Nice, right?
Hey everyone! Happy Monday. We had a great weekend. We wanted to try something new this weekend and we were to a Bob Marley Festival. Lets just say that was interesting.
Good music, good food, and then of course it started snowing like crazy – crazy for St. Louis in like 3 inches by the way.
I still can't believe it's already February! I'm keeping this week's life update pretty short since last week I published both my $6,523 in January extra income post and also my Saturday update post as well. I figured there's only so much about life updates that you want to hear about.
Even though now that I think about it, the rest of today's post is also about me. Oh well, get over yourself! 😛
Life Updates
Extra income in the past week was surprisingly well, at over $1,000. This includes all of my normal side hustles and of course my sister's rent payment since she pays in the beginning of every month.
And the main positive update for this week?
We ate in 5 of the past 7 days this week! We ate out yesterday but it was super cheap at only $15 for all three of us to eat. The girl at the local pizza restaurant around the corner from our house loves us. She always gives us 25% to 30% off our total purchase. WOOHOO!
Anyways, it is definitely a great accomplishment for us. I made 5 new meals for us this week, not just the ordinary meals I always make. My Pinterest skills came in handy. Our fridge is fully stocked and I have plenty of food for this week as well.
W's Birthday
Yesterday was W's birthday. Also, it was the Super Bowl. On Saturday, my post was titled “I don't care about the Super Bowl,” and funny enough it lead to a lot of Google searches from that. Obviously I'm not the only one who doesn't care!
Anyways, what did I get him as a present for his birthday? Well lets just say that I got him a lot of stuff. He's going to “improve” some things on his truck as his present.
Yes, we have a third car and it's a fully restored 1961 Chevy Apache that I'm in love with (pictured to the left). And yet another PF blogger sin that I have committed. And it'll be quite expensive since he needs to repair a bunch of stuff.
For some reason, I do not mind us spending money on him. But when it comes to me, I hate spending money on myself. W hates this because I make it impossible for him to buy me stuff. Is anyone else like this? Or am I just a weirdo?
Being more frugal this time
I do want to be more frugal with Valentine's Day this year though. Yes, yes, I know, the other day I said I'm not a frugal blogger. But that's only because I would stink at it. Anyways, I'm not a huge fan of Valentine's Day because lets be honest, he should be wonderful and spoil me all the time, not only when a lot of other people are getting spoiled as well 🙂
I obviously do not want to spend as much much money as I spent on Christmas or his birthday, so my limit for Valentine's Day will be less than $50. Seeing as I think this holiday is pointless, I think that's a fair amount and probably still too much.
I know for sure I want to get him some sort of case for his business cards. Right now they are just in his wallet and they don't stay the nicest in there. I'm guessing that will be around $20 and I'm sure I could find some sort of coupon at checkout. When I'm about to ring out, I'll usually search for a coupon on my phone. It has worked a couple of times and it's a great and easy way to save money.
And then I also think I'll just get him a $50 Cabelas gift card. Quick and easy.
BUT wait, how is this frugal? Well I have already earned a $50 Cabelas gift card through my credit card reward points, so it's FREE. Also, Cabelas gift cards are “on sale” and will cost me less points right now. WOOHOO! So hopefully he isn't reading this, but there ya go. $70 worth of presents for $20.
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Allison says
February 4, 2013 at 4:36 amNice job on the extra income in week 1!
I don’t like valentines day either. We should be spoiling each other all year long.
MakingSenseofCents says
February 4, 2013 at 8:17 amThanks! And glad someone agrees 🙂
myfijourney says
February 4, 2013 at 4:46 amIn my opinion, Valentines day is one of those days when the frugality has to get turned off and shoved into the closet. But maybe that's because as a guy, we're not really allowed to be frugal on Valentines day, regardless of what the ladies say.
My recent post Blog Update: January 2013
Michelle says
February 4, 2013 at 7:22 amHaha I don't care for Valentines Day and W doesn't believe me either.
My recent post I spend too much money on him and GIVEAWAY
Tabitha says
February 4, 2013 at 5:03 amI always spend more on M than I do on myself. Men. lol.
MakingSenseofCents says
February 4, 2013 at 8:17 amHaha MEN!
Shovellicious says
February 4, 2013 at 5:41 amI love that car, it's absolutely beautiful! My boyfriend is in love with old cars so I guess it's the same story here: another member of your family, right? 😉
My recent post Puzzles
Michelle says
February 4, 2013 at 7:22 amhaha thanks!
My recent post I spend too much money on him and GIVEAWAY
DC@Young Adult Money says
February 4, 2013 at 6:05 amMy wife hates to spend money on herself as well, but I find it easier to buy her gifts because of it. There are things she wants, like a new pair of Toms, that she won't buy herself. But if I get her a Tom's gift card for a present she'll buy them guilt-free!
