It never fails that as soon as I get into a routine, something throws me off of it.
For a while I had a really great blogging routine where I shared food and DIY posts on Mondays and Wednesdays, and shared my budget and food waste recap on Fridays. Lately though I’ve had a hard time keeping with my routine. Between sponsored posts, vacation, and life, I’m all out of my routine.
On a positive note that means more income from my blog! I firmly believe that the only thing better than saving money is making money (and then saving it). I’ve been blown away by all the work that is coming my way lately through the blog.
Are you looking to make a little extra income through blogging too? Check out this post I wrote about starting a blog on a budget.
Since I’m completely out of routine, I have five random tid bits to share today.
ONE
The first thing on my mind is how wonderful it feels to have a little extra financial freedom lately. As you know, Tom only has one loan left and it’s less than $9,000.
I love the quote above because I’ve truly felt like a slave to our debt since Tom graduated law school. We are just now feeling close to financial freedom.
Seven years ago we made more money (because I was working) but had less cash flow. Tom’s minimum loan payment each month was $2,000. Now that we have paid so much extra off, the minimum each month is down to $200. You can only imagine how nice it feels to have an extra $1800 each month. It’s not really “extra” money, it goes right back to our debts. However, it is nice to know that we don’t have to pay $2000 each month.
I just want to reiterate that our household income is LESS than it was 7 years ago, but we have more money. Paying off our high interest debt fast has been the best financial decision we have ever made.
TWO
I tried this wine this week and loved it. I got it at Trader Joe’s for $5.99. This may be my new favorite red.
THREE
Ever since getting my compost bin I’ve been even more into reducing our food waste. This week I was able to use up all of my cilantro in a chimichurri recipe from Gimme Some Oven. I served the sauce over tilapia.
Then I used the rest of it to make a dressing for a salad full of leftover veggies.
It feels so good to find ways to use up herbs and veggies.
FOUR
Confession: I have no clue how much money I spent on groceries this week. Usually I’m obsessive compulsive about my spending. Even though we were only on vacation for 2 nights last week I still can’t seem to get back into normal life mode. I’m still in vacation mode.
Luckily our finances are good right now (see #1) so I’m not worried about how much I spent at the grocery store. Since I went 3 times this week I probably spent more than usual. I blame my mom brain for forgetting things each time even though I had a list.
FIVE
Jackson turns 1 tomorrow! I plan to celebrate with mimosas on the beach because I’m the one who did the hard work to get him here, right?
Above is a picture of Jackson at 11 months. I can’t wait to get a picture of him celebrating his birthday.
Anyone else feel crazy unorganized weeks after vacation? Please say I’m not alone!
Love that you’re celebrating with mimosas! haha The birthday of our children is a huge day for us Moms, too. Happy birthday to your little cutie!
You should totally celebrate!! Very exciting to hear about the birthday, blog income, and light at the end of the debt tunnel! You’re inspiring!
You are definitely not alone! I just got back from vacation and can’t seem to get back in the swing of things either! Happy Birthday to Jackson…mimosas on the beach sounds like the perfect way to celebrate!