09.207-05:00

While most normal people were spending their Christmas break visiting friends and family, eating hoards of delicious foods, analyzing their Holiday spending receipts and pondering bankruptcy, or coming up with excuse after excuse to get out of traveling to see those relatives, I was spending quality time with my ipod.  And paintbrush.  And sharing close quarters with a toilet used solely by a six

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-78044413759303583822012-01-03T09:00:00.000-05:002012-01-04T21:50:45.518-05:00

Today, I have an extra special treat for you!  My blog friend over at Single Mama Life has graciously agreed to write a guest post.  I'm a lover of her blog because, like me, she's a busy single mom to a precious little boy.  However, she seems to have found a grace about her situation that I still struggle with finding.  Therefore, she's one of my heros!  Single Mama, take it away! Aryn, thank

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-86023347569274840512012-01-02T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-04T21:51:35.287-05:00

Have you ever been assaulted by a pantry?  I know it seems weird, but it happened to me.  I was opening the pantry door to get some cereal down for Ty and something jumped out and attacked me.  Don't laugh, it hurt.  I can't remember what it was that fell (see, I think it gave me amnesia!) but that experience made me realize that the pantry had gone too far.  I had given it too much control.  It

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-50342836207733351762012-01-01T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-01T08:00:03.535-05:00

Maybe I'm just anxious to put 2011 behind me or maybe I'm cautiously optimistic that 2012 holds something great for me.  Who knows?  Either way, I'm ready to get crack-a-lackin' on some 2012!  I'm not really the whole New Years Resolution type person (is it perhaps because I generally suck at following through on them?  Hmm. . .) but I'm going to follow status quo and set a few that I really do

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-87370644352931462122011-12-31T20:00:00.000-05:002012-01-04T21:51:55.904-05:00

Update for end of December:  Today (October 8, 2011) marks the beginning of the last year of my twenties.  Today, I am 29.  In approximately 365 days, I will be 30.  Gosh, I feel old.  So, to commemorate the last year of my youth my twenties, I've created a list of 30 things that I want to accomplish by exactly one year from today.  My Thirtieth birthday. . . OMG, that sounds strange.  Real

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-15688435911626443362011-12-31T16:01:00.001-05:002011-12-31T16:06:39.856-05:00

I hoep you all had a wonderful Christmas with your families and loved ones.  I had a great day with the little dude.  Santa was good to both of us and it's been really nice to have some time off from work, school, and the busy chaotic life that I normally live.  In fact, it's been a little too nice!  Without even realizing it, I had dropped off the face of the blog planet.  Although, I've been

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-54547579813480465752011-12-19T14:03:00.000-05:002011-12-19T14:04:38.408-05:00

I saw this on another blog that I follow, My Adventures in Mommyland and I just HAD to write one myself.  Being that this year is my first Christmas as a single mom, I felt that it was only right that I be given the opportunity to send Santa a list of my own.  I mean, everybody should have something special under the tree on Christmas morning, right?  My list looks a little something like

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-8123018965813316692011-12-15T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-15T08:00:01.778-05:00

I love fun, easy, and cheap crafts that I can do with Tyler!  What I love even more, are crafts that we can do together that don't look like they were necessarily done by a six year old and his creativity challenged mother!  Therefore, this craft was P-ER-FECT for us! Cinnamon Applesauce Christmas Ornaments Ingredients: 3/4 c. cinnamon (yes, that's alot of cinnamon!) 1/2 c. warmed applesauce (

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-38969106566092708522011-12-14T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-14T08:00:03.159-05:00

Welcome back to my series on how I'm teaching my son about money.  If you haven't read Part 1, you should hop on over and do it here. 4. I set up a savings mechanism for him -- Yes, he has his own savings account but that's not what I'm talking about.  I wanted something that would be visual for him.  So, I set up a jar system that is similar to this: image courtesy of Target.com except

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-16096102998577375712011-12-13T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-13T08:00:09.230-05:00

The Angel Tree Program is something that is very near and dear to my heart.  This is a program that I have participated in at Christmastime every year since I was in college.  Actually, it kind of started before then. . .  I remember when I was a kid, my mom "adopted" an entire family one year at Christmas.  By "adopting" this family, that meant that my family went out and bought Christmas gifts

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-57261620896067094262011-12-10T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-10T08:00:06.452-05:00