My recent post $100 Giveaway – Valentine’s Day Gift Edition
MakingSenseofCents says
February 4, 2013 at 8:18 amI wish W was this smart! Whenever I tell him I want something, he gets me something else he thinks I need instead haha
Pauline @ Reach Financial Independence says
February 4, 2013 at 6:17 amCool car!! I also spend more on BF than myself, it is nicer to give!
My recent post Valentine gifts and $100 giveaway!
John S @ Frugal Rules says
February 4, 2013 at 6:43 amI also spend a lot more on my wife than I do myself. I hate spending money on me ad I love to be able to buy her things she enjoys/wants. It usually gets me in trouble though as I tend to go over budget to buy her something.
Michelle says
February 4, 2013 at 7:23 amThis is exactly how I am.
My recent post I spend too much money on him and GIVEAWAY
evencheap says
February 4, 2013 at 6:44 amCute car! I too need a new business card holder. I have never bought a male a gift for Valentine's day. Although I have thought about buying hubby something this year. I am not sure though. We're going to Vegas in a few days, so maybe I'll get him something there.
My recent post 5 Reasons To Get A Home Inspection
Michelle says
February 4, 2013 at 7:23 amooh Vegas?! I'm so jealous!
My recent post I spend too much money on him and GIVEAWAY
Michelle says
February 4, 2013 at 7:23 amThanks! And yes I agree.
My recent post I spend too much money on him and GIVEAWAY
plantingourpennies says
February 4, 2013 at 7:29 amWe don't "do" valentines day. Never have. Seems weird to us to have one day to love each other when that's what we want to do all 365 days each year!
My recent post PoP Income Statement – January 2013
MakingSenseofCents says
February 4, 2013 at 8:18 amI agree!
Brian says
February 4, 2013 at 7:37 amWe will continue our Valentine's day tradition of seeing a total "guy" movie. Classics that have been watched include: Over the Top, Bloodsport, Slapshot, Goodfellas, etc. This year it looks like A Good Day to Die Hard will be the winner. Of course we even this out, because the day before we usually watch some sort of "chick flick" like A Very Long Engagment etc.
It's a silly tradition, but it saves us a TON of money and avoids the crowds!
MakingSenseofCents says
February 4, 2013 at 8:18 amHaha that's a great idea! P.S. My favorite movie of all time is Goodfellas 🙂
Catherine says
February 4, 2013 at 7:52 amI also hate valentines day, I think it's foolish. Congrats on the income!
My recent post 5 Gift Ideas for Those Who Hate Valentines Day AND $100.00 Giveaway!
MakingSenseofCents says
February 4, 2013 at 8:18 amThanks Catherine!
Vesta says
February 4, 2013 at 7:59 amI am single and among my friends and I February 14th is referred to as SAD – Singles Awareness Day
MakingSenseofCents says
February 4, 2013 at 2:03 pmMake it a fun day! 🙂
Holly@ClubThrifty says
February 4, 2013 at 8:04 amGood job on eating at home 5 nights! That is a huge moneysaver~
MakingSenseofCents says
February 4, 2013 at 2:04 pmI know! It makes me so happy just to think about.
Sharon says
February 4, 2013 at 8:54 amThe best gift I've ever gotten was my engagement ring! Best gift I ever gave was a leather jacket to my hubby…his eyes just lit up when he opened it!
-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Sephora Giveaway!
My recent post Superbowl
MakingSenseofCents says
February 4, 2013 at 2:04 pmSounds great! Thanks Sharon for stopping by.
mycanuckbuck says
February 4, 2013 at 9:08 amWe do a little something – generally cards, and a nice dinner in, and a romantic movie.
My recent post Pay down debt or top up your RRSP?
MakingSenseofCents says
February 4, 2013 at 2:05 pmSounds like a great day.
andiperullo says
February 4, 2013 at 9:28 amGiven: a trip anywhere in the word to my bro for his 18th birthday
Received: a car from my parents
MakingSenseofCents says
February 4, 2013 at 2:05 pmWow those are definitely great!
Mackenzie says
February 4, 2013 at 9:48 amWe don’t spend a lot of money on each other for Valentine’s Day either. 🙂
MakingSenseofCents says
February 4, 2013 at 2:05 pmAnd I prefer it that way haha
Debt RoundUp says
February 4, 2013 at 11:02 amNice truck. I like restoring my older jeep wrangler, so I know how it goes.
My recent post The Gift Giving Giveaway
MakingSenseofCents says
February 4, 2013 at 2:06 pmW has been really wanting a jeep from like the 50's!
Frugalista Married says
February 4, 2013 at 11:12 amBest gift received: My husband!! He feels like a gift.
