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Poll: What do you spend your entertainment money on?

Posted By: Me: Travel and going out with friends. on 2007-05-22
In Reply to:

nm




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But her money is her money to spend as she pleases -
I don't understand how you can think it is wrong for her to spend whatever she wants to on whatever she buys. It is their personal money they spend. It is not like they are saying give me those shoes and add it to the taxpayer's bill.

And in all actuality, they are saying spend, spend, spend to get the economy going.

I am sorry, I am jealous that some people still have plenty of money to spend and I don't, but I don't expect those people to quit spending just because I had to.
maybe you should spend some more money
seriously
right!!???okay... they say they want us to spend money
to stimulate the economy

spending money is good...

okay... gonna give me some?

I really think some people/media are out of touch.

Good thing I work 10 hours a day. Otherwise, watching news, which is pretty much all I watch in my off time (a few murder real stuff shows), would drive me nuts.
Entertainment
We spend on eating out a lot, and also ride motorcycles. We have his, mine, and ours, and they all need chrome. LOL

We took a long ride today and ended up eating all 3 meals out!

Clearly for the laughs and entertainment...!
Nice to see this side of him too. I thought it was pretty boring before, with Jerry on I actually enjoy watching it. Guess a lot of others feel the same. Wouldn't it be something if he won!?! LOL.
It's the Entertainment business . . .
it's always been that way. It's called American Idol, not Best Singer - you kind of need the whole package. The Idols that have won and didn't have the look have not amounted to much.
Woman Gives Birth to 8 = Entertainment...sm

Like one poster said, because the human body is just not designed to carry this number of babies, these little ones will most likely suffer  a lifetime of congenital defects or illness.  Also,  I'm sure anyone here who has ever brought  home a baby (whether delivered or adopted), can attest to the physical, emotional, mental, and/or financial strains often associated with parenthood. Mother-infant bonding is vital part of normal human development.  I don't see how these babies will have the opportunity to experience this on an individual basis.  It's very sad that no one (mother or doctor) took their overall health and welfare into consideration.  After being deprived of even a healthy pregnancy, their overall start in life is going to be a very rough one, if they even live.   To exploit this situation in a reality show for the sake of entertainment truly sickens me. 


In a country where endangering a person's life is illegal, anyone involved in a case like this should be prosecuted, IMO.  I would rank this woman's doctor right up there with Michael Jackson's plastic surgeon.


How much money rasied for Katrina, how much money for the diasters due to the tidal waves and what?
Every single one of them have had some smoke around it with the money not getting to where it was supposed to go. I did not contribute, I hardly watched, was not caught up again as I have seen things like this before. They should give a all you can give benefit for Darfur where people are being massacared each and every day. Genocide going on there each and every day. I have not seen any benefits to help them out yet.
Here's a new poll for ya...
Let's get down to the nitty gritty and be honest....Bras or no bras while working from home....javascript:editor_insertHTML('text','');
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Can I do a little poll
For those of you who have been so unfortunate to go through an M/C or a termination, could you tell me how long it took to get a period after the M/C or termination, and also how far along you were in that pregnancy?

Just curious here. The doctor said 4-6 weeks, and I'm really hoping my body will cooperate!

to poll
Why didn't you give your opinion of Europeans?

BTW, most of us have European ancestors. That's a no brainer.

And it did look like you were picking a fight. I'm glad no one fell for it.
Pet owner poll: sm

Do any of you feel that the monthly one-spot flea and tick preventions are hazardous to your pets' health?


Between my best friend and me, we had 6 dogs.  Since June, 3 of them developed cancers, 2 of whom died.  The common denominator is Frontline.   Her dog was only 4, and my 2 were 10 and 8.   Her dog had a leiomyosarcoma.  Mine had squamous cell sarcoma and the other had undifferentiated giant cell sarcoma.  We both live in Florida where fleas and ticks can be a big problem.


Two other friends claim they don't give their dogs these preventatives because they were told they were poisonous to dogs, the advice coming from holistic vets. 


What are your thoughts and experiences, and where do you live? 


Thanks.


 


Poll: How many of you have a My Space?
I do.
Ok, lets take a poll, how many out there
EVER saw any evidence prior to today of her shaking, trembling, picking at bugs in the air, whatever -NEVER. Let her get some medical help through the court system.
I do Harris Poll
They give you points for surveys and you can spend them on whatever you want. I've gotten a weed whacker and a walkman...I think a couple other things as well.
Poll questions...

