Results Are In

So for the month of February, I said I would not spend any extra money outside of the basics. I did really well for the most part. I did not visit the mall, Starbucks, or go out to lunch when I was working, which is where most of my downfalls are. However, with doing all the house projects, I found I was missing things and would have to go to the local hardware store or Lowe's. I did go to lunch and dinner with friends on two different days. I have to say lunch was great, but it did blow up the budget some. It is amazing how easy that is. Now, the caveat to this is that I have not seen this friend for 9 months so I feel it was justified. I would have been in under budget for the month, but the basement had a few other ideas, more on that later.

I guess the great part is that by not shopping, at least I did not blow the budget. Now the part that is even better are all the things I completed around the house.

Here are some of the items on my list for February:

• Paint first floor bathroom (had $5 off coupon at ACE for January, so I bought some paint)
• Clean baseboards, fill in nail holes, recaulk where necessary, and repaint in kitchen
• Clean baseboards, fill in nail holes, recaulk where necessary, and repaint in guest bedroom
• Clean baseboards, fill in nail holes, recaulk where necessary, and repaint in master bedroom
• Clean baseboards, fill in nail holes, recaulk where necessary, and repaint in office room
• Paint master bedroom closet (don't ask!)
• Paint guest bedroom closet
• Paint basement bathroom shelves
• Re-grout kitchen tiles
• Clean and paint walkway into kitchen
• Sew place-mats for dining room table (one out of four completed)
• Make cards for various upcoming occassions
• Read some books
• Clean, fill in nail holes, and paint steps to the basement 

I would like to think that is not too shabby for 3 weekends. With spring around the corner, I will soon be working outside in the garden and flower beds. At least the inside has been cared for now because once it warms up, it will be neglected!