I heart Costco! Thank you Costco, for this week was Delish, a bit repetitive, but yummy none the less! and because its costco, i'll be able to repeat a lot of the meals i had this week in the weeks coming ahead because i still have half the items left and either unopened, or in the freezer.
because it was the end of the month... and i did a costco run, I pretty much was left with few options snack wise because i couldn't hit costco and the grocery store. But, because i was doing mexican food this week, It really filled me up.
Oh, and I’m not sure if it’s because I’m keeping track of what I’m eating, or being a vegetarian, but I’ve dissolved all my holiday weight gain, and since my scale is broken, i've been using the work scale to monitor my progress and i'm really happy with it. A few more lbs to go and i'll be at my version of "skinny" normal =)
Breakfasts:
• English Muffin, Morning Star Patty, Cheese
• Non Fat Milk
• English Muffin, peanut butter
• Cereal
Lunch/Snacks
• Peach Ice Tea
• Cheese quesadillas
• Bean, rice, cheese, burritos
• Edaname
• Broccoli and Cheese Soup from Costco./English muffin
Dinners:
• Broccoli and Cheese Soup from Costco./ English muffin
• Leftover chilli (added cheese and it was awesome)
• Quiche
• Veggie pizza
• Bean, rice, cheese, burritos
I’ve also decided to do this a little longer… but I’m adding in sea food because I love sea food and it helps add to a meal here or there and with the fiance coming, home soon (state wise hopefully), it will make it easier to meal plan... but I won’t eat it more than once or twice a week.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
My Fiance and me, finance wise
Someone left an comment on the older blog about Keith and I having the financial chat, and i'm proud to say we actually have. After everything the happened with Brian and I, I wanted to make sure that Keith had the same thoughts I did about the future, goals, etc.
We decided when we get married, we won't look at things as mine and his, but as ours. He doesn't have any credit cards in his name (he has a debit card that lets him borrow up to $500) so his credit score for the most part is really unestablished as of now. We decided i'd handle the money, but we'd make decisions together and we would both be treated as equals. Regardless of who takes home how much, we'll each get the same amount of "fun" money that we can use for whatever we'd like without telling the other person what it was for. Most likely this will be cash taken out once a month.
We also are both on board with paying down the mortgage and trying to make the condo work until for another 5 years or so... then we'd like to get a place that has an actually sunny backyard and with a garage.
we also decided what to do when Keith starts actually working. After we get taxes covered, we'll take 10% and put it into a Retirement account for Keith, 30% towards paying down the current mortgage, 30% towards liquid savings (first the EF, then after we get a comfortable amount, well save for large things... maybe even the yard and garage), 10% giving/charity, 20% fun (10% for me, 10% keith)
This works out because we can pay almost all of our bills from my income alone, but we will adjust and see how it all works out. If we need more money for house hold expenses, we can always break up those to 30% chunks into 20% and then we can have 20% towards our living expenses.
We decided when we get married, we won't look at things as mine and his, but as ours. He doesn't have any credit cards in his name (he has a debit card that lets him borrow up to $500) so his credit score for the most part is really unestablished as of now. We decided i'd handle the money, but we'd make decisions together and we would both be treated as equals. Regardless of who takes home how much, we'll each get the same amount of "fun" money that we can use for whatever we'd like without telling the other person what it was for. Most likely this will be cash taken out once a month.
We also are both on board with paying down the mortgage and trying to make the condo work until for another 5 years or so... then we'd like to get a place that has an actually sunny backyard and with a garage.
we also decided what to do when Keith starts actually working. After we get taxes covered, we'll take 10% and put it into a Retirement account for Keith, 30% towards paying down the current mortgage, 30% towards liquid savings (first the EF, then after we get a comfortable amount, well save for large things... maybe even the yard and garage), 10% giving/charity, 20% fun (10% for me, 10% keith)
This works out because we can pay almost all of our bills from my income alone, but we will adjust and see how it all works out. If we need more money for house hold expenses, we can always break up those to 30% chunks into 20% and then we can have 20% towards our living expenses.
It's tax season... so lets look at 2011!
If you're like me, and you have already gathered your tax documents for 2010 and filed away because you kept on top of your tax documents year round.
Right now articles are poping up left and right, pointing out possible tax deductions many people will miss out on because they didn't know about them. So, by taking some time NOW you can be prepared for 2011 with no worries.
There are new tax tables for 2011, and a larger standard deduction to account for.
Marginal Tax Rate- Single
10% Bracket $0-$8,500
15% Bracket $8,501-$34,500
25% Bracket $34,501-$83,600
Marginal Tax Rate- Married
10% Bracket $0-$17,000
15% Bracket $17,001-$69,000
25% Bracket $69,001-$139,350
Personal $3,700.00
Standard Single $5,800.00
Standard Married $11,600.00
I was reading up on Turbo tax for tax changes for 2011, and apparently the deduction for PMI and MIP expired on Dec 31st, 2010. This means that we won't be able to deduct $623.64 for the MIP we will pay in 2011. It seems like the IRS likes to remove some of my favorite deductions. I was hoping the $500/$1000 property tax addition to the standard deduction would stick around after 2009... but nope, they nicked it. At least I got it for one year though.
So, looking at things we will actually be able to deduct...
Mortgage Interest
Approx: $6,000.00
Property Taxes
Approx: $1,200.00
Charitable giving
Approx: $1,500.00 (I have no idea how our finaces will change when we are married, so this is what I plan on giving while i'm still a single gal.)
Vehicle Liscence Fee
$86.00 Camry
?????? fiance's Car
Moving Expenses:
$100.00 (rough estimate of moving mileage from Utah to California)
Totaling $8,886.00... leaving us with around $2,714.00 in deductions we will need to find to itemize. Part of this will hopefully come from increased charitable contributions and California income tax that we will pay while we work. For the time being, I will keep track of all my charitable mileage, medical receipts, and goodwill donations, but I think Its best to assume that there is a chance we will get stuck with taking the standard deduction... There is also a chance that Keith could end up getting contractor work and will possibly have tools and business purchases to make. It will be a year of keeping receipts for "just in case".
Right now articles are poping up left and right, pointing out possible tax deductions many people will miss out on because they didn't know about them. So, by taking some time NOW you can be prepared for 2011 with no worries.
There are new tax tables for 2011, and a larger standard deduction to account for.
Marginal Tax Rate- Single
10% Bracket $0-$8,500
15% Bracket $8,501-$34,500
25% Bracket $34,501-$83,600
Marginal Tax Rate- Married
10% Bracket $0-$17,000
15% Bracket $17,001-$69,000
25% Bracket $69,001-$139,350
Personal $3,700.00
Standard Single $5,800.00
Standard Married $11,600.00
I was reading up on Turbo tax for tax changes for 2011, and apparently the deduction for PMI and MIP expired on Dec 31st, 2010. This means that we won't be able to deduct $623.64 for the MIP we will pay in 2011. It seems like the IRS likes to remove some of my favorite deductions. I was hoping the $500/$1000 property tax addition to the standard deduction would stick around after 2009... but nope, they nicked it. At least I got it for one year though.
So, looking at things we will actually be able to deduct...
Mortgage Interest
Approx: $6,000.00
Property Taxes
Approx: $1,200.00
Charitable giving
Approx: $1,500.00 (I have no idea how our finaces will change when we are married, so this is what I plan on giving while i'm still a single gal.)
Vehicle Liscence Fee
$86.00 Camry
?????? fiance's Car
Moving Expenses:
$100.00 (rough estimate of moving mileage from Utah to California)
Totaling $8,886.00... leaving us with around $2,714.00 in deductions we will need to find to itemize. Part of this will hopefully come from increased charitable contributions and California income tax that we will pay while we work. For the time being, I will keep track of all my charitable mileage, medical receipts, and goodwill donations, but I think Its best to assume that there is a chance we will get stuck with taking the standard deduction... There is also a chance that Keith could end up getting contractor work and will possibly have tools and business purchases to make. It will be a year of keeping receipts for "just in case".
Retirement Perspectives
I can’t wait to be investing again in mutual funds… it’s so sad to see all my accounts practically liquid right now earning nada… but it will be better this way in the long run as i will be able to simplify accounts on my terms, and when my new last name is already in place… I’d rather have $3,000.00 of new money and open an account online myself, than deal with people over the phone and waiting for things to go through…
End of 2010 Balance: $36,904.90 | New balance: $37,330.54
Additional Contributions since 2010: $402.42 (including pension deductions)
Non Pension Growth for 2011: $23.22 (0.11%)
Discontinued 401a Account: Makes up 2.77 % of my Retirement
$1,033.06/$898.62 invested. (New contributions suspended.) Target Date
Discontinued 457 Account: Makes up 2.77% of my Retirement
$1,035.20 (Earns pennies a week and I can’t move the $$$$ until I quit.)
ING DIRECT CD Roth IRA: Makes up 51.92% of my portfolio
$19,382.99/$19,000.00
Vanguard Account (I need $3k to open one) .67% of my portfolio
$250.00… $2,750.00 to go
Pension: Approximately 41.87% of my portfolio
If I quit tomorrow, I’d just have the cash in the account (earning an automatic 6% until withdrawn)… or I could wait and pull a pension at 55.
Total Cash in the Account for the lump sum option: $15,629.29
• If I quit tomorrow and didn’t work another day in my life, at 55 I’d get $6,634.10 a year or $552.84 a month (before taxes) if I took an unmodified distribution… So best to keep working…
Assuming I work and retire with 38 years of service, and am at LEAST 55 when I retire, I’d probably go for option 2… (take less at retirement to insure a surviving spouse gets money too).
• Option 2: my spouse and I would get $2,758 a month… if I croak first, hubby gets $2,758.00 a month till he dies… if he dies first, I’d get $3,195.83 (the unmodified amount) a month till I die.
Excluding my pension, all my other retirement income totals $21,701.25
End of 2010 Balance: $36,904.90 | New balance: $37,330.54
Additional Contributions since 2010: $402.42 (including pension deductions)
Non Pension Growth for 2011: $23.22 (0.11%)
Discontinued 401a Account: Makes up 2.77 % of my Retirement
$1,033.06/$898.62 invested. (New contributions suspended.) Target Date
Discontinued 457 Account: Makes up 2.77% of my Retirement
$1,035.20 (Earns pennies a week and I can’t move the $$$$ until I quit.)
ING DIRECT CD Roth IRA: Makes up 51.92% of my portfolio
$19,382.99/$19,000.00
Vanguard Account (I need $3k to open one) .67% of my portfolio
$250.00… $2,750.00 to go
Pension: Approximately 41.87% of my portfolio
If I quit tomorrow, I’d just have the cash in the account (earning an automatic 6% until withdrawn)… or I could wait and pull a pension at 55.
Total Cash in the Account for the lump sum option: $15,629.29
• If I quit tomorrow and didn’t work another day in my life, at 55 I’d get $6,634.10 a year or $552.84 a month (before taxes) if I took an unmodified distribution… So best to keep working…
Assuming I work and retire with 38 years of service, and am at LEAST 55 when I retire, I’d probably go for option 2… (take less at retirement to insure a surviving spouse gets money too).
• Option 2: my spouse and I would get $2,758 a month… if I croak first, hubby gets $2,758.00 a month till he dies… if he dies first, I’d get $3,195.83 (the unmodified amount) a month till I die.
Excluding my pension, all my other retirement income totals $21,701.25
HA!
I'm spiffy... I just imported the old blog so none of the old posts were lost!!!!!! I love technology!
Friday, January 28, 2011
My mom will meet keith's folks in a few weeks
Since Keith's parents are California bound for a convention about 30 mins away from the condo, they thought it would be a nice idea for all of us to have lunch together so everyone could meet before the wedding and the possible move. So since I have to still work, and they need to be selling things at the convention during certain hours (his dad makes bobbins for lacework, and his mom makes pretty lace things--- she's making all the bridesmaids handmade lace bookmarks to put in the bags as thank yous!!!!!), So we though 3:00pm would be a good time to meet up...
I'm excited for Keith's family to come out. They will get to see the nice condo that will eventually be "home" for the both of us, and it will just be nice to see "my utah life" out here in California (makes it more real when both my worlds get to mesh a little)... & i know its silly, but part of me kind of hopes they will be a bit proud of me with everything i've been up to out here... and with my amazing friends.
Anyways, so I told my mom about the lunch and she got all excited because this is a "fun" mother daughter thing, so she'd like to be apart of it. (ya, i'm still a little bitter about the stress my mom has me under from her last min switch-er-roo... and i probably will be until i can find for sure arrangements...because without them, keith won't be California bound until the wedding...)
But as i was writiing this out, i wonder if i should ask about my sister going to it? or about it? I mean she's family, but they didn't mention her when Keith was telling me about it... So should I ask him if she should be invited along? or at least invited since she probably won't be able to come because she has 2 jobs?
I'm excited for Keith's family to come out. They will get to see the nice condo that will eventually be "home" for the both of us, and it will just be nice to see "my utah life" out here in California (makes it more real when both my worlds get to mesh a little)... & i know its silly, but part of me kind of hopes they will be a bit proud of me with everything i've been up to out here... and with my amazing friends.
Anyways, so I told my mom about the lunch and she got all excited because this is a "fun" mother daughter thing, so she'd like to be apart of it. (ya, i'm still a little bitter about the stress my mom has me under from her last min switch-er-roo... and i probably will be until i can find for sure arrangements...because without them, keith won't be California bound until the wedding...)
But as i was writiing this out, i wonder if i should ask about my sister going to it? or about it? I mean she's family, but they didn't mention her when Keith was telling me about it... So should I ask him if she should be invited along? or at least invited since she probably won't be able to come because she has 2 jobs?
and emotional ride--- update on Keith coming to Cali
Well, last night i was a crying emotional wreak. For about an hour Keith wasn't moving to California in February. When he sat down to tell his parents that my mom wouldn't let me stay with her, they weren't supporting his coming to california so soon and took the stance "unless amanda's at her mom's, your not going out there in February..."
