No Spend November and December - #2

It's a lot harder to not spend money than I thought it would be...and it's only been a couple of days.

I got my eyebrows waxed and my hair cut for my best friend's wedding this weekend, I bought a pair of socks, snacks and candles for the wedding and I've eaten out a few times.

I just started tracking everything through mint.com. I might be 27 and grew up with parents that were really financially savvy but I sure haven't been. My goal of the this challenge is yes, to save money but also to really take a look at where my money goes. It's time to start saving more and looking into the future.

I do have several more expenses coming up this weekend with wedding and then going to Seattle with some girlfriends next weekend. At least I'm not spending money on other things.

The Beginning of My Journey with AdvoCare

Just a couple of months ago I heard about AdvoCare for the first time. I did the 24 Day Challenge and found I really liked Spark, MNS and ProBiotic Restore.

I've been diagnosed with IBS and these products are gentle enough to not cause me any additional digestive problems. They provide total nutrition and you can feel the completeness of everything they give your body. When I forget to take MNS one day I can feel the difference.

Spark also is a great form of energy. I don't drink coffee because it causes my heart to race, triggers my IBS and makes me feel like I'm shaking. The natural energy in Spark doesn't do that. Instead it just gives this mental clarity and focus. It's like energy and food for my brain. So good!

I attend AdvoCare's Ladies Alive event two weeks ago and was blown away. There were 2500 ladies there. I was more in awe of how their goal was to build the confidence of each woman from the inside out than about their business. It's a Christian based company and while they didn't promote that, they did say this is who we are and we can't change that. You're welcome to take and leave what you'd like. It was cool how they were so confident in their faith and it showed through everything they did.

AdvoCare has great business opportunities. I decided to sign up as a distributor because I love the products so much and really believe they work. If you're interested, you can check it out here.

Are you ready to take the challenge?

My Nephew

Wow, it's been a crazy few days. On November 1st we welcomed a new baby boy into our family.

My brother's girlfriend gave birth early due to complications to a gorgeous little boy. At just 28.5 weeks he has long journey ahead of him. At 2 lbs and 14 inches he'll be in the NICU for the next 2-3 months. He's doing well with a few set backs but that's to be expected for a baby born so early. 

My brother is growing up. It's a lot of responsibility to have a baby, especially one that was born so early. He's going to be a million dollar baby.

My prayer is that through this my brother and girlfriend find their place as parents of this precious little boy and that he continues to grow strong and comes our of this with no lasting effects. 

No Spend November and December - #1

One thing I've been trying to do is save money.  It isn't happening as well as I'd like.  I always seem to come up with something I want or "need".  With my new job comes a pay raise.  I don't want the extra money to disappear like the rest.

I'm implementing a No Spend November and December.  My take on this is that I'm not going to eat out unless I'm with friends or purchase anything for myself.  This would include clothes, shoes, etc. but not include personal care items if I run out of anything such as shampoo, etc.  I will only purchase something that I had but ran out of.  I do have a hair appointment already scheduled for this weekend that I'll keep and my best friend is getting married in two weeks so there will be expenses there that I can't get around, but I won't be spending any extra money.  I'll also be purchasing my Christmas gifts and such during that time period.  My family draws names so I don't have that many to get and I only exchange gifts with a couple of friends.

I'll update once a week during the challenge on how it's going.  I think this will be a good step towards saving more and spending less.

My New Job

Last month I was hired for a new job.  I'll be moving to the financial department and becoming the accountant.  I'm so excited to make this change.  I really feel like this job is one that I'll be able to grow in and make a big difference for the company.  It's also the first job I've had in over 3.5 years where I won't be reporting directly to someone on tasks or be someone's assistant.  I'll be moving into a beautiful office with a big window and a door I can shut.  I can't wait to decorate and might even put up my diplomas and awards for the first time in my career. 

We hired my replacement but as it was an internal hire, she can't take my position until they hire someone to take hers.  I'm probably 6-8 weeks out for moving into my new job.  My old job has been kind of slow the last couple of weeks which is making me anxious to start my new job.  I can't wait for the challenge of a new job and all that will come with that.  The gentleman I'm replacing is anxious to be done so hopefully there will be enough time for me to be trained properly.  I joked with him about keeping his number on speed dial for when I have questions. 

There's a lot going on in my life right now and this is just a small part of it.  I know that God will give me the strength and grace needed for this next season of life.  It's exciting and scary at the same time knowing that so many changes are coming to my life.  I'm really looking forward to all that God is going to do in the next couple of months and into the new year.  It's going to be good!

A New Beginning

I originally started this blog in October of 2008 and wrote for about six months.  When life got crazy and I let if fall by the wayside.  I've thought about it off and on for a while and decided that it's time to start it up again.  It was really interesting reading back through my old posts.  As so much in my life has changed, with people coming and going, new jobs, moving and more, I decided to delete all the old posts. 

So here's to a new beginning.  I'm excited to see what the future brings.  Enjoy the ride!