Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

This year has had its ups and downs for Bobby and me. The year started with the promise of a new job for Bobby and the prospect of getting pregnant. Unfortunately the job didn't work out the way we wanted and we approach the holiday season with one less income. I could sit here and go on and on about how hard it's been, because it definitely has not been easy. However, I'd rather spend today thinking about what we DO have and how lucky we are.

We are having both of our families over this afternoon for Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone has been so generous in offering to bring different parts of the meal and it has really been a big help. I'm thankful that we CAN have both sides of the family over and that they get along so well. We're lucky that our parents and siblings like each other and are excited to celebrate the holidays together.

I'm most thankful for my husband. He is my best friend and I couldn't imagine my life without him. No matter what we've been through or what we're going through now, I wouldn't want anyone else by my side. OH, and of course I'm super thankful for Nemo! He brings us joy everyday and loves us unconditionally. There's nothing better!

We wish you all a happy and fun Thanksgiving!

Best Money Saver for the Holidays

Greetings! It has been over a month since I last posted, geez! I've let my life get very busy with work and extracurricular activities and haven't allowed myself time to do any sort of reflection.

The slim-down has been going alright. I've managed to drop a pants size, which is very exciting, AND I've bought 3 items that were at "regular" stores (i.e. not Lane Bryant). They may have been size XL, but I don't care! I'm still doing Zumba on Wii for my exercise and I still love it! Zumba 2 is actually coming out on Tuesday and I'm beyond excited to buy it!

Back to the point of my subject line. A couple years ago, a Deaf student I was interpreting for was volunteering at Arc's Value Village through school. Obviously, I would go with him every day and I started to realize that it was a fantastic place to shop! Once again, I have a group of students volunteering at Arc's and I'm there twice a week, which can be dangerous..... Today, my friend Ryan and I went to Arc's to do a little shopping. Here's how I made out:

1 pair of fairly new jeans

An Emily Giffin book that I've been wanting to read

An adorable Christmas spoon rest

Christmas pie server

3 wine glasses

Christmas slippers

Gift for Ryan

All of this totaled $23.52!!

Normally, one pair of jeans would cost me that alone! We also went to Kohl's where I got a Christmas travel mug and Thanksgiving towels for about $11. Kohl's is having a major sale right now and there were lots of items 50-60% off. Last week at Arc's, I bought a tree skirt that matches our stockings, a Santa candy jar and a cute scarf, that probably totaled less than $12.

I understand that some people are weird about thrift stores, but if you wash anything you buy, it's practically like new! And you save TONS of money! Check it out: Arc's, Goodwill, Unique, or any thrift store near you!