After a few conversations, freak outs, and phone calls, we reached compromise land. If Keith has a for sure job or at least an audition for a job (Ie, the construction group my friend Ralph works with will pay Keith a laborers wage to see what Keith can do, and what he can learn), and we figure out a housing situation where one of us isn't living in the condo, than he can still move out early.
They even got us some shelving units for the closet at the condo that I use for storing my holiday decorations and what not so we can get more stuff in there, and still find things. (Which was really nice of them... they are soooo supportive, its fantastic).
So i talked with Ralph, told him March 1st for working, and he's lining stuff up and talking to people, but he told me he'd have something for him-- so we can tell his parents he's good with a job/audition.
Thank you for all your posts and ideas on the housing front.
Why Keith can't stay with my mom:
She hasn't had a man live in the house since i was 8... and the drinking will still be an issue.
why my sister's place is out of the question:
She thinks Keith doesn't like her (which isn't true, he just doesn't care if she likes him because he's not a big fan of her personality and how she treats people like doormats.)... she's still pissed about not being a bridesmaid, and she already lives with her boyfriend in a one bedroom with 3 dogs and there is just no way she'd say yes since she doesn't want us to get married.
Why my "brother's house" won't work long term
My brother pays around $400 to rent his parents 2 bedroom townhouse, his craigslist roommate pays like $800 and doesn't know Blake only pays $400... (his parents are okay with just having the monthly expenses covered at the condo, because they like helping their youngest son finally move out and begin to be an adult-- and they like that he's living in a nice, rich, safe area and are will to subsidize that for him so he's not living and sharing a room with friends in a doggy part of Costa Mesa....) So, since there is a roommate in the deal, keith would only be able to crash there every once and a while maybe 1 or 2 nights a week... But blake is going to chat with him to see if something else can be arranged.
What our game plan is...
it will probably be easier at this point to find a place for me to stay. I'm trying to work with a few families, but the ones I thought might be able to help us, can't because of some circumstances (like kids moving back home), or just not having much space to put him... so there are a few more families we need to speak with, but I think we might have a shot at finding some place for me to stay since everyone knows me. I'm going to ask a family I know who has "hosted" people in the past, and then if that doesn't fly, I may ask my "Grandma" from church. Keith is still working on getting a hold of either one of the bishops at the ward out here... but they are busy men, so hopefully they will call back soon, or i'll just have to get their numbers and call myself. My old roommate said if i get desperate, she might be able to convince her dad to let me stay there-- but she's not home much and her and her day have kind of had a rocky relationship lately... that this is a last resort... but i'm willing to do anything at this point so who knows.
We have the first week of March covered because my mom is out of town on the family curise i'm not invited to... so i'll be at the house watching her cat and keith will be at the condo.
After a few conversations, freak outs, and phone calls, we reached compromise land. If Keith has a for sure job or at least an audition for a job (Ie, the construction group my friend Ralph works with will pay Keith a laborers wage to see what Keith can do, and what he can learn), and we figure out a housing situation where one of us isn't living in the condo, than he can still move out early.
They even got us some shelving units for the closet at the condo that I use for storing my holiday decorations and what not so we can get more stuff in there, and still find things. (Which was really nice of them... they are soooo supportive, its fantastic).
So i talked with Ralph, told him March 1st for working, and he's lining stuff up and talking to people, but he told me he'd have something for him-- so we can tell his parents he's good with a job/audition.
Thank you for all your posts and ideas on the housing front.
Why Keith can't stay with my mom:
She hasn't had a man live in the house since i was 8... and the drinking will still be an issue.
why my sister's place is out of the question:
She thinks Keith doesn't like her (which isn't true, he just doesn't care if she likes him because he's not a big fan of her personality and how she treats people like doormats.)... she's still pissed about not being a bridesmaid, and she already lives with her boyfriend in a one bedroom with 3 dogs and there is just no way she'd say yes since she doesn't want us to get married.
Why my "brother's house" won't work long term
My brother pays around $400 to rent his parents 2 bedroom townhouse, his craigslist roommate pays like $800 and doesn't know Blake only pays $400... (his parents are okay with just having the monthly expenses covered at the condo, because they like helping their youngest son finally move out and begin to be an adult-- and they like that he's living in a nice, rich, safe area and are will to subsidize that for him so he's not living and sharing a room with friends in a doggy part of Costa Mesa....) So, since there is a roommate in the deal, keith would only be able to crash there every once and a while maybe 1 or 2 nights a week... But blake is going to chat with him to see if something else can be arranged.
What our game plan is...
it will probably be easier at this point to find a place for me to stay. I'm trying to work with a few families, but the ones I thought might be able to help us, can't because of some circumstances (like kids moving back home), or just not having much space to put him... so there are a few more families we need to speak with, but I think we might have a shot at finding some place for me to stay since everyone knows me. I'm going to ask a family I know who has "hosted" people in the past, and then if that doesn't fly, I may ask my "Grandma" from church. Keith is still working on getting a hold of either one of the bishops at the ward out here... but they are busy men, so hopefully they will call back soon, or i'll just have to get their numbers and call myself. My old roommate said if i get desperate, she might be able to convince her dad to let me stay there-- but she's not home much and her and her day have kind of had a rocky relationship lately... that this is a last resort... but i'm willing to do anything at this point so who knows.
We have the first week of March covered because my mom is out of town on the family curise i'm not invited to... so i'll be at the house watching her cat and keith will be at the condo.
I Will pay off my wedding dress!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I logged into my bank account this morning because its "pay day friday" and with the MLK holiday and that extra shift I picked up, i'll be able to pay off my dress in its entirety and have some extra cash leftover at the end of the month!!!!!
$129.31 leftover =)
I need to order the tote bags so they can get here in time to give to Keith's mom to add the embrodery, so I'll use some of that for the bags, but it looks like i'll still have $100 to allocate!
Now last year (2010) I saved up my car insurance bill for this year (2011), so I have the money to write the check for the bill that's on my counter right now... (and a few extra dollars since its a little cheaper this year). So I think i'll deposit the $100 to go towards next years registration so I won't have to worry about it for a while... or we may need to use it to pay for Keith's registration on his car, or towards the fee to SMOG his car next month. So with way, i'll earmark this for auto something or another.
And, I got my California rebate today too. So I immediately opened an ING savings account and marked it "Wedding" so the $728 won't be spent yet. When the account gets $1000.00 in it (ie when i get my federal return) i'll transfer the $1,000.00 to my ef to replenish it.
$129.31 leftover =)
I need to order the tote bags so they can get here in time to give to Keith's mom to add the embrodery, so I'll use some of that for the bags, but it looks like i'll still have $100 to allocate!
Now last year (2010) I saved up my car insurance bill for this year (2011), so I have the money to write the check for the bill that's on my counter right now... (and a few extra dollars since its a little cheaper this year). So I think i'll deposit the $100 to go towards next years registration so I won't have to worry about it for a while... or we may need to use it to pay for Keith's registration on his car, or towards the fee to SMOG his car next month. So with way, i'll earmark this for auto something or another.
And, I got my California rebate today too. So I immediately opened an ING savings account and marked it "Wedding" so the $728 won't be spent yet. When the account gets $1000.00 in it (ie when i get my federal return) i'll transfer the $1,000.00 to my ef to replenish it.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Moving? Tough Love? and a Problem...
Keith and I have been talking for awhile about his job predicament... Would it be better to come to California sooner and just look for a job that he will be able to keep out here? or is is better to try and keep hunting in Utah where he can stay with his parents for free, and then come closer to the weddding?
Well, we finally spoke to his parents about our concerns for him not finding a job at all at in Utah... & that if he waits till the end of May, most summer jobs will have already hired on help... So that may put us further behind when we need it the most.
I've been talking with a few people out here and I think I may have found Keith a job. The guy who put my kitchen cabinets in for free (from my church) has told me that he should be able to find Keith work with his construction jobs, or with a friend of a friend who would be willing to teach him what he needs to know to start a trade position. But, these jobs will be hiring now and in the next few months as opposed to late May. Keith and I have talked about these kinds of jobs, and he thinks this type of work is more to his skill sets than trying to "up sell" and "market" and most office type business work. (I don't know if I mentioned all the wood turning Keith does out in Utah? He doesn't mind getting dirty and working hard.)
After discussing it with Keith's parents, they agree that his chances are better in California than staying in Utah. In the month he's been home he's only gotten 2 interviews, both where over 40 people applied for the job (6 were interviewed), and he was passed up for someone else who they could tell would "stick around" more... not the newly engaged man trying to save up for his future family.
So, we made a plan and it looks like Keith will be moving to california by the end of next month. His parents have a conference to attend in California over Presidents day weekend, so they will get in on Feb 17th (Keith coming with them with lots of his stuff to unpack at the condo...) than that Monday I'll be carpooling with them up to Utah to help Keith finish packing, tieing up loose ends, etc for about a week, and then we will drive his car from Utah to California.
(If we can't get it to pass smog, we decided to donate it to charity or sell it to a junk yard since we can probably only get about 700 for it on the street--- but to do that we'd need it california registered...)
I had spoken with my mom a long time ago about staying with her when Keith eventually moved out here before the wedding. I reiterated that I would just be sleeping there, still cooking and keeping all my things at the condo and that it would just be a bed to sleep in so his parents would know we weren't sleeping around with each other and what not before the nuptuals. She agreed to it--- no problem... so we hashed out everything and thought everything was "handled"...
and then she called me the other day to recind her offer. She told me that she didn't want to "undo" any progress we've made on our relationship and that my staying there temporarily might strain our relationship if I were to see her doing things she knows hurts me. Basically, she realized i'd be coming over around 8 or 8:30 at night while she would still be partaking in her usual "wind down drinking" where she is not so coherent....
Her solution to our problem was to just move up the wedding and get married sooner... or to just live together anyway.
Its her choice, but I should have seen this coming. When I was younger, I asked my mom to buy me a promise ring because I was waiting for marriage and she flat out refused because she thought I should just go out and experience things already... She doesn't think Keith or I should "Wait" until we are married, and she isn't opposed to us living together at all before we are married.
She ended the conversation telling me that she really just wants to be in my life for the "fun" things like Shopping, lunch, high lights when things are good, and of course the wedding day... but the other things she'd just like to leave out.
We've been talking with people at my church to see if there is anyone he could stay with (and when he starts working he could pay them a bit)... but so far isn't not looking good.
Well, we finally spoke to his parents about our concerns for him not finding a job at all at in Utah... & that if he waits till the end of May, most summer jobs will have already hired on help... So that may put us further behind when we need it the most.
I've been talking with a few people out here and I think I may have found Keith a job. The guy who put my kitchen cabinets in for free (from my church) has told me that he should be able to find Keith work with his construction jobs, or with a friend of a friend who would be willing to teach him what he needs to know to start a trade position. But, these jobs will be hiring now and in the next few months as opposed to late May. Keith and I have talked about these kinds of jobs, and he thinks this type of work is more to his skill sets than trying to "up sell" and "market" and most office type business work. (I don't know if I mentioned all the wood turning Keith does out in Utah? He doesn't mind getting dirty and working hard.)
After discussing it with Keith's parents, they agree that his chances are better in California than staying in Utah. In the month he's been home he's only gotten 2 interviews, both where over 40 people applied for the job (6 were interviewed), and he was passed up for someone else who they could tell would "stick around" more... not the newly engaged man trying to save up for his future family.
So, we made a plan and it looks like Keith will be moving to california by the end of next month. His parents have a conference to attend in California over Presidents day weekend, so they will get in on Feb 17th (Keith coming with them with lots of his stuff to unpack at the condo...) than that Monday I'll be carpooling with them up to Utah to help Keith finish packing, tieing up loose ends, etc for about a week, and then we will drive his car from Utah to California.
(If we can't get it to pass smog, we decided to donate it to charity or sell it to a junk yard since we can probably only get about 700 for it on the street--- but to do that we'd need it california registered...)
I had spoken with my mom a long time ago about staying with her when Keith eventually moved out here before the wedding. I reiterated that I would just be sleeping there, still cooking and keeping all my things at the condo and that it would just be a bed to sleep in so his parents would know we weren't sleeping around with each other and what not before the nuptuals. She agreed to it--- no problem... so we hashed out everything and thought everything was "handled"...
and then she called me the other day to recind her offer. She told me that she didn't want to "undo" any progress we've made on our relationship and that my staying there temporarily might strain our relationship if I were to see her doing things she knows hurts me. Basically, she realized i'd be coming over around 8 or 8:30 at night while she would still be partaking in her usual "wind down drinking" where she is not so coherent....
Her solution to our problem was to just move up the wedding and get married sooner... or to just live together anyway.
Its her choice, but I should have seen this coming. When I was younger, I asked my mom to buy me a promise ring because I was waiting for marriage and she flat out refused because she thought I should just go out and experience things already... She doesn't think Keith or I should "Wait" until we are married, and she isn't opposed to us living together at all before we are married.
She ended the conversation telling me that she really just wants to be in my life for the "fun" things like Shopping, lunch, high lights when things are good, and of course the wedding day... but the other things she'd just like to leave out.
We've been talking with people at my church to see if there is anyone he could stay with (and when he starts working he could pay them a bit)... but so far isn't not looking good.
My mother is shocked and horrifed I might use public transportation...
I was talking with my mother on the phone about how Keith and I could get by on one car if we can't get his to older car to pass California SMOG standards... and she was horrified that I was considering taking public transportation ... She apparently didn't understand that its "keith and MY" issue, not just "his" problem. She apparently doesn't understand what being "partners" really means....
Either way, apparently we will be able to have "keith drive her truck" ... so i'm spared public transportation. (her words not mine)
If keith wasn't considering some jobs where a truck would be handy, i'd take the bus to spite her... But this is what I get for living in Orange County... but i'm greatful for the offer. We had talked before about us buying the truck from her for about $4,000 or $5,000 if we needed to, so essentially she would be lending it to us until we could buy it outright from her.