As some of you may have already known, the lovely Ashley over at Attempts at Domestication (www.attemptsatdomestication.com) graciously awarded me the Versatile Blogger award.  In true blogger spirit, it is now my turn to award at least one other very deserving new blogger.  Like many of the other past winners of this fine award, I follow many blogs.  Most of the blogs that I read on a regular

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-18942059860552154802011-12-09T10:00:00.000-05:002011-12-09T10:00:01.518-05:00

I'm so excited. . .and I just can't hide it. . .I'm about to lose control and I think I like it. Oh yeah. . .  I'm between an eighties leg warmer, scrunchie sporting, leotard wearing Flashdance moment and a Carlton from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air dancing moment.  Or maybe, it's more like the Carlton dance while wearing leg warmers, scrunchie and a leotard?  Either way. . .I'm super

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-46819959359793118982011-12-09T08:00:00.001-05:002011-12-09T08:00:00.315-05:00

Good Morning, My Lovlies!  No real weekend goals post for this weekend since the little dude and I will be taking off to go see my Mommy in DC this weekend.  Momsters is in DC for a conference for work and that's only two hours North of me so there was no way I wasn't going to invade our Nations capital for a little Momma time.  Hope you all have a great weekend and I'll be back on Monday with

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-60212059723985803422011-12-08T08:30:00.000-05:002011-12-08T08:30:02.479-05:00

For this Thrifty Thursday, I have a project that I found to be VERY exciting.  Probably because I thought it up all by my lonesome (thanks to being bored at work!) and also because it's for my little baby bear and I think he's really going to like it!  I have always admired advent calendars but I've never found one that was really just it for me.  I also wanted something that was going to

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-30249808626533809012011-12-07T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-07T08:00:02.461-05:00

As a mom to a young boy who long ago reached that age where he would ask for every.little.thing that he saw in a store, book, commercial, or on a billboard that he wanted, I rank the importance of teaching my son about money pretty high up there on the totem pole.  Not only do I want Ty to understand how the world works when it comes to money (i.e. stop asking Mommy to buy you every little darn

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-4998415148978884392011-12-05T10:00:00.000-05:002011-12-08T13:39:56.964-05:00

Update on how much I got done over the weekend. . . Goals for this weekend: Get the outside of my house decorated for Christmas Get everything on the inside decorated except for the main tree.  That one Tyler and I will decorate together next week. Get some blog posts finished and others started--my computer at home is acting really really wonky.  Not good.  WORST time for my computer to start

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-51910734417683560692011-12-03T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-08T13:40:20.161-05:00

My real life girlfriend, Sarah, over at Downtown Southern posted this activity on her blog.  I loved it so much that I stole it and decided to try it here.  She'll forgive me later for the thievery.  Or, she'll just steal something of mine to get back at me.  Sarah, can I suggest maybe the pile of "to-do" items sitting on my desk at work?  No?  Okay. . .have it your way, then.  Here goes. . .

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-69452604721069762062011-12-02T11:31:00.001-05:002011-12-02T11:53:06.173-05:00

Goals for this weekend: Get the outside of my house decorated for Christmas Get everything on the inside decorated except for the main tree.  That one Tyler and I will decorate together next week. Get some blog posts finished and others started At least start both finals for school and finish the one for Real Estate Law--actually, just finish both of them.  This is asking alot but it will make

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-16859013179128394962011-12-01T15:48:00.000-05:002011-12-01T14:45:59.357-05:00

Consider it another miserable fail.  Possibly even worse than October's fail.  If that's even possible.  Let's just put it this way: I WAYYYY overspent in November.  Can't really tell you how it happened, I just know it did.  Wow. . .  Anyways, below is the recap. Miserable FAILS: Grocery Shopping--budget is $200, I spent $355.61 Eating out--budget is $50, I spent $235.56 I really have no

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-65436756326351857122011-12-01T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-01T14:45:32.894-05:00

Tis the season that the weather starts changing, people stop spending so much time outdoors and start shutting themselves up indoors, kids starts sharing their school-y germs with their families, and people just start getting sick.  It happens to me almost every year.  I get sick because the weather's drastic changes don't agree so well with my body and I think that in general, people just become

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-14021981040288467272011-11-30T11:00:00.000-05:002011-12-01T14:46:18.644-05:00

Update for end of November: I managed to get a few more things knocked off the list this month. Woo Hoo!  Today marks the beginning of the last year of my twenties.  Today, I am 29.  In approximately 365 days, I will be 30.  Gosh, I feel old.  So, to commemorate the last year of my youth my twenties, I've created a list of 30 things that I want to accomplish by exactly one year from today. 

