KooKooNoodle

Off to School

My baby is all grown up.  Today was Chloe’s first day at nursery school and it was amazing to watch her go.  There was no trepidation, no nervousness, and there were definitely no tears.  In fact, the minute we got to school, she ran inside, never looking back.  Eventually, I had to find her so […]

The Joys of Greed

I’ve been looking for positive quotes about greed. Gordon Gekko of the movie, “Wall Street” said “greed is good.” But in the quote world, that’s about it in the greed department. There aren’t many upbeat greed quotes out there. In fact, most talk about avarice, greed as a mortal or deadly […]

Honey Wheat Bread

I’ve been baking bread. First it was a homey, cosy, wintery thing to do, then it was a way to save money on buying bread, and now it’s a cause-it’s-yummy thing to do. This is a honey wheat bread I made the other day, and it’s delicious for sandwiches and french toast.
Chloe […]

Frugal Battles

I’ve been reading many “frugal-living” websites, some with coupons, some with strategies, and some with musings. But what’s most entertaining is the underlying competition between these sites for the title of Frugal Queen/King. There are veiled references to “that other frugal mom,” and criticisms of her way of spending, and how those who […]

Money Saving Websites

I’ve been doing a lot of research online about how to save money, and I’ve found a bunch of cool sites and articles. Here are the highlights:
Money Saving Mom - This mom offers very detailed and user-friendly tips for saving at the grocery store, CVS, Walgreens and other stores. She feeds her family […]

Little White Sweater

I’ve been hand quilting a bed quilt for Chloe for the last 4 months. It’s looking really cute, but has been taking FOREVER. I don’t know how to machine quilt, so I’ve been doing it all by hand. You should see the little callus on my left index finger. But I […]

Savings Update

So far, it’s been smooth sailing in my world of no-spending, (until this morning, at least). While I haven’t spent any money today, I am trapped in the house because I can feel that spendy urge bubbling up within me. I know that if I go out into the world, I will spend […]

Savings Day 1

I decided to inaugurate my no-spending month with earning some cash. So, I took all my change to the Coinstar at the grocery store and cashed in all my coins. I’m $50.51 richer, and I promptly left the market after redeeming my moolah (no money spent there!). An auspicious start, I think!
TOTAL […]

NO-Spending Project

It feels as though my wallet has wings these days - opening and shutting with the wind, soaring high and ending up light and empty. I think it’s been a case of retail therapy gone mad, and it has extending over the last few months. Fifty dollars here, a hundred there, and suddenly […]

The Difference Between 20-Something and 30-Something…

Shayne and I went to a fun, funky, potluckish dinner party last night at my friend Vanessa’s house. She’s got supercool friends and it was a great evening. One of my favorite moments was when talking to her new neighbors, a twenty-something newly-married couple with very white teeth and friendly smiles.
My good friend […]