While my mom apparently has a problem with her daughter taking the bus, she doesn't have a problem with public assistance... to which she's hinted that Keith and I should "check out" because she has no idea how we will possibly survive without it.
Thanks for the vote of confidance mom...
Either way, apparently we will be able to have "keith drive her truck" ... so i'm spared public transportation. (her words not mine)
If keith wasn't considering some jobs where a truck would be handy, i'd take the bus to spite her... But this is what I get for living in Orange County... but i'm greatful for the offer. We had talked before about us buying the truck from her for about $4,000 or $5,000 if we needed to, so essentially she would be lending it to us until we could buy it outright from her.
While my mom apparently has a problem with her daughter taking the bus, she doesn't have a problem with public assistance... to which she's hinted that Keith and I should "check out" because she has no idea how we will possibly survive without it.
Thanks for the vote of confidance mom...
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Bridesmaid & MOH... what to get them....?
I've been pondering for a while about what to get my three bridesmaids and my maid of honor as thank you gifts for being apart and helping me with everything wedding and married related.
First and Foremost, I like my friends. I wanted to be nice to my bridesmaids/MOH. I wanted them to be comfortable, get something flattering, and within their budget. I want them to feel pretty! So I took a very laid back approach.
When we went to the store to look at dresses, I had them get the same color, but i let them pick their own style. The lady in the store recommended cotton dresses (they breathe and you can wash them in the regular washing machine) since it was an outside summer wedding and she recommended knee length to in case we hit some high outdoor temperatures. As a perk, they had pockets for stashing last min things which would be great the day of. (one of my bridesmaids already has three other events she can wear the dress to post wedding so she was way excited with them). We also went with Black shoes and accessories so two of them wouldn't have to spend $50+ buying new shoes if they didn't want to.
But I know dresses and alterations can be pricey. I told one of my bridesmaids that she didn't need to get a dress at that store, but could go else where since she is having travel expenses too. I think she wants to go to David's Bridal as well, but I wanted her to have the option.
But on to the subject of the post. I wanted to get the girls something they could use during the ceremony (the necklace and earrings set), but I also wanted to get them something they could use after the wedding that would be practical... but not something that's so wedding centered that they can't really find a use for it without it being out of place. So veto-ing the mono-graphed "bridesmaid t-shirts" or or beaded handbags that say "bridesmaid" on them... I was coming up dry for ideas.
Them I found these on Amazon:
Keith's mom has an embroidery machine... so she could put the girls initials or their names on each of the bags... Its pretty close to the wedding color so they could put the necessities they would need for the day in them.... and then after the wedding they could have a cute beach tote with their name on it or something.
And, I found them for an amazing price. I can get 4 for under $25.00 with shipping! I checked the comments from the people who had bought them and a few people have had them embroidered and given as gifts too and people seem to think the quality is really great for the price.
Now its participation time folks...
If you were a bridesmaid/MOH, what would you like to get as a gift? What have other people given you in the past that you liked, didn't like? What did you give out at your wedding?
First and Foremost, I like my friends. I wanted to be nice to my bridesmaids/MOH. I wanted them to be comfortable, get something flattering, and within their budget. I want them to feel pretty! So I took a very laid back approach.
When we went to the store to look at dresses, I had them get the same color, but i let them pick their own style. The lady in the store recommended cotton dresses (they breathe and you can wash them in the regular washing machine) since it was an outside summer wedding and she recommended knee length to in case we hit some high outdoor temperatures. As a perk, they had pockets for stashing last min things which would be great the day of. (one of my bridesmaids already has three other events she can wear the dress to post wedding so she was way excited with them). We also went with Black shoes and accessories so two of them wouldn't have to spend $50+ buying new shoes if they didn't want to.
But I know dresses and alterations can be pricey. I told one of my bridesmaids that she didn't need to get a dress at that store, but could go else where since she is having travel expenses too. I think she wants to go to David's Bridal as well, but I wanted her to have the option.
But on to the subject of the post. I wanted to get the girls something they could use during the ceremony (the necklace and earrings set), but I also wanted to get them something they could use after the wedding that would be practical... but not something that's so wedding centered that they can't really find a use for it without it being out of place. So veto-ing the mono-graphed "bridesmaid t-shirts" or or beaded handbags that say "bridesmaid" on them... I was coming up dry for ideas.
Them I found these on Amazon:
Keith's mom has an embroidery machine... so she could put the girls initials or their names on each of the bags... Its pretty close to the wedding color so they could put the necessities they would need for the day in them.... and then after the wedding they could have a cute beach tote with their name on it or something.
And, I found them for an amazing price. I can get 4 for under $25.00 with shipping! I checked the comments from the people who had bought them and a few people have had them embroidered and given as gifts too and people seem to think the quality is really great for the price.
Now its participation time folks...
If you were a bridesmaid/MOH, what would you like to get as a gift? What have other people given you in the past that you liked, didn't like? What did you give out at your wedding?
Monday, January 24, 2011
Wedding Swap
So i went into David's Bridal to pick up something that came in that I ordered... My beaded sash.
and I decided to take it back... (I like the dress the way it is and we mainly picked it up to have enough "credit" when we did the dress swap. I also decided to take the 4 pairs of earrings we purchased the last time we were there back because we couldn't find anything to match the earrings, except the ones at David's Bridal... which were not my favorite.
Instead, by pure luck, we found 4 "sets" with a matching necklace and earrings that were actually on Sale!
I also picked up a "blusher" to use as an actual Veil. I wanted something really simple and one of my Bridesmaid is going to "dress it up" a bit. I figured i'm only going to get the opportunity to wear a veil once. I paid a bit out of pocket, but it was only $27 more, and I was able to get the "Veil" and 4 necklaces.... & my jewelry!! yup, I got a cute necklace and earrings set for $20.00
David's Bridal
Dress $299.99
Bag for Dress $10.00
blusher $20.00
slip $50.15
shoes $53.10
Earrings and Necklace for me $20.00
4 pairs of earrings, 4 necklaces $83.96
take up shoulders $40.00
hem $120.00
bustle $35.00
cups $20.00
tax $72.37
Utah Jewelry Store
Keith's Ring $160.28
Walmart
Picture Frames $14.37
Deposit with Wedding Planner
OCBW $1,000.00
Target
Body Slimmer $21.75
Vista Print
Wedding Invites (50) $23.44
Thank You cards (50) $18.05
Reception Reply Cards (50) $14.88
Return Address Stickers $4.06
Shipping $12.74
TOTAL $2,094.14
and I decided to take it back... (I like the dress the way it is and we mainly picked it up to have enough "credit" when we did the dress swap. I also decided to take the 4 pairs of earrings we purchased the last time we were there back because we couldn't find anything to match the earrings, except the ones at David's Bridal... which were not my favorite.
Instead, by pure luck, we found 4 "sets" with a matching necklace and earrings that were actually on Sale!
I also picked up a "blusher" to use as an actual Veil. I wanted something really simple and one of my Bridesmaid is going to "dress it up" a bit. I figured i'm only going to get the opportunity to wear a veil once. I paid a bit out of pocket, but it was only $27 more, and I was able to get the "Veil" and 4 necklaces.... & my jewelry!! yup, I got a cute necklace and earrings set for $20.00
David's Bridal
Dress $299.99
Bag for Dress $10.00
blusher $20.00
slip $50.15
shoes $53.10
Earrings and Necklace for me $20.00
4 pairs of earrings, 4 necklaces $83.96
take up shoulders $40.00
hem $120.00
bustle $35.00
cups $20.00
tax $72.37
Utah Jewelry Store
Keith's Ring $160.28
Walmart
Picture Frames $14.37
Deposit with Wedding Planner
OCBW $1,000.00
Target
Body Slimmer $21.75
Vista Print
Wedding Invites (50) $23.44
Thank You cards (50) $18.05
Reception Reply Cards (50) $14.88
Return Address Stickers $4.06
Shipping $12.74
TOTAL $2,094.14
Week 3 as a Vegetarian.
Well, it’s been three weeks and everything seems to have taken a new toll on normal. My body is actually kind of happy with the changes still... but I’m bored of eating a lot of the same foods… and I feel like I’m also kind of dieting… which is never too much fun. I think I may need to get some ice cream for next week. Ice cream always makes everything better… and a trip to Costco should alleviate my boredom.
Breakfasts:
• Bun or English muffin with Peanut butter on it
• Morning Star Farms veggie patty, bun, and slice of cheese
• Morning Star Farms Chicken patty on an English muffin.
• Cereal- Quaker oat squares
• Cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese… Yeah free work bagels!
• Fat Free Milk
Lunch/Snacks
• Triscuits and Laughing Cow
• Fat Free Milk
• Peanut butter and Triscuits
• Orange Juice
• Peach Ice Tea
• Honeydew melon
• Organic Low fat Vanilla yogurt
• Carrots and humus
• Celery and humus
• SOYBEANS with Salt (this time I made them… frozen from a bag so they were cheaper)
• Garbage Salad Leftovers
• Apples and Peanut butter
• Spinach and mushroom quiche (definitely my all time favorite… and now the only flavor I’ll buy)
Dinners:
• Canned Chili (Wasn’t as bad the second time around, but next time I need diced onions and cheese for it.)
• Bean, mexican rice, and cheese burrito. (MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM), with Garbage Salad, coffee and a cookie (when I was at my bible study)
• Quiche (Mexican version… meh)
• Really icky and bad sauteed veggies that I screwed up…. Meh!
• Yogurt
• Cereal
Breakfasts:
• Bun or English muffin with Peanut butter on it
• Morning Star Farms veggie patty, bun, and slice of cheese
• Morning Star Farms Chicken patty on an English muffin.
• Cereal- Quaker oat squares
• Cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese… Yeah free work bagels!
• Fat Free Milk
Lunch/Snacks
• Triscuits and Laughing Cow
• Fat Free Milk
• Peanut butter and Triscuits
• Orange Juice
• Peach Ice Tea
• Honeydew melon
• Organic Low fat Vanilla yogurt
• Carrots and humus
• Celery and humus
• SOYBEANS with Salt (this time I made them… frozen from a bag so they were cheaper)
• Garbage Salad Leftovers
• Apples and Peanut butter
• Spinach and mushroom quiche (definitely my all time favorite… and now the only flavor I’ll buy)
Dinners:
• Canned Chili (Wasn’t as bad the second time around, but next time I need diced onions and cheese for it.)
• Bean, mexican rice, and cheese burrito. (MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM), with Garbage Salad, coffee and a cookie (when I was at my bible study)
• Quiche (Mexican version… meh)
• Really icky and bad sauteed veggies that I screwed up…. Meh!
• Yogurt
• Cereal
Saturday, January 22, 2011
A possible Transportation solution...
When my fiance moves out to California, we are left with 2 options...
1) Bring the old '91 ford something with 130,000+ miles on it to California... or
2) Sell the car in Utah and be a one vehicle family in California.
The decision may be made for us because of the California emission standards. Because Keith's car is old, there is a very high chance that we'd end up paying a lot of money to make it California road savvy... or that it will fail to pass its SMOG entirely.
Getting a 2nd car in California is out of the question because we wouldn't be able to pay for the payments (which i'm against anyway) &/or afford to buy a used car like my mom's old truck. A 2nd car may be a luxury we will have to do without... but can we? YES
Option 1
The best case scenario is that the car will pass SMOG standards and come to California with little or no repairs needed. I called my State Farm insurance gal up and she gave me an estimated quote, a bit under $300 for 6 months... so monthly it would be around $50 a month in insurance plus gas, & registration fees, and any future maint issues the old car has. This means that Keith could get a job and not worry about if public transportation would get him from A to B.
Option 2
If the car can't come because its too expensive to fix, our plan is for my fiance to find a job locally where he could walk, bike, or use the bus. Monthly, bus passes are $55 (just slightly higher than car insurance) and we wouldn't have gas or registration fees or maintenace to worry about. Thankfully we are close to lots of shopping centers and a few good bus routes. Since keith will eventually be going to school part time once we are settled in, these are most likely the jobs he will be applying for. (He can also take the bus to school for classes down at the community college, and for night classes i'd already be home so he could just drive the Camry.)
Option 3
Lets say Keith finds a good job that's out of the scope of public transit... I wouldn't be able to take the bus to work because it doesn't run early enough to get me where I need to be by 5:15am... but I could take the bus home, with little walking needed on my part. This would mean that my fiance would have to get up with me at the butt crack of dawn to drop me off at work, but then he could work out in the morning at the gym (yeah free membership), then head home and get ready for his job and take the car. It would take me about an hour and a half to get home on the bus instead of 15-20 mins by car.... but we could make it work.
and i'm sure my mother would let us borrow the truck if there was a day or so where we both needed wheels.
I have to say I was surprized to find out how easy it is to use the public transportation system here (i've never use it before... and I haven't yet)but its nice to know I can buy the bus passes at my grocery store when i'm picking up normal things, and because I have to switch buses, the monthly pass makes the most affordable solution.
Keith is going to look into how much it would cost for his car to pass CA smog still, but its nice to know what our options are.
1) Bring the old '91 ford something with 130,000+ miles on it to California... or
2) Sell the car in Utah and be a one vehicle family in California.
The decision may be made for us because of the California emission standards. Because Keith's car is old, there is a very high chance that we'd end up paying a lot of money to make it California road savvy... or that it will fail to pass its SMOG entirely.
Getting a 2nd car in California is out of the question because we wouldn't be able to pay for the payments (which i'm against anyway) &/or afford to buy a used car like my mom's old truck. A 2nd car may be a luxury we will have to do without... but can we? YES
Option 1
The best case scenario is that the car will pass SMOG standards and come to California with little or no repairs needed. I called my State Farm insurance gal up and she gave me an estimated quote, a bit under $300 for 6 months... so monthly it would be around $50 a month in insurance plus gas, & registration fees, and any future maint issues the old car has. This means that Keith could get a job and not worry about if public transportation would get him from A to B.