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-60384243986241529292011-11-30T10:22:00.001-05:002011-12-01T14:46:41.552-05:00

As some of you might recall, I'm part of the BzzAgent panel program.  It's an AWESOME program where they send me products to try out and I talk to my friends and family about them.  In this case, they sent me a package of Kroger brand Chocolate Chip cookies.  Who doesn't love chocolate chip cookies?  Well, these cookies are no exception!  They are awesome!  BIG, loaded with chocolate chips

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-40732722259533725582011-11-29T13:12:00.001-05:002011-11-29T13:16:04.860-05:00

Sorry for the constant visual confusion.  I just had to make yet another change to the formatting of the blog.  I have zero design ability, as was evident in my last re-org attempt.  I have decided against the brashy (is that even a word?) bright colors that were a result of having the picture of my little dude as the header and then the bright colors that were sprinkled throughout the rest of

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-67625167747212492992011-11-28T08:35:00.000-05:002011-11-28T13:57:03.775-05:00

Once we got past all of the bumps in the road (yeah, I see the irony) in the very beginning of our trip, we actually got to enjoy some really great weather and experiences.  Rather than narrate every little thing that we did, I'll let the pictures do the talking with minimal explanation from me.  This was all I needed to get my morning started off right! So, we packed up a

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-6609598685980918672011-11-24T07:30:00.000-05:002011-11-24T07:30:00.403-05:00

Today is Thursday.  Thanksgiving.  The Day of Thanks.  I've actually been working on this post for almost 2 weeks now.  I have been reflecting on those things that I have in my life that I'm thankful for and I have really been realizing how incredibly blessed I am.  Despite the trials and tribulations that I may experience in life, I have alot to be Thankful for.  So, here is my list of things

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-67147244452849296572011-11-23T09:00:00.000-05:002011-12-01T14:48:48.629-05:00

Being a single mom who works full time and goes to school part time, I'm all about any meal that tastes like I spent all day preparing it but took me literally minutes to get everything done.  If you're like me and secretly carry on a slightly inappropriate relationship with your Crock Pot, you need to try this recipe!  Sadly, I don't have any step by step pictures. . .but that's because

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-89462099375975420482011-11-22T10:28:00.001-05:002011-12-01T14:49:46.412-05:00

The truth of the matter is, this post is very hard for me to write.  While I really truly enjoy sharing my life with all of you readers, there are some things that I just don't like to share.  Not because I'm all that private, I'm really kind of an open book.  More because it's hard to put into words what you don't understand yourself.  So, in this post, I've done what I can to put my

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-74236438749614103442011-11-21T14:30:00.000-05:002011-12-01T14:50:06.726-05:00

Here's the update on my weekend goals: Clean my house--it's awful!  Seriously. Wash, Dry, Fold, & put away laundry Get some blog posts written and scheduled for posting Work on the office--yes, I'm still working on that one little room.  Ugh!--I'm not sure this room will ever get finished!  Maybe during the two weeks off that I have for Christmas? Take Ty to Lowes Build & Grow on Saturday Go to

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-44391011406956705662011-11-21T10:00:00.000-05:002011-12-01T14:50:34.213-05:00

Yes, there's a part two.  Because only having a Part one wouldn't be sufficient enough.   My motto is "Go Big or Go Home".  And that's just what I was about to do when we got to the beach house.  Turn around and go home.  By time we made it to the beach house after the unexpected side of the road detour that we made, it was almost 1:00 a.m.  Since there are only visitors to the house every other

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-44265821136851891072011-11-20T08:34:00.000-05:002011-11-20T12:36:34.276-05:00

As you know, we were taking off and heading to the beach last weekend.  There is a whole list of things that I'm grateful for and one of them is my mom's beach house.  In my eyes, this is the best purchase that my mother has ever made.  Especially since I get to enjoy it pretty much any.time.I.want!  So, I try to get down there as often as possible.  It has come to represent an oasis for me.  A

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-82283681592732245372011-11-18T12:37:00.001-05:002011-12-01T14:50:50.580-05:00

