Starting Line

Okay, so after reading so many bloggers who have cut their grocery bills using coupons, I have decided to give it a shot.

This was also spurred on by me actually finding - and cutting - several coupons two weeks ago and saving $5.45 from my grocery bill in coupons. (I actually saved more as we are Club Card holders to this store)

So, I got a binder and some trading card sleeves.

I went through all the coupon inserts from last Sunday's paper (grabbing them before they went out for recycling)

And now I have gone through almost every grocery store sales flyer.

I am ready.

I know our family has room to lose in our grocery budget.

With the kids heading back to school - I should be able to cut some spending right from the get go.

It typically costs our family $650-700 per month in groceries.

I am hoping I can cut that down to $350-400 per month. I figure by putting this self-challenge out here for all to see, it will help with accountability or willpower or whatever you call it.

Wish me luck!!

And send me any of your tips for saving at the store.

I will keep you posted as to my progress on this.

Til next time, I'll still be....

Being Brenda

Back to School Time

I cannot believe summer is coming to an end.

Miss M and Drewby will be starting school on Monday.

Class lists came out, school supply and uniform shopping has been done.

Last year, we decided to forego the cheap "character" backpacks for the kids and invest in really good backpacks. And it was a good decision. Both Miss M's and Drewby's backpacks are in great shape still.

That is not good news to a 10-year old.

Backpacks - to my Catholic school, uniform wearing children - are the equivalent of name-brand clothes to public school students.

I had no idea.

Miss M is horrified that someone will notice she is using the same backpack from last year.

Here was the conversation:

Miss M: "Can I get one of these backpacks for school?"

Me: "No, we bought you a good backpack last year and it is still in good shape."

Miss M: "Please Mom?"

Me: "No, you're using your backpack from last year."

Miss M: "Are you serious?"

Me: "Yes, I'm serious. You're backpack is still fine."

Miss M: "You know, I will be, like, the only one using the same backpack. All the cool backpacks are like this (holding up a backpack the looks very similar in style - just a different color/pattern to what she already has - with a price tag of $59.99)"

Me: "Well, I'm sorry honey but that's just the way it is. Your backpack is in fine shape."

Miss M: "You so don't get it. This is the cool backpack - I will look stupid with my old backpack."

Me: "You will not look stupid."

Miss M: "Whatever. You don't get it."


Maybe I don't get it.

But we had spent almost that much on her backpack last year - with the intention that it would last for two years.

And she knew that. She spent hours (well, maybe not hours, but a long time) picking out her current backpack.

We also still had new uniforms to purchase for both Miss M and Drewby, as well as both school shoes and sneakers. (Miss M has moved up into skorts and polo shirts from the jumper dress.)

So I was staying firm on no new backpacks.

Then I got to thinking about back to school shopping when I was a kid.
(I went to public school.)

I always looked forward to that shopping day - the new jeans (I remember my first pair of Jordache jeans), new tops, and sneakers.

I always had an entire new outfit on the first day of school.
(My mom probably still has all those pictures)

Miss M and Drewby have not ever had that experience. Going out and shopping for a whole new "wardrobe".

Each summer, we go to one store - the uniform store, and buy clothes that look exactly like what everyone else in the school will be wearing.

They have other clothes too, but we purchase things here and there.

Never all at once.

So now Miss M has asked for a pair of Marc Echo Red sneakers.

They're a new name brand. Vanessa Hudgens wears them - or, at least does in the commercials.

The equivalent of Nikes when I was in school. And I remember my first pair of Nike's too.

So, I guess I do get it.

Since we skipped the new backpack, and she needs new sneakers anyway...Miss M will be getting a pair of Marc Echo Red sneakers.

I only hope she's allowed to wear them to school.

Maybe she will remember the day she got her first pair of Marc Echo Red's - just like I remember my first pair of Jordache jeans and Nike sneakers.


Til next time, I'll still be....

Being Brenda

Mean Girls, Mean Girls, What Ya Gonna Do?

Miss M has encountered a Mean Girl.

You know the type. Smile at your face, stab you in the back. Do what I say - or it's lights out!