Option 2
If the car can't come because its too expensive to fix, our plan is for my fiance to find a job locally where he could walk, bike, or use the bus. Monthly, bus passes are $55 (just slightly higher than car insurance) and we wouldn't have gas or registration fees or maintenace to worry about. Thankfully we are close to lots of shopping centers and a few good bus routes. Since keith will eventually be going to school part time once we are settled in, these are most likely the jobs he will be applying for. (He can also take the bus to school for classes down at the community college, and for night classes i'd already be home so he could just drive the Camry.)
Option 3
Lets say Keith finds a good job that's out of the scope of public transit... I wouldn't be able to take the bus to work because it doesn't run early enough to get me where I need to be by 5:15am... but I could take the bus home, with little walking needed on my part. This would mean that my fiance would have to get up with me at the butt crack of dawn to drop me off at work, but then he could work out in the morning at the gym (yeah free membership), then head home and get ready for his job and take the car. It would take me about an hour and a half to get home on the bus instead of 15-20 mins by car.... but we could make it work.
and i'm sure my mother would let us borrow the truck if there was a day or so where we both needed wheels.
I have to say I was surprized to find out how easy it is to use the public transportation system here (i've never use it before... and I haven't yet)but its nice to know I can buy the bus passes at my grocery store when i'm picking up normal things, and because I have to switch buses, the monthly pass makes the most affordable solution.
Keith is going to look into how much it would cost for his car to pass CA smog still, but its nice to know what our options are.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Why i'm okay paying to get my taxes done...
So I paid 66.90 to get my taxes finished on turbo tax, but I don't think this counts as breaking the no spend month because...
a) I use turbo tax or another tax software each year...
b) its the first time i'm itemizing and I didn't want to screw up my return...
c) I got more money back by using it than I would have on my own.
and its making me more tax savvy about this next year in 2011! I can write off more things than I thought I could.
a) I use turbo tax or another tax software each year...
b) its the first time i'm itemizing and I didn't want to screw up my return...
c) I got more money back by using it than I would have on my own.
and its making me more tax savvy about this next year in 2011! I can write off more things than I thought I could.
Updated Condo Costs and Mortgage Balance
With my 2010 taxes calculated and entered into my spreadsheet, its time to re-evaluate my mortgage balance and my condo costs
New Balance: $114,480.21
The pay off date is NOW February 2039... 7 months ahead of schedule. =)
Total Condo Costs:
Money paid to acquire the property and get keys: $7,057.08
Money Spent to Remodel and Repair Property: $17,672.29
Total: $24,729.37
First Time Home buyers Credit: $8,000.00
Current equity: $5,519.79 (not including any change in value the upgrades gave me)
2009 Prop Tax Deduction: $90.10
Electrician costs -$95.00
TILE Refund $1,265.00
2010 Federal Tax refund (diff from itemizing instead of the standard ded): $1,087.00
2010 State tax Refund (diff from itemizing instead of the standard ded): $461.00
Current amount in the hole: $8,401.48
If I sold the condo tomorrow, I'd have to sell the property for $139,300 Assuming a 6% commission & enough money to refund the amount i'm in the hole for... plus the $8,000.00 tax CREDIT to the government.
If I wait out the remaining 22 months (and use the appropriate estimated principle invested in the property at that time), I'd be able to sell for $123,400(assuming 6% commission) to recoup all costs. =)
New Balance: $114,480.21
The pay off date is NOW February 2039... 7 months ahead of schedule. =)
Total Condo Costs:
Money paid to acquire the property and get keys: $7,057.08
Money Spent to Remodel and Repair Property: $17,672.29
Total: $24,729.37
First Time Home buyers Credit: $8,000.00
Current equity: $5,519.79 (not including any change in value the upgrades gave me)
2009 Prop Tax Deduction: $90.10
Electrician costs -$95.00
TILE Refund $1,265.00
2010 Federal Tax refund (diff from itemizing instead of the standard ded): $1,087.00
2010 State tax Refund (diff from itemizing instead of the standard ded): $461.00
Current amount in the hole: $8,401.48
If I sold the condo tomorrow, I'd have to sell the property for $139,300 Assuming a 6% commission & enough money to refund the amount i'm in the hole for... plus the $8,000.00 tax CREDIT to the government.
If I wait out the remaining 22 months (and use the appropriate estimated principle invested in the property at that time), I'd be able to sell for $123,400(assuming 6% commission) to recoup all costs. =)
My taxes...
r done... but I itemized so that means i have to wait for my money from the feds until mid February...
but i'm getting back lots of happy money... to totally use for the wedding (after i put that $1,000 back in my ef).
Federal: $1,857
State: $728
If i didn't itemize, i would have only gotten $770 federally (largely do to a $400 Making work pay credit), and $267 from California. (Last year i owed $55 by claiming 1, so that's why i kept it at zero for 2010).
I didn't realize that if you itemize federally, your deductions are carried over to the state taxes. (I'm glad I paid for turbo tax, or I would have missed out on $461 as I would have just taken the standard deduction if i went to the free site!)
So, I officially love itemizing. I'm just sad I probably won't get to do it next year, but well see! Who knows... so i'm saving receipts and everything now that i'm a bit more tax wiser!
Due to tax laws passed in December 2010, the IRS won't start processing returns with itemized deductions until mid-February. Just keep going and file your return with TurboTax now. We'll take care of everything to get your return processed as quickly as possible
but i'm getting back lots of happy money... to totally use for the wedding (after i put that $1,000 back in my ef).
Federal: $1,857
State: $728
If i didn't itemize, i would have only gotten $770 federally (largely do to a $400 Making work pay credit), and $267 from California. (Last year i owed $55 by claiming 1, so that's why i kept it at zero for 2010).
I didn't realize that if you itemize federally, your deductions are carried over to the state taxes. (I'm glad I paid for turbo tax, or I would have missed out on $461 as I would have just taken the standard deduction if i went to the free site!)
So, I officially love itemizing. I'm just sad I probably won't get to do it next year, but well see! Who knows... so i'm saving receipts and everything now that i'm a bit more tax wiser!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
No Spend month.... Del Taco... and Socks
Well Last night I almost broke down and spent money i didn't really have to spend. I started volunteering at the tutoring center last night again... which meant I got up at 4am... was at work by 5:15 am, got off at 2:15pm... and was at the tutoring center by 3:30pm.
I was able to go home real fast, change, and make a snack before heading to the tutoring center, but by the time I left to head home it was 6pm and the thought of cooking dinner was not preferable.
Not to mention my dinner disaster the night before. (I was sauteeing some zuchini, yellow squash and eggplant... and it was starting to brown and smell amazing... until stupid me put in a bit more olive oil and covered it with a lid and it turned into complete and utter mush.) So i was really tempted by Del Taco because its by my house and a bean and cheese burrito and fries just sounded so good to me...
But I didn't... some how I just went home instead and popped a quiche into the microwave and ate that... but man was i tempted...
and now I need new running socks because the distances are starting to dislike my feet in my cotton used to be comfortable socks... So... I decided to get creative. I redeemed 3,900 points on MyPoints for a Target giftcard. My training friend was able to get some running socks there that were inexpensive (not $10 a pair from the running store.) so I'm going to take the target giftcard and use them to get a couple of pairs of socks.... So I won't be "spending" any more money.
I'll pocket the rest of the giftcard and I vow to only go into Target to get Socks and Shampoo (i'm almost out and I buy their generic brand). Thanks My Points!
I was able to go home real fast, change, and make a snack before heading to the tutoring center, but by the time I left to head home it was 6pm and the thought of cooking dinner was not preferable.
Not to mention my dinner disaster the night before. (I was sauteeing some zuchini, yellow squash and eggplant... and it was starting to brown and smell amazing... until stupid me put in a bit more olive oil and covered it with a lid and it turned into complete and utter mush.) So i was really tempted by Del Taco because its by my house and a bean and cheese burrito and fries just sounded so good to me...
But I didn't... some how I just went home instead and popped a quiche into the microwave and ate that... but man was i tempted...
and now I need new running socks because the distances are starting to dislike my feet in my cotton used to be comfortable socks... So... I decided to get creative. I redeemed 3,900 points on MyPoints for a Target giftcard. My training friend was able to get some running socks there that were inexpensive (not $10 a pair from the running store.) so I'm going to take the target giftcard and use them to get a couple of pairs of socks.... So I won't be "spending" any more money.
I'll pocket the rest of the giftcard and I vow to only go into Target to get Socks and Shampoo (i'm almost out and I buy their generic brand). Thanks My Points!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Mid Month Kiva Updates
I had another loan PAID back! One loan is still delinquent.
Group: Flores de Dolores
Location: Atlacomulco, Estado de México, Mexico
Sector:Clothing
Activity:Clothing Sales
Loan Use:to buy shawls
Repaid: $0.00
Shamshad Samuael Masih's Group
Location: Khanewal, Pakistan
Sector: Agriculture
Activity: Animal Sales
Loan Use: To buy goats for animal sales business
Repaid: $2.29
Janet Akinyi Ayieko
Location: Eldoret, Kenya
Repayment Term: 8 months
Activity: General Store
Repayment Schedule: Monthly
Loan Use: To open another two stores in town
Repaid: $4.17
Olga Francisca Cano Romero
Location: Portoviejo, Ecuador
Repayment Term: 6 months
Activity: Crafts
Repayment Schedule: Monthly
Loan Use: To buy fabric, down, thread, fasteners, etc.
Repaid: $18.75
Hawa Gull Group
Location: Monrovia South, Liberia
Repayment Term: 6 months
Activity: Food Market
Repayment Schedule: Monthly
Loan Use: To buy more bags of rice, onions, peppers, palm oil, and beans
Repaid: $22.35 DELINQUENT
LOANS PAID IN FULL:
Zenaida Daing- Farming, Sta. Josefa, Agusan Del Sur, Philippines
Elizabeth Aidoo- Food Market, Wiawso, Ghana
Mobateli Plus Group -Manufacturing, The Democratic Republic of the Congo
Paz y Amor Group -Fruits & Vegetables, Dominican Republic
Dustmatov Eralboy - Livestock, Tajikistan
Seccelambras Group -Food Production/Sales, Peru
Rashidat Mumuni -Fish Selling, Nigeria
Karla Vanessa Montiel Barahona -Housing, Nicaragua
Eal Nub -Fish Selling, Cambodia
Atim Irene's Group -Medical Clinic, Uganda
Obama Group- Grocery Store produce- Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
La Esperanza Group- sugar cane, flour, sugar and coal- Ita, Paraguay
Siguikadi Group- Purchase of selling items -Kadiolo Sikasso, Mali
Altantuya Lhasuren- Butcher Shop- Tsetserleg, Arhangai, Mongolia
Gbawulu Group- To buy bags of cement to make blocks- Monrovia South, Liberia
Iyunge Group: purchasing bigger quantities of beans to sell- Cibitoke, Burundi
Fight For Progress Group- Buy palm-oil, rice, & oranges- Makeni, Sierra Leone
Mamile Orozalieva's Group- purchase more cattle for breeding-Kant, Kyrgyzstan
As of today i've loaned and re-loaned out a total of $575 through KIVA to 23 different groups in 22 different places all around the world. Its amazing what $25.00 can do!
Like Kiva? Think its neat? then Lend!!!!! Visit Kiva!
Group: Flores de Dolores
Location: Atlacomulco, Estado de México, Mexico
Sector:Clothing
Activity:Clothing Sales
Loan Use:to buy shawls
Repaid: $0.00
Shamshad Samuael Masih's Group
Location: Khanewal, Pakistan
Sector: Agriculture
Activity: Animal Sales
Loan Use: To buy goats for animal sales business
Repaid: $2.29
Janet Akinyi Ayieko
Location: Eldoret, Kenya
Repayment Term: 8 months
Activity: General Store
Repayment Schedule: Monthly
Loan Use: To open another two stores in town
Repaid: $4.17
Olga Francisca Cano Romero
Location: Portoviejo, Ecuador
Repayment Term: 6 months
Activity: Crafts
Repayment Schedule: Monthly
Loan Use: To buy fabric, down, thread, fasteners, etc.
Repaid: $18.75
Hawa Gull Group
Location: Monrovia South, Liberia
Repayment Term: 6 months
Activity: Food Market
Repayment Schedule: Monthly
Loan Use: To buy more bags of rice, onions, peppers, palm oil, and beans
Repaid: $22.35 DELINQUENT
LOANS PAID IN FULL:
Zenaida Daing- Farming, Sta. Josefa, Agusan Del Sur, Philippines
Elizabeth Aidoo- Food Market, Wiawso, Ghana
Mobateli Plus Group -Manufacturing, The Democratic Republic of the Congo
Paz y Amor Group -Fruits & Vegetables, Dominican Republic
Dustmatov Eralboy - Livestock, Tajikistan
Seccelambras Group -Food Production/Sales, Peru
Rashidat Mumuni -Fish Selling, Nigeria
Karla Vanessa Montiel Barahona -Housing, Nicaragua
Eal Nub -Fish Selling, Cambodia
Atim Irene's Group -Medical Clinic, Uganda
Obama Group- Grocery Store produce- Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
La Esperanza Group- sugar cane, flour, sugar and coal- Ita, Paraguay
Siguikadi Group- Purchase of selling items -Kadiolo Sikasso, Mali
Altantuya Lhasuren- Butcher Shop- Tsetserleg, Arhangai, Mongolia
Gbawulu Group- To buy bags of cement to make blocks- Monrovia South, Liberia
Iyunge Group: purchasing bigger quantities of beans to sell- Cibitoke, Burundi
Fight For Progress Group- Buy palm-oil, rice, & oranges- Makeni, Sierra Leone
Mamile Orozalieva's Group- purchase more cattle for breeding-Kant, Kyrgyzstan
As of today i've loaned and re-loaned out a total of $575 through KIVA to 23 different groups in 22 different places all around the world. Its amazing what $25.00 can do!
