Sticking to a budget and WIWW

In true What I Wore Wednesday fashion (see below for explaination), I have on:

Cardigan: Kohls

Dress: Old Navy

Tank: Old Navy

Leggings: Target

Necklace: Jewelry Party

Boots: Kohls

I am not the most money-savvy person I know. You see, I come from a long line of shoppers (my mom, my grandma...) and when I see a bargain sometimes I want to purchase it b/c it's a good deal and not b/c I need it. But, since I have stopped purchasing clothes until April 1st, I am doing much better with spending less money on all areas of my life.

I have not purchased any clothes, but I have been able to pick out a few outfits to be gifted to me on my birthday. (Thanks Mom/Dad and Sara!) I do admit I have purchased a necklace, tights, a winter coat, underwear, and of course, a pair of cute shoes from TJ Maxx. :-) I am finding it's a lot easier to mix and match my clothes with help from my friends and co-workers Michelle and Kristi (they are great style inspirations), and a few blogs that Michelle recommended to me, such as Kendi Everyday (http://kendieveryday.blogspot.com/) and all the What I Wore Wednesday posts (http://thepleatedpoppy.com/blog/) and (http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/) on different blogs. The best idea I have found is to wear my summer sundresses with a shirt underneath, leggings and a cardigan. Genius! :-)

The other store that I tend to spend too much moola is the grocery store. I love to cook and bake, so when I go into a store without a meal plan or list I go bananas! And, since the price of groceries has shot up I need to think before I throw something in the cart. Here is an example of this week's meal plan:

Sunday - Brats (for Matt), hot dogs (for me), mac & cheese, green beans

Monday - Leftovers (I had a night meeting)

Tuesday-BBQ hot dogs (for me), chili (for Matt), homemade beer bread, veggies

Wednesday-Out to dinner (me), leftover chili (for Matt)

Thursday-Tater Tot Casserole, corn with peppers/onions, leftover beer bread

Friday-Chicken and Rice

Saturday-Roast Beef w/carrots

Sunday-Dinner at Mom & Dad's

After this week, I will definitely need to hit up the grocery store. I am starting to use up stuff we've had in the cupboards for awhile and it's getting sparse.