We're waiting on the offer from Jim. The reason he hasn't put anything in yet is due to a property in Pardeeville that he is in the middle of refinancing that hasn't gone through yet.

So until that does, he won't have the 10% down payment. He's going to tell the lender that if he doesn't hear anything by tomorrow he's going somewhere else.

Isn't it always something????

The DJ show went really well, and the people said DH did a great job. (I say just DH because his Dad doesn't really pick the music just dances and mingles.)

Last night I re-vamped my price book. It had been in a big bulky binder, so I switched it to a notebook.

If someone were to ask me how to start being frugal, my first answer would be to keep your kitchen clean. Dishes washed, stove clean, fridge stocked and clean, etc...

Why? Because if you have a clean kitchen you are much more likely to cook something instead of going out to eat. Plus the kitchen is usually the center of the house, and no one wants to be in a messy area.

But my second piece of advise would be to start a pricebook and really use it. It can be used for groceries and other household items (soap, toothpaste, etc...), but also if you are planning on purchasing a bigger item (vacuum, bedroom set, tv, etc...) use your pricebook until you find a great price.

I learned about this early on in my Frugal/Simple living quest, but it took many more months until I actually made one. When I finally did I could have kicked myself for all the money I had been wasting.

Click the link below to read more about pricebooks and get printable pages for your book.

Pricebook

Spyros left for the DJ show about a half an hour ago. He's nervous, but I know he will do a wonderful job. Like always!

So what does this woman have planned for the evening?

Well the highlight will be figuring out our expenses for the past two months. Woohoo!!!

I normally do this at the end of every month, but with the selling of the house and packing, I just didn't feel like it.

We put all (and I do mean all) of our receipts into Quicken and then at the end of the month add them up and put them into different categories such as; auto-fuel, groceries, dining, health and beauty, etc....

It is very scary and insightful when you do this, to see just where your money is going.

So Frugal Thought for the day: Invest in a good accounting program (or just use paper and pen) and track all of your expenses. Every Time machine withdrawl, cup of coffe and muffin, toll payment, etc....

You will quickly see where you can spend less money to help you put it to use in a different area such as savings or retirement fund.

I am cold. I sat outside reading magazines from the library for over two hours this morning.

The reason why; Jim came with his wife to look at our house again. They like it, they love it, they want some more of it.

So they are meeting with their lawyer (hope I never have a personal lawyer, or perhaps I do because in my mind it means one of two things, criminal or lots of money. (( I like the money part, not the criminal part.)) )

DH has a problem with brackets, but I love them.

Hopefully they will put an offer in that we can both agree upon, and then we get to move!!!

I am listening to various Toby Keith songs right now. I'm not much of a country fan, but there's something deliciously sinful about his voice.

We're going to see The Rundown at a matinee this afternoon. I know we've been seeing a lot of movies at the theater lately, but after we borrow a TV from my mom, this will most likely cut down. But we do love our movies. (Or at least I do.)

Simple Living Thought: Burn the house down, it's easier than trying to sell it! Teehee.... (Disclaimer: If you actually burn your house down, good luck with the criminal investigation. And hope you have that lawyer handy!)

Thanks Jeriwho for letting me know what you think, and the positive comments.

The saga of our house begins another chapter.

Our realtor Neil showed the house to a guy named, Jim, who was really interested in turning it into a duplex. But in order to do that we need to go to the county of Dane and then the city of Windsor and get a variance okayed to turn it into one.

So we decided to do this because even if Jim doesn't put an offer in, someone else may if they can turn it into a duplex. And if nothing else, DH and I will turn it into one, and live in one half while renting out the other.

We have two meetings to go to, one the end of October and the other one Nov. 17. If both the county and town say we can then it's a go.

The only unfortunate thing is if they say no then we will be out $412. But the good thing is we can take it off our taxes if the house sells.

So.... I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

This morning I've been busy typing up CDs into the computer, trying to get a small library together. DH and his dad are DJing at a wedding this coming Saturday.

