Quarantine and Clean!

Hi All! Hope this post finds you safe and healthy! My family and I are choosing to stay home right now. Fortunately my job won't count the absence and I have paid time off available. 

What are you doing to keep busy? I am cleaning up a storm! Organizing, throwing away and getting stuff ready to give away. 

Let me know! God bless and have a great day! 

I see you! Your money running!

My beautiful boy is now eight! But that's not why we're here. As you may know I work retail and I am also a frugal nut. I just get peeved when people use green bags and then buy garbage bags, paper towels, "ziplock" bags and throw away cleaning wipes. You're not being frugal OR good for then environment. Our grandparents (if you are of a certain age) didn't know the word recycle. They just did, they used what they had and then reused it a million times. I reuse glass jars for leftovers and glasses. I reuse grocery bags for lunch and garbage and litter. My mom reuses chicken carcass to make stock....I have also seen where people use veggie scraps to flavor stock and throw them away when it's made. Just throw them all in the freezer and use when needed. Another thing I do is reuse cereal bags and bread bags to store my dry lunch items(I tend to lose containers so this is the most frugal for me.) 

There are a million more ways to reduce, reuse and recycle, (btw save your cans and newspapers/magazines to recycle for a local charity...my cans go to my sons' cub scout pack, and paper to the paper retriever for the library...two birds...recycle and giving to charity...another post I can't give to much cash.) 

Anyway, what do you do to save? Reuse? 

God bless, Have a great day! Thanks for reading!

p.s. please support my goal of working from home use my referral codes please all sites listed are legit and ones I have used for a very long time.

Getting back on the (blogging) wagon

Hay all fall is finally upon us, even though here in Western pa its hotter than it was all summer...blech. Any way fall is my favorite season with the crisp air, open windows and blankies! I have always felt that fall was a good time to make changes. Just like we are driven inside by the weather, we can delve into ourselves.

That being said, I am getting back on the blog wagon. What has been weighing on my mind is my striving to be more frugal, give more and have better relationships. I am looking for input on the frugal because the more we save the more we have to give, sometimes it's just a matter of being creative. I also plan to start back up on fiverr.com I'll explain that later. 

My question for my viewers is this. What subjects would you like to delve into first? Any suggestions on the frugal subjects you would like to study? Please let me know! 

Havent talked to you all in a while..how are you? 1 Keep me posted! God bless and have a great day.
p.s. please remember I am a broke mother...haha anyway if you decide to use any of the earnings programs I have listed on the side bars, please click the link so I credit tyvm! 

Updates, Rambles etc from the Burgher

Hi guys! Here with the rambles. Let's see car is gonna cost a bunch to get fixed for inspection. Blah. It only has 130000 miles on it and the to honest mechanic said it is crapping out...my dad always said it's better to repair than to keep making payments since stuff wears out anyhoo and have payments too. This mechanic has been with us for years though so we believe him. Problem is...its LOADED to the hilt was my moms car. V6 leather seats expensive stereo, clicker blah blah ...and even new/newer used car will NEVER come close to this car feature wise. I LOVE my v6 especially on the PA hills! Have to start saving and budgeting...so no more being frugal to be able to spend more/splurge for me! Frugal to be frugal and save! 

I have been stressed lately. Idk why, and partly do and well that's to long of a ramble. I am realizing that I have ALWAYS held the view that people are generally good and the small percent are evil. Good people have bad days and become an asshole etc...But now...with all that's going on and all this crap coming to OUR soil...columbine, orlando, the shootings at the race...I mean it's scary out there. Overseas as well..in Paris..other places that I have always considered to be relatively safe ..and calm.

So, PLEASE my friends be good to be good. Give what you can, make some ones day. I have posted about ways to give even if you don't have extra  time or money. We need to be GOOD to overcome the Evil that is out there. Even if you aren't religious, it is each of our jobs as people ...to be good. We all should have some form of principal and moral decency just because...well that's what it SHOULD be. 

So back to new car topic...Please support the goal..I have many points sites on the side that I do often and get referral credit.  Please consider signing up for one. God bless and have a great day! 


Anyway, more to come. I am going to make a point of posting all my posts here to my facebook page as well feel free to follow me there as well.

https://www.facebook.com/katyladysjourney/

Updates, musings and rambles from the Burgher (good, bad and uglier)

So, I know long time no see AGAIN and so sorry to let you guys down. I have been EXTREMELY busy. With my son in school, work, trying to catch up on housework...those of you that follow me know that I have chronic pain so stress does make it much worse! etc etc.

