Money check-up Feb 7

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on groceries. But even that was less than normal, so yea!

2. Today I feel impatient towards money. We need to get a new apartment, and that means paying last month's rent. Which we won't have until the end of the month, so I guess I will have to get a cash advance on my credit card. Grr..

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was bowling through work. So much fun!

4. I will consider this week a success if I find an apartment we like, and complete a rental application.

5. For the Super Bowl, I did nothing. Football is not popular in our house, hockey and baseball are. So the Superbowl doesn't affect us.

Weekly Money Check-Up is a fill-in-the blank post once a week. The first four questions are always the same each week and the fifth is always different. Care to participate? Visit My Pretty Pennies to link up.

Handmade with Love Giveaway

Welcome to Workaday Ramblings and the Handmade with Love Winter Giveaway. 

Hundreds of blogs are participating in the Handmade with Love Winter Giveaway Hop!  Each one is offering a themed giveaway - all the prizes are handmade treasures or gift certificates to shops that sell handmade items. There is a linky at the end of this post. After you've entered here, hop on over to the next blog on the list and keep going as long as you'd like! The more you enter, the more likely you are to win. Good luck!

I used to make my own jewellry, and at one point even sold some online. I no longer do that, but I still have a large selection that has never found an owner. I am offering 4 prize packs: one necklace/bracelet set, one necklace/earring set, one pair of earrings, and one necklace.

The Prizes

Prize 1: Necklace and bracelet set

This necklace and bracelet set are made of mulitple strands of pastel beads on flexible wire strands. The overall look is girly and light. The necklace closes with a toggle clasp, while the bracelet has a clip clasp.

Prize 2: Necklace and earring set

This necklace and earring set are made with alternating glass hearts and multicolour tiny beads. The hearts on the necklace are frosted, while the earrings have clear glass hearts. The colours show a little dark in the picture, but they are actually a medium burgundy colour. The necklace closes with a toggle clasp, and the earrings have simple hooks.

Prize 3: One pair of earrings

These are "barbed wire" earrings. They are swirls of silver wire, covered with smaller red wire, creating a barbed wire effect. They attach with simple hooks.

Prize 4:  One necklace

This necklace is a simple pattern of green glass beads, with pink and white filler beads. It features a woven bead flower pendant. The necklace closes with a clip clasp.

How to Enter:

Fill out the form below with your name and email address.
Bonus entries (as listed on the form) are available for following my blog on Google Friend Connect or adding me as a friend on Goodreads.

Eligibility:

This giveaway is open to residents of the US or Canada. Entries will be accepted between 12:01 am Feb 2 and 11:59 pm Feb 6 (EST). There will be one winner chosen for each prize. Winners will be selected using Random.org and will be contacted by email. They will have 48 hr to respond and confirm their mailing address, or a new winner will be selected.


** Form removed as giveaway is closed **

Here is the linky for more Handmade With Love Winter Hop blogs:

Money check-up Jan 31

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on regular bills like cable and my bi-weekly loan. I haven't spent much money lately. Always nice to say.

2. Today I feel positive towards money. I went geek and made a spreadsheet showing the various options for our money. Doing this revealed in clear black and white that we need to stay in an apartment, and not a townhouse. That we can afford another baby in terms of maternity/paternity leave. And that if my husband is really serious about wanting to stay home with Mikey during the day, we will do good, as long as he is working part-time. This was definitely a good exercise, and very helpful for both my husband and me. Now we have more info to make some decisions.

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was visit with my mom while babysitting my niece and nephew. Mikey and I spent the day at my sister's with my mom (who was down for the weekend) while she was at work. It saved her babysitting money, and the kids had a blast. And I got to visit my mom, who I don't see very often. Wins all around.

4. I will consider this week a success if I do my exercising every day. At least every weekday. I still haven't gotten back into my exercise DVD, but I plan to start tonight.

5. Right now I am reading nothing? I finished a book last night (review to come soon), and haven't started anything else yet. But lunch is soon, and I do have a book in my bag to start.
Weekly Money Check-Up is a fill-in-the blank post once a week. The first four questions are always the same each week and the fifth is always different. Care to participate? Visit My Pretty Pennies for the linky tool.

Money check-up Jan 18

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on fitness stuff. I bought 2 fitness DVDs, and a new pair of shoes. Now I just need to start working out.

2. Today I feel lonely towards money. My bank account has $5 in it, and I don't get paid until Thursday. And we will probably need milk before then. Oh money, where are you?

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was join Netgalley. They are a portal for publishers to offer advance reading copies of books. You join, request, and read. They hope you provide a review afterwards, but it's not required. One of the books I am currently reading is from there.