(For those of you who don't know, Spyros's family had a DJ business for many years. After we got married we decided to continue the DJ business, but after three years we decided it was too much. If DJing was our only job that would have been one thing, but it wasn't...)

Anyway Spyros hasn't DJed in about two years and his dad has been out of it closer to five, so it should be interesting. I know they will do a good job, but unfortunately our music library isn't up to date with the new songs.

The Bride and Groom are friends of FIL and know this, plus it's the Groom's fourth wedding, so I think it won't be as important as the first, or second.... And they like Country and older Rock n Roll. So they'll do good as long as there's not a lot of teenagers to request the new stuff. Oh, and they're doing it for free, so.....

But what ya gonna do? If you don't have it, you can't play it.

Simple Living thought for the day: Don't Procrastinate! (Spryos new about this months ago, but is just now getting it together!) You can save yourself stress, time and money (by not having to run to town a bunch of times to get things you forgot.)

But I know that's easier said than done. I, myself enjoy the rush of doing things the last minute. The extra push gives me the energy I need. Of course when I do finally finish I crash!

I'm stuck and need some suggestions.

When I started this I wanted to offer Frugal and/or Simple thoughts and ideas. But the more I think about it, the more it's already been done to death.

Go to your library and check out any frugal book (or type frugal into the Google search) and you will see, in general the same advise over and over.

Go to a library and check out free books, videos, etc..., Make your own food from scratch instead of eating out, buy items from Goodwill or garage sales, etc, etc, etc....

So instead of giving frugal thoughts I guess I'll just keep doing like I have been and show (write) what we do frugal each day.

But....

That too can get boring because we do the same frugal things over and over and over.

So... any suggestions (my probably two or three faithful readers)?

If you are into the frugal/simple living lifestyle, is there anything that you have been wanting to read or find out about that you just can't? Perhaps this would be something I could work on.

Let me know and I'll keep you posted with my frugal/simple doings every day.

We had the open house today. It didn't go so well. Only one couple stopped in.

They were a younger couple that was recenlty married. So first of all, this house would be a bit too large for them. Then there was the part of the woman starring in horror at the carpetless floors.

Hmmm..... Perhaps the ad that states needs flooring, or the low price for the size of the house didn't give that away???

So we're going to turn more towards looking for buyers that would turn this into a rental property.

Keep your fingers crossed.....

Just checked the eBay auctions. They're not going too bad. Was hoping to get more for the cooking magazines, but there's still some time before they end.

Really don't have much else to add. Just bummed about the house.

As you can probably tell from the posts, I really don't have much patience. If I want something, I want it now. Which can be hard with the whole frugal living thing. Not buying something before thinking if you really need it, or if you can find it at a better price.

But the strange (good) thing is, Spyros and I ususally balance each other out. If I want to buy it right now, he'll pose the questions to me and vice versa.

So fugal thought: Make sure to wait before purchasing items (besides life's basics; toilet paper, food, etc...) and always check around for a good price. It can be a pain, but so satisfying when you find a great deal!!!!

Since we had to get out the house yesterday for the showing, we decided to go to Border's. We both looked around for about 20 minutes and then sat down to read a book. Shortly after, Spyros's head began to nod and he was off to lalaland.

Since he can snore quite loudly, I decided it would be best if we walked around. So after rousing him from his sleep, we put our books away and went to the Wisconsin Craft Mart.

Then we went and had dinner at Loredo's. Which if you have never eaten there, you should go sometime. They are so prompt with service. You rarely have to ask for a refill and the chip basket is continuously filled. Plus their food is really good, with the additional bonus that the servings are huge. We normally get two to three meals when we eat there.

Then we went to TJ and Addie's house. To sit around and chit-chat while Spyros played Rachet and Clank. We had a very enjoyable time and three hours later we left for our house.

When we got home, the realtor had left her card. Spyros looked at it and let out a chuckle. I asked, What? and he told me that the realtor had been Rebecca, a lady that he works with at Kwik Trip.