1.  What ages are your kids?


13 and 8 (boy/girl).



2.  Do they have their own cell phone?


13-year-old just got cell phone last September.  8-year-old does not have one.  He's been responsible with the cell phone, and I like him having it in case I need him right away as he skateboards a lot outside with his friends in the neighborhood.



3.  Do they have their own TV and or computer in their room?  If so, are there set hours they're allowed to use these:

Both of my children have TVs in their room.  They watch it mostly in the evening hours when they are settling down for bed.  The computer they use is centrally based and my husband mainly monitors that one with the parental controls.

4. Do they receive an allowance?  If so, are they required to do chores to receive this?


They do not get a regular allowance.  I'm fortunate in that they really don't ask for much as they get what they want for their birthday or Christmas.  However, I will on occasion get them something special if we are out and about "doing my deliveries" and they are with me.  My son has to take care of the trash throughout the house twice a week.  My daughter has no chores.  I want them to focus on school and just being kids.  I was made to do chores from the time I was 5 due to my mother's legs (she had severe arthritis), and I was not always allowed to go places for this reason.  I figure in due time they'll have their own homes.  They watch me and will help if asked, but have no specific chores to do. 


Poll answers
1. What ages are your kids?

15 and 7 (girls)

2. Do they have their own cell phone?


15-year-old does, 7-year-old no.

3. Do they have their own TV and or computer in their room? If so, are there set hours they're allowed to use these:

Neither one has a TV in their room. They share a computer that is located in a place where we can monitor them. They ask permission before getting on and are usually allowed to be on for no longer than hour. Homework has to be finished first though.

4. Do they receive an allowance? If so, are they required to do chores to receive this?

Yes both receive monthly allowances. Yes, they have chores they must do to earn their allowance.
Oldest daughter (15) gets $100 a month, 10% goes to church and 10% goes to savings. The rest is hers to budget for lunch, entertainment, and clothes.

Youngest daughter (7) gets $10. Same deal as the older one -- 10% goes to church and 10% goes into savings. What is left is hers to spend (usually a Webkinz or will save up for a new Nintendo DS game).

Answers to poll
Favorite job: Being a staff writer on a weekly newspaper in Princeton, NJ. Did not pay well, but I got enough to live and have pocket money, pay rent, etc. Got to meet a lot of interesting people and interview. My stories ran in the paper, and my job was very flexible, I was single and worked all kinds of hours. Those days I actually lived a dream because I was not in it for money. Or, I should say I made enough to be happy and my job made me happy too.

Worst job was when I was an artist painting faces at Disney in Florida. I thought it would be great. It was the hardest job I ever had. I only lasted 1 day and worked 12 hours and did not even get paid because I was a temp and I did not return after the 1 day. It was a million degrees outside, it seemed (I just moved to Fla from up north), and I never sat down or even had a glass of water in all those hours. I had to smile 110% of the time (that is actually a rule at Disney, you could get in trouble for frowning), and the tourists always wanted more (I know they paid for it, but the line was really long and I only was allowed to spend so much time on each person). This was indeed a dream job, but truly the most difficult job I ever had, and therefore my least favorite.
It's the Thursday Fun-Poll !!!! YAY!

       Let's see how alike or different we all are!


Chronological Age:  55


Physical Age:  30


Emotional Age:  12


What State:   CA


How you like being an MT:     Eh, it's [barely] a living. 


What you like/dislike about it:   I like to type, but I hate being poor.


Favorite Food:   Hamburgers.


Favorite Spectator Sport(s):   Figure skating.


Most fun you ever had in your life:   Exploring London & Oslo on foot.


One of your worst experiences:   Breaking my leg at the top of the mountain while skiing, and having to hop all the way down on one leg because the ski-patrol blew right by me, and didn't even stop to help. 


Funniest experience:  Getting my fanny-pack caught in a chairlift seat at Squaw Valley, and going clear around the bullwheel before the stoned-out liftie realized what was wrong.   Then, mortified, having to jump 6 or 8 feet to the ground while the liftie & others laughed.  (Find paper bag.  Cover head with it.  Ski away fast!)