Let's see hmmm, good. I went Goodwill hunting and scored Adidas memory foam slides for $6 never used. I also scored my sons winter shirts for next year, just need to catch up on pants. This is a good time of year to clearance shop and do goodwill..stores and people are trying to make space and clean out their closets, per-se. 

I,after almost six years, finally got full time at work. Good. Of course there is a catch with that..it's Wal-mart..haha. I had to open my availability which is 7am to 11 pm and boy did they take advantage of that. It's going to be really stressful and exhausting but the extra money will be worth it! 

Bad and good...my son had a really bad cold but he is better, but it seems my mom got it. My 92 year old grandpa has a severe flue and is not doing well. 

Anyway, enough for today. I do have some rambles in my head...which ones do you want? Saving money? Being giving? etc?

Also need to support my goodwill habit so here is a link to swagbucks, an extremely easy way to earn  gift cards or paypal money, if you are interested I can give you tips that are quick...I average about $5 a month on there. PLEASE USE MY LINK! God bless and have a great week! 

http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/katylady77

Sorry so long again!

Alas, I know it's been to long, but I will give you  a brief update. Hmm, starting my low carb diet again in the morning have been stuckish and or creeping up a few pounds. Found out I have degenerative disk disease/arthritis in my back. All the more reason to get my butt working on my online work! Arg...Been exhausted lately think/hope it's my allergies! 

Anyway I had a good aldi trip today got all my low carb/most for the month and food for my son. I am really sore but glad to have the bulk of my shopping done and having NOT wasted my money on crap I don't need.

Anyway...what have you been up to? Have a good night and God bless! 

P.s. btw thinking of earning online, if you join swagbucks under me, I will get 10% of what I earn I have been a member for about five years now and just got an email that I have earned 250+ dollars in that time! It's easy, I do the search, coupons, daily poll and nosos...quick and easy..you can also shop ...stuff you do online anyway! Be sure to use the following link..please, i have a serious Goodwill addiction that needs fed! 

http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/katylady77

Hi! Longer post tomorrow but saying hi!

Hay, sorry it's been so long again! Just stopping by to say hello and here is the synopsis:

-found out I have degenerative disk disease, lab results in but waiting to hear from the doctor! 

-working to lower my bills, possibly $400 a year...more on that tomorrow, but long story short...for goodness sake look at those bills! it's the beginning of the year when rate hikes happen! 

Anyway I'm pretty pooped so i will do the longer version in the morning! 

God bless and have a good night! 

Wow my craziness!

Yum! Quick change cam at the New Kids on the Block Concert! Next year plan on getting a seat on the side closer to the bottom, costs about #$100 but will be worth it,.

Anyway, on to real life! My son starts kindergarten on the 24th eek! Not going to have separation anxiety...he's been in daycare since he was one. But I will have OMG milestone, poor kid needs to make all new friends and is he gonna be OK anxiety. 

Anyway, got a great deal this week on a new wallet, mine was crapping out. I like the kind with a handle that I can grab out of my purse and go...the kind you can put your cell in. I got the perfect one for 3.88! It is mint green with vintage butterflies on the back and I can leave me cell phone in it to text etc.
My pain level has been ok..btw have to take one of my weekly meds keep forgetting to do that and it reduces inflammation so have to stay on top of that!
As of last week, fyi YAY I have lost a total of 70 pds. Would be happy with 60 more but 90 more would be ideal.

Any-hoo How are you? Whats new? God bless and have a great day!

Soooo sorry its been so long!

So, I've been promising you Concert pics, so here you go! 
Anyway, I have been insanely busy lately! It's driving me nuts...as I tell my son all the time, I am already crazy, I don't need help but thanks for offering! That's been work lately also. Bouncing between cashier and service desk makes the day go by faster and it's nice to do something different but Oh dear lord, my brain is gonna explode! 

Anyway, I have started back on my low carb diet...as of Monday and I have lost five pounds so far...yay! Still in the tired stage of the game, but after a few more days when my system adjusts, I will feel much better! 

Anyway, how are you? Anything new? God bless and have a good day! 

I'm Running my first Contest

Hay guys running my first contest! It will be an ongoing one.  The "contest" is really an "incentive" for you to join my referral sites. I honestly make decent money through them. Some you can earn pretty quick, others not so much. The all take only a few minutes a day. What counts is that you are EARNING this is my "mad money" that I get to spend on me or extras for the house. Being frugal means saving and bringing more in. I tend to impulse buy so the extra money sure helps! 

