Bringin' it back home!

I'm not afraid to admit, if there's one thing I like to do, it's spend money. As of lately it seems to be flying out of my wallet a bit more quickly than I'd like. And unfortunately I'm not spending too much on one specific thing, it's pretty much an issue in general. Clothes for one ( sure, it's fun to go shopping after you've lost 100lbs, but it's been one expensive year!) last weekend I managed to do some serious damage during an unplanned trip to the outlets. But 3 pairs of Under Armor pants for $60! Such a deal! Add to it, eating out, race fee's, traveling, my Starbucks addiction, etc., etc., etc. You get the idea...



ICM- I'll miss you my friend!



The last few days I've been trying to think of ways to "trim the fat" so to speak. So I started to re-evaluate some things, reviewed my bills a bit more closely. Just as a side note, if you haven't looked closely at your cable bill lately, DO IT. I'm pretty sure you're being charged for at least one thing you aren't aware of... sneaky. Anyway, I started big and then thought maybe I should do a little audit of my checking account. See where my money is actually going... and whoa... I found it. Besides my monthly expenses I spend a ridiculous amount of "mad money" eating out, socially of course and on coffee! Insane when at the same time I'm bitching about how much it costs to enter some upcoming races I'd like to do and some certifications I'd like to get. And the funny thing is, this is the stuff that started my adventure in getting healthy to begin with! Too much eating out with friends, too much to drink, too much of everything! Although, now I'm making much better choices most of the time in terms of my health I'm not doing much for my bank account. So I'm challenging myself in a different way during the month of May. All my meals and coffee for 31 days I will make at home. Probably doesn't seem like much to some, but for me I think it's a big deal. Now, the point isn't that I never want to go out to eat again or never desire to have a delightful barista at Starbucks make me something yummy. I just don't think it needs to be such a habit! I love to cook and I'm more than capable of making delicious coffee myself every morning.

When I resigned myself to this plan at about 10:00am this morning, I announced my decision to my co-worker, Lindsey. Her immediate response was "what about two punch Tuesday!" I'll agree sometimes things do just taste better when someone else makes them. But that $10 salad we buy every week (sometimes twice) trying to "punch card" our way to the next "free" salad. I'm pretty sure we can make it at home for $5. By the time I was done with my explanation, she was on board to do it with me! So I invite you to join Lindsey and I on our "May Money Saving Marathon."

I know I sound pretty excited about this now, we'll see how long until the excitement wanes, probably about the same time my evil caffeine addiction rears it's ugly head. In the mean time I'll do my best to share my plans and meals with you and maybe save us all a bit of dough!