Like Kiva? Think its neat? then Lend!!!!! Visit Kiva!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Tax withholding follow up...
The IRS calculator isn't up and running with the new tax information for 2011, so i guess i'll hold off for now and wait. I'm trying to pick up some extra work shifts here and there when I can, but it may mean shifting a few things around.
We still need to figure out what our married expenses will be before we start adjusting how much we get each month from my work. We may not need to put keith on my health insurance, but this depends on a few things.
A) how much it costs for him to be on his parents plan.
B) If this is less than the costs it would be for us to put him on my plan, we may pay his parents the costs to keep him on their plan till the end of 2011 when hopefully Keith will have a California job that he can get benefits through, or at least have income to offsett the new costs.
If this is the case, well see our income go up as we get to file married.
B) if we need to put him on our insurance right away, thats when our income will fall... especially while he doesn't have a california job.
He's still hunting out in Utah. He had a really good lead that dried up, so he's back out there trying to find something. ***crosses Fingers***
But we did call and get a quote to add him on to my insurance policy... so at least i have the "worst case" numbers on that... assuming his old '91 car will pass California SMOG standards.
We still need to figure out what our married expenses will be before we start adjusting how much we get each month from my work. We may not need to put keith on my health insurance, but this depends on a few things.
A) how much it costs for him to be on his parents plan.
B) If this is less than the costs it would be for us to put him on my plan, we may pay his parents the costs to keep him on their plan till the end of 2011 when hopefully Keith will have a California job that he can get benefits through, or at least have income to offsett the new costs.
If this is the case, well see our income go up as we get to file married.
B) if we need to put him on our insurance right away, thats when our income will fall... especially while he doesn't have a california job.
He's still hunting out in Utah. He had a really good lead that dried up, so he's back out there trying to find something. ***crosses Fingers***
But we did call and get a quote to add him on to my insurance policy... so at least i have the "worst case" numbers on that... assuming his old '91 car will pass California SMOG standards.
Week 2 no meat
I started my week as a busy bee… with the car at the dealers, some wedding errands that needed to be finished… and I even picked up an extra shift this week at work, it’s safe to say I’ve been on the run.
Breakfasts:
• Toasted Wheat bread and peanut butter
• Fat free milk
• Wheat thins with laughing cow cheese
• Avocado on toasted wheat bread with pepper jack cheese
• cereal
Lunch/Snacks
• Juice
• Cherries
• Avocado, mushrooms, pepper-jack cheese sandwich on toasted wheat bread
• Organic low fat vanilla yogurt
• NASTY fake “BBQ fake chicken from Trader joes”—I almost puked it up.
• Celery, carrots, humus = happy
• Wheat thins/triscuits & laughing cow cheese
• Fat Free milk
• MORNING STAR FARMS!!!! Mmmmmmm their pizza flavored patties are so delish on a bun with some pepper jack cheese. I had one almost every day for lunch as a main protein swap.
• Tortilla chips
• Raw Top Raman (I wanted something crunchy that wasn’t crackers when I ran out of tortilla chips).
Dinners:
• Broccoli Cheese quiche (not as good as the mushroom spinach)
• Potatoes, yellow squash, zucchini & Parmesan cheese
• Artichokes with melted I cannot believe it’s not butter (add salt and garlic powder too)
• Organic Roasted red pepper soup (had to finish it off from last week).
• Lemon cake
• Garbage Salad (Apple, green onions, peppers, lettuce bag varieties, cucumber, artichoke hearts, feta cheese, carrots….) all in a light balsamic… YUM!!!
I think for this coming next week I’ll make some Edna-me and take a break from the morning star farms (or try a different flavor)... I found some coupons in the store for them and they are on sale at Ralphs this week. I’m trying to make a weekly menu of yummy foods so if I decide to do this longer, I’ll have a nice rotation going so I’m not just eating the same foods over and over again.
I’m also picking a new fruit each week so I won’t be bored… and I have to say, veggies and humus is the best swap I’ve ever made. If I learn nothing more from this experiment, I’ll be a happy camper.
Breakfasts:
• Toasted Wheat bread and peanut butter
• Fat free milk
• Wheat thins with laughing cow cheese
• Avocado on toasted wheat bread with pepper jack cheese
• cereal
Lunch/Snacks
• Juice
• Cherries
• Avocado, mushrooms, pepper-jack cheese sandwich on toasted wheat bread
• Organic low fat vanilla yogurt
• NASTY fake “BBQ fake chicken from Trader joes”—I almost puked it up.
• Celery, carrots, humus = happy
• Wheat thins/triscuits & laughing cow cheese
• Fat Free milk
• MORNING STAR FARMS!!!! Mmmmmmm their pizza flavored patties are so delish on a bun with some pepper jack cheese. I had one almost every day for lunch as a main protein swap.
• Tortilla chips
• Raw Top Raman (I wanted something crunchy that wasn’t crackers when I ran out of tortilla chips).
Dinners:
• Broccoli Cheese quiche (not as good as the mushroom spinach)
• Potatoes, yellow squash, zucchini & Parmesan cheese
• Artichokes with melted I cannot believe it’s not butter (add salt and garlic powder too)
• Organic Roasted red pepper soup (had to finish it off from last week).
• Lemon cake
• Garbage Salad (Apple, green onions, peppers, lettuce bag varieties, cucumber, artichoke hearts, feta cheese, carrots….) all in a light balsamic… YUM!!!
I think for this coming next week I’ll make some Edna-me and take a break from the morning star farms (or try a different flavor)... I found some coupons in the store for them and they are on sale at Ralphs this week. I’m trying to make a weekly menu of yummy foods so if I decide to do this longer, I’ll have a nice rotation going so I’m not just eating the same foods over and over again.
I’m also picking a new fruit each week so I won’t be bored… and I have to say, veggies and humus is the best swap I’ve ever made. If I learn nothing more from this experiment, I’ll be a happy camper.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Should I change my withholding?
Right now I claim 1 federally (0 for the state), and have my taxes computed as SINGLE. I'm getting married in July and I wasn't sure if I should I change my withholding now to increase my paycheck.
If I change the withholding, I'll be able to use that money to cover wedding expenses... or to set aside extra money for when we "take a paycut" when we are married (I won't be able to have cafe cash when we get hitched... because well be using it for his health insurance.)
If I don't and I keep trying to do what I am doing now, we'll get some money back when we do our taxes next year, and that could come in handy to pump up the emergency fund or replenish it without having to save up a little each month...
hmmmmm
Thoughts? I'm really torn on this idea. When we get married, I'll be loosing the $164 a check cafe cash, and will instead have around $57 deducted from each paycheck... even with the married tax brackets and claiming 2, we'll definently be loosing money from each check... and well have increased costs (more groceries, insurance, gasoline, etc)... and it may take a while for Keith to be able to find a Job in California. That "tax refund" may come in handy to help replenish a lot of things.... but on the same terms, I'd like to pay for the wedding without robbing my emergency fund...
If I change the withholding, I'll be able to use that money to cover wedding expenses... or to set aside extra money for when we "take a paycut" when we are married (I won't be able to have cafe cash when we get hitched... because well be using it for his health insurance.)
If I don't and I keep trying to do what I am doing now, we'll get some money back when we do our taxes next year, and that could come in handy to pump up the emergency fund or replenish it without having to save up a little each month...
hmmmmm
Thoughts? I'm really torn on this idea. When we get married, I'll be loosing the $164 a check cafe cash, and will instead have around $57 deducted from each paycheck... even with the married tax brackets and claiming 2, we'll definently be loosing money from each check... and well have increased costs (more groceries, insurance, gasoline, etc)... and it may take a while for Keith to be able to find a Job in California. That "tax refund" may come in handy to help replenish a lot of things.... but on the same terms, I'd like to pay for the wedding without robbing my emergency fund...
Mortgage Balance + Condo Costs
The balance will actually be a few dollars in my favor... but the online bill pay was down on Friday, & since Monday is a holiday I won't be able to get exact numbers till Wednesday and i'm impacient and forgetful... so this month will be a little estimation. (I justed used the same amount of interest I paid last month in the calculations.) So, here's the updated costs.
New Balance: $114,481.00
The pay off date (assuming just the minimum monthly payment) is NOW February 2039... 7 months ahead of schedule. =)
If I continue to pay the minimum on my loan, I will pay $112,574.16 in interest instead of the $116,404.23... Saving me $3,830.07 in interest over the life of the loan... all for parting with $1,081.56 a little before I had to!
Total Condo Costs:
Money paid to aquire the property and get keys: $7,057.08
Money Spent to Remodel and Repair Property: $17,672.29
Total: $24,729.37
First Time Home buyers Credit: $8,000.00
Current equity: $5,519 (not including any change in value the upgrades gave me)
2009 Prop Tax Deduction: $90.10
Electrician costs -$95.00
TILE Refund $1,265.00
Current amount in the hole: $9,950.27
Hopefully when I do my taxes, i'll be somewhere under the $9,000 range because I get to Itemize for 2010!
If I sold the condo tomorrow, I'd have to sell the property for $141,000.00 Assuming a 6% commission & enough money to refund the amount i'm in the hole for... plus the $8,000.00 tax CREDIT to the government.
If I wait out the remaining 22 months (and use the appropriate estimated principle invested in the property at that time), I'd be able to sell for $125,100.00(assuming 6% commission) to recoup all costs. =)
Just FYI-
I look at my monthly payments, property taxes, extra mortage principle payments & my HOA dues as a wash because if i add all those up, its equivalent to the market rate of the apartment complex i'd be living in if I hadn't bought my condo.
New Balance: $114,481.00
The pay off date (assuming just the minimum monthly payment) is NOW February 2039... 7 months ahead of schedule. =)
If I continue to pay the minimum on my loan, I will pay $112,574.16 in interest instead of the $116,404.23... Saving me $3,830.07 in interest over the life of the loan... all for parting with $1,081.56 a little before I had to!
Total Condo Costs:
Money paid to aquire the property and get keys: $7,057.08
Money Spent to Remodel and Repair Property: $17,672.29
Total: $24,729.37
First Time Home buyers Credit: $8,000.00
Current equity: $5,519 (not including any change in value the upgrades gave me)
2009 Prop Tax Deduction: $90.10
Electrician costs -$95.00
TILE Refund $1,265.00
Current amount in the hole: $9,950.27
Hopefully when I do my taxes, i'll be somewhere under the $9,000 range because I get to Itemize for 2010!
If I sold the condo tomorrow, I'd have to sell the property for $141,000.00 Assuming a 6% commission & enough money to refund the amount i'm in the hole for... plus the $8,000.00 tax CREDIT to the government.
If I wait out the remaining 22 months (and use the appropriate estimated principle invested in the property at that time), I'd be able to sell for $125,100.00(assuming 6% commission) to recoup all costs. =)
Just FYI-
I look at my monthly payments, property taxes, extra mortage principle payments & my HOA dues as a wash because if i add all those up, its equivalent to the market rate of the apartment complex i'd be living in if I hadn't bought my condo.
Friday, January 14, 2011
How I'm surviving my "No Spend Month"
The only place I've "shopped" all month are the grocery stores I frequent (Henry's, Trader Joes and Ralphs)... and by not grocery shopping at say Target (Which I occassionally do), i'm not tempted by other target items... and their $1 section.
I've purposely been trying to go home after work, and keep errand running to a minimum so i'm not out and about and pop in somewhere just to look... because looking leads to holding, holding leaves to buying... and then I don't reach my goals. Instead I've been going through the paper back books I bought a few months ago from the $1.00 library store (I got a few good ones there)! So i can also begin to weed through the keepers and the hand offs (we'll be needing more closet space when Mr. Fiance moves in.)
The Vegitarian Diet is also Helping me out. Because I have Henry's nearby, I can buy local produce at really good prices... and buy just one of something if i want to (which is helping me cut down on wasting food)... and i'm trying not to buy a lot of those packaged vegitarian options. I'm trying a new one every now and then, but maybe only once a week or something. =)
But my main motivator is my wedding. I want to pay for it in cash so badly...
So, I'm setting myself up for a HUGE goal for this No Spend Month... I want to pay off my wedding dress and all the rest of the stuff on my David's Bridal Line of credit completely. I have a $300 balance on it right now, and this month I gave myself $200 to allocate towards Wedding Stuff. But, I purchased my invites, reply cards, thank you cards, etc this month... taking $73.17 out of that budget.
So that leaves me with $126.83 to put towards the $300 balance... I paid my utility bills and I have $14.49 leftover from that budget category... & after using some holiday pay (109.49) to cover my car repairs, I have $39.87 in my "unbudgetted" account that I can dedicate to the dress. The Unbudgetted account would have been more, but I overspent last months budget by $30.59 so that had to come out of this month's budget too.
So that leaves me to try and find $118.81 by the end of the month. I think my CC rebate check that I tried to redeem in November will finally be coming in the mail ($50.00) and if it does i'll add it to the dress... leaving me to find $68.81 in my already tight budget.
I've purposely been trying to go home after work, and keep errand running to a minimum so i'm not out and about and pop in somewhere just to look... because looking leads to holding, holding leaves to buying... and then I don't reach my goals. Instead I've been going through the paper back books I bought a few months ago from the $1.00 library store (I got a few good ones there)! So i can also begin to weed through the keepers and the hand offs (we'll be needing more closet space when Mr. Fiance moves in.)
The Vegitarian Diet is also Helping me out. Because I have Henry's nearby, I can buy local produce at really good prices... and buy just one of something if i want to (which is helping me cut down on wasting food)... and i'm trying not to buy a lot of those packaged vegitarian options. I'm trying a new one every now and then, but maybe only once a week or something. =)
But my main motivator is my wedding. I want to pay for it in cash so badly...
So, I'm setting myself up for a HUGE goal for this No Spend Month... I want to pay off my wedding dress and all the rest of the stuff on my David's Bridal Line of credit completely. I have a $300 balance on it right now, and this month I gave myself $200 to allocate towards Wedding Stuff. But, I purchased my invites, reply cards, thank you cards, etc this month... taking $73.17 out of that budget.
