1. Walk at least 500 miles this year (162 down and 338 to go)
This week I completed my ten miles by taking two Zumba classes, walking two miles with my husband, and trying out more fun YouTube videos.
2. Read two nonfiction books each month Accomplished
I have been reading a lot of Sherlock Holmes mysteries and hope to read through the whole collection by the end of the month. **I actually have been trying to keep tabs of interesting historical facts and unique British phrases that are in the novels because my novel is based during the same time period.
3. Buy nothing new this year
Nothing new was bought this week. The only way that I can complete the buy nothing new challenge each year is by religiously shopping at the thrift store each week. This week I found a purse to replace my current one that is starting to crack excessively along the strap and a swim suit top that looked practically new **I actually have a clause in my challenge exclusions that gives me the ok to buy new swimwear, but this was a modest tankini top {so hard to find} and it looked like it had never been worn so I happily saved myself at least $20 by buying used.
4. Take each of my children on an outing by themselves
This week I took Ben to Walmart where he got to spend his allowance in the toy aisle (he is a spender) and then we had an early dinner at Zaxby’s. Once again he kept telling me thank you for taking him out by himself, so I guess this is a good tradition to have started.
5. Have two family game nights each month Accomplished
6. Complete two home improvements each month
I ran into a snag this week. I mentioned last time that I was going to replace our upstairs exterior door with a newer door that we had from a previous renovation, but……it appears that the old door is a good bit larger than the newer door, so we will not be able to replace it after all. Luckily I measured before we took off the old door!
This week we have been on a massive decluttering, cleaning, and reorganizing kick so I think that will count for one of my improvements (Hey its free and yes I have been watching Marie Kondo) For my second improvement, I think that I will be fixing some holes we have accumulated over the years in the drywall of our living room and our bedrooms.
7. Edit and publish my NaNoWriMo novel
I started editing chapters 7 and 8 this week. I forgot how funny my characters were.
8. Try two new low carb recipes each month Accomplished
I tried out a low carb berry cobbler that was awesome and a really good Mexican shredded beef recipe this month. *I think I may start trying out new gluten-free recipes for my kids as well.
9. Learn how to knit and crochet
Nope
10. Keep my grocery spending to under $500 each month
This week I spent $130 on groceries, which brings my total up to $410 for the month. I think I can manage quite well with the $90 left for the next nine days, but we will see.
The Thrifty Educator 