I knew it was coming. She is, after all, 10 years old. Going into 5th Grade.

And (mean) girls will be (mean) girls.

This girl got in my daughter's face, and told her she was going to punch her lights out if Miss M doesn't "hang" with her at cheerleading.

Miss M only told me this week because cheerleading starts and she doesn't want to cheer all of a sudden. When I asked why, I got the story.


This girl asked Miss M if she was cheering again. Miss M said "Yeah". So this girl says to M, "Well, you better hang with me at cheerleading, and not ....(another girl)....or I will punch you in the face." (so not in a kidding voice - according to Miss M) And then walks away.


Now, Miss M has cheered for three years. She loves being allowed to yell, and jump, and - even better - climb up onto someone else and jump off of them!! (That's for another story)

So her not wanting to cheer bothers me.

But more importantly - having someone bully my daughter - in any way, shape or form- is so not okay with me.

I have talked with Miss M and told her to tell this girl "I don't answer to you. I answer to my parents, and God"

But Miss M is still afraid. What if this girl punches her?

What do I tell her? "Let her hit you, she will get in trouble."

(Yes, I know that's what I should tell her.)

But - and this is the mama lion in me - I want to tell my daughter - hit her right back.

Stand up for yourself. (Really, if I ever see this bully hit my daughter - someone better hold me back)

I know Miss M wouldn't hit this girl.

(Neither would I. But the parents better watch out)

Miss M will cheer. I talked with the cheerleading coach who will keep the two separated. (last year they stood side by side - same height)

That has made Miss M feel better.

I have also told her again..."No one can tell you to do something you don't want to do. You have the power to control your actions. You must listen to your parents, teacher, and God."

Then - in some light of wisdom from above - I told Miss M, if she gets in your face - be the bigger person.

Tell her - "You cannot tell me what to do. I am tired of you getting in my face. Leave me alone"

And walk away.

Now I need to remember to be the bigger person, and let Miss M fight her own fight.

Til next time, I'll still be

Being Brenda

DIAMONDS are forever!

I am too excited!!

Tomorrow night - I will be sitting at the Neil Diamond concert with my mom and sister!!

Who doesn't know - and sing along to - Sweet Caroline, I Am I Said, America, Forever in Blue Jeans and so many others?

I cannot wait to be there.

My sister and I are Neil fans, because our mom was a Neil fan. And we have a very cool mom - always did - just didn't always admit to knowing it.

We were raised listening to his songs....mom danced around, and so did we. At times, we rolled our eyes as she embarrassed us. But we remember those times like they were yesterday, and each and every word to his songs.

We are planning a whole day event too. I am meeting my mom at her house a little after noon and we are driving together to my sister's house. We will all get ready together - then go to dinner before the show. We are spending the night at my sister's house as well.

My hubby is working this weekend, so he arranged for the kiddies to be with his parents, until Sunday afternoon.

So I get to spend this extra-ordinary day and night with my mom and my sister. Me, Lizzie (mom), and Kiki(sister).

I even took time for myself these past two days. Yesterday, I bought a new, too cute black and white top to wear with black pants. Tonight, I gave myself a mani-pedi!! Bright red polish now adorns my finger and toenails!!

After all, no one can go see Neil without getting a little dressed up!! I will wear my silver strappy heals, and put on a little bling just for the occasion. Anyone who knows me, knows I spend most of my time in jeans, shorts, sweats, and t-shirts. Except for Sunday church, but it is still nothing like tomorrow night.

But tomorrow night is special. I am spending time with two of the most amazing women I know. It will be a celebration of us. How far each of us has come in life. Knowing we are always there for each other. Supporting each other - in our times of joy, struggles, and triumphs. Being honest, both in praise and criticism - to make one another aware, better, and stronger.

Lizzie and Kiki are special. Without them, I would be - lost. They are my sounding board, my support, my lifeline, where I go to vent, for advice, for reassurance. And I know I provide that to them as well.

Tomorrow night, we will celebrate us.

And Neil of course, because Diamonds are Forever!!


Til next time, I'll still be.....

Being Brenda