So here is how this will work. When you join two of my referral sites, I will send you a free copy of my report on how to save money in your household, a $5 value, as seen here:

https://www.fiverr.com/katylady77/send-you-my-report-on-ways-to-save-money-in-your-household

Please use my referral banners and links that you see on the page. Once registered, send proof that you joined. I just ask that you make an honest attempt to try the sites for a while. All sites are ones that I do and have thus far been "real" and not spam. Just be careful on how much info you give if you do the activities, to avoid getting spammed. 

Have a good day and God bless! 

Hay all! Hope you are having a great day. It is hot,hot HOT here in western Pa. It is WAY higher than average. I miss the nice spring weather, seems to have skipped us this year.
Nothing really exciting happening here. Our container garden is doing well we are already getting sprouts. My son is an AWESOME waterer. I plan on learning to can or freezer bag some veggies. I found a recipe i have to refind for freezer pickles, they sounded really good. She added onions but you don't have to do that if you don't like them. Gardens are a good way to provide healthy food for the family. If I do well (haha!) that will be where my frugal gene comes in and will be able to have fresh veggies all winter! 
Any way, whats new with you? Any frugal or life tips for us? Keep us all updated I am a nosy person so love hearing about your life, I really do! 
God bless and have a great rest of the week! 

Spring has Sprung around here!

So spring has finally sprung, cold and allergies and all! anyway, finally feeling better so here I am blogging! 
Nothing much new going on around here. I did get my container garden planted this afternoon, so that is nice. Also stoked that getting to go to the New Kids on the Block concert next month. Have had a few good goodwill hunting trips. Also a good Big lots trip for under $50 I got some food to tide us to next big trip(monthly one) 2 name brand hair dyes, name brand make up that I liked last time I bought there so I have enough of each to last me quite some time. Bought some emergen-c for $6 an awesome price for 30 packs! I get so burnt out sometimes I am trying to build up my immune system. Also, figure being burnt out and unhealthy doesnt help my metablic rate so trying to fix that too. 

Anyway, what have all you been up to? 
Have a good day and god bless

Oh yah! forgot to tell you..went back to "vaping" to get rid of tar and smell my  darned son was yelling at me about smoking! 

Updates and ramblings from the Burgher

So here I am! Just stopping in to say helio, how are you? Not to much new going on here! My son is doing well and is excited about going to kindergarten...In reality though going on the yellow school bus seems wonderful to him.

I am on my second day off in a row which is nice. It has given me the chance to do a bit of cleaning and catching up on my online stuff. I have a few things I want to buy so working hard to get cash outs on a few of my sites. 

This week probably Friday I will be going grocery shopping...I am sore but it needs done. I am going to stat printing my coupons through http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/katylady77
swagbucks (use the above link please!) this way I get paid approximately an additonal ten cents per coupon. What i do is print them out and then cut them out during my hour lunch break at work. I will first go to Aldi a local discount/generic store. Then I will see who is having a good sale and use my coupons there. Giant Eagle is expensive but when stuff is on sale and I use coupons that double its not a bad deal. Thjey also have a place that I can drop my son off to play. Its win-win. I sometimes sit in their  cafe, buy a drink and go through my coupons and the ad.

Anyway God bless and have agreat day! ps me when i ws thin and young! 

Why I do the frugal I do and the Rich I want to Be ...an Essay

Okay, so I promised a "real" post so here it is! Today, I would like to talk about the different types of rich ..and the kind I am working very hard to be. Not there yet! That is why it's Katyladys Journey...not my completed. I am always looking for help along the way, so feel free to add comments etc. I really do value your insight! 
So, the different kind of rich. Of course, there is old money-those who made a fortune, invested well and passed it on. That's not most of us so lets gloss over that. Then there is new money. This can be some one who strapped on their boot straps, worked hard, saved hard in order to get rich. Or at least live well below their means and by living their lifestyle so no one knows how much they do-or don't have. They aren't scrooge-like but rather dedicated givers and life enrichers.  More on that in a bit. That's my goal.
Then there is the "nouveau riche. Dictionary.com defines these type of people as :"person who has acquired wealth recently and is regarded as vulgarly ostentatious or lacking in social graces" 

The English translation is "new rich." Those people are pretty hard to be around. They are boastful, rude and demanding. It's like if some one wins the lotto and becomes someone that's high on the hog and hog wild. This is "new rich." Don't be this way! If I ever win the lotto (haha) I am going to continue the same basic lifestyle. Yah a few splurges...but use the opportunity to be free to do things I have been wanting to do, such as volunteer more.