Since we have no plans today, or showings as of yet, I'm going to try to persuade DH to go to the Michael's (craft store) and Bed, Bath and Beyond that just opened up on the East side. I've been wanting (and needing, since ours is stained) a new comforter for some time now. And I've been comparison shopping, so if they do have any good deals, I'm confident I'll find them.

So Frugal/Simple Thought for the day: Use what you have until it can no longer be used for that purpose, and then recycle it to be used for another purpose.

Well, my week is off. I kept thinking yesterday was Wednesday.

We have another showing tonight at 5, so while they're here, we'll be at the library. Returning some books, getting some more, looking at magazines, and if I know DH, on the computer.

The weather is beautiful here. Overcast with a strong wind that sends chills down one's spine. I'm sitting here with a robe on, drinking a cold glass of water and feeling my legs and feet get colder by the minute. Ahh.. What simple amusements.

I've started writing again. It feels good. I really haven't done anything in about two years.

The reason I started up again was because when I was talking with Nichole (SIL) she said that her husband had written a screenplay and was planning on going to LA to try and sell it.

After I got off the phone, it just sunk in how fortunate I am to have a lot of time and I haven't been using it by helping one of my talents (perhaps too strong of a word...?) grow.

So what do I write, you may ask. Well, I have about four young adult novels started, and a fifth one that began on Thursday. I also dabble in poetry, prose and rituals.

So why would an adult want to focus on young adult literature? For me it's because I wish more kids would read, and perhaps if I give them something to enjoy, they will. And while I do have a good attention span, I don't have it when it comes to writing long chapters, so the shorter chapters of the YA novels works out well.

Hmmm... how can I work this into frugal/simple living????

Instead of emailing or calling your friend or family member, get out a piece of paper and pen, then sit down and write a letter. Everyone loves getting mail that isn't a bill or court summons, and Lord knows we rarely get any!

Happy Birthday to Spyros!!!

He's 28 today, much older than me!

We have 2 showings to today, or should say had. The first one cancelled this morning. (Crap, how are people to buy our house if they don't look at it??)

The second is between 1 and 2pm, with a realtor, so hopefully these people show up. But we won't know because we will be at the movies watching Matchstick Men, with Nicholas Cage. He's one of the five on my list, if ya know what I mean ;)

What a wonderful birthday present it would be for DH, if we got a great offer on our house today.

I just got off the phone with his sister, Nichole. They (Husband, Kevin and Kids; AidiA and Kamen) live in North Carolina, and boy does she have an accent!

I can honestly say I'm already sick of keeping the house sparkling clean. I can handle cleaning the bathroom 1-2 times a week, but wiping it down everyday, boring. Then the dishes, normally I let them drip dry, so drying them and putting them away right away sucks.

Oh well, if it makes people buy the house....

I want a smaller house so bad. So much less to clean and take care of. We can buy a few select pieces of furniture of good quality that we really like. Less stuff to get in order to decorate. Ah...

And I'm sure all of you want the house to sell, so I stop talking about it, right?!?

Anywho... Today's frugal thought. Go to a matinee. Or better yet, wait until the movie is on video and borrow from your library.

I'm torn on the whole bring our own candy into the theater mentality. We use to do it all the time as kids. And I do realize that the prices are ridiculous, but I don't know.

A big part of me thinks instead of doing that, just eat before you go. Or have a sweet treat when you get home.

What do you think? Are you a big advocate of bringing treats into the theater? If not, what do you do instead to satisfy the yummy buttery popcorn that is calling your name. (Assuming you're into that sort of thing?)

Hello everyone.

I finally put more stuff up on eBay. It feels good to be doing that again. I didn't realize how much I missed it.

I put up a bunch of cooking magazines (Taste of Home and Quick Cooking by Reiman Publications), some Wild Game Cookbooks, Electronic Taboo, and some other stuff.

I figured with fall right around the corner (and the Holiday Season) people are beginning to bundle into their homes, so food and entertainment are sure to follow.

