can we do it?

We're halfway through January, and here I am - planning for the next month.  A few weekends ago, I woke up late and missed Click & Clack and instead had to endure the money segment on NPR on my way to Saturday Morning Starbucks (it's a tradition in our house).

They were talking about a no-spending month.  It perked my interest - although what would my barrista think if I didn't come visit her every Saturday?  Could we do it?  Could I go an entire month without spending any money - no morning diet cokes, no decent pizza, no pedis or dog toys or shopping (or, oh holy moly, no new books for my kindle)? 

Could we?

Well, I may be scamming the system by choosing the shortest month of the year, but yes, I think we can.  I'm resisting the urge to buy! buy! buy! in the next two weeks, although I might shore up the freezer a bit.

Here's to not buying anything for 28 days.  Anyone want to offer up the over/under on whether we can actually do it?

wanted: 3/2 dream house (err, starter home)

As if there wasn't enough going on - what with Mr. Bar Bri droning during waking hours - K. started looking at houses.

Holy Squash!  The man who thought he wanted to rent for the REST OF HIS LIFE is sending me MLS listings?  Shut the front door!  It's super exciting and I got swept up into it and he got swept into it and suddenly we were looking at square footage and property taxes and starting to look for a mortgage broker.

Qualifying for a home, all on my own, wasn't something I expected.  Dude.  Seriously, me?  Are you sure?  And that's when it became just a little too much: a little too real.

So the house hunt?  It's on pause.  I can only do one major life thing at a time, and until September when results come out, it's all about the Bar Exam.  And all about the fabulous things happening in my career.  (Hopefully, soon I'll be able to share one of them).

Am I still browsing the MLS listings?  Yes. 
Are we signing another year-long lease?  No. 
Am I nervous as hell?  Definitely. 
Is this exciting?  Absolutely. 

Coupons & Discounts.

I'm a bargain shopper, always have been. I adore a sales tag, a 20% discount, offers of free shipping. Give me a print-out coupon and I am one happy girl. Considering my limited financial situation as of late (NO, NOT CAUSED BY THE DAMN ECONOMY, THANKYOUVERYMUCH MIL), I have been cruising for discounts more than often.

Thought I'd share - as you may also be looking for an elusive 25% discount code for an online boutique or maybe just a way to save $20 bucks at Publix next week. Let's talk shopping first - Retail Me Not (www.RetailMeNot.com). I'm so thankful to these folks. The site compiles discounts, promo codes and coupons in one spot. Enter in a store - say Talbot's - and find coupons that range from 25% discounts to free shipping.

And the other not-so-secret secret? Groceries. Prior to Southern Savers (www.southernsavers.com), I was spending more than $100 a week on groceries. Now - oh my friends, we're talking about $100 every two weeks. Yes, that's right - I said TWO WEEKS. I have yet to buy ramen. Southern Savers succinctly and easily lays out a store's weekly sales flier and matches items with printable coupons. I'll admit, it takes more time to plan out the menus, etc -- but the savings are worth it.

Do you have any sites that help you save money? C'mon share - it'll feel good.