Here are my goals for this weekend.  The list is kinda long because there's ALOT of stuff that needs to get done this weekend! I'll post an update on Monday so you can see how much I managed to get done. Clean my house--it's awful!  Seriously. Wash, Dry, Fold, & put away laundry Get some blog posts written and scheduled for posting Work on the office--yes, I'm still working on that one little

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-31621387098331083022011-11-17T13:32:00.001-05:002011-12-01T14:51:14.206-05:00

For my very first giveaway, mentioned here, we have a Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!  Sorry, I just couldn't resist.  Drum Roll, Please. . . . . . . . EYREKA!  Eyreka, please contact me at livingonadimeorless{at}gmail.com by November 30th to collect your prize.  Thanks to all of you for your participating in my first giveaway.  I'm hoping to be able to do more very soon! 

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-64346383052603896812011-11-17T12:58:00.001-05:002011-12-01T14:51:41.079-05:00

Thrifty Thursday will be back in a couple of weeks.  For this week and next week, I wanted to take a slightly different approach.  So, you're getting Thankful Thursday instead. On alot of the blogs that I follow, as well as on many of my friends' posts on Facebook, I see people who are calling out one item, place, thing, or concept that they are Thankful for each day.  I've been having a great

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-45973502093469384702011-11-16T16:02:00.001-05:002011-11-16T16:20:14.168-05:00

Be honest, how many of your first thoughts were "From my Mom, DUH!".  Yeah, I'm immature like that, too! First off, I'd like to state wholeheartedly that I love (more like LOOOOOOVE) my faithful followers.  I consider you more than a follower.  I consider you a friend.  This is just my little 'ole blog.  She's young and she's small.  But, I love her.  I try to give her attention whenever I can

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-65882998345227440512011-11-11T13:00:00.000-05:002011-11-11T13:00:00.441-05:00

Today is a VERY special day for me!  Today is the day that I start my FIRST Giveaway on the blog!  YAY!!!!  If you love free stuff as much as I do, then you are sure to love this.  I'm ready.  Are you ready?  As you may or may not know, I have a sort of part-time gig as a Thirty One Consultant.  If you've never heard of Thirty One, you MUST run (not walk!) over to my website and check it out. 

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-42108630240124052212011-11-11T08:00:00.000-05:002011-11-11T08:00:18.435-05:00

Easy Peasy. . .there are no goals this weekend.  I'm taking the weekend off to enjoy it down at the beach with my favorite little man and my favorite furry man (dog).  Peace Out, Homeys!. . . We're headed for the beach! However, stay tuned because I have some exciting news coming later today!  Get ready. . .it's going to be awesome!

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-25063339733777802862011-11-10T10:41:00.001-05:002011-11-10T11:47:14.248-05:00

**Disclaimer** The post that you are about to read could be controversial to some.  The following method may not classify as thrifty or financially savy to you.  That is fine.  I write only about what I know and what works for me.  Okay, 'nuff said.  Let's get on with this. If you've been following me for longer than just a couple of posts, you may remember that I mentioned something a few posts

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-41160881510819851672011-11-09T12:29:00.001-05:002011-12-01T14:52:53.201-05:00

Okay, Ya'all (yes, we say that in the state where we're not technically the South but we're not technically the North either--we have no distinct identity so we get to choose which way we swing from day to day.  Sometimes, it's like herding bi-polar cats. . .imagine it, if you will.) I've finally got some (what I feel is) good news to report.  I'm not an utter and total financial failure.  Sure,

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-75836165606522504172011-11-04T12:51:00.000-04:002011-11-04T12:51:05.062-04:00

For those of you who might have visited the site over the last two days, I'm sorry!  The layout, colors, background. . .it was all such a mess.  I decided that I was going to try out something new and then things started changing and I couldn't get them changed back.  It was awful.  But, I think I've finally got something that is at least presentable (maybe I should let you be the judge?) for now

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-45216029230498998202011-11-03T08:30:00.000-04:002011-11-10T11:49:00.779-05:00

Thrifty Thursdays is back and this week, I've got an extra special treat for you!  For the last few years, I have had the great pleasure of getting to try some really awesome products and I paid absolutely nothing for them.  Zero. Zilch. Zip.  NO DOLLAS!  I LOVE participating in these trails because I get fun new products sent to me that I get to try out and, in most cases, keep! While I have

