Your New Stampin' Up Demonstrator

Hi there,

It has been a bit since I last posted. You may or may not know, but I love to craft and although I craft in lots of media, for my paper crafting I have always chosen to use Stampin' Up Products.  Well last month I decided to become a demonstrator and now I can use the products and save at the same time.  Come by and check out my website at CoCo in Bonita at Stampin Up.  Year end closeouts are posted so log on now and take advantage of the current sales!  

Happy crafting,

CoCoinBonita

30 day No Spend Challenge

• Titus 1:7 (ESV)

  For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,
  

 Scripture teaches those who read it faithfully a lot about the walk we are called to as Christians.  Here is an area that I must confess is a failing of mine and which I have prayed for help. My next several posts will deal with this issue.  If you relate hopefully we can encourage each other in prayer.



While I was on Pinterest I found this lovely post by Ruth at Living Well Spending Less  (http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/31-days/livingwellspendingzero/) and I decided I would give this a try.  Last year we had a record breaking year in our Window Replacement business (SureProsd.com). But here we were in January of 2014 with little to show for it.  In February our accountant gave us a reality check and stated that we should have thousands in the bank.... many many thousands... we were not close. 

Granted we did go on a trip of a lifetime (a 14 day adventure in Europe along with a 7 day Mediterranean Cruise), we purchased three used cars, and took several weekend trips down to Cantamar, Baja California. So this ate up about $$$k, but where was the other $$$$$$K?
I am hoping that by doing this challenge, I can see my spending habits for what they really are and what feeds that desire to spend and buy items I think I need. (I really do not NEED anything).  My family is healthy, my grand children are close, there are many believers in my daily life, what more could I ask for? . 

Today is March 4th and I have gone 3 entire days without spending a dime!  At this point in my week (today is Tuesday, March 4, 2014) I would have already spent at least $130.00. And here is my analysis and breakdown:

A minimum of $20.00 at JoAnn's on Crochet notions that were 40% off
A minimum of $20.00 at Michael's  on Crochet Yarn  that was 50% off
A minimum of $20.00 at Big Lots to puchase, yet again .... more yarn that was not on sale, but is priced at $1.00 a skein.
A minimum of $20.00 at my local "Feel Good Nutrition" for my morning shakes.
A minimum of $50.00 for dinner for at least one of the days.

That is a whopping $130.00 in 3 days that I did not spend!

The ground rules seem simple... No spending for 31 days... Zero, Nada, Zilch, Nothing! A time to cut out my non-essential spending.  For me this including crafting items: right now I am on a crocheting binge and although I probably have more yarn that should last me a life time, I continue to save money by buying only yarn that is on sale.  Again, I have about 4 or 5 large plastic bins filled to capacity of yarn!  Seriously, Do Not Tell my DH. 

Ruth challenged her readers to use items from the pantry and freezer.  I will make an exception here, as I decided to do this without identifying what we currently have in the freezer  or in the pantry.  I know for sure, I will be making runs to get fresh produce.  But aside from this, I will make every effort to spend nothing on non-essentials.

As I start day 4, I have noticed a couple of things:  I get too many emails and texts advising me of the latest, greatest sale from.... you guest it: Michaels, Joann's, & Big Lots.  When I am done here, I will unsubscribe to these notifications hoping that this will allow me to be more sensitive to the continual marketing and selling techniques employed by these companies. 

I will keep you posted.

In Him,

Enter to win!

Addi Swing Crochet Hooks

Addi Swing Crochet Hooks
Publisher/Company: Skacel Collection

Enter to win a complete set of Addi Swing Hooks! The deadline to enter is February 26th, 2014 at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Addi Swing Crochet Hooks were definitely designed to make crochet an even more relaxing and enjoyable hobby. The ergonomic design of these crochet hooks will help prevent sore hands after hours of endless crochet, which means you can literally crochet for as long as you want without an ounce of discomfort.


Enter here and enjoy more entry opportunities:

http://www.allfreecrochet.com/sweeps/Addi-Swing-Crochet-Hooks

Super Size Me!...Please

Multicolor afgan

Pattern: adapted from: Lion Brand #90374AD. Quick & Cozy Dream Baby Throw. Cal-King "Super-Size Me" Throw. Great way to use left over yarn.I used a "J" size Crochet Needle and was done in about 5 days.