Best gift given: I gave my husband an I pad for his Birthday two years ago.
My husband hates Valentine's day. I like to acknowledge it and do a little something but we certainly don't make a big deal out of it.
My recent post Beyonce Bowl
MakingSenseofCents says
February 4, 2013 at 2:06 pmI think W likes the holiday more than I do haha
Gina says
February 4, 2013 at 1:08 pmCongrats on the extra income, I just got laid off 🙁 happy bday W
MakingSenseofCents says
February 4, 2013 at 2:06 pmOh no, I'm so sorry!
@Brittany_WMSB says
February 4, 2013 at 1:33 pmI have a business card holder someone bought in me 2007 from Things Remembered. It has my last name engraved on it. I LOVE it and get complimented on it a lot. I bet he'd like a manly, customized, carrier.
Budget & the Beach says
February 4, 2013 at 1:35 pmCongrats on eating in more! That goes a long way, not just in the saving money dept but in eating healthier too!
My recent post Where You Live: The Good & the Bad
MakingSenseofCents says
February 4, 2013 at 2:06 pmThanks!
Frugal Portland says
February 4, 2013 at 4:04 pmI love this — does he read the blog?
Michelle says
February 4, 2013 at 10:33 pmNope he doesn't. I prefer it that way though haha!
My recent post I spend too much money on him and GIVEAWAY
Lance@MoneyLife&More says
February 4, 2013 at 5:44 pmThat truck will be awesome fully restored. What color is it/will it be?
My recent post Should I Buy a Beach Front Condo Follow Up
Michelle says
February 4, 2013 at 10:34 pmIt's pretty much already fully restored. He just wants to make it faster and driver more smoothly. It's a sparkly blue.
My recent post I spend too much money on him and GIVEAWAY
Rob @FinancialSprout says
February 4, 2013 at 10:20 pmMy sister is obsessed with finding cheap group-on deals with her phone. Getting coupons on your phone is a great way to save money on gifts. As for the gift card, all I can say is well played!
kesha says
February 5, 2013 at 3:43 amThe best gift I have ever received is a homemade card from my daughter.
sbroughton61 says
February 5, 2013 at 4:04 amThe best gift I ever received was my daughter. She is my life. As far as the best gift I have ever given….I can not say, after all it would prabably mean more to the other person I gave it to. I would hope it would be the answer I gave above for my husband, my daughter, from me to him.
Laurie says
February 5, 2013 at 6:35 amGreat job on your eating in! I too hate spending money on myself. But the good thing about hubby is he hates me spending money on him, so I always work to be creative and find good stuff he needs on the cheap. Or a great guy movie in the $5 bin. He's happiest when I'm frugal, and working ever so hard to learn to not be too frugal with me. 🙂
My recent post Presenting: A Frugal Valentine’s Day Celebration Via Some Linky Love
@kklane60 says
February 5, 2013 at 7:34 amThe best I ever got was when I found out I was having my first child,and I guess that would the best gift I ever gave.
C The Writer says
February 5, 2013 at 8:39 amOh wow. I really really really HATE Valentine's Day. : (
MakingSenseofCents says
February 5, 2013 at 8:41 amSorry C 🙁
C The Writer says
February 5, 2013 at 9:04 amIt was so much fun until middle school. I remember being a kid and enjoying Valentine's Day and even looking forward to it.
Whatever job I have, I call out sick that day. I skipped class that day. I just can't cope. Perhaps not the most mature way to do things, but eh. Who cares. It almost makes me glad I have no job right now.
My recent post Maybe a car loan isn't such a great idea after all.
kimateyesonthedollar says
February 5, 2013 at 9:37 amI share your take on Valentine's Day. Why can't I be spoiled every day?
My recent post Money Decisions to Make in Your Twenties
vandango33 says
February 5, 2013 at 2:50 pmBest gift I've received: A snow day in with my hubby on my birthday
Best gift I've given: a watch
Nicole Becker says
February 5, 2013 at 3:13 pmBest gift I have ever received was a diamond ring. The best gift I have given is a gold necklace.
Katie G says
February 5, 2013 at 8:34 pmYou're not alone – I hate spending money on myself too!
Best gift I ever received was my great grandmother's ring. The best gift I've given was a watch from Denmark that my husband had been eyeing for quite some time. 🙂
Dawn Justice says
February 6, 2013 at 12:33 amBest gift I have given was to my boyfriend it was a light he can put on his hat lol I know it isn't much but he's literally said it is his favorite gift lol and he wants another next year.
My recent post Win an iPad Mini!! ends 2/24/13!
amber says
February 6, 2013 at 8:59 pmbest give i ever got was a diamond necklace, and best i ever gave was a flight lesson