So that leaves me with $126.83 to put towards the $300 balance... I paid my utility bills and I have $14.49 leftover from that budget category... & after using some holiday pay (109.49) to cover my car repairs, I have $39.87 in my "unbudgetted" account that I can dedicate to the dress. The Unbudgetted account would have been more, but I overspent last months budget by $30.59 so that had to come out of this month's budget too.
So that leaves me to try and find $118.81 by the end of the month. I think my CC rebate check that I tried to redeem in November will finally be coming in the mail ($50.00) and if it does i'll add it to the dress... leaving me to find $68.81 in my already tight budget.
I got my car back Yesterday after work!
and they didn't just end up replacing the "neck hose"... They gave me an entire new Fuel tank on top of it.
I have no idea what that would cost if I had to pay for it out of my pocket so I googled and I found the Fuel filler neck part would have been $217.86 retail (But on a website for $57.95) But no websites sell or stock the other part... similar ones are between $300-$1,300
So I'm glad I didn't have to pay for that...
But now I'm wondering how reliable my car really is. The miles on it are incredibly low (55,000 on a 2004)... but the last year or so I've had some very not normal repairs on it (Electrical Issues... Now Fuel Tank issues???? )... my warranty expires in 2012... =(
I have no idea what that would cost if I had to pay for it out of my pocket so I googled and I found the Fuel filler neck part would have been $217.86 retail (But on a website for $57.95) But no websites sell or stock the other part... similar ones are between $300-$1,300
So I'm glad I didn't have to pay for that...
But now I'm wondering how reliable my car really is. The miles on it are incredibly low (55,000 on a 2004)... but the last year or so I've had some very not normal repairs on it (Electrical Issues... Now Fuel Tank issues???? )... my warranty expires in 2012... =(
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Kiva- January Loan
Group: Flores de Dolores
Location: Atlacomulco, Estado de México, Mexico
Sector:Clothing
Activity:Clothing Sales
Loan Use:to buy shawls
Repayment Term:6 months
Repayment Schedule:Monthly
This group is called Flores de Dolores (Dolores’s Flowers). It is located in the community of Dolores Hidalgo in the state of Mexico. There are 12 people in the group. 44-year old Paulina Marcial is one of them. She completed sixth grade of primary school, is a businesswoman, and has four children, two girls and two boys.
Paulina earns her living buying and selling shawls, a job she’s been doing for eight years. She is seeking a loan to buy more shawls which she sells in the nearby towns. The shawls are part of the traditional dress worn by local women.
Paulina is happy right now because she has the money to invest in her business. The loan will be used to buy more shawls so her store is well-stocked. At the moment of taking the photograph, Sra. Adela GarcÃa bent down, but all the group members appear.
Current Kiva Loans:
1 loan delinquent
Shamshad Samuael Masih's Group
Location: Khanewal, Pakistan
Sector: Agriculture
Activity: Animal Sales
Loan Use: To buy goats for animal sales business
Repaid: $0.00
Janet Akinyi Ayieko
Location: Eldoret, Kenya
Repayment Term: 8 months
Activity: General Store
Repayment Schedule: Monthly
Loan Use: To open another two stores in town
Repaid: $0.00
Olga Francisca Cano Romero
Location: Portoviejo, Ecuador
Repayment Term: 6 months
Activity: Crafts
Repayment Schedule: Monthly
Loan Use: To buy fabric, down, thread, fasteners, etc.
Repaid: $9.38
Mamile Orozalieva's Group
Location: Kant, Kyrgyzstan
Repayment Term: 6 months
Activity: Cattle
Repayment Schedule: Monthly
Loan Use: To purchase more cattle for breeding
Repaid: $18.39
Hawa Gull Group
Location: Monrovia South, Liberia
Repayment Term: 6 months
Activity: Food Market
Repayment Schedule: Monthly
Loan Use: To buy more bags of rice, onions, peppers, palm oil, and beans
Repaid: $20.79 DELINQUENT
LOANS PAID IN FULL:
Zenaida Daing- Farming, Sta. Josefa, Agusan Del Sur, Philippines
Elizabeth Aidoo- Food Market, Wiawso, Ghana
Mobateli Plus Group -Manufacturing, The Democratic Republic of the Congo
Paz y Amor Group -Fruits & Vegetables, Dominican Republic
Dustmatov Eralboy - Livestock, Tajikistan
Seccelambras Group -Food Production/Sales, Peru
Rashidat Mumuni -Fish Selling, Nigeria
Karla Vanessa Montiel Barahona -Housing, Nicaragua
Eal Nub -Fish Selling, Cambodia
Atim Irene's Group -Medical Clinic, Uganda
Obama Group- Grocery Store produce- Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
La Esperanza Group- sugar cane, flour, sugar and coal- Ita, Paraguay
Siguikadi Group- Purchase of selling items -Kadiolo Sikasso, Mali
Altantuya Lhasuren- Butcher Shop- Tsetserleg, Arhangai, Mongolia
Gbawulu Group- To buy bags of cement to make blocks- Monrovia South, Liberia
Iyunge Group: purchasing bigger quantities of beans to sell- Cibitoke, Burundi
Fight For Progress Group- Buy palm-oil, rice, & oranges- Makeni, Sierra Leone
As of today i've loaned and re-loaned out a total of $575 through KIVA to 23 different groups in 22 different places all around the world. Its amazing what $25.00can do!
Like Kiva? Think its neat? then Lend!!!!! Visit Kiva!
Wedding Planner
I had to have a chat with the wedding planner because she desperately needs to get an assistant because she's leaving her brides out in the cold because she's uber busy and still recovering from a bad injury. basically I'd email her to send me something (the cake picture design she had in mind to match the center pieces) and she would completely forget to do it... so after a week I called her and thankfully we are all back on track.
She even got us a great deal on a DJ and we are actually getting our apple cider toast at no additional cost (even though she cut over $400 off the wedding package price--- I was under the impression that the toast got nixed in the price drop.)...
But nope its in :) and since it is, its nice to be able to have the DJ to MmCee the whole thing. I was originally going to ask my "church grandma" to help run the reception, but my "church grandpa's" health hasn't been so bueno and this would really be a burden on her. So for $200 we got an awesome DJ and someone to help us stay on time with everything. =)
Oh!! and I got my cake picture. Its basically this, but with Pink Gerber Daisys on it.
She even got us a great deal on a DJ and we are actually getting our apple cider toast at no additional cost (even though she cut over $400 off the wedding package price--- I was under the impression that the toast got nixed in the price drop.)...
But nope its in :) and since it is, its nice to be able to have the DJ to MmCee the whole thing. I was originally going to ask my "church grandma" to help run the reception, but my "church grandpa's" health hasn't been so bueno and this would really be a burden on her. So for $200 we got an awesome DJ and someone to help us stay on time with everything. =)
Oh!! and I got my cake picture. Its basically this, but with Pink Gerber Daisys on it.
January "No Spend Month Update"
So it's been 12 full days of January... and the only thing I've spent money on is groceries, gasoline, the original car costs for my maint, and my utilities.
I haven't bought anything non-essential so far.
I thought I was going to pay for one meal out (My best friends mom had a blood clot in her leg and I couldn't say no to my friend--- she needed to hang out and since she lives far away, I met her up by her work so staying in wouldn't have worked... So we met at a Denny's by her work.)
When It came time to check out and pay, she wouldn't let me. Adamantly refused.... but that's her for you.
I"m almost 1/2 way there.
I haven't bought anything non-essential so far.
I thought I was going to pay for one meal out (My best friends mom had a blood clot in her leg and I couldn't say no to my friend--- she needed to hang out and since she lives far away, I met her up by her work so staying in wouldn't have worked... So we met at a Denny's by her work.)
When It came time to check out and pay, she wouldn't let me. Adamantly refused.... but that's her for you.
I"m almost 1/2 way there.
Car Update
A hose wasn't fully connected or something which is why the gas light went back on, but apparently now its working... or at least that's what they told me when I got my car back.
Until I went to pump gas... and couldn't. Nope. It wouldn't let me get more than $0.25 cents at a time. Which was really annoying at 5am before I was heading to work on practically empty.
So it's back at the dealership. I waited to see if it was "just me" while they tried and failed to pump gas into the car... Then they tried cleaning off some other hoses or filters to see if Road crap was blocking it & they tried again... but alas it was NOT working... so now they are going to replace the neck hose that goes from the cap to the gas container thingy.
and this is not covered under the warranty, but they are paying for it because I'm a nice person who isn't screaming at them for not being able to fix my car. So i'm in my complimentary rental car again, and the part should come in in a couple of days.
Why are they being so nice to me?
Because Toyota was notified of the gas light issue and had to involve the district... plus i'm on a first name basis with most of the shop guys there because I
A) bought my car there and was knowledgeable that they offered me a job if I wanted one.
B) One of the guys who works there used to go to the gym I work at. (He even buffed out all the scratches on my car from when i had a nice love scrape with my old apartment garage the last time he serviced it.) He's just a nice guy with 4 kiddos.
and C) when I brought my car back in after the gas carbon canister was replaced, the desk guy blew me off and said they wouldn't look at my car until Monday... with no explanation. So I commented about that to the reception lady and she immediately went to the GM about how mean he was to me... so now the GM is kissing my butt. So now they are so uber nice to me its funny... I didn't get mad or yell once. (Which is mainly because I know i'll have to go back there eventually again, so I need to keep them happy too).
So my approach is.... "you'll give me a rental car so i'm not carless? okay, i'll leave it here a few days. Call me when its done... and your not charging me right? bueno."
=)
Until I went to pump gas... and couldn't. Nope. It wouldn't let me get more than $0.25 cents at a time. Which was really annoying at 5am before I was heading to work on practically empty.
So it's back at the dealership. I waited to see if it was "just me" while they tried and failed to pump gas into the car... Then they tried cleaning off some other hoses or filters to see if Road crap was blocking it & they tried again... but alas it was NOT working... so now they are going to replace the neck hose that goes from the cap to the gas container thingy.
and this is not covered under the warranty, but they are paying for it because I'm a nice person who isn't screaming at them for not being able to fix my car. So i'm in my complimentary rental car again, and the part should come in in a couple of days.
Why are they being so nice to me?
Because Toyota was notified of the gas light issue and had to involve the district... plus i'm on a first name basis with most of the shop guys there because I
A) bought my car there and was knowledgeable that they offered me a job if I wanted one.
B) One of the guys who works there used to go to the gym I work at. (He even buffed out all the scratches on my car from when i had a nice love scrape with my old apartment garage the last time he serviced it.) He's just a nice guy with 4 kiddos.
and C) when I brought my car back in after the gas carbon canister was replaced, the desk guy blew me off and said they wouldn't look at my car until Monday... with no explanation. So I commented about that to the reception lady and she immediately went to the GM about how mean he was to me... so now the GM is kissing my butt. So now they are so uber nice to me its funny... I didn't get mad or yell once. (Which is mainly because I know i'll have to go back there eventually again, so I need to keep them happy too).
So my approach is.... "you'll give me a rental car so i'm not carless? okay, i'll leave it here a few days. Call me when its done... and your not charging me right? bueno."
=)
Sunday, January 9, 2011
What we have spent on the wedding thus far...
David's Bridal
Dress $299.99
Bag for Dress $10.00
beaded sash $59.00
slip $50.15
shoes $53.10
4 pairs of earrings $40.00
take up shoulders $40.00
hem $120.00
bustle $35.00
cups $20.00
tax $70.00
Utah Jewelry Store
Keith's Ring $160.28
Walmart
Picture Frames $14.37
Deposit with Wedding Planner
OCBW $1,000.00
Target
Body Slimmer $21.75
Vista Print
Wedding Invites (50) $23.44
Thank You cards (50) $18.05
Reception Reply Cards (50) $14.88
Return Address Stickers $4.06
Shipping $12.74
TOTAL $2,066.81
Rest of the wedding budget:
wedding and reception $4,475.00
food $300.00
stamps $70.00
pictures for frames $45.00
programs $60.00
water bottle stickers $6.00
hair and make up FREE (someone offered as a wedding gift)
eyebrows $12.00
mani pedi $50.00
flutes $13.00
sand ceremony $25.00
wedding advice/guest book $30.00
court fee $60.00
sound equipment $100.00
lunch day of $100.00
bridesmaid gifts $100.00
bridal shower $200.00
batchelorette party $100.00
cake cutter $25.00
jewelry?
Rehearsal Dinner???
$5,771.00
grand total $7,837.81
Dress $299.99
Bag for Dress $10.00
beaded sash $59.00
slip $50.15
shoes $53.10
4 pairs of earrings $40.00
take up shoulders $40.00
hem $120.00
bustle $35.00
cups $20.00
tax $70.00
Utah Jewelry Store
Keith's Ring $160.28
Walmart
Picture Frames $14.37
Deposit with Wedding Planner
OCBW $1,000.00
Target
Body Slimmer $21.75
Vista Print
Wedding Invites (50) $23.44
Thank You cards (50) $18.05
Reception Reply Cards (50) $14.88
Return Address Stickers $4.06
Shipping $12.74
TOTAL $2,066.81
Rest of the wedding budget:
wedding and reception $4,475.00
food $300.00
stamps $70.00
pictures for frames $45.00
programs $60.00
water bottle stickers $6.00
hair and make up FREE (someone offered as a wedding gift)
eyebrows $12.00
mani pedi $50.00
flutes $13.00
sand ceremony $25.00
wedding advice/guest book $30.00
court fee $60.00
sound equipment $100.00
lunch day of $100.00
bridesmaid gifts $100.00
bridal shower $200.00
batchelorette party $100.00
cake cutter $25.00
jewelry?
Rehearsal Dinner???
$5,771.00
grand total $7,837.81
I designed my own wedding invitations today
My friend took a bunch of engagement shots of Keith and I while we were at Disneyland over Christmas.