If you would like to see what I have listed go to eBay and click on Find Members under Search. Then under Feedback Profile type in sspyro. My feedback page will come up, but under the eBay ID Card there is a link that says Items for Sale, click on that and all my goodies will come up.

If you know of an easier way to do this, please let me know.

**Jeriwho, I went to your blog site and enjoyed looking around. Thanks for the nice comment.**

So I guess my Frugal thought for the day, is about cooking from scratch. It may take more time then going to the drive-thru, but chances are what you prepare will be more healthy and less costly.

Next time you have the desire to stop at McResturant, drive home instead and use up some of those leftovers.

We've signed with a realtor. Neil Mathweg from Century21. We're up on some websites, including Realtor.com. He brought over the information sheets. We'll be getting a yard sign mostly likely Monday. And next Sunday we will be having an open house.

So... Come on sell our house Neil. Come on sell our house Neil, Neil.

We just wanna get out of this place, if it's the last thing we ever do.

We watched Identity and Bulletproof Monk with our friends yesterday. It was a late birthday present for me, along with nummy pizza. And Spyros also got a very useful present (his birthday is the 17th), of some gift cards at Menard's.

Identity was awesome. And Bulletproof Monk was a nice no-brainer with the very amusing and (in my opinion) cute, Stifler from American Pie.

Then we went over to DH Mom's and sat around talking and watched another really stupid movie. I think it was called Instinct to Kill.

Talking about not the best movies in the world, House of 1000 Corpses. We had been pysched to see it. Coming from the mind of Rob Zombie and having been delayed along time, promised an excellent movie, but it did not deliver. Reminded us of Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Not a movie I'd watch again, but if you're into gore you may enjoy it.

Well not too much else. I'll be getting back into Frugal Living and Simple Living, since we don't have much else to do with the house except sell it.

So if you know someone who wants a large 2800 sq foot home with 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 2 large garages in Windsor, Wisconsin for only $189,900 please let me know.

It's a sad day in this household.

Our second cat, Talia, got hit by a car last night.

The lady was kind enough to come to the house and let us know. She said he went quick, so that's good.

I was very calm at first, trying to console her, since she was crying. But towards the end of the conversation, it started to sink in, and I too began to cry.

He had a good life though. Food, water, treats and loving whenever he wanted. Doormen at his service. A warm bed year round (but maninly in the winter). And the freedom to kill as many creatures as he could catch. And the naughtiness to go into our neighbors house and eat their cat's food, or have parties when they were gone.

Such a life!

Had another call. A realtor. So I made an appointment for next Tuesday to meet with her.

We had been talking if the ad doesn't sell the house, that we would probably get a realtor. So what the hell, I thought. See how good of a percentage on commission she can give us.

At this point I want the house sold. And I know Spyros feels 100 times more so.

Will be putting some more stuff on eBay, finally, this Sunday.

I can't decide what to do with the Baby Clothes. I was going to sell them in huge lots. But the idea of just donating them, and not having to deal with it, does sound appealing.

Anyone out there get their glasses from LensCrafters? Mine are really scratched up, and I am just wondering if others have had this problem. Perhaps they put a special agent in the coating that deteriorates after a certain time, and your glasses start scratching up automatically?!?

I want to move. I want to move. I waaannnt toooooo mooovve!!!!

Your first showing went okay. I think the husband really liked the house, or more so the garages and the basement. But I don't think the wife was that impressed.

As I have said before, I think the man will be the one who really likes the house first, and if the woman has imagination and/or the patience to see the inside finished she will be even more pleased than the man.

But unfortunately so many people out there have no imagination, and want everything done right this minute.

The wife commented on there being no dishwasher. (But there is space at the end of the counter for one, or back underneath the counter where there use to be one.)

Anyway I have a thing against dishwashers. Blame it on my parents if you will since we never had one....

The reasons I don't like dishwashers are;

1. Most people rinse their dishes off, which generally takes as much time as if you had washed them. Plus if you wash them you don't need to have the water running as long as when you rinse them off.

