30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself

I saw this link posted on Facebook and thought it was well worth a share on the blog.  It is 30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself.

Here are some that really stood out to me.

4. Stop putting your own needs on the back burner

I think too often as mothers we put everyone else's needs before our own.  I am definitely guilty of this and need to start taking some time for just Melissa... this does not mean I will stop making my family's needs a priority... it just means I will realize I have needs too.

6. Stop trying to hold onto the past

You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one.  This has been hard for me...especially recently.  I definitely want to work on this.

There are more that I think I can work on as well.... what a great article.

Which of the 30 do you think you can work on?

Weekly Goals for Myself {$$$}

Last week my job as a teacher ended.  I am still getting paid because I had the option as a 10 month employee of getting my paycheck divided into 12 months of payments.  As of now I have no job lined up for when we move to Rhode Island.  At some point...sooner rather than later...I am going to need to be bringing in some sort of income. So I have decided to be a little more thrifty and spending conscious this week...to see how it goes.  At the end of the week I will re-evaluate my goals and tweak what is necessary for the other weeks of summer.

My GOALS for Next Week

1. No crazy Target trips... if we need toiletries...fine...but no random purchases...even from the $1 section....and no magazines  It may be best just to avoid Target whatsoever.

2. Don't buy any Groupons... I love looking and buying. Actually today's Groupon is for a photo canvas...it was really hard for me to not buy it...but I didn't. 

3. Limit lunches and dinners out.  Its so easy with my husband working out of town to just take Madison to Moes or Chick -fil- A.

4. No online shopping....of any kind.  Stay off of www.etsy.com

5. Try to use up items we have in our pantry and freezer because we will be moving soon and we won't be bringing any food items with it.

6. Try to make money.  I have several things to list on ebay and in my etsy shops...I need to work on that.

Do you set any weekly or monthly financial goals for yourself?

December Plans and Goals -

I wanted to set some December goals for myself and my family and thought I would share them here.  I have been MIA for a few days mainly because my husband and I just purchased this -

Our 'new' v6 Toyota Highlander

I LOVE IT!! This is the first time I have ever went to a dealership...selected...and purchased a car.  It has low mileage,its roomy, and FABULOUS!!

Now on to my December plans and goals -

1. Wedding Photos - I want to finish ordering and framing my wedding photos and canvases.  I had no idea this would be such a time consuming and confusing process.
2. Get this House in Order - mainly my master bedroom closet and our closet both which pretty much looks like an episode of Hoarders.
3. Cook and Eat at Home - I like to cook.  I don't like going places in the winter when its dark and cold when I get home from work.  With a 2nd car payment...we need to watch out money f0r a bit. 
4. Read More.  I read blogs...and magazines all of the time.  I have two books which I need to read.  I would like finish both of them before the end of the month.  My books to finish are Thirteen Reasons Why which Madison and my friend Kara both read an enjoyed and Nanny Returns which my husband bought for me last Christmas and I have yet to read.
5. BLOG every day. This one is pretty self explanatory.
6. Save Money - I want to be more active with clipping coupons, using coupons, shopping sales, and saving money.
7. Start my Business - I am working on opening a bakery business...online first...through etsy...with a long term goal of having an actual small bakery/cafe.  So far I have set up etsy shop - Betty Ray's Bakery and a Facebook fan page (link to like it is to the right). The fabulous Miranda at Little Sailor Designs created my banner, reserved listing avatar, shop avatar, and label for my business. She also created my fabulous blog as well..so check her out if you are looking for some design work.  So in addition to working on the business aspects of it...I need to work on my bakery menu and perfecting my recipes.

What are some of your December plans and goals?