Best pet you ever had:   A dog-pound dog I adopted in 1973.  She was my sidekick for 4 years, before getting killed by a car.  She understood English, so you had to s-p-e-l-l  some things in her presence.  She was psychic - always knew what I was thinking.  She went everywhere with me:  Hikes, horseback rides, long car trips, motels, other people's houses, the Renaissance Faire, art shows, concerts, etc.  My mom considered her to be my sister.


Funnest job you ever had:   I was a temp for Kelly Girl, and got to work for 2 weeks at an architect's firm located high in the mountains above Malibu Beach.  Lots of young, cute guys worked there.  Every day at lunch, we all changed into shorts, set up a volleyball court in the parking lot, and played volleyball for an hour! 


Weirdest job you ever had:   Worked (also as s temp) at a toilet-factory in Van Nuys.  The people there were all so high-drama about that place, that I had to stifle giggles more than a few times.  I also used to do saddle-repairs and bridle-making.  Also got paid to drive motor homes for people who were scared to drive them. 


When you win the Big Lottery, you will:     Quit my job!   (duh...)   Buy a small house somewhere, maybe up in Lake Tahoe, preferably with a tennis court in the back.  Will remove the net, and turn it into a private roller rink.  Will make it "flood-able" for winter, so I can ice-skate in my own backyard.  Will maybe get a pet chinchilla.  Will travel frequently, especially back to London.  Will own a season pass to not one, but several ski areas.  Will become more involved in animal rescue.


Your favorite musical group(s):   Pussycat Dolls (various);  Sundogs (swamp-rock boogie);  Red Elvises (Siberian surf-rock); Trans-Siberian Orchestra (orchestral rock); Michael Franti & Spearhead (various, reggae, etc.);  Grateful Dead (various).


Latest pet peeve:   Obnoxious skateboarders.


Favorite News Anchor:  Brian Williams.  (What a cutie!)


Favorite past Sat. Nite Live comedian:   Gilda Radner


Favorite current Sat. Nite Live comedian:  Kristin Whig...  (her "Penelope" character has me ROTFL.)


Favorite Sports Hero(s):   Apollo Anton Ono (short-track speed skater), Johnny Mosely (freestyle skier), Peggy Fleming (ice skater), and Joe Montana (and I don't even like football!) 


Most disliked sports figure(s):   Barry Bonds, and all those other 'roid junkies.  OJ Simpson is no prize, either.


I cook / don't cook because:   If God had intended for me to cook, I would've been born with Teflon hands.


What you would replace in your house:  My fridge.  It's OLD.   The freezer is not frost-free, and this most recent time I defrosted it, it had gotten SO small inside, that only 2 Swanson chicken pot-pies would fit in it. 


Who did you look up to as a kid or teenager?    One of my horseback-riding instructors.  Not only taught us kids how to ride, but she also took groups of us on field trips to places like the Art Museum, the Ballet, historial spots in the city, movies, miniature golf, concerts, the 4th of July fireworks, etc.  She practically raised some of us.


Did you pass the 1st time you took your driver's test?   No.  I forgot to look over my left shoulder when changing lanes, and he flunked me for that.  I was sooooo embarrassed, I didn't go back to re-take it for several months!


Do you text when you drive?   Haha.... I can't even text when I'm sitting in the living room!  Them little buttons is 'way too small for me........


What you hope to see in your lifetime:   Solar-powered EVERYTHING... houses, cars, even airplanes.  (yeah, right...)    Switzerland.  Mount St. Helens.  Paris.  Another Olympic in-person.  (Went to summer 1984 in Los Angeles... it was just TOO much fun!)   The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in person.  Death Valley.  Burning Man.  Australia & New Zealand.  Spain.  Ireland.  A tornado (from a safe distance).  And....!   MT becoming a good-paying job again someday.


Worst pain you ever felt:   A couple of real doozer, 3-day migraines.  Yes, those were even worse than my broken leg! 


How you treat a really bad mood:   I avoid other people if possible.  Stay inside all day and watch lots of daytime "trash-TV" shows.  Buy a gallon of chocolate-chip-cookie-dough ice cream, and polish that puppy off in one sitting.  Spew a little on Craigslist's "Rants & Raves" board.  Bake a few million cookies.  Go for a very long drive, hike, skate, or bike ride.  And....double up on the Prozac


Favorite gemstone:   Amethyst


Favorite color(s):   Purple


Favorite domestic animal:  Horses, cats


Favorite wild animal:  Mountain Lions


Happy Flyer, or White-Knuckler?   Happy mid-flight, white-knuckler on takeoffs/landings.


