Sunday Morning Ponderings

We've hit the ground running in May spending wise on household and groceries, already at $133 and it's only May 6th. I haven't thought about meal planning yet,or meal optioning yet, but I have some salad ingredients that need using up, some turkey from last week, and a few potatoes in need of cooking. I saw a vegan YouTuber use potatoes in little cubes, tossed in taco seasoning as part of a taco filling and it gave me the idea for potato, bean, rice, and cheese burritos. I might give it a try for supper. The turkey could also go in, or just let DH eat on the side as he likes meat at meals more than DD2 or I care about. I'm going to make Belgian waffles and eggs for all of us in a few hours, and skip lunch, since it is such a nice day we'll keep on with outside work. I'll cobble something together for meals this week, hoping to stay out of the stores for anything other than odds and ends.While I'm not being strict with my budget, the grocery challenger in me says I'd like to keep under $375 since last month and the beginning of this month we did a bit of stockpiling on basics. 

Entertainment wise, we spent $16 on the high school play. Our "bonus" daughter had an ensemble part along with several other friends, including the quiet neighbor who is pup's buddy. He has a wonderful singing voice, but didn't like the long year of time commitment for show choir. The play seemed to suit him so I hope he enjoyed it. Tickets were more expensive than last year-budgets are getting tighter all the time, but quite a value when I think how much we have spent on mediocre professional and semi professional plays and performances over the years.  We had planned to stop for drinks and an appetizer since we had skipped dinner, just having a couple snacks while watching the Kentucky Derby, but opted for a frozen pizza and drinks at home. We were both tired since DH worked, and I was at our nephews confirmation most of the morning and early afternoon. 

DD2 went with a friend, used her spending money and stopped for smoothies at McDonald's afterwards. She declared herself "broke" when she came home. Well, she did spend $20 on the tote bag/purse from Festival of Nations the other day. Her first paycheck will be for 4.25 hours. At minimum wage, FICA and other taxes taken out, she will get an unpleasant surprise, but a good lesson, on how hard it is to earn spending money. She understands choices so is not asking for money for things on a regular basis, but has been given a bit of spending money each month. Seeing  her own paycheck should make it more real. I remember it being the case with myself and my older two. Sure she has had babysitting money and the money from reffing volleyball and gift money, but she put those aside for her two trips. Her paycheck will be set aside to help with some of the camp expenses this summer, and start building a college spending money account. We pay for tuition, room, board and books, but spending money has been on our kids own dimes. As we still want her to concentrate on school and her school activities, she won't work many hours so we will still give her her allowance/pocket money through graduation. I have a feeling some months she may try and save the bulk of that too as during show choir season, it is eaten up pretty quickly.

This sure was a nothing post. I have an uneventful week, but I will need it to gear up for the next three work/school weeks and weekends with a bit too much in-law time. Spring is here and I intend to enjoy it, but I really am looking forward to summer. Until tomorrow, have a great day.