4. I will consider this week a success if I work out at least 3 times. I have so far been thwarted in my attempts. Yesterday morning I slept until 7 because my son had a rough weekend with a fever that finally broke during the night Sunday night. So I was totally exhausted. Last night he was napping when I got home, and then didn't go to bed easily. As in it was 10 pm before he was asleep, instead of 8 or 8:30. So I collapsed in bed asleep right after him. And this morning I was awakened with a migraine. So no workout. Hopefully I will have time tonight, and then start a schedule tomorrow morning.

5. My signature outfit is jeans, a t-shirt, and a sweater. Comfy and warm, because I am almost always cold.

Weekly Money Check-Up is a fill-in-the blank post once a week. The first four questions are always the same each week and the fifth is always different. Care to participate? Visit My Pretty Pennies for the linky tool.

Money check-up Jan 10

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on my massage. It always seems pricey, but it's definitely worth it. Even if it didn't stop my migraines.


2. Today I feel undecided towards money. I am trying to decide whether I should use my emergency fund to pay off my credit card. I have enough to do it, and the balance is from the last car repair I paid. But I like having money in my emergency fund. I don't want to spend it. So I can't decide.

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was visit my mom last weekend. It wasn't technically free since I had to buy gas, but I did get a gift card to help pay for it, and since my aunt came part way, she chipped in for some of the cost. And I came home with way more than I went up with. My son got several new outfits, and I got a new blazer for work, and three new pairs of work pants.

4. I will consider this week a success if I come up with a workout plan. I am thinking about trying the 30 Day Shred video. It is from the trainer from Biggest Loser. The workout is 20 min, and you do it every day. I think I could fit it in first thing in the morning, provided I actually get my eyes open, instead of dozing on the couch with my son. I saw it on sale at HMV for $15 or so.

5. I expect snow. I used to live near Ottawa, and there is a LOT of snow up there in the winter. Now that I am south of Toronto, there is very little in comparison. But I still expect to see it every winter. This year, it didn't snow until last week really. Which is a little odd, and makes everything seem colder, and the winter longer.

Weekly Money Check-Up is a fill-in-the blank post once a week. The first four questions are always the same each week and the fifth is always different. Care to participate? Visit this week's post at My Pretty Pennies for the linky tool.

Friday Night Leftovers - Jan 7

I haven't had the brain power to write any real blog posts lately (see point one below for reason) so I think I have lots of stuff to pull from to create a leftover edition.

1. I have had a migraine every day for the past week. On Wednesday I went and had a massage, thinking maybe the massive knot in my shoulder was the cause. Since I got 2 migraines in the last 24 hours, I'm thinking the knot was caused by the pain, not the other way around. So I have no idea what is causing them. But they are more painful than any I've had before.

2. I found out that my car won't be repaired until next Tuesday or Wednesday. So I swung by and got some stuff out of it that I would need before then. Like my audiobook and my parking pass. I am definitely growing to love driving an automatic. It will be a sad shock to go back to my car next week.

3. Apparently I don't have a lot to say, since I can't think of anything else. Oh well.

If you want to join the fun and share things, click the button above to go to the linky list.

Friday blog hops

It's Friday! Time for some blog hops to find new people to read and love.

Whatcha Reading Wednesday - Jan 5

I have a few books on the go at the moment:

Room by Emma Donoghue. I just started this one yesterday at lunch. So far, I am finding it to be sad and depressing. The very idea of it (a mom and her son are being held prisoner in a single room. The boy, who turns 5 at the beginning of the story, has never been outside. He doesn't even really know there is an outside.) is appalling and depressing. There have been a few smile moments, but this is definitely a dark book so far.

PostSecret: Extraordinary Confessions from Ordinary Lives by Frank Warren. This is the only PostSecret book I haven't read yet. They are definitely awesome. I love reading the secrets, and seeing the little pieces of artwork that some people have made as their postcard.

My car audiobook is still Heat Wave by Richard Castle. But I left it in my car, which is still at the body shop. I should get it back by the end of the week though (woohoo - I think. I'm enjoying driving an automatic now.) I have to get this one finished because it is due back to the library next week, and I can't renew since someone placed a hold on it.

So, what are you reading?

Friday night leftovers Dec 31

It's Friday already. This has been a fast week. And not really a great week. Here are my leftover random thoughts at the end of the year:
 
My son and I are going to visit my mom for the weekend. It's a 6 hour drive there. We are splitting it into two parts since my grandma lives half way. So we are going to my grandma's this evening, and then the rest of the way tomorrow morning. But we are coming all the way home on Monday, with a break for lunch at grandma's. I am so happy we got a DVD player for the car. Otherwise, the drive is horrible.
 
I am excited to drive a new car this weekend. And one that is automatic. My car is a standard, and it is killer on the legs when driving for hours. My knees get so sore. I have been thinking about selling my car and getting an automatic, but the money just isn't there right now.
 