Phobias:  Bees, especially killer-bees.  Large numbers of any type of bug.  Sharks and jellyfish.  Sometimes seaweed. 


"I would rather die than eat a - :"       Tomato.


A friend or relative who passed away 20+ years ago gets to come back and visit you for a day: 


You would be proudest to show them:    The view from where I'm living.


They would be most shocked by:  The attacks on 9/11. 


They would be most amazed/intrigued by:  The Internet.


They would be most dumbfounded by:  The near-collapse of Wall Street, & the imminent collapse of the American automobile industry.


The activity you would most like to do together:   Go skiing!


This person was:   My dad.



 


 


Poll: How broke are you?

Last payday, I would have needed $200 to pay all my bills and then be broke.  Payday is three days away.  Here's my tally:  Cash on hand:  48 cents.  Checking:   $3.58.  Savings:  4 cents.  Woohoo.  Hatin' it. 


Sure am glad this forced me to stop the cigarettes -- 18 days smoke free now.


 



No just spend a day there. nm
:
I think this is about what I spend
I'm not sure yet, but I think it's about $200 a month. But there are people posting who spend less than that for several people!

I hardly ever use coupons. It just seems like most of the time they are for stuff I never use. No one doubles coupons up here, ever. This mountain community caters to tourists, so things are more expensive on the weekends, when the skiers and boaters are here. I avoid going to town at those times.
Poll time ....do you exercise? sm
I make sure that I walk at least 1 mile 3 times a week.  It's not as much as I should exercise but it beats nothing.  What about you?
Fun poll: What's for dinner tonight? sm
I know, I know, it's early but I tend to think about it early. Last night I was in a rush. I had one of those Hormel pork tenderloin rolls out to thaw. You can get them at the store for about 6-7 bucks. Different flavors, lemon and garlic, teriyaki, mesquite, etc. I had the teriyaki one.  I cooked it different this time though. I wrapped it real tight in foil. Then, in one of those throw away foil pans,  I put in 2 packages of hash browns, 2 sticks of butter and seasoned it with Mrs. Dash and covered it real tight with foil, too. Then, I took some left over carrots and some stewed Italian tomatoes and put them in foil and wrapped it real tight. Then, I took the whole shebang and put it on the grill and cooked it all on medium to high with the lid closed, turning the potatoes frequently. It was ready in 45 minutes. We sat down to eat.  There were 3 of us, me, hubby and boy wonder #3. We thought we died and went to heaven. First time in ages the whole meal went in one shot. Gosh, it was so good. Tonight were going to have a turkey breast on the grill. Can't wait......   
I just heard a poll on the radio the other day
that said Blazing Saddles was the all time #1 guy movie. When Harry met Sally won for all time #1 chick flick. I liked B-S when I was younger but don't think I would want to sit through it now.
Orange tabby poll
I have had a couple of orange tabbies that were male also. Hmmm ... others out there?
Fun Poll: Worst/Most Interesting Job You Ever Had

This is a question I ask people often in conversation. 


One of the worst jobs I ever had was when I was 16 working as a nurses aid at a nursing home.  Back then, in 1980, minimum wage was $2.85, but since I was working thru my high school for work experience credits, they could pay us .50 less an hour, thus $2.35 an hour.  When a patient would die, I would have to ready the patient for transport to the morgue.  So, I used to wash dead bodies for $2.35 an hour.  Only one of the layer's of my odd personality...


One of my favorite jobs was when I was 19 and worked as a cab driver.  Now that was fun; like knowing the true pulse of the city, where everything was happening and what was going on.  Many stories go along with that, helping a lady of the night trick clients, a fumbled robbery attempt where I ended up with the crook's wallet instead after beating him with a tire iron --- now that was a truly interesting era in my work career...


Celebrating Christmas Poll

Do you celebrate Christmas because...


=> Its a Christian holiday about the birth of Jesus.


=> The commercial aspects with Santa and presents.


=> You enjoy tree, decorations, lights, music, food and all such things


=> Other reasons, please explain ???


My poll answers -- thanks, this was great!!
            











Amazing how many similarities here!!



Chronological Age:  50


Physical Age:  35


Emotional Age:  50 (lovin' it!!)