2. The dishes either sit on the counter or in the machine until there is enough for a load. And if you need a certain dish before the load is full, you end up washing it anyway. And anyone who has a kid with a favorite dish, knows that the dish barely ever makes it into the dishwasher, but is handwashed instead.

3. This is a great way to space out and think your thoughts without being rushed.

4. If you have kids, they may fight when doing the dishes, but they are also bonding. Granted the bonding may be over how unfair it is and how awful their parents are, but still....

5. The whole communication thing. When you have two people doing dishes, there is not much else to do but talk. And everyone can do with better communication skills.

So strike against your dishwasher. Use it to store baking sheets and pan lids instead.

We have our first showing today at 2pm. Please let him want to buy it right away, and make an offer in writing before he leaves!!!!

Still have some small stuff that could be done, but it's pretty much done. Or at least as done as we're going to do.

Went back to Menard's again yesterday. Spent another $65. I think total so far it's around $600. But hopefully we can write it off the taxes somehow.

The paint we bought to touch up the one bedroom, happened to dry too dark, so it stands out very nicely. We are talking about possible painting the entire room after all the office stuff is out.

And the other bedroom that we touched up with the original paint is also too dark. So perhaps that room will get another paint job too.

Ugh... When will it be over?!?

My tattoo is really flaking and it looks gross. But once this process is done, it's all pretty colors from now on.

Yes pictures will be coming, just don't know when yet.

Well that's about it for now. Hopefully we'll have more good news on the house soon.

TaTa.

I am a bag of nerves. Or I guess the better phrase would be a body of nerves.

The ad for the house starts this Sunday.

We still have some stuff to do, but I think it will go fine.

Yesterday we called to place the ad and found out that they charge according to how much you are going to sell your house for. What a bunch of bullcrap!!!

So we will be placing an ad for 15 consecutive days (including 3 Sundays) that runs in all the papers. For $230 : (

But if we can sell the house this way, it will be a lot cheaper than with a realtor.

So wish us luck!!!

The entries may be a little more sporadic, but I'll try my best.

Hello there.

Hope you had a nice extended weekend.

Ours was good, but busy and went by too fast.

Got my tattoo on Saturday. It took 6 and a half hours. Yes, I agree. That's long. I was told this was a big tattoo to get for your first one. But that I sat beautiifully.

It was very enjoyable chatting with everyone. And we got to meet another one of Kevin and Amber's friends that we had just heard about.

Watched House of 1,000 Corpses. It was okay. A lot like Texas Chainsaw Massacre. But nothing I would rent again. And we saw Final Destination 2. I liked the first one, and the second was good also. Interesting to see the different ways the characters died. And the ending was funny.

Looked at about 8 houses on Sunday. We went to a different realtor. We like her (Kaaren, yes spelled with 2 a's) a lot better than the other one. We found two houses we liked.

The one we liked the best had a mail slot and a bench for storage and to take off your shoes right when you walk in. Hardwood floors were in about half the house. The kitchen had a lot of cabinets. The bathroom is all tiled. There's 3 bedrooms, so Spyros and I will each have our own office. And there's a partial basement that is clean and dry, for the washer/dryer and some storage.

There is no yard. Maybe 5' by 8' in the back and just the normal distance from the door to the sidewalk in the front. But that's fine with us, since we're not yard people. And we figure we can make the front yard look great with barely any money.

The other house had a bigger yard, which would be good if we wanted to expand the garage. The inside was nice. Could potentially have hardwood floors. It would need more work cosmetically. Wallpaper would have to come down, carpet replaced, plaster ceilings torn down and drywall put up. So it has potentially, and we would enjoy living there a long time, but if they are both for sale still when we're ready to buy, we'll take the first one.

Then we left my parent's house early Monday and came home to do some more work on our house. Painted doors, put up trim, cleaned....

Well, I'm gonna go now so I can do more cleaning. I'll put up a link to the tattoo pictures in about 5 days or so, when it's a bit more healed. Although it looks really good now. I really didn't swell, and so far no scabbies. But I'm sure that will be coming soon.

And yes it hurt, but more like a razor burn.