thebradleys's Blog

I haven't worn Estee Lauder since I quit the corporate world and paycheck that went with it. I haven't dyed my hair since I decided I like my greys and was tired of dealing w/the roots. I do my own nails too. But I always have. My husband uses his baby sander on my feet to keep them smooth since I don't wear shoes unless I'm leaving the house and then it's flips. I do splurge on Veet. But my back doesn't like it when I shave. Veet is easier for me. Tho, I use a washcloth to rub the hairs off. Not the useless remover they give you w/it. It's cheap shampoo too. No more Paul Mitchell in this house.

I buy an new article of clothing every once in a while, but like you, my money goes for the kid to look stylin. That spree is coming in a few short weeks. Whee.

We always do 'date night' at home. In the 10 years w/our kid, I think we've had three 'dates'. We're homebodies. We don't mind.

I cut where I can. My hubby drives all day for work and is only reimbursed $50/wk. He spends way more than that on gas. I'm thankful we have a mortgage we can still afford and not too much debt so our monthly expenses are still doable.

Our health & homeowners are big expenses. But I don't see that changing w/the guard either. Good thing I didn't hold my breath when our Governor said he'd fix that. Ha! My phatbutt!

Food is still a big expense. But I'm not compromising on some things like organic milk. I will spend the money. Winn Dixie usually runs good sales on their organic milk. Winn Dixie is cheaper folks! I love Publix, but I only go there when I need something the ot

WordyOwl is always WelcomeOwl :D (Any friend to the critters is a friend of mine)

Part of me was sad to leave the workplace and we worried about the loss of the other half of our income. Well, when I quit buying wardrobe, pantyhose, cosmetics, pantyhose, gas, pantyhose, car repairs, did I mention pantyhose ?!?!?!) we realized we COULD "do" on one income.

So now we cut again. And it occurs to me there's got to be hundreds if not thousands of local women looking around at where else to trim.

I've started a garden, but it is very very young and not producing, so my produce stand up the way is a Godsend. Like you, "just because" trips are gone byebye.

I've got a card at a local beauty supply shop where I can buy shampoos and conditioners for under $10 for almost a gallon each (yes, the salon kind) At the same place I can get a 32 ouncer of cocoa butter lotion for $3. I just checked my labels too - made in America. ;-)

My sister is a Sephora girl, and frankly can afford to be one, but we are constantly asked if we are twins and she is 4 years younger. Her facial skin care line versus my regiment of olive oil for moisturizing and handmade olive oil soap ... well, the math is obvious.

Yes, thank goodness diaper days are over here too. Formula was never an issue for me, but then I had to be the one eating right.

Oh, and PS: "Girls Rule" because they can make "Boys Drool!" :D

Olive oil eh? I've used it on my hair before but not my face. Makes sense actually.

MrsBradley, you make a good point about the beauty supply stores. There is one near me.

Ah, pantyhose... You should have two pairs in case the first one runs when putting them on for the first time. I used to order my Leggs through the mail. They came in multi-pair bags and were much cheaper than the store. Every once in a while one of the legs was longer than the other, but 99& were great. I don't miss them at all either.

One income has been doable. Considering, as you mentioned, the income from a job would go to daycare, gas & pantyhose, I need to figure out something to do from home. Something I've never had to seriously ponder before. But I have talents. Finding a viable use for them is the ticket.

Yes, we can make them drool and act like fools. We can also pop a kid out and keep walking. ;)

Never underestimate the power of a Woman.
MamaRaptor

And I bet your make up looks just as good, and also your nails toes and hair? You have found out by circumstance, what our parents new by instinct. That being that we can all do without a lot of needless stuff and be just as well off. And dare I say just as happy! When life throws you off balance, shed that excess weight and keep close to your center the things that matter the most.

Reminds you of that blog I wrote about us all having too much money huh?*lol*

I cut back on expenses by transferring jobs. I am now only 5 blocks from work
(as opposed to 22 miles one-way), which means I can walk or ride a bike there. No more weekly fuel fill-ups.

I no longer go to Wal-Mart before work- mainly because it is no longer convenient. Since I am now working in the same town, I no longer pass any stores on the way to work.

I switched auto insurance- a savings of $120/month. I also switched my cell phone plan- a savings of $30/month.

I cut out many of the "snacks" I usually buy. This is also a great way to lose those inches I gained during the school year ? In the mornings, I work out at home, walk, or ride bikes with my son.

I like to vacation, so I look for discounted prices (at least 1/2 off) or free admissions for teachers. This helps considering I have to pay for myself and my son. Another thing that helps is buying the annual pass for places my son likes to visit. Sea World offers a free “study pass” for teacher so I bought my son an annual pass. Because admission is now “free” for both of us, we don’t have to see everything in one day. We usually eat breakfast at home, stay at the park a few hours and come home to eat lunch. When we visit the park again, we try to see the things that we missed or the things that we really enjoyed.

Also, when planning vacations, I look for the last minute deals on discount websites. I usually spend less than $300 for roundtrip tickets for 2 in the US.

Another vacation option is visiting family or friends. One of my favorite vacation spots is Hawaii. My uncle and his family are

See? More good ideas. Thank you Laquinda and so very nice to "meet" you! (And thank you for teaching our kids.... sometimes that is not said enough.)

I was reading your post and it occurs to me a nice old fashioned picnic at the park would be fun. The last time our little family did such a thing was a couple of years ago, we'd gone to Heritage Park... I think we are overdue.

Oh for Heaven's Sake. You ain't foolin' me, Bubba. (What took ya' so long to get here YD?)

You ARE a Southern Gent - the proof is in the Horse Doovers. I'm REALLY familiar with that term! :P

The Southern Gentleman's idea of a romantic dinner date: A 6-pack of RC Colas and some Moon Pies.

Last meteor shower we actually watched, we dragged out lawn chairs (along with the neighbors - oh just picture it) - sodas - and moon pies. We proceeded to spot bats, night birds, airplanes, a couple UFOs, the occasional shooting star, and enjoyed some sweet sugar buzzes. It was fun. ... and cheap.

I'll save ya' a seat next time YD. Even if ya' don't smell too fresh. :P

Woot! I got bookended by our guys! LOL

[sniff sniff] You DO smell nice, Floyd! :D

So a guy has made this "discovery" too - there is usually a wax or paraffin base to inexpensive lotions and conditioners that can make for a really smooth (no bumps, no nicks) shaving experience. Get a huge bottle at the local dollar store and you are SET! (Why pay $4-5 for a small shaving gel???)

Steak night... a little hand holdin'... nothing beats your own home and gardens for a romantic setting... a little sky show from The Man Above and a handful of posies scooped up impromptuly for the wife... Floyd, I dub thee Mr. Romance.

I am glad you said something about the Perseids. We may get another RC Cola and moonpie group together.

What's life if you can't laugh at your selves, right?

Can I wear my panty hose, Jan? (after I shave with Freaks lotion of course).

R 'o C cola is was we called that delicious beverage. Did you ever pour a pack of salted peanuts in for a protein packed meal? topped off with the obligatory moon pie.

Being one with nature, and doing it with friends and loved ones, is the best this world has to offer bradley.

Often the simplest things are by far the best.

I do enjoy a nice glass of "red" so I'll bring the vino.

Party at Janice's! Yay!

I have a fabulous recipe for homemade Sangria.

Covered dishes, grilled meats, block party. Or rather, BLOG party...

Yep gettin' back to the basics.