What State:   GA


How you like being an MT:   Love it, except for the money (lack thereof!). 


What you like/dislike about it:   Never boring/most of the time I feel like I know more than the "professionals".


Favorite Food:   PIZZA (anytime, anywhere!).


Favorite Spectator Sport(s):   Football.


Most fun you ever had in your life:  Riding rollercoasters with my kids!!  Traveling all over and meeting people.


One of your worst experiences:   When my dad died suddenly and I didn't get to say good-bye.



Funniest experience:  Many years ago, I went out drinking with a friend after work and we got a little too intoxicated, and she wanted me to drop her off at her sister's house.  She gave me what I thought were directions to her sister's house, and when we got there, I asked her if I could go to the bathroom.  She seemingly knew where to go, showed me the bathroom, and when I came out, there were 2 people standing there in their pajamas wide-eyed staring at me.  About this time I saw my car backing down the driveway, so I ran out the door and jumped into the moving car, and my friend said, "That's not my sister's house!!"


Best pet you ever had:  My Siamese cat, Sasha.  He was my animal soul mate.  He was the best judge of people -- if he didn't like them, I learned to steer clear.


Funnest job you ever had:   Cheerleading instructor for PeeWee football cheerleaders.


Weirdest job you ever had:   Hand delivering flyers door to door, placing them on mailboxes -- I ended up with so many scratches on my car from getting a little too close!!


When you win the Big Lottery, you will:   QUIT MY JOB!  Donate at least 25% to charity.  Spoil all my friends and family, buy a huge piece of property in the mountains of Virginia, and be totally self sufficient, live off the grid, and invest like crazy!


Your favorite musical group(s):   Old 97's, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Michelle Shocked, Jack Johnson, Maroon 5, Rage Against the Machine


Latest pet peeve:   People that text me instead of picking up the phone and calling.



Favorite News Anchor:  Rachel Maddow (does that count?)


Favorite past Sat. Nite Live comedian:   Will Farrell.



Favorite current Sat. Nite Live comedian:  Amy Pohler.



Favorite Sports Hero(s):   John Riggins, Joe Gibbs (Redskins coach)



Most disliked sports figure(s):   John Elway (met him once, what a jerk!).  Michael Vick (what a jerk!)



I cook / don't cook because:   I love to cook; it's one of my God-given talents!!


What you would replace in your house:  I want to pull up every piece of carpet (yuck!) and replace it with bamboo floors. 



Who did you look up to as a kid or teenager?    My dad -- one of the best men that ever walked the Earth!! And my great aunt, Minnie. 


Did you pass the 1st time you took your driver's test?   Oh, yes, I had lots of practice in the field behind my house!!


Do you text when you drive?   Heck, I can't text when I'm NOT driving!!  (just haven't got the knack).


What you hope to see in your lifetime:   Gotta agree with you on this one -- solar or wind-powered everything!!!  I know this is corny, but I would truly love to see a more peaceful and harmonius world.


Worst pain you ever felt:   I was burned 22% of my body. 



How you treat a really bad mood:   I, too, avoid people as much as possible.  I throw myself a pitty party, get over it, and move on.



Favorite gemstone:   I love them all, since it is one my hobbies and I collect them, but if I had to say . . . . moonstone -- it's one of my birthstones.



Favorite color(s):   Blue, olive green, all shades of gray.



Favorite domestic animal:  Cats, horses,also.



Favorite wild animal:  Whales and dolphins.



Happy Flyer, or White-Knuckler?   White knuckler all the way (I'm a 2-martini flyer)


Phobias:  Open heights. 



"I would rather die than eat a - :  Love steamed oysters, but could never eat one raw (like a big booger!).



A friend or relative who passed away 20+ years ago gets to come back and visit you for a day: 



You would be proudest to show them:    To see what great people my kids turned into.


They would be most shocked by:  About having a black president (he would have loved it, though!).



They would be most amazed/intrigued by:  The Internet.  (ditto on this one)



They would be most dumbfounded by:  The near-collapse of Wall Street, & the imminent collapse of the American automobile industry.  (same here)



The activity you would most like to do together:   Pitch baseball in the backyard like we used to!



