SAHM and Going to School

So this week has been filled with all kinds of busy stuff that entails getting ready to go to school.  Do I feel like I have lost my mind?  Yes, yes I do.  I am enrolling in one of the local colleges, and while this is mostly fueled by the VA pushing me to get enrolled so that I can use my GI Bill before I can't, there is a part of me that is ready to do this.  There is also a part of me that doesn't want to do it.  At all.  Going up to the school, just walking around all those young people, makes me nervous as hell and makes me feel old.  Of course, while I have been taking care of all these small things at the school, I have been taking J with me and of course wearing him on campus because that seems like the more appropriate thing to do.  While I probably could put him in a stroller and go from there, wearing him makes people smile, and I even had one girl walk up next to me and start talking to me.  Ok, so maybe I'm not as social awkward and unapproachable as I thought.  I still have some things to do in order to finish enrolling in school.  I like this school because they give me a few more options than the other schools I had looked into.  Next week I should have everything finished and be officially a college student. 

Small Local Business Spotlight

I've been thinking about spotlighting a local business each week and I'm finally going to just get it started. 

Anyone who loves deals, will love this place.  Thrifty Grocery, located on North Monroe Street in the Domino's shopping center, is Tallahassee's little dent and bent store.  I personally LOVE little stores like this!
This is the only store like this in Tallahassee, featuring a variety of dry food and canned goods, plus random other stuff.  I got some straw sippy cups for my little guy, brand new, for $2 each (plus tax of course).  There is also diapers and wipes, a small variety of toiletries, almost an entire aisle of medications, all for super cheap prices.  I absolutely LOVE this place, and highly recommend shopping there to any and everyone who will listen.  Just because the can, or box or whatever is dented doesn't make it bad. 

Technically Difficulties

Today for some reason we have had a few problems with trying to get the posts to publish.  Not sure if it's user error or what, but we will have it figured out before long.

Good Monday Morning!

It's Monday morning, and we are all watching and waiting to see what Hurricane Isaac is going to do this week.  Well, as long as I have power and internet, I will do my best to do my daily blogging.  It has been a long weekend, and as many already know, I go out to the flea market and sell (Which is why I don't blog on the weekends, partly because I am too lazy to think after spending all day out there and mostly because  I am super tired).  I'm happy to tell everyone that I am assisting a group of local women who are helping moms who are less fortunate.  Threadbare Heartstrings doesn't require as much as some other local groups who help moms in need, and these mamas have been going above and beyond to help.  It's so sweet!   I've asked the founder of the group to guest blog for me sometime (***FINGERS CROSSED**)
Anywho, while we are watching and waiting for the potential storm, I hope that everyone is ready in case this hurricane does hit near us, or if it even just gives us bad storms.   

Rainy Day

So today  I woke up and it's storming.  Lovely.  I was going to go outside with the weebit for a little bit and let him play in the pool.  That's nipped in the bud.  I guess today I will work on packing up as much as I can in the house, maybe make it a packing marathon of sorts.  I have almost one room entirely cleared out already (hooray me!) and everyone with children knows that it isn't easy when you are trying to pack up for a move.  My little man is a master unpacker.  Hopefully after this move we won't have to worry about moving again for a while tho.  That would be so nice!  The VA has been known to help veterans, I'm optimistic.  I know of one other veteran who has been using the HUD VASH program for several years now (if I am understanding correctly) and they always make sure she has housing.  So maybe I can be like her (?) hope hope and be able to always turn to the VA. 