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-72940113621862936362011-11-01T14:42:00.000-04:002011-12-01T14:53:15.430-05:00

With myself.  Absolutely Disgusted.  I cannot believe my lack of self control.  It's pitiful.  I suppose now that I've gotten you on the edge of your seats, I should explain a bit about the self depracating behavior.  First off, I'm not entirely thrilled that I keep setting monthly goals or challenges for msyelf and I never seem to follow through with them (haven't you noticed that?  If not,

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-45667236257316117622011-10-31T08:30:00.000-04:002011-12-01T14:53:28.932-05:00

Update for end of October--I actually got some things marked off of the list!!  YAY! Today marks the beginning of the last year of my twenties.  Today, I am 29.  In approximately 365 days, I will be 30.  Gosh, I feel old.  So, to commemorate the last year of my youth my twenties, I've created a list of 30 things that I want to accomplish by exactly one year from today.  My Thirtieth birthday.

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-82109252051851411312011-10-19T16:49:00.000-04:002011-12-01T14:53:40.172-05:00

Everything went straight to. . .well, you know where. . .over the weekend.  I was supposed to come home from Nashville on Friday evening and my flight ended up getting bumped to Saturday.  That literally threw a wrench into EV-ER-Y-THING!!!  Here's how the goal accomplishment shook out: Put together goody bags for the boys on the Football team--it actually got done on time. Wash Tyler's

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-42685372204189090162011-10-14T12:00:00.000-04:002011-12-01T14:53:51.101-05:00

By now, you know the drill.  Here are my goals for this weekend.  I'll post an update on Sunday or Monday. Put together goody bags for the boys on the Football team Wash Tyler's football uniform for game on Saturday Volunteer at consignment sale Saturday morning Shop at consignment sale Saturday -- YAY!  New duds for me!! Pick up unsold items from consignment sale on Sunday DATE with Tyler's Dad

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-81118064321987866132011-10-14T08:30:00.000-04:002011-11-10T11:49:57.027-05:00

Last Friday, my little baby bear turned six.  SIX!  I can't believe it.  Six years ago, he was just a little 6lb 2oz string bean that resembled ET.  So much so, that I begged his dad to let me name him Ethan Tyler just so that his initials would be E.T.!  Yes, I am a genius. . .I know it.  ;-)  On Saturday, we had Ty's birthday party.  One of my FAVORITE places (as well as his, naturally)

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-7563815340896768112011-10-14T00:09:00.000-04:002011-11-10T11:48:45.812-05:00

Today's Thrifty Thursday post is coming a little late since I'm out of town for work this week.  Whew, it's been a busy week so far and I'm really ready to go home tomorrow!  I'll be back next week with a continuance of the Birthday Parties on the Cheap series but this week I wanted to bring you a special little treat.  One of my big time successes on my day off from work on Monday (Thank

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-75622181471347876422011-10-10T15:08:00.001-04:002011-12-01T14:54:02.816-05:00

This weekend was definitely busy!  Thankfully, I have the day off of work today so I'm getting some things done that I wasn't able to get accomplished over the weekend.  Here's how everything stacked up when it was all said and done: Tyler's Birthday Party on Saturday--hopefully everyone has fun, no one gets lost, and I don't lose my mind. . .or at least, the 18th replacement that I've gotten

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-56557069659795583142011-10-08T08:00:00.000-04:002011-12-01T14:54:17.476-05:00

Today marks the beginning of the last year of my twenties.  Today, I am 29.  In approximately 365 days, I will be 30.  Gosh, I feel old.  So, to commemorate the last year of my youth my twenties, I've created a list of 30 things that I want to accomplish by exactly one year from today.  My Thirtieth birthday. . . OMG, that sounds strange.  Real strange. Here goes. . . . 1. Graduate with my

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-61329747126469637512011-10-07T08:00:00.000-04:002011-12-01T14:54:36.246-05:00

This weekend's goals are extremely short and to the point.  You'll see why in just a minute.  So, for this weekend, here is what I plan to achieve: Tyler's Birthday Party on Saturday--hopefully everyone has fun, no one gets lost, and I don't lose my mind. . .or at least, the 18th replacement that I've gotten after losing it all of those other times. Try to enjoy my birthday.  It's Saturday. 