We were supposed to have my "brother" take the shots, but the first day we planned to do them it rained... and it rained on our back up day... so we improvised.
Thankfully we got some great photos and I was able to use my Photo-Shop skills to put together some very modern and awesome looking invites that fit Keith and my style.
We didn't budget much for Invitations, Reply cards, Thank You cards, Envelopes, or Return Address lables... So I hunted around and found the best deals on Vista Print... I paired it with a $40 off $100 coupon I got off Coupon Cabin... and because of how I uploaded my images, I only had to pay for the printing rights of 2 pictures!
The current guest list has us at 80 people (Bridal parties included), but only about 40 families/individuals. To be on the safe side I ordered 50 invitations + envelopes, 50 reply cards + envelopes, 50 thank you cards + envelopes& 140 Address Stickers. I also got another 140 Address stickers for Free so I made those up with what will be my new last name so I can use those ones after the wedding for other bills that come. =)
So how much did I spend?
$23.44 Wedding invites + Envelopes (50)
$18.05 Thank You Cards + Envelopes (50)
$14.88 Reception Reply Cards + Envelopes (50)
$4.06 Return Address Stickers (140)
$12.74 Shipping
=$73.17 (SAVING $72.49, because the original amount would have been $145.66)
I get them in about 3 weeks. We decided not to do Save the Dates to save on postage and money because we are keeping a small wedding so everyone knows word of mouth already and we will be mailing the invites out in February so people will have plenty of notice.
Wedding Invite (The address has been blocked out for Privacy Reasons)
Thank You Cards
Reply Cards
Maybe I should start a side business???
We were supposed to have my "brother" take the shots, but the first day we planned to do them it rained... and it rained on our back up day... so we improvised.
Thankfully we got some great photos and I was able to use my Photo-Shop skills to put together some very modern and awesome looking invites that fit Keith and my style.
We didn't budget much for Invitations, Reply cards, Thank You cards, Envelopes, or Return Address lables... So I hunted around and found the best deals on Vista Print... I paired it with a $40 off $100 coupon I got off Coupon Cabin... and because of how I uploaded my images, I only had to pay for the printing rights of 2 pictures!
The current guest list has us at 80 people (Bridal parties included), but only about 40 families/individuals. To be on the safe side I ordered 50 invitations + envelopes, 50 reply cards + envelopes, 50 thank you cards + envelopes& 140 Address Stickers. I also got another 140 Address stickers for Free so I made those up with what will be my new last name so I can use those ones after the wedding for other bills that come. =)
So how much did I spend?
$23.44 Wedding invites + Envelopes (50)
$18.05 Thank You Cards + Envelopes (50)
$14.88 Reception Reply Cards + Envelopes (50)
$4.06 Return Address Stickers (140)
$12.74 Shipping
=$73.17 (SAVING $72.49, because the original amount would have been $145.66)
I get them in about 3 weeks. We decided not to do Save the Dates to save on postage and money because we are keeping a small wedding so everyone knows word of mouth already and we will be mailing the invites out in February so people will have plenty of notice.
Wedding Invite (The address has been blocked out for Privacy Reasons)
Thank You Cards
Reply Cards
Maybe I should start a side business???
My First week as a Vegetarian.
So far, so good! I’ve been a vegetarian for 8 full days, and I think I’m adapting well to the changes. I did notice that I haven’t really been cooking much for the most part though… Part of that is because I’m lazy and I’ve been just having little snacks throughout the day (which is not unhealthy since I’m eating good food). Part of this was also because it took my body about 4 days to get used to my new diet. I’m glad I live alone right now because I was a bit gassy to tell you all the truth. So, besides one headache (solved by eating some canned chili—I hadn’t had time to grocery shop when I started on day one so I didn’t have many options at first) … It hasn’t been too bad.
I have been mindful not to eat just a lot of grains and brown food—which is tempting when people start out. It’s very possible to be unhealthy and be a vegetarian by eating pizza, chips, soda, etc. So I’ve been really mindful about limiting how much pasta (always whole grain) and crackers (Triscuits and wheat thins), etc that I’m munching on in one setting, and as a whole throughout the day.
I went digging and found a few vegetarian magazines I borrowed from my friend a long time ago to give me a good idea of some new recipes I’d like to try for week 2 or 3… and I went to the store and got some soy-protein fake chicken from Trader Joes… and some morning stars soy protein patties so I can make sure I’m eating protein (and I might as well try something new). I’ll work with those next week.
As this becomes more normal (and now that I’ve gone shopping) I should start moving from snacks to more meal type things… (but its been a stressful and busy week for me)
Breakfasts:
• Leftover Pei-Wei (veggie and tofu low mein)
• ½ Avocado on toast or some kind of bread (put bread in the toaster, cover with avocado slices).
• Vegetarian chili (canned).
• Quaker Oats Cereal “oat squares”
• Non Fat Milk
• Low fat vanilla organic yogurt (Trader Joes)
Lunch/Snacks
• Triscuits with pine nut hummus
• Wheat Thins with Laughing Cow Cheese
• Carrots with Ranch
• Warm Eda-name with Salt (leftover from Pei Wei)
• Fat Free Milk
• Hot Coco (with Marshmallows made with Non Fat Milk)
• Leftover Holiday Chocolates
• Pineapple (and grilled pineapple)
• Tortilla chips and Salsa
• Juice
• Celery and Peanut butter
• Celery with ranch
• Apple slices with Peanut Butter
• Avocado, mushrooms, pepper-jack cheese sandwich on toasted wheat bread
• organic roasted red pepper and tomato soup (Trader Joes)
• Organic low fat vanilla yogurt
• Spinach and mushroom quiche
Dinners: (Most nights I didn’t really have dinner… because I’d come home from work and make a late lunch around 3 and then have a snack later before bed—Like some milk or juice or something –I’ve been trying to get in bed at 8, and asleep at 9.)
• Spaghetti with whole wheat pasta, mushrooms, spaghetti sauce, Parmesan cheese.
• Small baked potatoes (salt, pepper, I can’t believe its not butter light) ..topped with sautéed zucchini & yellow squash with Parmesan cheese and garlic powder.
• Baked potato with leftover chili on top.
• Denny’s Vegi-burger… fries…. Side salad with Ranch…. And we split a dessert 3 ways (Apple Crisp)
I'm going to buy "good" bread when i go to the store so my sandwiches are yummier, but I'll eat the wheat bread I have till its gone.
I have been mindful not to eat just a lot of grains and brown food—which is tempting when people start out. It’s very possible to be unhealthy and be a vegetarian by eating pizza, chips, soda, etc. So I’ve been really mindful about limiting how much pasta (always whole grain) and crackers (Triscuits and wheat thins), etc that I’m munching on in one setting, and as a whole throughout the day.
I went digging and found a few vegetarian magazines I borrowed from my friend a long time ago to give me a good idea of some new recipes I’d like to try for week 2 or 3… and I went to the store and got some soy-protein fake chicken from Trader Joes… and some morning stars soy protein patties so I can make sure I’m eating protein (and I might as well try something new). I’ll work with those next week.
As this becomes more normal (and now that I’ve gone shopping) I should start moving from snacks to more meal type things… (but its been a stressful and busy week for me)
Breakfasts:
• Leftover Pei-Wei (veggie and tofu low mein)
• ½ Avocado on toast or some kind of bread (put bread in the toaster, cover with avocado slices).
• Vegetarian chili (canned).
• Quaker Oats Cereal “oat squares”
• Non Fat Milk
• Low fat vanilla organic yogurt (Trader Joes)
Lunch/Snacks
• Triscuits with pine nut hummus
• Wheat Thins with Laughing Cow Cheese
• Carrots with Ranch
• Warm Eda-name with Salt (leftover from Pei Wei)
• Fat Free Milk
• Hot Coco (with Marshmallows made with Non Fat Milk)
• Leftover Holiday Chocolates
• Pineapple (and grilled pineapple)
• Tortilla chips and Salsa
• Juice
• Celery and Peanut butter
• Celery with ranch
• Apple slices with Peanut Butter
• Avocado, mushrooms, pepper-jack cheese sandwich on toasted wheat bread
• organic roasted red pepper and tomato soup (Trader Joes)
• Organic low fat vanilla yogurt
• Spinach and mushroom quiche
Dinners: (Most nights I didn’t really have dinner… because I’d come home from work and make a late lunch around 3 and then have a snack later before bed—Like some milk or juice or something –I’ve been trying to get in bed at 8, and asleep at 9.)
• Spaghetti with whole wheat pasta, mushrooms, spaghetti sauce, Parmesan cheese.
• Small baked potatoes (salt, pepper, I can’t believe its not butter light) ..topped with sautéed zucchini & yellow squash with Parmesan cheese and garlic powder.
• Baked potato with leftover chili on top.
• Denny’s Vegi-burger… fries…. Side salad with Ranch…. And we split a dessert 3 ways (Apple Crisp)
I'm going to buy "good" bread when i go to the store so my sandwiches are yummier, but I'll eat the wheat bread I have till its gone.
my car is back in the shop
Ya... I got my car back on Thursday night and went home. I drove to work (less than 10 miles from my home), and while working I had to drive to another facility (2.5 miles away), and the engine light went back on.
So now my car is back at the dealership, i'm driving a free rental car, and they won't be able to tell me what's wrong with it until Monday because a guy had to come from the "division" because my car has been "in" for the same issue 3 times.
I really hope whatever is wrong with it is covered under the warranty... and that I get my car back soon!
So now my car is back at the dealership, i'm driving a free rental car, and they won't be able to tell me what's wrong with it until Monday because a guy had to come from the "division" because my car has been "in" for the same issue 3 times.
I really hope whatever is wrong with it is covered under the warranty... and that I get my car back soon!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Retirement overview for 2010
My retirement funds, (minus my pension) grew 2.14% last year... not amazing by any means... if I were to toss in my pension, Hot Dang! my retirement portfolio would be rocking since my funds grown automatically 6%, plus my employer throws in 5% of my paycheck in there on top of the 3% I put in... but I like to pretend my pension isn't really there.
According to U.S. Inflation Calculator, last years inflation rate was 1.1%... so for a year of pulling almost all of my money out of the market... i'm proud I at least beat inflation and kept my principle investment intact. I took some valuable learning experiences, and now I think I'm ready to invest smart.
for 2011, i'll be entering the target date retirement world in August after I have the $3,000.00 saved up that I'll need to open my Vanguard account. Hopefully I'll see better growth, but because I won't be investing till later in the year, my goal is to try and grow my money to at least pace with inflation again for 2011.
According to U.S. Inflation Calculator, last years inflation rate was 1.1%... so for a year of pulling almost all of my money out of the market... i'm proud I at least beat inflation and kept my principle investment intact. I took some valuable learning experiences, and now I think I'm ready to invest smart.
for 2011, i'll be entering the target date retirement world in August after I have the $3,000.00 saved up that I'll need to open my Vanguard account. Hopefully I'll see better growth, but because I won't be investing till later in the year, my goal is to try and grow my money to at least pace with inflation again for 2011.
Retirement Perspectives... final 2010
End of 2009 Balance: $26,529.33 | Current 2010 Balance: $36,904.90
Additional Contributions since 2009: $10,035.18 (including pension)
Non Pension Growth: $340.39 (2.14%)
Discontinued 401a Account: Makes up 2.76 % of my Retirement
$1,019.03/$898.62 invested. (New contributions suspended.) Target Date
Discontinued 457 Account: Makes up 2.80% of my Retirement
$1,035.03 (Earns pennies a week and I can’t move the $$$$ until I quit.)
ING DIRECT CD Roth IRA: Makes up 52.50% of my portfolio
$19,373.97/$19,000.00
Up 1.96% from inception +$373.97
Pension: Approximately 41.94% of my portfolio
If I quit tomorrow, I’d just have the cash in the account (earning an automatic 6% until withdrawn)… or I could wait and pull a pension at 55 since I’m vested.
Total Cash in the Account for the lump sum option: $15,476.87 (this is the amount I value my pension at.)
• Service Credit as of 2010 Statement: 5.870 Years of Service
• If I quit tomorrow and didn’t work for Cal Pers ever again, nor anyone else for that matter (so no social security), my pension would equal $5,927.27 a year or $493.94 a month (before taxes)… and I wouldn’t begin receiving the money until I was 55 years old. So best to keep working =)
Assuming I work and have 38 years of service, and am at LEAST 55 when I retire, I’d probably go for option 2… (take less at retirement to insure a surviving spouse gets money too).
• Option 2: my spouse and I would get $2,758 a month… if I croak first, hubby gets $2,758.00 a month till he dies… if he dies first, I’d get $3,195.83 (the unmodified amount) a month till I die.
Excluding my pension, all my other retirement income totals $20,428.03
Additional Contributions since 2009: $10,035.18 (including pension)
Non Pension Growth: $340.39 (2.14%)
Discontinued 401a Account: Makes up 2.76 % of my Retirement
$1,019.03/$898.62 invested. (New contributions suspended.) Target Date
Discontinued 457 Account: Makes up 2.80% of my Retirement
$1,035.03 (Earns pennies a week and I can’t move the $$$$ until I quit.)
ING DIRECT CD Roth IRA: Makes up 52.50% of my portfolio
$19,373.97/$19,000.00
Up 1.96% from inception +$373.97
Pension: Approximately 41.94% of my portfolio
If I quit tomorrow, I’d just have the cash in the account (earning an automatic 6% until withdrawn)… or I could wait and pull a pension at 55 since I’m vested.
Total Cash in the Account for the lump sum option: $15,476.87 (this is the amount I value my pension at.)
• Service Credit as of 2010 Statement: 5.870 Years of Service
• If I quit tomorrow and didn’t work for Cal Pers ever again, nor anyone else for that matter (so no social security), my pension would equal $5,927.27 a year or $493.94 a month (before taxes)… and I wouldn’t begin receiving the money until I was 55 years old. So best to keep working =)
Assuming I work and have 38 years of service, and am at LEAST 55 when I retire, I’d probably go for option 2… (take less at retirement to insure a surviving spouse gets money too).