Parents Raising 'Genderless' Child

I got into reading a bunch of stuff online this morning, and find this article about these parents who have decided to raise a genderless child.  I'm puzzled and interested at the same time, so I must read this.  Parents Raising Genderless Child is interesting, to say the least. The parents have decided to not tell anyone (outside of a few close relatives) the gender of their child.  Yes, they have other children, boys, who are encouraged to be unique, from what I am understanding.  By making this decision to NOT disclose the gender of this child, it has caused the parents a lot of negative backlash.  But let's think about this for a second, is it really THAT bad that they aren't telling the world what the gender of the baby is?  If the baby is a girl, she would be expected to be cute and cuddly and sweet, dressed in pinks and purples.  If the baby is a boy, he would be expected to be tough and wear blue and green.  Things that define a gender.  Some jobs are looked at as primarily for men or primarily for women.  This child gets the opportunity to NOT be confined to a gender.  This child probably won't hear the words "That's only for little girls/boys" or "Little boys/girls don't do that".
I know a lot of people probably don't agree with this.  This isn't a decision for everyone, but these parents have taken that step towards allowing their children to be themselves, and not make them follow "gender rules".  I personally have a rough and tough little boy and while I am protective of him, don't dare ever call him a girl (even though he is way too cute to be a boy).  But no 2 sets of parents are alike, and nobody is running around judging ALL of them, so why judge the parents who have chosen to be different?

Freebies

For anyone and everyone on Facebook, and for everyone who reads my blog, you all already know that I do not repost any of the deals or freebies because most of the time there are no less than 3 other bloggers who have already blogged about it before I even have a chance to finish it.  If you follow any of them on Facebook, you will find there are freebies and deals available on Facebook that don't make it out of the Facebook realm.  I recently signed up for a free iPhone 4 case (of which I have but do not use, yet) and received in the mail.  I also did something with Oscar Myer that scored me a coupon for free cold cuts (sweet!) Please be sure to read & follow some of the other bloggers so that you  can score some of the same stuff.

So, it's Tuesday.....

I haven't really found much to write about just yet today.  Maybe the day is still young, maybe I'm completely missing something.  I'm not sure. I know that right now I am taking a small break from packing to write this.  I may have set a goal a little too high for myself this week, but some little part of me thinks I can do this.  I want to have everything of mine packed and into the storage unit by this weekend, except for the stuff in the master bedroom.  I think this is totally do-able.  I could be wrong.  I have a 20 month old who refuses to take a nap today, but yesterday he successfully unpacked 2 boxes and so far today has dumped an entire container of puffs on the floor.  I haven't let him near anything I'm packing so far today.  Right now he's after my iPod.  I guess this is typical.  They want everything you have. Oh well, back to packing.  hopefully something will occur to me and I will find something to write about. 

Packing with a Toddler...and Other Thoughts

While most people who are getting ready to move have older children or babies who can be restrained,  I am packing up this place with a 20 month old who refuses to be restrained.   It can be aggravating but also very amusing while packing.  I have almost one room completely packed up at this point.  Almost.  I've packed so much at this point that everything SHOULD be packed up, but my munchkin likes to unpack certain things while I'm not looking.  I sit here and think about how crazy this could be.  And it could be much worse.  But it's all part of motherhood, right?
I've been "suffering" from baby fever again.  I think about how I want another little squishy baby to love and hold and take care of, but right now the timing is not good.  So I wait.  But while I wait, I have a few friends who are expecting again.  One in particular is having twins.  OMG that's always been like my DREAM!!! 2 of them!! At once!!!  I used to always say, if I have twins the first time around, I'm done.  Well, I didn't.  But still, the thought of multiples sounds like so much pregnant fun!!  (notice I said 'pregnant fun') And of course when babies get here, that means lots of people to cook for you and whatnot.  But it doesn't last.  It never does, with one or even multiple babies.  The newness wears off, people go back to the quiet, non baby lives.  But people will marvel at multiples, I do it every time I see them.  They are so cute! And I bet it's so much fun to dress them alike or very similar.  My thought would be to dress them in identical outfits, but in different colors.  It could be fun, right????
Ok, enough of the blog for today, back to packing for this mommy.  :)

Slacking horribly on my blog

So with all kinds of changes in my life, I have been horribly slacking on my blog.  I have been thinking about this A LOT lately. I find myself doing things and suddenly I'm thinking about the blog.  How everyone should be able to read and enjoy my chatter about crazy random things in life. How I want everything to be completely normal.  But life has been far from anything considered normal. There's a lot that I am not ready to talk about.  I have a hard time even discussing it at home.  On the bright side, there really are perks to being a disabled veteran.  There are things out there to help us.  Amazingly enough.  While a lot of people get mad about how horrible the government is, and like to attempt to place blame where it shouldn't be.  (I notice this more so on my personal Facebook page).  Me personally, I prefer a government that is willing and able to help the disabled vets, and NOT take away from the vets or women.  (Yes, there are politicians who are ready and willing to do such things and trying to get votes)