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-52034925119239296872011-10-06T16:24:00.001-04:002011-11-10T11:48:18.624-05:00

Faithful Readers (reader?. . .I'm not convinced that I've advanced in ranks just yet to have plural readers. . .nevertheless), this post is going to be either a quick hit or a multi-parter.   Since I don't really do the best job planning out my posts before I start writing, I don't know yet which it will end up.  I just write people, I don't plan.  I write what's in my heart.  For you.  Anways,

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-19321204534189212502011-10-03T11:46:00.000-04:002011-12-01T14:54:51.760-05:00

Enter consignment items for Women's clothing sale in October--still working on this one.  Will hopefully get it knocked out tonight.  Pack yardsale stuff in car Sell stuff at yard sale Donate unsold yard sale items to Goodwill and drop off at Goodwill Mow front and back yard Homework for school Unpack all of Tyler's fall clothes and hang them up Work for 20 minutes in office--still trying to

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-20675832133554080722011-09-30T14:29:00.001-04:002011-12-01T14:55:06.102-05:00

Since the last goals post that I did was so successful in getting me to actually accomplish my list, I figured I'd try it again.  I think there's something about being accountable to a group of strangers via the internet that lights that fire under me to get things done.  Whatever it is, I'll take it!  So, like last time, I'll post my goals list here and then on Sunday (or Monday. . .depending on

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-80767286264342159562011-09-30T14:10:00.000-04:002011-11-10T11:50:16.963-05:00

I swore this day would never come.  I prayed it would never come.  I tried as hard as I could to make sure it didn't come too fast.  Sure enough, it did.  It came WAY too fast. :(  My little baby started school at the beginning of the month and I've been in a weird funk ever since.  Those of you who have walked this path before me probably know what I'm talking about.  Or, maybe I'm just crazy. 

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-25306407478962982012011-09-30T13:53:00.000-04:002011-09-30T13:53:02.337-04:00

I'm alive and well.  I know, I know. . I shouldn't have scared you all like that, I'm sorry!  I had taken a short absence from my little ole blog to take care of some personal things.  Okay, that sounded alot better than reality.  In truth, I started having tons of stuff piling up on me at once and I quickly found myself buried underneath a mountain of. . .well. . .stuff.  I definitely didn't

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-89234493454669661552011-09-08T08:00:00.000-04:002011-11-10T11:50:42.688-05:00

**I have to apologize in advance for the length of this post.  It seems that I'm somewhat passionate about this topic so once I get started, I just can't seem to stop!  I hope you don't fall asleep while reading!** It's no secret that kids are expensive.  Keeping them in clothes that fit when they grow like weeds is a difficult task!  However, there are ways to get good brand names clothes,

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-59240349763184109892011-09-07T12:23:00.004-04:002011-12-01T14:55:19.901-05:00

As promised (but still a little late--eek!), here is the update on how I did on my weekend goals list.  Send out September Thirty One specials email (I'm a Consultant for Thirty One Gifts and I send out an email at the beginning of each month to my customers about the specials for that month)  DONE! Blog Posts--get at least one post published and one post started for next week for my own blog

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-89897653136660131372011-09-04T05:00:00.000-04:002011-09-04T05:00:03.195-04:00

Oh gosh. . .In reviewing my monthly posts, I realized that I had completely forgotten to post a trip recap.  While Ty and I were on vacation down to my mom's beach house, we got to see and do some amazing things.  Rather than talk (write?) your ear off, I'll let the photos do the talking. 

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-71724335600722913012011-09-02T22:14:00.003-04:002011-09-02T22:14:55.389-04:00

As some of you know, we had a Hurricane hit us in this area of Virginia.  Actually, she managed to do a number on the entire East Coast.  So, like a heinous Mother-in-Law, she left destruction in her wake.  Anyways, it was while cleaning up the aftermath of the storm that I found out (full force, I might mention) that there is a downside to stockpiling.  In fact, a very expensive downside.  The

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-1008828555671959792011-09-02T13:52:00.002-04:002011-09-02T20:53:04.261-04:00

To (attempt) to make up for my lack of thought provoking posts this week, I'm going to post my goals for things to get accomplished around my house this weekend.  I can't quite figure out if I'm doing this so that I feel like you guys can all hold me accountable or if I'm inviting you all to gossip about what a slacker I am when I fail to be able to mark off the items on my list.  However, it's a

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-26818008047861659342011-09-02T12:45:00.001-04:002011-09-02T12:45:43.331-04:00

