2nd Annual Frugal February

One of the traditions we started the first year of our marriage was a fun challenge called Frugal February. To read about the first one, visit my old blog here. Of course, last year I allowed Troy to win. How kind of me, right? (Ha! See my pathetic losing face here in the results post.) For those who know me and that every bone in my body is competitive, well…you can imagine how difficult it was to lose last year. I’m in it to win this year and I’m back with a vengance! Cue evil laughter.

Same rules apply as last year: Each of us get only $50 cash to spend for the month. This does NOT include bills, tithe, and gasoline. Our fridge has been STOCKED. So, no eating out, no Friday morning coffees (the highlight of my work-week), no unnecessary clothes, etc. Whoever wins the challenge will get the remaining cash of the loser and the loser will have to do the dishes for a MONTH (a chore abhorred by all in this house).

We actually have been looking forward to February coming around again. REMATCH! It’s a great time to watch our spending and our monetary priorities. Are we being good stewards of our money? This month really helps us see what we’ve been spending on “wants” over real “needs.”

Game on, Mr. Current. :)

P.S. I do NOT encourage putting dirty money in your mouth. My OCD self almost gagged when he did that. He said, “What? I was trying to look tough!” :)

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laurie & jake: part 2 {records}

Remember my too-pretty-for-words sister, Laurie? I’m finally getting around to posting Part II of our daylong adventure. After spending some time at the orchards, we went on the hunt from some great vinyl records. We headed down to Columbus’ own, Magnolia Thunderpussy (yeah, crazy name…) in the Short North. A meal at my favorite Short North restaurant, Surly Girl Saloon, was followed. :) Music is Jake’s comfort zone. Give the guy some records or any instrument and he’s a happy camper. Though, it’s obvious just from looking at the some of the photos I snapped, that both Laurie and Jake can be happy simply by being near each other.

Goof #1.

Goof #2 (really she was just impersonating Goof #1).

Thanks, Jake and Laurie! :) Love you both more than you know!

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26 before 27.

Every year I make a list of goals/accomplishments I want to make before the next birthday. It works conveniently with any resolutions I may be thinking about considering my birthday is December 31st, New Year’s Eve. I posted my “24 before on 25″ list on my since retired blog, Love & Communication. Last year I didn’t advertise the list. Overall, I usually get 3/4 of the list done and that seems completely unacceptable to this perfectionist. I thought I’d make my “26 before 27″ list a little more pretty for display purposes – then I’ll be constantly reminded of the things I want to get done over this year as it sits in my office.

I took some paint chips I swiped from the hardware store and cut them in small squares. I wrote each task I wanted to accomplish on a square. I mounted them onto a 12×12 scrapbook paper and framed it in an extra record frame I had on hand.

A few days ago I heard on the radio that people are more likely to accomplish their goals if they keep themselves. I couldn’t disagree more! Accountability is a great thing in life. Some of the things are extremely private to me but most are obvious goals if you know me. :)

I’m really excited for my list! The tasks I’m most amped for are the following:

-completing an overnight hike with my handsome husband
-doing a 5k every month (I’m on the lookout for the cheap ones – let me know if you know of one in Columbus! I have January’s race lined up. :))
-sewing my own dress
-going on a sister adventure weekend

Set goals. Checking them off feels so good, right? :)

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Dre - ok. august is taken. Irish fest 5k.
yes please!!

Double the Joy.

Here are some belated Christmas photos of a way-too-beautiful little family. The Frye family are good friends of our’s – they’re quality people, I tell ya. Sam and Matt recently welcomed TWO precious bundles into this world, Amos and Owen. I mean, seriously. Their double dose of cuteness should be illegal. Thank you, Matt, Sam, Amos, and Owen, for welcoming me into your home and letting me snap your first Christmas photos! :)

Cousin Camryn stopped by some family photos, too. Such a sweetheart!

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Date #7-12

Obviously the holidays got in the way of some blogging! We had a blast wrapping up the 12 Dates of Christmas, though! (To catch up, start here then read this and that.)

So, here’s what you’ve missed:
On the 7th date of Christmas, my true love gave to me…a chance to dance to some records. This is actually a REALLY big deal for the no-dance-I-just-shuffle Troy. I ask him to dance with me all the time to some slow songs but he usually isn’t a fan. Our choice tonight: some classic Jack Johnson.

On the 8th date of Christmas, we celebrated being on Christmas break and went to the Wild Lights! The Columbus Zoo really does outdo themselves every year. So pretty! And we got macarons and coffee afterwards. :)

(here’s what we would look like as aliens:)

On the 9th date of Christmas, we enjoyed some friends being over at our home. We love some Keller family time. We made Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and introduced them to the wonderful world of Spoon Me. Frozen yogurt fans, raise your hands!

On the 10th date of Christmas, we rang the Kettle Bell! We really wanted to do something amongst our 12 dates that wasn’t all about us and I think we’ve found a new Current family tradition. We rang the bell for the Salvation Army folks all morning and were blessed tenfold. Talk about being humbled and gaining some perspective. There are giving hearts everywhere. Beforehand, we got some muffins from Pattycake Bakery and coffee from World Gallery. (Yea, Clintonville!)


On the 11th date of Christmas, we travelled. Yeah, not as exciting, I know. But Troy surprised me by getting us a yummy peppermint shake to share. We were just happy to see family – that’s a Christmas gift in itself.

On the 12th date of Christmas, we trekked around one of our favorite little towns, Yellow Springs, with Ricky J (my favorite father-in-law). We got some great sandwiches from a place near to our heart, Current Cuisine (thanks, Aunt Karen and Uncle Steve!) and then some AMAZING coffee from the Underdog Cafe. The fun part was watching the two Current boys have a good ole time. Again, family = blessing.

To recap… :)

On the 1st date of Christmas, we went to a Blue Jackets’ game (and they won!).
On the 2nd date of Christmas, we tried a new restaurant and ate sushi at Edamame!
On the 3rd date of Christmas, we stayed in, made pizza and played Blokus (Troy boy’s favorite board game).
On the 4th date of Christmas, we walked down the street for some BBQ!
On the 5th date of Christmas, we dressed in our fancy clothes and saw Over the Rhine’s holiday concert at the Taft.
On the 6th date of Christmas, we took the pups hiking and got brunch at Northstar (our favorite!).
On the 7th date of Christmas, we slow danced to some records.
On the 8th date of Christmas, we went to the Wild Lights at the Columbus Zoo.
On the 9th date of Christmas, we had friends over!
On the 10th date of Christmas, we were Salvation Army kettle bell ringers!
On the 11th date of Christmas, we travelled and split a shake.
On the 12th date of Christmas, we explored Yellow Springs.

So, there you have it, folks! The best part about all these dates was the purposefully planned time with my one and only. Goodness, I’m a lucky gal. I hope you and yours had a wonderful Christmas and were able to soak in the blessing of our dear Savior’s birth.

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