Happy Monday everyone! Above are some pictures from my weekend. I’m really loving having an iPhone 5 because it makes everything much easier. Expect more pictures from me! Also, if you scroll through my Twitter, you will be able to find my Instagram (I posted it multiple times), so follow me! Yes, I will make it difficult and not post it directly on my blog. 🙂
Thanksgiving was really great for us! I love going to the Boy’s Grandma’s. So many family members go (well over 100 I’m guessing) and it’s a lot of fun. Just check out the dessert table that I posted on Saturday, so many awesome desserts! And I also got my ears pierced on Friday. Yes, I know, truly sad.
I also updated my blog a little bit, I think it looks better, what do you all think? I also added an Extra Income tab above so that I can keep everyone updated and my readers can quickly click on each update without searching too too hard.
I also wanted to thank everyone for your support for my aggressive $38,000 student loan payoff plan. I am excited to finally start putting more effort in this, and I can’t wait for it to be done.
My updates:
Spending:
We are still doing good with our spending. We have bought some Christmas presents for each other (the Boy is completely done), but I still need to tell him what I want! And then we still need to get presents for my sister and the Boy’s family. Still not sure what to get everyone.
I did go shopping over the weekend. Bought a dress, a shirt and a cardigan. Yes, I probably didn’t need these items, but I know that I’ll enjoy them! Did you do any Black Friday shopping? I wasn’t and never will be brave enough to shop with the crazy crowds.
Extra Income (this is on top of my salary from my job):
Yet another great week. I made around $1,175 from online income (staff writing, website, etc.) last week. This is before fees and everything else though. I am still in the middle of drafting my extra income explanation post, but if you have any questions, remember to ask.
Also, don’t forget about my iPad Mini and Cash giveaway, there are only a couple of days left!
Food:
We’ve been doing well with our food spending. We ate out a couple of times last week but it was all cheap food. This is something that we are of course still working on and we will be working on it forever most likely.
I’ve been thinking about this, do any of you do batch cooking? I tried it once and it didn’t go great for me, mainly because I have no patience to cook all day?
I forgot yet again to do a meal plan yesterday, so here it is below:
Monday -Philly Cheesesteas, Tuesday – Out to eat, Wednesday – Jalapeno Pepper Chicken, Thursday – Parmesan Baked Rotini, Friday – Beef Carnitas, Saturday – Out to eat, Sunday – Pizza
Being healthy:
I’ve been doing MUCH better with this, but mainly only with me eating better. I ran with my dog a couple of times, but it was so cold last week that each run was not for a very long time.
I did lose 3 pounds last week. I am very surprised how just eating better helped me lose so much weight. Here it goes to future weeks/months/years/decades of better eating!
[email protected] Adult Money says
As you know from my constant commenting on the topic, I can't wait for your extra income post! My goal is to bring in $1k/month from Young Adult Money, but I may not be taking full advantage of other side incomes (spreadsheet stuff I do, freelance writing, etc.) so I will be interested to see what you do to bring in that cash.
My recent post Black Friday Haul
MakingSenseofCents says
I can definitely see YAM bringing in at least $1K a month soon.
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
Sam says
Great week of extra income again! I am SO looking forward to that detailed post. I’ve never done batch cooking, but one thing I love is my crockpot! This time of year i love making soups & it usually makes enough to feed the bf & I for 2 nights. Oh, and try http://www.bodyrock.tv for working out girl!
MakingSenseofCents says
I keep meaning to look at the site, will do it soon!
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
plantingourpennies says
Eating well is definitely something a lot of us find tough – but I just try to remind myself – junk in, junk out.
MakingSenseofCents says
It is tough!
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
nicoleandmaggie says
The way we do batch cooking is to make double what we need anytime we make something and freeze half. So we'll do a 9×3 casserole in two smaller square pans and freeze one, or we'll freeze half of the stew etc.
My recent post Having a little bit of economics is worse than having none at all
MakingSenseofCents says
Great idea! Thanks 🙂
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
Living Debt Free Rocks! says
It sounds like you had a great week-end and a healthy extra income week too! I too have been doing my best to eat clean but I don't really sweat it when I occasionally succumb to my sweet tooth.
My recent post Debt Freedom Day
MakingSenseofCents says
I have a bad sweet tooth. Right now I'm eating Reeses Pieces!
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
[email protected] says
Good job on your extra income and staying on track with your spending! I was afraid that I would fall off the healthy eating wagon over Thanksgiving…but I didn't. Whew.
Have a great week!
MakingSenseofCents says
I was afraid that I would too, but thankfully I did not.
