Are kids expensive? Are kids cheap? No one knows and everyone claims they do. The only thing I actually know is that there are plenty of ways to be frugal when it comes to having a toddler. It’s not just about learning to say no to their wants. It’s also clearly about learning to say … [Read more…]
We made a choice when we had our son. We agreed to raise him differently. He eats pizza. He’s even had French fries. If I’m being entirely honest, he’s also eaten crayons, sock fuzz, and whatever he found in the dust pan at the play place that accidentally got left in the middle of the … [Read more…]
“He looks like Buster Brown.” This statement is equal parts puzzling and entertaining when you don’t know who Buster Brown is. That’s the camp I fell into before today. I could tell my mom was dismayed over my son’s new haircut based solely on her delivery. The deadpan look. The hand on her hip. The … [Read more…]
I am frugal? I am frugal. When I was unsure of myself when I was little, my dad would always comment, “Are you asking me or are you telling me?” I’ve become much more clear on a lot of things since then. I do love the Cubs. I did work hard and get everything done … [Read more…]
Call it serendipity, coincidence, or even divine intervention. As much as I believe that I am largely chartering my own course, every once in a while, the universe slaps me with a reminder to do something. Literally. OK, it wasn’t a slap. It was a trip. I was walking across the intersection in front of … [Read more…]
This series took a hiatus for a while. But I don’t want you to think for one second it was because I haven’t been my usual frugal awkward self. I have. I have. I still chirp, “You too!” when a server tells me to enjoy my meal. I still wave at strangers who are waving … [Read more…]
The holidays are full of awkward moments. Like when your mother-in-law excitedly shepherds you into the family room to see the new family photos she framed. Your two sisters-in-law look like they stepped out of a magazine. And you? Well, you look like a cross between a Goodyear blimp and Violet Beauregarde because that’s what … [Read more…]
Now that I’ve been a mom for two months, I know precisely two things: when it comes to kids, there are lots of opportunities to spend money and there are lots of opportunities to embarrass yourself. Take, for instance, the weekend I stood up in a wedding. I met the other bridesmaids at the nail … [Read more…]
Life has always been a little awkward for me. Since I shared our pregnancy news, though, the awkward factor has been off the Richter scale. Take, for instance, bowling last weekend. As the pins started to wobble after my feeble attempt at a strike, a coworker shouted, “Jump! You’re bigger now!” And then there was … [Read more…]
About a month ago, I was driving home from work and decided long hair was exhausting. So, I did what any sane person does. I found a Great Clips coupon and lopped off 7 inches of hair less than an hour later. And man, did things get awkward.