The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge - Week #32

Welcome to Week #32 of The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge.  This week we save thirty-two dollars.  Our total saved now stands at five hundred twenty-eight dollars.  Whoopee, we just surpassed five hundred dollars in savings!!

One good way to save money and eat healthy is packing lunches to take to work or school each day.  Since we're already well into the month of August, a lot of people are getting ready for the start of a new school year.  If you're looking for an new lunch bag or tote, check these out.  Some are made from scratch, and some are refashioned from existing items.  Every one of them has a link to a tutorial so you can make one for yourself.  I believe there is something in this huge collection that will appeal to just about anyone.

50 Lunch Bags and Totes With Tutorials - The DIY Lunch Collection

I save hundreds of dollars per year by bringing my lunch items from home to work instead of eating out every weekday.  I do go out to lunch every now and then, but try to keep it to a minimum due to the expense.  

If you have a fashionable tote to carry your lunch, it makes it so much more fun!  If you have kids in school, make a bag for them.  There are some really cute kid-style bags in the collection too.  This one is a free pdf pattern that can be used to make a lunch bag OR a gym bag.

If you're new to the Challenge, welcome aboard! You can start with thirty-two dollars this week and add a bit extra each week if you want to catch up with us. Alternatively, you could begin this week as Week #1 with one dollar.  Whatever works best for you is fine.  For a free printable chart, check out Stuck At Home Mom's 52 Week Money Challenge.  Happy saving!

Seen Along A Road In Texas - Lone Star Legends Edition #3: Palomino Pool Party

Most editions of "Seen Along A Road In Texas - Lone Star Legends" will likely feature some type of vehicle used as transportation.  Not so for Edition #3:  Palomino Pool Party. Horses ARE transportation, but they are certainly NOT vehicles.  They are living, breathing, wonderful animals with distinct personalities.

I grew up riding horses.  As a kid, I read every factual and fictional book I could find about them.  I was a typical horse crazy kid.  Horses are my favorite animals.  Horseback riding is still my favorite pastime.  Over the years I've learned a lot about them. 

 "There is no better place to heal a broken heart than on the back of a horse." Missy Lyons

However, never in my life have I seen anything quite like what my eyes beheld and my iPhone camera captured on July 4, 2013 in a pasture not too far from our home. With both front legs in the watering tub, this fellow was hoarding the watering trough.  BOTH front legs in the water!  On top of that, he was splashing away like a precocious little boy in a kiddie pool. Turn up the volume, watch the video, and enjoy a unique glimpse of Palomino personality. I giggle every time I view it. 

Do you see funny sights along the road where you live?  You never know what you might see along a road in Texas.

The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge - Week #31

Welcome to Week #31 of The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge.  This week we save thirty-one dollars.  Our total saved is now four hundred ninety-six dollars.  

I really like the quote, "Act Your Wage" from Dave Ramsey:

For a free printable Challenge chart, check out Stuck At Home Mom's 52 Week Money Challenge.

If you're new to the Challenge, welcome aboard! You can start with thirty-one dollars this week and add a bit extra each week if you want to catch up with us. Alternatively, you could begin this week as Week #1 with one dollar.  Whatever works best for you is fine. Happy saving!