Our bathroom is leaking again. Oh yea! Not from the hole in the ceiling though, the water is coming from above the sink. Through the wall. Noticed the light was making sizzling noises last night. This morning there is water running from the corner of the wall/ceiling, along the seam to the door frame, and dripping down there. Hopefully this gets fixed as fast as the last drip. Not likely since there is a hole in the hallway ceiling with a bucket collecting water. And it's been there all week. I think our water is coming from the same source.
 
Work has been super quiet with most people on holidays. And chilly! I keep forgetting to bring a sweater. Brrr. I'm kind of looking forward to everyone being back next week. It's creepy when it's too quiet.
 
I think that's everything! For the year! Can't believe how fast the year went.

Friday blog hops - Dec 31

Friday is blog hop day. A chance to find other blogs to follow, and have other readers visit your blog. If you arrived here from any of the blog hops, let me know, and I'll be sure to check out your blog in return.



Whatcha Reading Wednesday - Dec 29

I'm not currently reading any books. I finished the 4th In Death book on my lunch hour. I do have the 5th book to start. I also have Android Application Development for Dummies to start.

And my current audiobook in the car is Heat Wave by Richard Castle. It's a cop thriller with a romantic sideline. Very interesting so far, although the reader is a little theatrical.

Join the fun and tell me what you're reading. Create a post on your blog, and then come back and add the link to that post in the linky tool below.

Friday night leftovers Dec 24

Things have been crazy this week, so no posts other than the book reviews I wrote up and scheduled on Monday. Here is a snapshot of my week:

Had an oil change scheduled for 8:30 Tuesday morning. It would make me up to 30 min late for work, but that's no problem. But did I remember? Not until I was at work, waiting for my computer to sign me in. Then I glanced at my calendar, and saw the appointment. Oops! Ran to my car and to the mechanic where they laughed at me, and got me finished within 30 min. I love my mechanic!

I have had a bad cough all week. It started Sat, and got progressively worse. On Wed I called my doctor to get an appointment. Thursday afternoon was the soonest, so I took it. I have been waking up at night to cough, choke, and throw up. I get slightly dizzy when I cough too hard, and it is beginning to hurt. I was worried I might be getting pneumonia. Luckily, I don't. I do have a prescription for antibiotics, and a cough that cough medicine won't touch.

Finally figured out what Buckleys tastes like. Vicks Vaporub! Yuck! And it's not working, so I'm not going subject myself to that torture.

I took my son with my to the doctors because he had a cold last week, and his eyes still are gunky, and sticking shut when he sleeps. He started fussing when we pulled in the parking lot. Threw up a mouthful in his carseat (note to self - must wash carseat cover). Kept fussing in the waiting room. Wished I could reason with him and reassure him we weren't there for him. Then he threw up all over the carpet. The new, 2 month old carpet. Fabulous. It least the waiting room was empty.

My son now has eye drops for his yucky eyes. I am not looking forward to trying to get them in his eyes. He freaks out, scrunches his face, and grinds it into the floor to avoid me wiping his eyes with a warm washcloth to unstick them in the morning.

Amazingly, his eyes were clean this morning. Not a drop of yuck.

Our bathroom ceiling started leaking yesterday morning. Yes, the ceiling that was just fixed. The toilet above us has been running non-stop since people moved in 2 weeks ago. And it was obviously leaking in addition to running. Water started leaking out the vent, the edges of where the ceiling was repaired, and out the door frame. But, the plumber was there by 1 pm. And had the leak fixed by 2 pm. Apparently, they don't want to deal with us for more problems. Yea!

Found out last week that my company has been sold effective March 1. We are being reassured that everyone still has a job, and they are excited to have us. Sure, we'll see. I'm not worried though. I can adapt to change. And I really expect (and hope) that there will be big changes.

The new company gave everyone a present for Christmas. An iPad!! Yes, they are definitely trying to buy our love, but I can go with that. Most definitely...

That's about it I think. My week so far. Merry Christmas everyone!

Money check-up Dec 20

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on eating out. We have done a lot of that lately. But we intend to try a once-a-month cooking routine based on a book I picked up for $5 at Canadian Tire. The recipes look yummy, and a 2 week cycle should generate about 22 dinners (with lunch leftovers) for us.

2. Today I feel blah towards money. I got my annual bonus, and was underwhelmed. But I learned that I should be getting a raise starting in January, and I am excited about that. But then I see my credit card bill, and am back to blah.

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was creating a free game for my son. I can't remember whose blog I saw it on, but the idea is to create a memory/colour matching game using paint chips. The Disney line at Home Dept has the paint colours in a Mickey Mouse head shape, and they are the perfect size for little hands. My son doesn't really get the whole matching part, but he is really enjoying spreading them out and stacking them up. And if they only last a week or so, it doesn't matter because they were free.