Y'all (yes, we say that in the South!), this week has been really hard on me.  Between having no power and staying at my ex's house (THAT was a test of of my patience in and of itself!), getting my kitchen countertops replaced (more to come on that. . oh yeah, it happened without power), school, work,. . . .the list goes on. . .I just didn't have time to get a post put together.  I considered

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-81048966715589025012011-09-01T14:01:00.000-04:002011-09-02T19:43:29.185-04:00

First things first: August Update.  This is painful.  I haven't actually posted the last two weeks of August's challenge update because I fell off the wagon in a BIIIIG way.  While I was on vacation, I clearly lost sight of what my goal was and just stopped tracking my spending.  To make matters worse, I started deviating from the "essentials only" rule and found myself making little frivolous

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-55084486389932233162011-08-31T11:45:00.000-04:002011-08-31T11:45:47.195-04:00

My lovely and loyal LDL readers. . . boy oh boy what a week I've had.  Between the normal stress of everyday life, I've been dealing with the stress of the hurricane which hit much of the East Coast this past weekend.  I'm sure you've heard of her. . .she was a mighty large and ugly gal who went by the name of Irene.  I remember her cousin, Isabel, who visited our area almost 8 years ago. . . she

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-85033744439997085522011-08-25T22:17:00.000-04:002011-12-01T14:55:56.755-05:00

In the spirit of Back-To-School season, today's Thrifty Thursday is dedicated to getting all those necessary back to school supplies as cheaply as possible.  Getting back to school supplies to start school in the fall really isn't that hard.  Most every big box store in the country discounts their school supplies to crazy low prices in the 4-6 weeks immediately prior to schools in the area

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-45192715631307952222011-08-25T08:00:00.002-04:002011-08-25T08:00:15.082-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to interview my son.  Yes, I interviewed my 5 year old son.  Why?  I'm not sure. . .I guess we were both bored.  In fact, I know we were bored.  We were waiting outside of a store for his dad to get finished with something and we ended up waiting for quite a while.  So, I randomly started asking my son a bunch of different questions.  I suppose I was just

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-18080142018286923392011-08-24T08:00:00.001-04:002011-08-24T08:00:14.185-04:00

I named this blog Living On a Dime or Less for a reason.  Because I really do try to live as cheaply as possible.  It's not so much a choice as it is a necessity.  I have champagne tastes on a (very very cheap) beer budget.  Simply said, I seriously skimp on the areas that I can and try to make every other area as cheap as possible while still being as fulfilling as possible.  For example, I flat

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-14976694309616542062011-08-23T22:45:00.000-04:002011-08-23T22:45:25.249-04:00

What are you supposed to do when it rains at the beach?  I have the answer.  It requires the following: A glass of good (but still budget friendly!) wine. . . A snack. . . .those are smores Goldfish for anyone who might have been wondering. . . . An age appropriate toy or activity which takes enough time to put together/complete for the wine and snack to be consumed in a slow and

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-13482695157132733312011-08-18T17:53:00.001-04:002011-08-23T23:00:13.748-04:00

While at the beach this week, we took a trip to the local aquarium and it was actually really cool!  Lots of really awesome things to see.  I'll warn you now, this is one of those posts that goes WAYY overboard with pictures.  I can't help it.  I just couldn't choose only a few.  Everything was too cool! We started off with the obligatory photo op outside of the establishment.  As you can tell,

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-30410118470045014612011-08-15T18:18:00.003-04:002011-08-23T23:00:49.571-04:00

So sorry for the delay in getting the Week 2 update up.  Between traveling for work last week and traveling down to North Carolina for vacation this week, I've been totally busy.  Okay, I've been totally lazy.  Take it or leave it!  Overall, Week 2 wasn't too horribly bad.  Well, I suppose it's going to be painful to put down on paper but there isn't too much that went on this week that I had a

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142107373236838370.post-4940331730570391532011-08-15T18:06:00.000-04:002011-08-15T18:06:29.493-04:00

Seriously!  My family is one crazy patient shy of an institution.  I suppose I can get away with saying this because both my Mom and my step-dad work in the mental health field.  It's also incredibly ironic that we're all about as crazy as they come.  Naturally, when any of the family gets together, silly things happen.   This week, Ty and I are at my mom's beach house in North Carolina with my 

Arynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140038208447234788noreply@blogger.com0