We've been doing the thrifty thing for just over a month and it's going fairly well.  I've still got some "tweaking" to do on my spending habits for things such as lunches, etc. but I'm doing a lot better.  What I've learned is taking baby steps is easier for me than going cold turkey.  We did manage to reach our goal for savings for October, so that is a plus.  On the days when I just couldn't get it together enough to bring my lunch, I split whatever I ordered into three portions and then I had lunch for a couple of days too.  Almost as cheap as bringing from home.

I started working on my Christmas presents in earnest.  I'm making hand-beaded bracelets for all of the females I will be giving gifts to this year.  It's been really fun to make them and I can't wait to watch them open them up.  The first one is finished and it looks fantastic.  It's for my sister and it looks just like something she would wear.  I also came across some good ideas for people that you want to remember too.  I am making "Christmas in a Can" for them - basically it's a decorated can that is filled with cards for each day of December that have sayings, stories, scriptures, etc. on them that deal with Christ or being a better follower of Christ.  I will print out the cards and decorate the tins and have those ready. 

My hubby did very well with his goals.  He always is more disciplined than me.  So all he has to do now is stay on his path and help me stay on mine. 

We spent last Friday and Saturday cleaning out closets, the garage, etc. of stuff we no longer use/need.  Then we took it all to a local Goodwill and donated it for the next person.  I'm so glad to have the extra space.  My new perspective on life the frugal way made me just be happy to de-clutter and not feel the need to fill the space back up.  I read a nice article about how Americans have really big homes, etc. and how we could actually live in smaller spaces if we just had what we needed and used instead of all the "extras" and that really gave me some good perspective.  It made me want to just enjoy what we have and not want to go buy more stuff just for the sake of having it. 

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