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
Lance @ Money Life and More says
You are such a tease.with your extra income post. I am sure it will be a smash hit.
MakingSenseofCents says
Haha I know. I need to finish drafting it.
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
MakingSenseofCents says
Thanks girl!
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
Budget & the Beach says
I can't wait to read that post about extra income because I could sure use that right now. I don't know if it's depressing or inspirational to read these posts. 🙂 lol! 100 people!!! Wow!
My recent post When You Find Yourself in a Hole, Stop Digging
MakingSenseofCents says
Haha hopefully it's inspirational! 🙂
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
SavvyFinancialLatina says
That's so awesome!!! Side income is so nice. I really need to make a plan for my blog, and figure out how I'm going to monetize it. I would love to make some side income. I am such a procrastinator though.
Spending has been meh. We just keep having things pop up. Plus, we are not controlling our spending on food as much as I would like. It's hard because we are young, and just want to enjoy ourselves.
Michelle says
I agree, side income is nice. And I know what you mean, we spend more than most as well.
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
therandompath says
I want to do batch cooking too! But it seems a bit overwhelming..May be I'll have to start with one recipe and work my way up.
Can't wait for your post on the extra income. I am indeed curious 🙂
My recent post Christmas Budget: A Must Have
Michelle says
It does seem overwhelming, and I'm always worried that we won't eat the things that I batch cook.
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
Frugalista Married says
Congrats on 3 pounds lost and the extra money gained!! I just got the iphone 5 too. I had the 4 before so it's just more of the same awesomeness.
My recent post Thanksgiving Break
Michelle says
Thanks!
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
My Money Design says
I do the same as you and always start to get serious about my health / exercise right around the Holidays (when it will be the hardest!). Nice side income – that's all from one week ????
My recent post Struggling to Buy Presents? Try These Christmas Gift Ideas for Her
Michelle says
Yup it's all from one week 🙂
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
Jason Clayton says
Nice work on your extra income. I look forward to reading your post about how you make this a reality, as I could use some extra income. 🙂
My recent post Save Thousands of Dollars with this One little Rule
Michelle says
Will be publishing hopefully this week or next! 🙂
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
Veronica Hill says
Also looking forward to your extra income post. You do so great in this area and everyone wants to know how!
My recent post 10 High Paying Tech Jobs Without a Degree in 2013
Michelle says
Thanks!
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
iheartbudgets says
Digging the new look. Clean!
Also, well done on the extra income. I'll be emailing shortly 🙂
My recent post Top Budgeting Tips For The Traveller In You
Michelle says
Thanks!
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
Brick By Brick Investing | Marvin says
I love following your progress especially the firing range 😉 My wife begged me for the iPhone 5 but we chose the 4S because it was a cheaper option at the time. We’ve tried batch cooking before but it didn’t go too well due to the fact we were staying at my parents while our home was being built. Now that we’re in our new home we plan on trying it out again next week!
Michelle says
The 4S was cheaper for me as well, but I decided to splurge. I really love it so far!
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
asha reyes says
I just got an iphone 5 too and love it! Also, congrats on paying off such HUGE debt! I absolutely love the craziness of Black Friday but never end up buying very much because I've noticed that many of the items are not really at their all-time lowest prices :/
My recent post A Penny Saved is a…Dollar {or more} Earned!
Michelle says
Thanks, I haven't finished paying it off yet, but I'm excited as well.
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
Anne_UGifter says
Once again, thoroughly impressed by your side hustle income! I keep meaning to try out some batch cooking, but haven't got there yet. I made a meal plan last week and that was awesome. naturally, I neglected to do it for this week and we will be off to a rough start. I have a meeting tonight that includes dinner, which will leave us scrambling for lunches tomorrow as my spouse will likely only make enough for one person tonight.
Michelle says
Thanks! And if you do try batch cooking, you should tell us all about it 🙂
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
@danilee_13 says
I can't wait for your extra income post!! I'm doing really well this month so far, but some of it is money I won't see right away. 🙂 Great job on everything you do!
As for batch cooking, I'm going to try a new strategy in December. I'll be posting about it too, hopefully later this week!
My recent post An Amazing Weekend!
Michelle says
Looking forward to your post!
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
edwardra3 says
$1,175 in online income is pretty nice. I think I've made about half of that so far. But I'm still on track to be debt free in about 6 years.
My recent post Three Tips for Christmas Decorating on a Budget
Michelle says
Thanks!
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
AmericanDebtProject says
Your posts keep me motivated Michelle! Glad you had a great thanksgiving. Did you go shooting this weekend? What is that middle picture??
