1. Pay Down the Mortgage
We were able to make 6 additional payments towards the principal for September.
2. Buy Nothing New for 1 Year.
Well, I failed. I got one of those Kohl’s save $10 off a $10 purchase coupons in the mail and ended up spending $0.12 on a pair of Nike socks to stuff in The Girl’s Christmas stocking. True, I could have walked out of the store with a pair of totally inappropriate beer pong socks for free, or a spatula for $0.22 {I didn’t need one} but instead I shelled out big bucks {or coins rather} to get something we’d actually use.
3. Track Spending and Figure Out New Ways to Cut Spending Even More.
Too busy this week to think. 😉
4. Try 52 New Recipes.
I tried 2 new recipes this week. Fresh corn spoon bread and zucchini tots. I’ll share the recipe on Monday.
5. Keep My Grocery Budget Under $100 a Month.
So far in September I’ve spent $49.92 on groceries.
6. Go on 52 Dates with the Handsome Husband
Yesterday I dragged the HH to see the new Bridget Jones’ movie {it was super cheesy, but cute}. The last movie I can remember seeing in a movie theater was Diary of a Wimpy Kid with Monkey Boy and The Girl. I was shocked to see that movie matinee prices were $9!!! Seriously. Isn’t that nuts?
They sell beer and wine at the movie theater now and have giant reclining seats with pull out airline trays {to hold your food}. Popcorn and a soda cost $15. There is a no tolerance policy for phones {good}. And now there is reserved seating {which I didn’t like because really, what if there is a total weirdo in the seat/aisle next to the one I’ve chosen at the ticket counter. What if I want to change seats!?}.
Eh. No thanks. I don’t think I’ll be back. I miss the old movie theaters. When you were there to actually WATCH A MOVIE, maybe have a little {overpriced, yes} popcorn. Not lay back, drink beer, and stuff your face with a Caesar salad or a gourmet vegan hot dog and have to feel like they’re trying to sell you something every time you turn your body 10 degrees in the lobby.
I don’t want to join your email list. Sign up for your rewards program. Watch 15 minutes of infomercials, then another 10 minutes of movie trailers or be told there is a theater employee named Zack standing near the exit sign in case there is anything the staff can do the enhance my experience. Seriously.
I’d much rather watch a movie at home.
#EndOfRant 😉
So far this year we’ve gone on 26 dates and spent $412.44 out of pocket for our dates.
7. Turn My Wool Stash into $5,000.
I’m back on Etsy and Ebay and this past week I sold $134.92 worth of my hooked rugs. That brings my “craft money” total up to $4563.81 for the year. Only $436.19 left to reach my goal! 
So far in September I’ve sold $699.65
In August I sold $329
In April I sold $29.99
In March I sold $799.53
In February I sold $1077.27
In January I sold $1563.92
8. Get Rid of 1,000 Things.
Large wooden bowls, a pie plate, glass mixing bowls, a stock pot, old mashers and some other random stuff were the victims of my latest decluttering episode. 🙂 Thinning out your belongs takes time and the more you open your cupboards… the more you realize you don’t need all that “stuff.”
So far this year I’ve gotten rid of 1083+ things.
9. Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks.
I didn’t read anything new this past week. And although I’m pretty sure I’ve already read 52 books this year {I should have done a better job keeping track} I am still on the lookout for a good book and am looking for suggestions.
10. Track Hours Spent Working on My Vegetable Garden and do a Cost Analysis at the End of the Year.
I was at the hospital all but 1 day last week and had ZERO time to spend in the garden or on my garden blog, Dig for Your Dinner. My brother is not improving {nor will he} but he is comfortable, on morphine and was able to enjoy a few bites of real food for the first time in a week. I’m hoping to manage my time a little better next week so I can get some things planted, but we’ll just have to wait and see.
Time spent working on Vegetable Garden in 2016: 20 hours 15 minutes.
11. 52 House Projects in 52 Weeks.
I painted an old canvas we had laying around white, added the words Live Simply and hung that baby on the wall behind my desk. It’s a big improvement over the tissue paper balls I had hanging in there. 🙂
12. Make all Birthday and Christmas Gifts This Year or Acquire Them for Free.
I redeemed some Best Western points and scored a $25 gift card to Target {for The Girl for Christmas}.
How about YOU? Did you set any goals for 2016? How are they coming along?
~Mavis
Read About My 2016 Goals HERE.
Mariana says
So very sorry to hear about your brother. X
And you are rocking the mortgage payments
oregonguest says
Blessings to your brother and to you and your family. So many of us have walked (or will) a similar road. I know it was important to me to acknowledge that everyone deals with incredibly stressful situations like this in the best way they know how… and ANY way is just fine (crying, yelling, isolation, being mean and short-tempered, being present, not being present, etc.). I remember being the one saying that to my siblings when my parents were ill, and then I ended up being the one who needed their grace. Sending my prayers for your journey.
