I don’t know what’s happened the past 3 weeks, but I’ve fallen off the frugal wagon. Maybe I’m being complacent, what, with a new president about to come into office to make things all better. But whatever it is, people, I’ve been bad. Read bad.
I got a $90 haircut. $90! I know there’s a better way to do it here in Chicago, but I didn’t investigate it. All I did was ask around to my non-frugal friends about where they get their hair cut and took the first available appointment because it was so much easier and reliable. (Of course, it was totally worth the money.) What to do? At least I didn’t sign up right away for the $350 Brazilian straightening treatment.
I’ve purchased but haven’t cut the tags off a spectacular red leather messenger back that I totally don’t need, but got during a return/ exchange at Nordstrom’s one lonely day. It seemed to be a good idea at the time, and I mean, I had a store credit. For $100, it didn’t seem to be that outrageous of a decision. But it sure wasn’t frugal.
Our family came to town this weekend and we ATE OUT EVERY MEAL. Not to mention the indigestion I now have from garlic popcorn (delish), we totally overindulged in a 3-course, 4-dessert gastronomic extravanganza. How could I say no? I was counting every Starbucks I’d go without considering there wasn’t an entree on the menu less than $25, but we had company in town. I couldn’t very well pass off my brisket as a gourmet meal out. And, until about the 5th meal out in a row it actually tasted very very good to consume someone else’s cooking.
But now, I must repent to my blog audience. I’ve fallen off the wagon hard and it feels so good, but I know I have to reign in the spending again soon. Help!
I’ve never really used my blog as a place to promote products or companies other than ones I choose myself, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Said another way: it’s ok to oblige to a PR pitch every now and again.
So thanks to the folks at Disney and Miller Pear Public Relations, I got the hook up on some discount tickets to “
Disney on Ice” coming to Chicago Jan. 22- Feb. 8. Coupons codes below. Ok, the pimping is over now. Back to our regularly scheduled frugalness.
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-$5 off: Qualifier MOM5 for all weekday performances
-$3 off: Qualifier MOM3 for most weekend shows, except for VIP or Front Row
It’s been about a year since I left my job. Officially, this means that I am officially more of a stay-at-home mom than I ever was a working mom.
But, the one year anniversary of not working seems more significant than the one year anniversary of working after my son was born. I’ve learned a lot in this last year – things I could never have dreamed of accomplishing while working.
For one, I’ve brushed up on my Spanish (thank you, Dora). I’ve learned how to effectively organize toys with multiple pieces and parts (thank you Tupperware, Rubbermaid and Target). I’ve managed crises with ease – I can clean up puke on me, my kid and my floor with barely any swearing.
I am one step closer to my dream job of being a rock star – I have an audience (ok, he’s only almost 3 and I’m only imitating Laurie Berkner, but I never claimed I was selling out the United Center.)
I’ve conquered Monday morning blahs by signing the little man up for drop-off preschool, and I no longer look forward to Fridays because it means two consecutive days with no class.
I know how to set realistic goals - if I can shower, dry my hair and squeeze in a 20-minute catnap during naptime, it’s been a successful afternoon.
I’ve made a lot of new friends. Their names are Diego, Max and Ruby, the cast of Hi-5 and Goldbug. Thank g-d for Goldbug.
I’m learning how to manage my schedule. If I double book a lunch date, I have a list of acceptable excuses for the unassuming party. My kid disabled my f’ing BlackBerry! (Speaking of BlackBerry, do I even need one anymore?)
Best of all, I’m standing up to my new boss. No toddler will tell me where to sit or how to play with the Legos!
So…
be my name Mommy or Mama or Mom
or You sit right there on your tushie bum,
I’m off to Great Places!
Today is my day!
My SUV carpool is waiting.
So…I’d better get on my way!
(Hearty thanks to my other BFF, Dr. Seuss.)