• Option 2: my spouse and I would get $2,758 a month… if I croak first, hubby gets $2,758.00 a month till he dies… if he dies first, I’d get $3,195.83 (the unmodified amount) a month till I die.
Excluding my pension, all my other retirement income totals $20,428.03
WAHOO... it was the carbon gas canister
My car... it was the carbon gas canister... which is covered under my certified platinum warranty... so... No charge for me! The part alone without labor was $610.00
=)
I get my car back tomorrow afternoon.
So all it cost me was my regular 5,000 miles maint. check plus the money to figure out why the engine light was on (the re-test was free).
Total: $117.03 (not as bad as it could have been)
=)
I get my car back tomorrow afternoon.
So all it cost me was my regular 5,000 miles maint. check plus the money to figure out why the engine light was on (the re-test was free).
Total: $117.03 (not as bad as it could have been)
Monday, January 3, 2011
why it sucks to be me...
The light in my car that I thought was the service light... was the check engine light.
So my $59.99 with coupon service check just got a $70.00 added charge to figure out why the light is on.
I swear the only reason it goes to the dealership is because I still have that Certified Platinum additional coverage package that goes for 100,000 miles or till 3/27/2012
I only have 55,000 miles on my car... look like after 2012 i'll be taking that car elsewhere. (preferably to the land of the cheaper...
*****Hopes the car bill will be tiny******
So my $59.99 with coupon service check just got a $70.00 added charge to figure out why the light is on.
I swear the only reason it goes to the dealership is because I still have that Certified Platinum additional coverage package that goes for 100,000 miles or till 3/27/2012
I only have 55,000 miles on my car... look like after 2012 i'll be taking that car elsewhere. (preferably to the land of the cheaper...
*****Hopes the car bill will be tiny******
Sunday, January 2, 2011
What I'm getting from OCBW
I've mentioned the all inclusive wedding package deal i'm getting from Orange County Beach Weddings... for $5475
The location is Free since we are using Keith's old church. They have a wonderful outside grass area that we are having the ceremony... and they have an outdoor covered awning with tables and chairs we can use for the reception.
So what does the Wedding package include?
The CEREMONY
Decorated arch with white organza and silk fabrics with silk and fresh flowers.
Sheppard's hooks down the isle with flowers (Gerber Daisy's and Roses, with matching fabric sashes that match the rest of the decorations)
70 wood padded wedding chairs, with white taffeta chair covers, & Sashes
Fresh Rose petals to serve as the runner
Sand Ceremony, colored sands, and table with linen (We provide the containers)
Sound system for ceremony.
Wedding Coordinator for Processional and Recessional
Set Up and Tear Down & Delivery.
The RECEPTION
Beverages:
• Three tiered serving platter for fruit and cookies (bride to provide fruits and cookies)
• Ice Tea, Lemonade and required Ice for up to 70 guests
Wedding Cake:
• Three tier cake with fresh Gerbera daisy's
• Your selected style and filling
• Cake cutting service
• Cake tasting available
Wedding Floras:
• Table centerpieces for the reception area with fresh Gerbera daisy's
• Groom's boutonniere & Bridal hand tied bouquet (Roses, gerbera daisy's and greenery)
• Up to #4 Brides Maid's simple hand-tied bouquet (Gerbera daisy's with a whiter ribbon)
• Up to #4 Groom's Men rose boutonnieres
• #1 Father rose boutonniere
• Up to #2 Mothers rose corsage
• #1 Grandmother rose corsage
Linens, Equipments & Decorations:
• Silk fabrics for picnic area posts through out reception area
• Buffet, cake and B&G sweet heart tables
• Floor length table drapes for buffet, gift, cake and guest tables
• EZ up tent for catered food
• Decorations for buffet banquet tables
• B&G Gazebo draped in beautiful white silk fabrics accompanied by a variety of colored Gerbera daisy’s
• Money cage for your gift envelopes
• Easel for your signing picture frame
• Paper napkins, crystal plastic cake plates, forks and cups for beverages for up to 70 guests
• 3-gallon gourmet beverage dispenser with chrome spigot for Ice Tea and Lemonade
• Serving Platters for appetizers (B&G to provide all food and plastic plates, napkins, forks and or spoons)
Personnel Staff:
• #2 servers included for a total of 3-4 hours
• Clean-up of the entire event (ocbw to provide large lawn bags)
• Delivery, set-up and tear-down
Photographer:
• High Resolution 2 hour photography to capture ceremony and reception high-lights
• Includes romantic pictures of B&G after ceremony delivered in a personalized CD
(Photographer will capture the highlights of the reception only (toast, first dance, cake cutting and bouquet garter and throw. This would
have to be met within the 2 hours. Photographer will guide you throughout the process. There will be no time for anything UNLESS you
follow her specific schedule)
Wedding Planner:
• Initial strategy meeting with the couple to determine type of wedding desired
• Location viewing
• Assist in creating a style or theme
• Unlimited e-mails throughout the entire planning process
• Vendor selection and negotiation vendor contracts
• Review vendor contracts
• Confirm itinerary with vendors
• Disperse final payments to all vendors
• Time-Line included for your designated coordinator, grandma or DJ
• No day of coordination...set-up decorations only
Service Fee:
Ceremony/Reception Package Fee: $5,475.00
Tax: 000.00
Sub Total: $5,475.00
Deposit Required: 1,000.00
Total Due: $ 4,475.00 (Due and payable 90 days prior to event)
The location is Free since we are using Keith's old church. They have a wonderful outside grass area that we are having the ceremony... and they have an outdoor covered awning with tables and chairs we can use for the reception.
So what does the Wedding package include?
The CEREMONY
Decorated arch with white organza and silk fabrics with silk and fresh flowers.
Sheppard's hooks down the isle with flowers (Gerber Daisy's and Roses, with matching fabric sashes that match the rest of the decorations)
70 wood padded wedding chairs, with white taffeta chair covers, & Sashes
Fresh Rose petals to serve as the runner
Sand Ceremony, colored sands, and table with linen (We provide the containers)
Sound system for ceremony.
Wedding Coordinator for Processional and Recessional
Set Up and Tear Down & Delivery.
The RECEPTION
Beverages:
• Three tiered serving platter for fruit and cookies (bride to provide fruits and cookies)
• Ice Tea, Lemonade and required Ice for up to 70 guests
Wedding Cake:
• Three tier cake with fresh Gerbera daisy's
• Your selected style and filling
• Cake cutting service
• Cake tasting available
Wedding Floras:
• Table centerpieces for the reception area with fresh Gerbera daisy's
• Groom's boutonniere & Bridal hand tied bouquet (Roses, gerbera daisy's and greenery)
• Up to #4 Brides Maid's simple hand-tied bouquet (Gerbera daisy's with a whiter ribbon)
• Up to #4 Groom's Men rose boutonnieres
• #1 Father rose boutonniere
• Up to #2 Mothers rose corsage
• #1 Grandmother rose corsage
Linens, Equipments & Decorations:
• Silk fabrics for picnic area posts through out reception area
• Buffet, cake and B&G sweet heart tables
• Floor length table drapes for buffet, gift, cake and guest tables
• EZ up tent for catered food
• Decorations for buffet banquet tables
• B&G Gazebo draped in beautiful white silk fabrics accompanied by a variety of colored Gerbera daisy’s
• Money cage for your gift envelopes
• Easel for your signing picture frame
• Paper napkins, crystal plastic cake plates, forks and cups for beverages for up to 70 guests
• 3-gallon gourmet beverage dispenser with chrome spigot for Ice Tea and Lemonade
• Serving Platters for appetizers (B&G to provide all food and plastic plates, napkins, forks and or spoons)
Personnel Staff:
• #2 servers included for a total of 3-4 hours
• Clean-up of the entire event (ocbw to provide large lawn bags)
• Delivery, set-up and tear-down
Photographer:
• High Resolution 2 hour photography to capture ceremony and reception high-lights
• Includes romantic pictures of B&G after ceremony delivered in a personalized CD
(Photographer will capture the highlights of the reception only (toast, first dance, cake cutting and bouquet garter and throw. This would
have to be met within the 2 hours. Photographer will guide you throughout the process. There will be no time for anything UNLESS you
follow her specific schedule)
Wedding Planner:
• Initial strategy meeting with the couple to determine type of wedding desired
• Location viewing
• Assist in creating a style or theme
• Unlimited e-mails throughout the entire planning process
• Vendor selection and negotiation vendor contracts
• Review vendor contracts
• Confirm itinerary with vendors
• Disperse final payments to all vendors
• Time-Line included for your designated coordinator, grandma or DJ
• No day of coordination...set-up decorations only
Service Fee:
Ceremony/Reception Package Fee: $5,475.00
Tax: 000.00
Sub Total: $5,475.00
Deposit Required: 1,000.00
Total Due: $ 4,475.00 (Due and payable 90 days prior to event)
The January No Spend Month
Besides my January Vegetarian experiment (which i'm hoping will lower my grocery costs), I'm also doing a no spend month. Christmas with the fiance in town did a number on my budget... and with wedding costs everywhere and my car needing its regularly scheduled check up... its time for a budget diet.
The Dress:
I got a line of credit from David's Bridal to pay for the dress. It's zero percent for 6 months, so I'll be making this my priority because I don't want to raid my EF for any wedding expenses (minus the deposit).
I put $607.92 on the card the first time I bought what I thought would be my wedding dress. Then all the exchanges went into place with my new dress (I put the alterations on my Cash Back CC so I had to also pay those in Dec) With the check I wrote in December heading to them, I have $300.00 left to pay off on the David's Bridal Card. Instead of adding to my EF (since I reached my goal last year a bit early) I took the extra money I had at the end of the month and filtered it to the dress.
Once that's paid off, I'm closing the account. I'm also going to be closing all of my other accounts that I don't use anymore. I know it will dent my credit score, but I have cards around my house that I never activated when they sent me the renewals.... and since I'll be changing my name later this year so it makes since to close my accounts as soon as possible to eliminate the paper trail and to make life a bit easier on me in the future.
The Dress:
I got a line of credit from David's Bridal to pay for the dress. It's zero percent for 6 months, so I'll be making this my priority because I don't want to raid my EF for any wedding expenses (minus the deposit).
I put $607.92 on the card the first time I bought what I thought would be my wedding dress. Then all the exchanges went into place with my new dress (I put the alterations on my Cash Back CC so I had to also pay those in Dec) With the check I wrote in December heading to them, I have $300.00 left to pay off on the David's Bridal Card. Instead of adding to my EF (since I reached my goal last year a bit early) I took the extra money I had at the end of the month and filtered it to the dress.
Once that's paid off, I'm closing the account. I'm also going to be closing all of my other accounts that I don't use anymore. I know it will dent my credit score, but I have cards around my house that I never activated when they sent me the renewals.... and since I'll be changing my name later this year so it makes since to close my accounts as soon as possible to eliminate the paper trail and to make life a bit easier on me in the future.
what I spent my money on in 2010
What I spent money on in 2010
• Condo Expenses: $14,480.98
• Giving/Donations: $3,048.00
• Auto/Transportation: $3,473.70
• Electric, Cell, & Internet: $1,403.03
• Groceries & Household Items: $2,218.54
• Grooming: $121.00
• Eating out: $653.89
• Going Out: $139.31
• Gifts/Presents: $907.98
• Shopping: $1279.91
• Vacation/Travel: $1295.74
• Other: $400.05
• Wedding: $1,666.82
• Marathon 289.05
Total: $31,378.00
I don't have access to my paycheck online since i'm on my laptop at home, but roughly i've paid $4,840.00 in taxes to the federal government... and $1,568 to the state of California.
I made $43,539.90 before taxes... so i was able to save around $5,753.90 this year (not including my pension or my payroll deductions.)
the 5 grand went into my Roth Ira, the 753.90 is what went into the emergency fund, minus the 1,000.00 wedding deposit.
• Condo Expenses: $14,480.98
• Giving/Donations: $3,048.00
• Auto/Transportation: $3,473.70
• Electric, Cell, & Internet: $1,403.03
• Groceries & Household Items: $2,218.54
• Grooming: $121.00
• Eating out: $653.89
• Going Out: $139.31
• Gifts/Presents: $907.98
• Shopping: $1279.91
• Vacation/Travel: $1295.74
• Other: $400.05
• Wedding: $1,666.82
• Marathon 289.05
Total: $31,378.00
I don't have access to my paycheck online since i'm on my laptop at home, but roughly i've paid $4,840.00 in taxes to the federal government... and $1,568 to the state of California.
I made $43,539.90 before taxes... so i was able to save around $5,753.90 this year (not including my pension or my payroll deductions.)
the 5 grand went into my Roth Ira, the 753.90 is what went into the emergency fund, minus the 1,000.00 wedding deposit.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Years
It's a new year, and its been a while since i've done one of those "I will do this for 30 days..." kind of challenge...
So in light of the new year, and the fact that I probably won't get the opportunity to do this for a while, i'm doing 30 days as a vegetarian
=)
I'm not really going to blog too much about it, but yeah. Figured this month would be good since I won't get to see Keith face to face so it will make it a bit easier.
I'm still going to eat dairy, and if my body isn't taking to it i'll stop.... but I've always wondered if I could be a vegetarian since i naturally go for veggie options... especially in college.
Plus I figure this will make me stay busy using my kitchen... and i need a new hobby to distract me from missing keith.
So in light of the new year, and the fact that I probably won't get the opportunity to do this for a while, i'm doing 30 days as a vegetarian
=)
I'm not really going to blog too much about it, but yeah. Figured this month would be good since I won't get to see Keith face to face so it will make it a bit easier.
I'm still going to eat dairy, and if my body isn't taking to it i'll stop.... but I've always wondered if I could be a vegetarian since i naturally go for veggie options... especially in college.
Plus I figure this will make me stay busy using my kitchen... and i need a new hobby to distract me from missing keith.
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