OK so how to become rich, maybe not a millionaire but some one that lives an above average lifestyle? For us regular Joe type? Those who are able to do things that they want such as travel? Retire on time or early? Have enough to live when they want to retire and not have to work the rest of their lives? 

Be frugal! Don't toss your money to the wind like I did for to many years and ten years later still have bad credit from a bankruptcy like me-learn from that and don't do it! I can learn a lot of lessons from my parents. I am glad to be able to share these with you.

Until I was in junior high, my dad was always upper level management.  He had retirement savings, we had a great house etc. My parents have always made sure to have not only good credit but PRISTINE credit. Always have been wise with their money.

Then the terrible happened-he lost his job to corporate downsizing. He was at an age and a level of expertise that no one would hire him. So my parents put his brain (civil engineer) and my moms' brain and creativity to start a retail business. They also designed and sold tools for the stained glass business. 

Never did I realize at the time how much they sacrificed to keep my life as normal as possible. 
I never had to do without nice clothes- the joke in our family is that if you need anything my mom will find it on sale and have a coupon. Everyone insisted they would lose their home, that I couldn't still be in private school. Due to sheer determination, little or no sleep, a lot of doing without(a lot of it) and more than a little bit of "cahoonas" they not only able to PAY OFF the house and sell it for almost double what they purchased it for. When we moved to Pennsylvania, the cost of living is less so they were able to pay for their home in cash-and still  have a large amount left. Instead of going hog wild though, they are still very frugal and unless (hope not! ) a major catastrophe happens they will be able to live out their years in comfort. 

All this is to say...if you learn how to manage your money well, live BELOW your means,save money in order to do so and earn a bit more on the side you will be quite impressed at how much you can accomplish! If you would like to earn a bit more, check out my referral links-they are vetted ones that I use. There are TONS of free resources online  to teach you everything that I have suggested. Although I am still learning I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have. 

have a good Day and God bless! 

My thoughts as of late, saving money to GIVE

So not much going on around here as of late, other than YAY I GET TO SEE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK IN JUNE WEEEEEE! 
Anyway back to the subject at hand. Let's go over some ways to save so you can GIVE back. So many times I catch myself feeling bad that I can't give to my church, or to other people like I feel that I should.
Then it dawned on me there are ways that I can give back and not always have it be money.
The best FREE way to give back is to try to make some ones day EVERY DAY. Compliment some one on their hair. Ask a work friend if they are okay if they seem down. Just listen and agree no advice needed. Stuff like that is easy and makes you and them feel better and opens your heart to receive blessing. If you shout it out that is your blessing, but if you wait, it will eventually come back to you in turn...maybe not today but when you need it most.
Other ways to help others is to clear the clutter. Rather than having a garage sale, donate your items to a thrift store or via freecycle. 
If you  come across a really good clearance deal and its your budget, buy extra and donate to someone "new with tags!" just take off the clearance sticker.
If you have coupons you aren't going to use leave them by the product for some one else. Coupons are a great way for you to save of course, but it will bless some one else that may be planning to purchase that product.
The other thing I am doing is when I get cash set aside a few dollars. SAVE the money. Rather than buying a coffee treat or the like, I give it to church on Sunday.Again not to be seen but to bless some one.
If you do stuff a round the house that will also free money up to give. 
Here is an extended list of stuff I do to save, to help me and you give and put money towards saving:

-Unplug non-essential appliances when not in use: blender, toaster even your dsl or other Internet box when not in use. If you don't use your TV box to DVR then unplug that. Saves a lot on electricity.

-reuse bags received for other stuff around the house. I find that my Rx bags are great for sandwiches and dry food in my lunch bag. BTW I lose stuff a lot so buying a lunch box  is not a good idea for me..if you are organized by all means take a lunch box. I also reuse bags like Ziploc by washing them. Plastic bags for garbage. I HATE buying stuff that is just MADE to be thrown away.

-Remember the good to the last drop commercials? Apply that concept to household  cleaners. I had to train myself to use the ends. Manufacturers know most people don't try to get the ends...that is their hope. use deodorant til it scrapes. Invest in a dollar store toothpaste roller-these can be used on other tubes such as hand or face lotion.If there isn't quite enough shampoo to use it can clean other areas-soap is soap. One thing I want to try is using scraps in a freezer bag to make soup or stew.

