Managing a Budget like a BOSS

Tyler and I have pretty much had a budget since the day we got married. It was not a big deal when I was working full time, but since I have stayed home for over a year now, we have had to make some adjustments. Some serious adjustments. I realize our budget before was really just a way for us to see where our money was going, even if it did not stay within the limits that we set (which it usually didn't). So recently I have been looking for ways to really stick to it. We use mint.com which is tremendously helpful at keeping track of every transaction we make. It has really helped us understand our spending habits and areas we need to work on. Also, I came across this post the other day  from Blissful and Domestic and have already made some of the changes she suggests, especially with grocery shopping. I feel like I am really careful about spending money but I also have a close relationship with the clearance section at Target. A few dollars here and there really add up and soon enough the budget is blown.

Managing a budget is sometimes so overwhelming to me, especially since it will never, ever, go away. Even when we make more money we will need to budget. But not knowing where our money is going drives me crazy too. So the only option to keep me sane is to have a really good system in place. I figure it is part of my job as the mom, right? Who ever said stay at home mom's don't work? Ha! We just sit around watching ellen, trying to keep track of how many sea salted caramels from Costco we've had while our children "do their own thing", right? While I have obviously had days like that, my days usually consist of budgeting, grocery shopping, laundry, meals, bills, etc. I stay much busier then I ever did at my full time job. I just do it all in my pajamas instead of slacks.

I honestly enjoy doing research and LOVE getting the best deal. So I am determined to become the best budget-er around. Or at least in my ward so everyone asks how I do it. But honestly, we all know it is very important to be in control of our finances so we can provide for our families and set good examples for our children.

Do you have any suggestions on how to keep within your monthly budget?

Giveaway Winner

Wow, I know I said I would announce the winner on Sunday morning but somehow it is Tuesday night already. But here is goes, the winner is.....

JAIME DAVIS

Congrats Jaime! I hope you are loving the LA sun! Please comment below to let me know which makeup brush roll you would like. Then email me your mailing address at kileyj18@gmail.com. I will get it to you as soon as possible!

And THANK YOU to everyone who entered and took a moment to check out my blog!

Kiley

B&A Dresser

Four years ago we had just moved into our current apartment and our clothes were literally piled neatly on the floor against the wall. Our last dresser had not made the move. Luckily, my aunt and uncle live just down the street and had this in their garage just taking up space. 

It is not real wood and obviously a little beat up, but I really liked the clean lines and the big round handles. I had intentions of painting it from the beginning.

Well it took 4 years to get it started but only a few hours to actually get it done. This project was incredibly easy and I really like how it turned out. It matches my room so much better now.

I used homemade chalk paint and did a poly coat but it has already chipped in one place. Disappointing but it still looks waaaaay better.

I  will announce the winner of the giveaway in the morning!

Makeup Brush Roll GIVEAWAY

I have just been doing my own thing on this blog until I had some reason for people to read. Not to mention I am a little afraid to do this. But I am just going to go for it so it is time for a little giveaway! I love reading craft blogs and have a whole list of favorites, which is why I decided to start this blog. Obviously I would like people to follow my projects, share ideas, and make connections (platonic, of course), otherwise I would not put this on the www. SOOOO.....let the first giveaway commence! 

I will be giving away a makeup brush roll of the winner's choice. Here is the selection I have for this giveaway:

1.

2.

Can be hung on the inside of your bathroom cabinet for easy use.

 3.

You can't really tell in the picture but this is black snake skin fabric with silver sparkly fabric on front.

To enter (leave a comment after each entry):

1. Become a follower of The Project Prince

2. Post on your blog about The Project Prince
3. Post on your facebook wall about The Project Prince for a third entry

Closes Saturday, Sept. 15 12:00 pm