This person was:   My dad.  (wow)


Poll: Do you feel hopeful about
the future of our economy?
Poll: Summer vacation
 Our backyard!
No, I would not go. If that means he goes and you spend TG by yourself so be it.
After enduring 13 years of the "in-laws" I gave my husband an ultimatum - either them or me and I meant it. I was not putting up with them anymore. Fortunately, he chose me and his kids, and our lives have been so peaceful for the past 6 years without them in it! I just severed the ties.

Good luck with your situation. I really feel for you.

My mom always says "stay away from those who disrupt your inner peace." I listened to her advice.
I pay $85 in a big city, but she does spend 45 sm

minutes or so washing, cutting and styling may between chin and shoulder length hair.  Five minutes is ridiculous.  I don't see how they can even do a good job in that amount of time.


Yes, I know $85 is high (plus tip).  I have just had so many hack jobs at less money that I got scared and went to a trendier place in the city.


For so many of the students they spend more
time with the teacher than they do with their parents. These teachers are preparing these kids to be the future of our country someday. Look at the money that atheletes make for playing a game. It is ridiculous.
Spend most of the $$$ on the grandkids now.
Give our four kids and spouses $50.00 per couple to purchase something they would like. Usually my husband will give the men a pocket knife or some small tool (under $15.00) the women get a Christmas ornament for the tree each year. Used to spend more on them before they had their own children. Probably spend $75.00 each on each of the seven grandchildren. Always ask for nothing from them, as I feel that Christmas is really for the kids and now grandkids. They don't need to spend their money on us and we really need nothing. I usually will spend about $200.00 on my husband. Don't exchange with parents per their request (only 1 set left), or with my or DH siblings (too many). Just happy if everyone can stop by for the dinner which we hold every year for the family. Also, I pick things up all through the year, to help spread out the spending, which helps.
Make sure you lie down and spend
some time on several. We are happy with ours, and I think it's a Sealy. It's the one that doesn't transfer motion because DH is bigger than me and he moves around a lot.
Make sure you lie down and spend
some time on several. We are happy with ours, and I think it's a Sealy. It's the one that doesn't transfer motion because DH is bigger than me and he moves around a lot. Ours has a pillow topper. I believe it's best to have layers of different types of foam for the most comfort.

I hear bad things about the memory foam types. Not only do many people find them hot, they don't perform well for activities that aren't sleeping, if you know what I mean. I've never had one, but the problem was described as feeling stuck and not being able to move right.

I think the adjustable air mattresses sound like a ripoff and I was not impressed when DH insisted I lie down on one at the store.
How much do you spend on groceries....
per month, & how many in your family? Anything special adding to (or subtracting from) the bill, like vegetarian diet? What part of the country do you live in?

Just curious.
I'm in Florida and spend about $175/wk for 5 sm

I'm in Florida, and it is me, my husband, our 2 kids (son 7 and daughter 11), and my father-in-law, and I swear my FIL, who is 5Ǝ" and 158 lbs, eats more than my husband, who is 6Ɖ" and 345 lbs. FIL had to have a feeding tube put in last July, and I had to cut down meals by half because we were having so many leftovers and wasting money. Just when I thought I had it figured out, he was able to get the tube removed, so I'm back to making meals for an army. I just wish I had his metabolism as he just does not seem to gain weight and even had to go on high-calorie Ensure when he had the feeding tube to gain weight. I shudder to think of what my grocery bill will be when my son hits puberty  I don't buy stuff for lunches here at home as we (FIL and I) will just eat a sandwich or leftovers from the fridge


As far as special foods, we don't really buy anything out of the ordinary. I buy frozen vegetables instead of canned unless it is for a recipe, and for a while we were buying meat at a butcher shop but have had to cut that out for now. It was really good but was close to DH's work, and if he couldn't pick it up while he was in the area, it was a 45-minute drive. I cook most things from scratch, except lasagna because I hate making it. Once a month, we have a luncheon at church that I bring a dish and a dessert, and I cook Wednesday night dinner there one night per month, but I get reimbursed for the Wednesday night dinner. I do include paper products and toiletries in with my grocery budget but that's it, and I usually go to Sam's once a month for those.


I have it easy compared to my parents though. My dad got paid once a month, and there were 4 kids at home all the time, 5 when my sister came up during the summer. They used to have 3 grocery carts slap full of food, and my mom figured out that it took something like 18 boxes of cereal to last a month, each one with a date marked on it so we didn't go through them too quickly. And to keep my brother from using a mixing bowl and a serving spoon to eat cereal  We also had a freezer to keep extra bread and other things, and my mom also used to mix in powdered milk when the gallon was half-way gone. I never knew until I was grown, so she definitely blended it well.