So, yet another LOCAL business

Everyone knows that I sell at the flea market on the weekends.  It's a well known fact, if you know me, you probably know what I do.  (Ok, maybe not every little detail of what I do, but at least the big & important stuff).  About a week ago (could be more, or less) I met Heather online.  I had offered up shipping boxes for free, because USPS "accidentally" doubled my order.  (there really is a reason they say don't click more than once).  She snagged them with a quickness.  Totally awesome for me, because it gets them out of my way, out of my hair, so to speak.   So Heather and I started talking.  She makes homemade lotions, soaps, scented & colored bath salts.  Not to mention everything else this girl has going on.  She is looking into selling various body jewelry, regular jewelry stuff, I can't even remember everything off hand.  Lots of awesomeness.  And she is sitting up at the flea market selling and promoting herself.  Seriously.  She is like me, selling to make money for the house bills, food, whatever.  But for whatever reason, not many people are actually buying stuff at the flea market.  Erm, help????  I see plenty of people walking around, looking, but not too many actually buying. Heather is also looking into opening up an online store, which would be awesome.  She also wants to do a store front (again, awesome).   So, anyone needing anything whipped up???

Pinterest for Money Saving Ideas??

I have been using Pinterest for lots of ideas for around the house and for ideas to give the kids stuff to do.  I have noticed lately that there are a great deal of ideas on there for household products that get used on a regular basis.  I am, at this current time, trying to organize everything that I have pinned into more appropriate categories, so that it can be easier to understand, view, etc.  Feel free to follow me, or just check out my Likes and Pins on there. Amanda's Pinterest

Supporting Local Business Supports Local Families

I am big on supporting local businesses, because many times I find that it is those locals who offer services that actually help.  And it is those same local businesses who work together, support each other, and offer affordable services and products.  I enjoy shopping at the Thrifty Grocery store because they are the ONLY dent and bent type store in the Tallahassee area.  I have also found a quaint thrift store called Calico Cat Consignment where there are a great many pieces of art and home decor offered for reasonable prices.  It is these kind of businesses that we need to keep around.  Just the other day the Calico Cat was offering items at half price (unless marked FIRM).  I got myself 2 very cute jewelry holders for $1.50 each.  I also shop at Thrifty Grocery on a regular basis.  They always have some sort of sale on something.  Even though they only offer dry goods and household cleaning, it can help drastically reduce the amount you spend at your regular chain grocery store.  I encourage everyone to check these stores out, and share them with everyone you know. 

Another way to get your coupons...

I know that it has been a while since I have posted anything.  It has been crazy, to say the least.  While everything may not be completely cleared up, things have calmed down a good bit. 

So, while perusing the Facebook, I follow a great deal of bloggers who do what seems like nothing but post about saving money.  I know in this day it is impossible.  A few months back the price of the newspaper doubled, so buying them just for inserts isn't working for me.  And then I found this....
Need Coupons? Purchase Whole Inserts!
The only downside I see is how many you have to buy (lowest order amount is 4) BUT if you can find someone to go in on them with you, or even a couple somebodies, you'd get your inserts even cheaper!!!
Is this something you would think about doing? 

Supporting locals and being frugal

In this economy and living in a college town doesn't seem like you can actually support a local business without spending a ton of money.  Ok, it is true that some local businesses are kinda pricey.  There are a few that we love and they are super nice to the pocket.
Lucky Duck is an awesome little store that recently moved because they were so successful.  It's an awesome little thrift shop off of N Monroe (next to the appliance store across from the WalMart/ old Sam's Club).  It truly is a THRIFT shop unlike other "thrift shops", I have taken the kids there and gotten all kinds of stuff and only spent $20.  Seriously.
Urban Farm and Hatchery is another one that is great, and not just cause we've become friends since we've been doing business together.  Farm fresh eggs, chickens, plants, all can be found from these guys.  I know right now they have a ton of various fruit plants, blueberries, blackberries, figs, agave, grapevines, and if you ask they might just have it if, if it's not listed.  Seriously.
And of course, I can't not harp on my own little venture, Amanda's Shirts,  where you can get work shirts for $1.50 each.  Yes they have stuff on them but when you work in them, on the car, in the yard, whatever, you really don't care too much if you are destroying it.  (we do tend to have some pretty good sales tho)

In our being frugal, we have acquired apparently more shirts to be altered than I realized, but we have started with the first one just this past week. We took a regular woman's tee, and for Lexi, have turned it into a little dress. I probably should have taken a pic of it first, but, alas we did not.  It still came out very nice, and she will probably wear it out, like any kid these days does. 