Anita Burns says
I’m with you about the movies. I rarely go to the theater anymore. Even at Senior pricing, it’s too much to be in a large space with the air conditioning cranked up to frigid and someone always flipping on their phone or people coming and going in front of me, or having a running commentary about the film behind me. Snacks are way overpriced, too. I have a gigantic HD TV hanging on my family room wall with uber fine speaker system. I can kick back with my own popcorn and drink, pause it if I need to get up and go to the bathroom or refill my drink. Much more comfortable. We only go to the movies now if it is a big blockbuster with explosions and CG extraordinaire. Then, we go on a Tuesday or Wednesday at the first showing. Sometimes we have the place to ourselves then.
Hawaii Planner says
I occasionally take the kids as a birthday treat, etc, but they are very rare. I also (illegally?) bring my own candy for the kids & a bottle of water for myself. I can’t stomach the prices.
Cindy says
My son works at that type of theater so I can go with him for free, very nice perk. My complaint is the last time we went (it was called the living room). Someone had ordered fish and chips, wow did it stink! Popcorn smell is good, fish not so much 🙂
Linda says
If you go to advancescreenings.com you can check to see if there are free movie screenings available in your area. I saw Bridget Jones’s Baby a few weeks ago for free!
Rosaleen says
Movie theaters have not been attractive for about 40 years, IMHO. I’d as soon wait and watch them at home.
I picked last week that something is up with Mavis’ brother, but not how serious things are. Blessings. prayers, and well wishes for your whole family!
Deborah says
The last movie I saw at the movie theater was either Pocohontis or Jerrasic Park. I dislike paying such a high price to watch a movie. We wait until it comes out on DVD and buy it and watch it then. We have numerous videos that we watch over and over. Right now, we are watching Cleopatra. It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Linda says
One thing about getting older is that we experience grief, and more and more frequently. I’m so sad to hear of your brother’s illness. It is wonderful that you can be with him, but it is very hard to do. Make sure to take care of yourself during this time – you know, plenty of sleep, a healthy diet, unload your stress (preferably not on your family) and say what you need to say while you can say it. Our own experience with hospice was excellent, and they can help you process. I’m sure there are many who’ll be praying for you and your family. I will.
AmyWW says
I am so sorry about your brother’s illness. What a blessing that he has you to visit! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers has he navigates this challenging time.
Tracy says
I’m so sorry about your brother’s illness.
Sue says
Blessings to you, love you Mavis, love to Lucy, just love her!
Lisa Millar says
When I read $9 to go to the movies I was thinking WOW – awesome price!!
So – were you shocked in a good way or bad?? What is the normal price of going to the movies?
Over here (Australia) in my town we pay $16.50 (more if its 3D) (We now buy books of 10 which saves us about $25 and use them sparingly)
We only go to the shows that are going to be most effective on the big screen, save the others for DVD
And we NEVER buy food at the ‘candy counter’ We’d have to re-mortgage the house – insane prices!
But from there its normal… choose your own seating, a few ad’s a few previews then on with the show 🙂
Kara says
So sorry about your brother, Mavis. Thank you for taking the time to entertain us during this difficult and deeply personal time. Xo
Preppy Pink Crocodile says
I’m so sorry to hear about your brother! Wishing I had something more uplifting to add but just know I’m sending you well wishes and positive thoughts from NY.
KK @preppycrocodile
Cindy says
I’m so sorry for your brother’s health issues, prayers for the days ahead…..
Sue Huseby says
I was tired of the birds getting all my strawberries in my community garden at the farm (Anderson Island) so I tried what you did. My strawberries are now in gutters inside my greenhouse! Hope this works
Sue
Karin C says
Love love love your blog .
I live in BC Canada and a few weeks back was watching late Global news from Vancouver BC after getting off work , it showed people paying 700-800 Dollars rent for a freaking closet to live in, it was a closet literally a closet , the 800 one has a shelf and towel type bar up high on the wall to hang things, I was like omg , fast forward to this week Thursday and getting the gumption to start to dung out my 2400 sq foot home , after getting done two room I think I want to live to a closet in Vancouver BC , ha ha , did get rid of 1/2 of my side of the closet and 4 garbage bags from spare room . Filled the back of hubbies truck with donations and garbage .Thanks for the laughter and giggles Mavis and Lucy .
Karin C
gina says
Mavis- So sorry to hear about your brother. Take care of yourself and don’t be worried about blogging right now. We will still be here when you return, promise! Thinking of you and your family. Hugs.
Heather says
So sorry about your brother. I’m heartbroken for you. Take care.
ChrisM says
I wish you peace and love as you walk this journey with your brother.
Sara L says
I am so sorry to hear about your brother.
Carrie says
I am SO very sorry your brother is very ill Mavis. Prayers will be said for all of you…
Tracy L. says
I too am so sorry you’re having to deal with such a hard thing. Your HUGE splurge on socks and HUGE over budget groceries are beyond forgivable. It would have been even without all that’s happening in your life right now. Cut yourself some slack, we all are. We are all in awe of what you can accomplish, which is a ton! Pace yourself, it’s a hard time, and we all know it. (((((((((BIG HUGS)))))))))))
Syl W says
Since you’re a ‘foodie’, try reading “My Organic Life” by Nora Pouillon. It’s the autobiography of one of the pioneers of local and organic food in restaurants.