My recent post Finally, A Rap Song About Being Frugal!
Michelle says
Yup we went to the range yesterday, it was fun!
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
Michelle says
Yup we did go to the range, we go every weekend almost! The Boy has enough guns for an army, so it's always a lot of fun 🙂
My recent post $1,175 in Extra Income, Life, Food Weekly Update
savvyscot.com says
Your extra income figures NEVER fail to amaze me! The shooting looks fun… need to try that sometime 🙂
My recent post Do young people need to think differently about retirement?
makingsenseofcents says
Yes shooting is a lot of fun 🙂
fromshoppingtosaving says
So glad you're on instagram so I can keep tabs on you more =) Glad to see things going well!!! Looking forward to the extra income post, especially since I will be quitting my job soon and winter break is coming up!
makingsenseofcents says
Haha I'm glad as well!
[email protected] says
That's an amazing side income. I can't wait to see the details. I'm jealous you lost three pounds with Thanksgiving and all!
My recent post Does It Make Sense to Pay Off The Mortgage Early?
makingsenseofcents says
Haha I know! I was very surprised.
Tie the Money Knot says
That's nice side income….for just a week! Great job on the healthy eating too…what a nice week you had.
My recent post Finding Out How Much Someone Paid For a Home
makingsenseofcents says
Thanks!
@FreeAgentRogers says
Yes, extra income makes the difference! Just a few hundred dollars a month can change the future. No matter how you do it, extra income can leads to economic freedom.
My recent post Now is the PERFECT time to start an Office Cleaning Business
makingsenseofcents says
Agreed!
My recent post Budget Busters
htitus says
I definitely want to become more money conscious, I think this might be just the place for inspiration! Glad to have found your blog <3
Best,
Colour Me Classic
makingsenseofcents says
Welcome 🙂
My recent post Budget Busters
Holly says
Here is my secret to batch cooking:
Each week I make 1 dish w/multiple servings, usually on Sun
Recently that has been soups:
Chicken stock
Gumbo
veg/mushroom/barley
On my list of to dos is:
meatloaf muffuns
6/more servings of chicken (usually split flavors: lemon, BBQ, oven fried)
lasagne
I have in the freezer some lentil stew, chicken cassarole, rice & beans, salisbury steak, swiss steak.
makingsenseofcents says
Thanks so much for this 🙂
My recent post Budget Busters
mycanuckbuck says
Yes, I do batch cooking – chili and ham/lentil soup. A little time on the weekend, and then meals for several weeks. 🙂 That is amazing on the weight loss – healthy eating does definitely make a difference!
My recent post 30% off Ontario tuition? It could happen to you!
makingsenseofcents says
Great idea!
My recent post Budget Busters
Debt Roundup says
I batch cook almost every week. This is how my wife and I eat throughout the week and month. I am interested to see your side income post. It is nice to see how other website owners monetize their site along with other freelance work. Nice job so far.
My recent post 3 Online Shopping Tips To Get Better Deals
makingsenseofcents says
Thanks! And you should definitely make a batch cooking post.
My recent post Budget Busters
Chelsea says
I think I'm most interested to know where/how you find the staffwriting/freelance jobs?
My recent post OOTD: All The Bloggers Are Doing It….
makingsenseofcents says
Great question! I will definitely be answering this in the post. I posted in a personal finance forum (Yakezie) and a couple of site owners emailed me. There are websites out there where you can sign up as well. I think ProBlogger is one of them but I might be wrong. I've never signed up on a job board, but there are a couple of staff writing job boards out there.
My recent post Budget Busters
Elena Moiseenko says
Even going out to cheap fast food restaurants can be a budget buster for many of us. I would suggest making whole wheat pasta with tomato sauce and a simple lettuce, tomato, cucumber salad 2-3 times a week which is healthy, will feed the whole family and will cost you almost nothing compared to even one trip to McDonalds.
My recent post Discover Exciting Careers in Radiography
Financial Samurai says
Big bucks! Nice job. Do you do a net worth update as well?
My recent post What Should I Do Before Quitting My Job? 15 Things To Consider
Christa says
Great job on the weight loss simply by eating better! my husband's out of town for a few weeks, and I hope to eat "girly food" like salads while he's gone to kick start some weight loss…or at least counteract Christmas weight gain that's on the horizon!
My recent post Investing in Sanity: Baby Sleep Training
Boris says
Congrats on making so much extra money. I aspire to earn as much as you one day.. btw.. thanks for welcoming me to the yakezie network. I will make sure to rss subscribe to your blog.
My recent post So What The Hell Is The Proper Tip