No More tally850.com

I am sad to tell everyone this morning that www.tally850.com is no more. Due to a lack of activity and so on and whatnot stuff that nobody really cares for, the site went down this weekend, never to return. Thanks to everyone one who signed up, tho.  :/

tally850.com

There is a new website out for people who are tired of Craigslist and are looking to sell their items online.  Tally850.com  is a fantastic site where you can socialize, post items for sale and browse for items you are looking for.  Also post upcoming yard sales, schedule larger yard sales with outs in your area.  Like Craigslist and Facebook combined.  The site is very new and we want to get as many people to it as possible. If you need an email invite for it, just message me with your email and I will send you a link.

Now that I think everything is better.....

Yea! It looks like all computer & blog issues are fixed.  I'm so glad.  I missed my writing.  So, since I last wrote, I have had a few things change.  I started using more cloth diapers with my little man, to help save money. so far so good.  I do use disposables when we are out because 1) I don't have a wet bag  and 2) its just easier for daddy. Plus I've noticed that little man actually goes potty less than when we are home.  Weird, but true.
In my "blog downtime" I got out the sewing machine and got to sewing some stuff.  I will post pics off all the finished work once I'm done.  I have found that Pinterest is an awesome place to find all kinds of ideas for just about everything.  Makes me wish I had a little girl of my own. But since I have a stepdaughter and friends with girls, I'll stick with borrowing children. :) Always nice when you can return them, right?  (hey that's what my grandparents taught me)  I will make sure to post links to the patterns I use for the various projects.  And of course, if anyone would like any sewing done,  I think that may be something I take on in the future.

Kindness in Helping Others

Typically I like to write about the various ways I know, learn, or otherwise obtain when it comes to saving money.  Today, I'm in a little different mood.  I know that at this point in time, there are not many readers of this blog, but those who do, will mostly likely talk about this with others, and hopefully we will see some good results.  It has come to my attention that there is a family among us thrifty folks who needs our help.  The father is working, but not making enough, the mother was diagnosed as an adult with Autism, but she has incredible skills, so don't underestimate her at all.  They have 4 beautiful children, and right now any and all help would be extremely appreciated.  For the boys, clothing size 2T, 3T, 4T and 8, and for the girl, clothing size 6.  Larger sizes are ok too. For the house, they are in need of a dining table and a microwave.  If you are unable to help with anything listed above, but would like to make a monetary donation, please contact me here. 

Technical Issues with the blog and Facebook

For some reason unknown to me, my blog posts do not show up on Facebook anymore, at all.  I am trying to figure this out, but will gladly re post anything written here on the Facebook page, in case there are those who do not venture to this page, but who still want to read my ramblings. 

Coupon preview for 8 Jan 2012

As I am but only one person, I am limited in what I am able to do.  I have, however, found a list of what coupons to expect in this Sunday's paper.  Click here to view this list.  I cannot guarantee that we will see all of these coupons, but I am hoping so.

New Year, New Resolutions

Well, I will admit that I did slack off for a bit during the holidays as far as blogging, and working to help my readers find new ways to save money.  The holidays are never an easy time, and this year was no exception. I will admit it, it was easier than last year in some aspects, but having very little income makes you re-evaluate how you do things.  To me, food and clean clothes are way more important than toys.  So this year we did without toys, and instead got books and educational/interactive toys and a few clothes. 
Now that the holidays are over, I am back at getting my weekly dose of 2 newspapers, plus whatever coupons get passed my way.  I am excited to get back into couponing, and look forward to *hopefully* being able to save money like the more experienced couponers do.  We will have to see.