-OK last one for the day :) If you have a household issue(my last one was drapes ha ha) stew on it for a while before rushing out to buy new. For example, cloth shower curtains make great drapes and no one knows the difference. I got one panel for $4 on clearance had been $20-makes it really easy to put up. My biggest investment was tension rods since I am short and cant reach up that high even standing on the couch. Another example is that I was using the couch to work on my laptop which is on a portable table. I found an office chair for $15 at goodwill and the setup fits perfectly between my couches and i have an end table for my "stuff." 
All this to say-let it work in the back of your head until you have that "aha" moment. What in your house can you re purpose? If its in the back of your head also shop goodwill or clearance for an item that you need or get creative(like the shower curtain) and make do.

Whew, sorry about the novel. Use these tips to help you free up money and time and items to give. No matter your moral belief system, it is scientifically proven that giving does something in your brain that opens you up to feeling better and being more receptive to getting good back...accept when good stuff happens and don't feel guilty! Especially when you have been giving.God bless! Have an awesome day! 

Updates and rambles from the Burgher

Hi guys! have been busy...what's new right? Anyway, went to church today and the sermon is what I have been encouraging myself and others to do...using your talents to build up other people. 
I had a good goodwill hunting trip got the chair I am sitting on for $15 its a really nice office chair, also got name brand flipflops for $4.99 a pair plus some other good deals. Have to sort some more clutter to get rid of though...no more hoarding for me! Clutter in clutter out have to know yourself. I always plan to well it or have a garage sale but am just to lazy! Let some one else benefit from it instead of letting it collect dust. 

Any way God bless and have an awesome week! 

Sorry its been so long! Ramblings from the Burgher

Hi guys! sorry it has been so long! I have been crazy busy with my work at www.menacerecords.net work at WalMart and of course Christmas. It was sooo not fun having bronchitis the whole time so was just a wee bit more than tired. Also need to get bloodwork done so I can get my meds filled for my arthritis the pain is noticabbly more without them. They are very strong though Humira and methotrexate. Been so busy and tired but really regret putting it off! 

There is good news though. My parents bought me a new tv, a need not a want my little 10in tv was almost 10 years old, the screen was getting spots and it was buzzing. I got a 32 in hi def tv, its really an upgrade and awesome! 
My son made out like a bandit both at home and at grandparents house. Spoiled little guy! 

I have had some good goodwill hunting trips to! 

Anyway God bless and have a great day! 

Updates, complaints and positives from the rambling Burgher

Hi guys so lets get the complaint out of the way first. My back is out and is killing me. Went to the er and got prednisone and Vicodin and its not touching a thing.

Ok so on to the positives! I have a $30 check from send earnings coming woot! My work at www.menacerecords.net is rewarding, fun and pays well! I had an awesome Aldi trip and even got some clearance items there! 

Any way trying not to type to much due to back but will be on and off throughout the day! 

ttfn! and God bless! 

Rambles and Hacks for Life from the Burgher

Hi all! Know its been a while here but just keeping you updated. i had a death in the "family" my blood family. I was adopted and now have re-connected with a lot of family, including my brother. Its amazing and has opened me up to drop a lot of the baggage, it was devastating but also a golden opportunity to drop a heavy load.

Any way here is a few tips that I keep forgetting to tell you. For those two heavy boxes of powder dish soap or laundry soap, save a creamer package or something similar. Just fill it up, make sure every one knows what it is and it makes it easy and neat to pour into the spouts. Great f or those of us with chronic pain. Also, if you get stuck on gunk anywhere put soap  and a bit of water and take an expired drivers license or credit card and it scrapes right off. Reduce and reuse! 
God bless! 

also find me at: 
http://www.menacerecords.net/

Been busy as usual! I finally seem to have a  decent part time gig online! 
I am helping:
www.menacerecords.net 
get up and going! It is a cool site you should check out! It is for musicians to collaborate, dj's players, songwriters etc. I plan also to add a group and forum for writers, one for artists etc. bloggers also. It is for creative people to have a safe place to learn, grow and market themselves. I hope to help allen the site owner eventually get it to facebook like status. Since he is grounds up, if it starts doing well he will increase my salary. YAY salary! Anyway, please pray it takes off I would eventually like it to be enough for me to reduce my hours at WalMart. Would keep that job for 401k and discount though! 
On the subject of earning, please check out my links on the side and bottom. These are all sites that I work with on a regular basis and so far have been legit-and paying sites! 
Anyway, How are you? what have you been up to? Any frugal tips for me?

God bless you! Have an awesome day! Be sure to check out: Menace records

Another Wonderful day God gave me!