4. I will consider this week a success if I survive through Christmas.

5. My favorite holiday movie is nothing. I am not a fan of holiday movies.
Weekly Money Check-Up is a fill-in-the blank post once a week. The first four questions are always the same each week and the fifth is always different. Care to participate? Check out this week's post over at My Pretty Pennies for the linky tool.

Friday blog hops

Friday is the day for blog hops. I'm participating in 3 this week. Click the buttons below to go to the host site and see the list of people participating. It's a great way to find new blogs, and new followers.

If you arrived here from one of the hops, please leave me a comment letting me know.

Whatcha Reading Wednesday - Dec 15

I have been flying through the "In Death" series by JD Robb. I am currently about halfway through the third book, Immortal in Death. I am thoroughly enjoying reading the steamy, crime thrillers.

I have always been a fan of court dramas and law thrillers, and this series definitely fits the law thriller category. Murder mystery with a touch of steamy romance. Nice light, and quick reading.

I intend to read through the whole series. I might need a break partway through, just so the stories don't blend together and become routine. But for right, it is just what the librarian ordered.

Join the fun and tell me what you're reading.

Money check-up Dec 13

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on Christmas presents. We were all done, until my husband went out to finish his few present purchases, and bought my son two huge gifts. Cool gifts, but totally not needed, and way expensive.

2. Today I feel anxious towards money. My credit card has really climbed up this month due to Christmas and the car repairs I needed. I want to get it back down asap.

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was my Christmas dinner on Friday. It didn't cost a penny. I had clothes to wear. My sister babysat for free. And the boss paid for my drinks. Normally they only cover beer and wine, but I don't drink either. He was standing beside me when the waiter brought my daiquiri and asked if I wanted to pay as I got them, or at the end of the evening, and the boss graciously told the waiter to add it to the bill.

4. I will consider this week a success if I do all my reading for my course. It's amazing how fast you can fall behind. And it's only 2 weeks into the course.

5. My favorite holiday treat is chocolate covered cherries. Sure, you could get them year round, but it's not the same.

Weekly Money Check-Up is a fill-in-the blank post once a week. The first four questions are always the same each week and the fifth is always different. Care to participate? Check out this week's post over at My Pretty Pennies for the linky tool.

Boost My Blog Friday

Friday is the day for fun blog hops. Right before the weekend, when the offline fun happens. If you arrived here from the Boost My Blog Friday hop, please leave a message and I'll visit and follow back. Otherwise, click the button above to join the fun.

Fun Follow Friday

Blog hops can be fun to try, and the fun follow Friday hop is no exception. It is hosted by Simply Stacie and My Wee View.

Visit the blogs below, and see if you can find a few new ones to follow.

If you arrived here through the hop and choose to follow me, please leave a comment. I will be sure to visit your blog and follow back.

Whatcha Reading Wednesday - Dec 8

I decided that I needed a break from financial books, so I returned the one I started last week, and cancelled all the holds I had lined up.

I started reading 2030: Technology That Will Change the World. It is interesting, but I am finding it hard to follow right now, probably due to the cold that has my brain all foggy.

I think I need a dose of easy reading fiction. Lucky for me, when I was doing laundry last week, I noticed that someone put 4 boxes of books in the laundry room with a sign that they were free to take. I restrained myself and only took one box. It was completely filled with J D Robb "... in Death" books. I think that most of the series is there. I have read most of the books before, but never in order.

I plan to go through the box and sort them into order, and see what the haul really looks like. Then I can devour them. These aren't books that I am interested in keeping, so I'll see if my sister is interested in taking them when I am done. I am even try doing a giveaway here and pass the fun on to you.

Join the fun and tell me what you're reading. Create a post on your blog, and then come back and add the link to that post in the linky tool below.

Money check-up Dec 6

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on Christmas presents. But I am now officially all done my shopping. And was so close to meeting my goal of finishing before Dec 1.

2. Today I feel happy towards money. I got an email this morning that our yearly bonus will be paid next week, and our annual salary adjustments are set for the last week of Dec. Now to just have my meeting to find out what those amounts will be.

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was go to the hockey game on Friday. It only cost us $20 for the babysitter, and the price of gas to get to and from the game. Definitely had  fun time!

4. I will consider this week a success if I don't get any sicker. Both my son and I were struck with heavy colds on the weekend. I am feeling very heavy headed today, so hopefully it passes quickly.

5. My favorite holiday drink is eggnog. We go through litres of it during the holidays because both my husband and I love it. And apparently my son does too (more evidence of his dairy obsession).

Weekly Money Check-Up is a fill-in-the blank post once a week. The first four questions are always the same each week and the fifth is always different. Care to participate? Check out this week's post over at My Pretty Pennies for the linky tool.