I think I spend less at the store when

we eat out/order in.  Of course, then our "entertaining" budget increases.  But some things are cheaper to just order in.  For example, pizzas -- I can get 2 large pepperoni pizzas from the local pizzeria for under $20.  If I buy them in the store, I spend about $15 and then have to cook them and my kids don't like the frozen kind as well.  The frozen kind are also smaller.


I just got groceries this past Friday and spent $200.  I had an entire cart full.  In addition to the coupons I had, I also had a 20% discount on everything (one of those reward plans for spending so much the previous 2 months).  I got value packs of skinless/boneless chicken breasts - buy 1 get 1 free -- $15 packs of chicken, breakfast sausage on sale, ham steaks on sale, plus my 20% off all that. 


Overall, I think I spend somewhere around $150 a week on groceries.  There are 5 of us -- me, my hubs, and 3 boys -- ages 6 to 11. 


What I notice that I spend more on are school lunches.  It costs $2.00 a day per child and I don't think they actually eat it.  I'm thinking about packing my kids' lunches each day.  $2/day x 3 kids = $6/day x 5 days/week = $30/week x 4 weeks/month = $120 for lunch.  YIKES!!! I think I can do better than that if I pack them.


Will spend about $300 for the grandkids..
we don't buy for anyone else. DH and I buy what we want throughout the year. This year though he wants a metal detector, probably around $1200 and I have the same amount to do something with. We don't really buy gifts for each other but we do go away for Christmas week to a cabin in the mountains that we rent, no phone, no TV, have to drive 12 miles to get cell service. We relax, read, snowshoe, ski, bring the portable DVD player and catch up on movies, sleep late. That's our gift to each other.
just spend time only with him, get him something just for him. Hug him.
nm
The Obamas spend too much.... SO MAD
Seems to me like the Obama's don't have very good budget planning skills, at home or in the "office".  People are losing their jobs, just like all the people laid off from Crystler, and hey she is wearing $600 shoes!!!! What a great example!!!
Poll time... if your 15-year-old daughter....sm

has a paper due at school that was assigned a week ago, she procrastinated and didn't start writing it until the afternoon before the due date and didn't type it up until 11 p.m. at night, then knocked on your door to wake you up because she realized there was no printer printer would you:


A.  Get dressed and go to the 24-hour Wal-Mart to get paper.


B.  Tell her that it's too bad- she should have done her paper sooner than this and alerted you before 11 p.m. that there was no printer paper - especially when she has gone through a whole ream within a month printing out things like rock band and television star photos and other nonessential things.


(For the record - my husband & I did option B to help her learn a "life lesson" last night - she'll get a reduced grade for turning in the paper late but hopefully she'll learn to stop procrastinating on her school work - which is a chronic problem with her - even with her getting A's and B's.)


Dancing with the Stars poll: Who is gonna win??
I vote for Apolo!!!
Poll: What's your ultimate favorite dessert.
Dark chocolate ganache covered wafers with chocolate truffle filling, drizzled with raspberry sauce and topped with fresh raspberries and gold leafing.
POLL:What show are you looking forward to this fall?

I just Netflixed the first season of Friday Night Lights and I am HOOKED! What a wonderful show.  I can't wait for that to start.


Also, looking forward to Gray's Anatomy, but hoping for a much lighter season this fall.  Last year was such a drag after the first two.


Poll: short reports or long ones?

which do you prefer?


 


I like short ones myself, I get bored with the long ones.


Poll time: What is the best vacuum cleaner out

We are talking hoses, cords, bagless, baggy, bulky, suctiony, heavy, you name it.  I am looking for the perfect vacuum!  Just moved from a house with central vac and I am going to miss it!!!


 


Thanks!!!


POLL: Are we headed for a recession/depression?
Do you think we are headed there or already there.  Some people have told me they think it is going to get really bad like during the great depression.  opinions?
I wouldn't spend so much as a penny... sm

At any store that sells puppies and kittens.  Why?  Because they all come from puppy mills or other questionable "breeders" (despite their denials).  I would never put money in the pockets of a puppy miller.