A No Spending Idea

I have heard of people going for certain amounts of time without spending money except, of course, for regular bills, food, and grooming necessities. I think I would like to try this. There are a few reasons why I would like to try this adventure: 
1) I want to stay home with my baby (aka remain unemployed) 
2) I have a lot of time to spare by helping others 
3) I am getting used to being broke 
So, the plan would be for one year...to barter my time for goods and services. Say for instance someone needs a babysitter. I would babysit in return for...laundry soap, postage stamps, baby clothes, clothes for me, etc. Or I could clean up a beauty shop in return for a haircut. This way I am helping out someone and getting the things I need (or want) in return. 
I will be starting a new button making business in January and will be spending money on that for supplies, booths, etc. A majority of the profit (minus purchasing  supplies) will be saved. There is no point in me starting a home-based business if I am just going to blow all the profits on stuff I don't need. 
I will also spend a budgeted amount of money on sending swaps on Swap-Bot. I have a lot of craft supplies that I no longer use that I can swap on there for things I can use. 
I would like to keep a running list of things I need on here. This is all just an idea for now. I need to let it swim around in my head for a few days to make sure it is something I can commit to. Any thoughts on this?

Crafting for others

A friend of mine on Swap-Bot told me about this website. They have lots of patterns to make clothing and stuffed animals for preemies and kids in the hospital. If you have a little extra time and fabric you should check it out. They have links to hospitals all over the US that accept this type of donation. I did not see a link for other countries, but if you find it or one like it please let me know and I will post it. I will be WALKING to the thrift store later to pick up some more fabric to make the booties.

The Fly Lady says I need to get the trash out of my living room and put away the wrapping paper today. I love how she breaks down chores into small little missions. After just a few weeks, my house looks (and I feel) better. She has really gotten me into a routine. Who knew getting dressed to shoes would make such a difference in my day!

Baby news-I cannot believe she is 3 weeks young already! It is going by too fast! She is already way bigger than when she was born. She still makes me so excited when I wake up to her 'feed me' sounds. Seriously, I get all giddly like a kid going to Disneyland. :)

No Chocolate! Start Walking!

Well, I guess it is time to start moving the baby weight along. My Uncle was kind enough to send us a stroller and I started using it right away. The first day I took baby for a walk it was so muggy out that I was covered in sweat when I got home. The second day wasn't so hot and the walk was shorter but my lower back ached terribly the entire time. Today, Day 3, it was nice out. A little warm with a nice breeze. Last year at this time it was about 20 degrees, so I am thankful that it is not so cold that I couldn't take baby out. Basketball shorts and a t-shirt in December?! Almost can't beat that!
As for the no chocolate...I am allergic. Not gotta-have-benadryl-rush-to-the-ER-type allergy, just makes me break out type allergy. So, I found out this morning after eating a big bag of peanut M&M's lat night that baby is also allergic. (I am nursing her) When she woke up this morning she had 5 BIG pimples on her forehead. Poor sweet baby. I am sorry I passed my allergy to you.

Emotional Rollercoaster

That is what I've been on for the past week. My emotions are completely bonkers! Everything makes me cry, and not just a few tears, more like hysterically sobbing. Today's fiasco started when my daughter's father gave me 45 minutes notice that he was bringing a buddy home on their lunch break for dinner. I hadn't even planned on making dinner, but now I am having a guest over for dinner. Not a single plate is washed (we only have a few as it is) because I ran out of gloves (I am weird about doing dishes without gloves-eww). So, here I am sobbing into my hot soapy water with dinner on the stove. I made the 45 minute deadline but it wasn't easy. My whole back was covered in sweat. On the bright side, my kitchen is clean and the dishes are done. I wasn't mad at him for giving me short notice, I am just emotional about everything lately. As they say, This too shall pass.

It's a Girl!

Wow! Was I surprised when my baby was born and the doctor said, 'It's a girl!' The WHOLE pregnancy I thought it was a boy because I was carrying her exactly like I carried my son. One thing I do know is HOW HAPPY I AM!! She's absolutely gorgeous and a sweet little angel to boot! Right when I first saw her sweet little face I actually let out a laugh because she is so beautiful and perfect that it made me chuckle!

She is 6 days old now and her father and I have become closer than ever. I love looking at them sleeping next to each other and he has been so helpful. It seems like our little girl has healed the wounds our family endured. She is such a blessing!

Thank you to everyone whom left very sweet comments while I was away. They made my day to log on and read them :)

Finally Loving Yourself

While searching for a printable ultimate household cleaning list, I stumbled across another website made by the FlyLady. Fly is an acronym for Finally Loving Yourself, and let me tell you I love her philosophy. The babysteps she explains are so simple yet make such a difference. I am currently on day 2 and feel GREAT! I highly recommend you check it out!

Looking towards the stars in 2011

I just found a really great blog here. She is very organized and I hope she comes out with an organization plan for 2011 like she did for 2010. I realized that I did not complete a single thing from my 2010 resolutions, so this year they will be a bit different. I WILL BE ORGANIZED!

Some of my new favorite things: Great digital designers, like this one. She has lots of freebies to download too!

organized women like the one at http://www.organizedmom.net/

What are your plans for 2011?