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One Hundred Dollars a Month

I am your typical housewife living in high maintenance suburbia. I have a handsome husband, 2 kids and a flock of pet chickens. I try and feed my family with $100 a month. With the help of coupons, gardening and bartering I am able to squeeze the most out of our grocery budget and still manage to have a little fun along the way.


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My Goals for This Year – Week 30 of 52

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bike rack for garage wall1. Get Organized. 

Monkey Boy installed the bike hooks this week. It’s so nice to finally have them off the ground and be able to walk around the garage a little easier.

half marathon

2. Run, walk or crawl a Marathon, half marathon, 10k, and 5k race this year.

Two down, two to go. 🙂 🙂 Anyone know of any marathons or 10K’s?

3. Remodel our Master Bathroom, Master Closet and Monkey Boy’s Bathroom. Done!

4. Finish Every Room in Our House.

Working on it!

5. Turn Spare Bedroom into a Cozy Home Office Space for myself.  Done!

cool season vegetables

6. Create a Vegetable Garden.  Done!

The vegetable garden on the side of the house is still hanging in there. The rest of the lettuce was harvested last week, the chard needs to be picked, the beets have a few more weeks to go and I have 4 cabbages that are hanging on for dear life. Fingers crossed they make it and don’t go to seed like the 20 others I had planted in this spot.

cedar fence with trellis over gate

7. Build a Path into the Hillside for Easy Access to the Upper Garden.  We built a fence instead of building a path and let me tell you Bob, working in the backyard is so much more enjoyable now. It was money well spent.

8. Limit my personal spending to $100 a month.

I didn’t buy anything this week other than food. Imagine that. To be totally honest, I thought curbing my crap spending would be harder than it has been. I do need to find a new pair of running sneakers though.

In July I spent $50.82
In June I spent $6.00.
In May I spent $26.50.
In April I Spent $18.46.
In March I Spent $42.44.
In February I Spent $32.52
In January I Spent $84.33

white dishes garage sale

9. Purge… Weekly. Find 10 things each week to donate to the thrift store. Done.

I went well over the 520 items I was hoping to get rid of this year either by donating them to the thrift store or selling items at our garage sale this year. Mission accomplished. I earned $473 at the sale for my efforts.

ask ciscoe morris book
10. Read 1 book a week. 

This week I’ve been revisiting my copy of Ask Ciscoe. I love this guy! I’ve been lucky enough to be on the same tv segment as him twice, as well as seen him around town at various events. I’m pretty sure at this point he thinks I’m a stalker, but oh, la, la is he a hunk. Plus… he knows everything you could possibly imagine about gardening.

primitive rug hooked flowers rug11. Slow Down.

Because I am a total psycho, I started another rug hooking project. I needed a diversion from the giant rug I’ve been working on since spring. Or at least that’s what I keep telling myself.

zucchini relish12. Canning

I woke up early this morning so I could get a batch of zucchini relish started. Have you tried this stuff yet? I actually prefer this to regular relish for burgers, tuna sandwiches and more. It’s AWESOME.

Did you set any goals for this year? If so, how are they coming along?

~Mavis

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Ask Mavis – Pesky Gophers, Weck Canning jars, Dumb Kale and More

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ask mavis butterfield
It’s that time again. You ask, and I pretend to know things and answer your burning questions. It really is so much fun to open my inbox and see the wide variety of questions you guys have. Reminds me that my readers are so diverse and pretty dang awesome. So keep those questions coming and I’ll keep racking my brain for answers.

But first, if you are looking for the best sun hat on the planet,  Mrs. HB and I both have Sloggers Wide Brimmed Sun Hats {SPF 50+} and use them all summer long.
growing lettuce in winterHi Mavis, Thank you so much for sharing your tips, ideas, and adventures – I love reading your site! I am very keen on starting a garden with my son, but I have many little dilemmas: gopher/vole dilemmas, to be precise. They seem to be everywhere here! Do you have any suggestions as to how to keep the critters from chewing up my garden without me having to spend a fortune?

~Stacie from Colorado

I can’t be of much help here because we’ve never had any issues with gophers. I found a little info on handy dandy WikiHow:

Trap them. Use the gopher traps and place it in the tunnels of an active gopher mound. Dig into the mound and place the trap crossways into the tunnel, then cover the area with a sheet of black plastic or burlap so that no light shines into the hole. It also helps to use latex gloves or rub the trap with fresh rosemary so that it doesn’t smell of human scent.

Poison them. Poison baits such as strychnine are very dangerous. Always read all labels and instructions. Be very careful when handling, keep away from children. Wash your hands very thoroughly after handling. This method is not recommended if there is a chance that another animal (such as a pet) could eat the gopher after it is poisoned. If your pet eats a poisoned gopher, it will be poisoned too.

Drown them. Use a garden hose to flood the gopher tunnel with water. Be ready to kill the gopher with a shovel if he quickly pops out of the ground to avoid drowning. This method works about half of the time, but always creates a muddy mess.

Annie's Annuals and Perennials CaliforniaI have a question. I live in drought stricken Southern California (Los Angeles). We have stopped watering our front lawn and are letting it slowly die. And yes, it is slowly dying because we have a very mature evergreen tree in our front yard that puts most of the yard in shade, most of the day. Instead of brown grass, I was wondering if there are any drought tolerant perennials? Hopefully something that has a little bit of color. Thanks.

~Annie H.

So many perennials, so little time. Here are a few of my favorites: Golden Marguerite, Yucca, Purple Coneflower, Sunflower, Daylilies, Lavender, Globe Thistle, Orange Coneflower, Goldenrod and Thyme. Hopefully that helps bring a little life and prettiness to your drought stricken area.
canning raspberry jam in weck jarsWhere did you get those weck canning jars? Can you do a post about where to get them and how to use them?

~Molly

Lucky for you, Molly, I recently did a post all about Weck Canning Jars and How to Use Them. I love them! Let me know if you give them a shot and how you like them.

mavis-butterfield-kale (1)Not a question but… Mavis thought you might find this article on Kale interesting.

Read it. Loved it. It just confirms what I’ve always known. Kale is for the birds {or maybe not even for them, cause they might get sick, too!}. Thanks for sharing!

Have an AWESOME weekend!

~Mavis

This post may contain affiliate links. These affiliate links help support this site. For more information, please see my disclosure policy. Thank you for supporting One Hundred Dollars a Month.

Free Kindle Books, Dan Post, Tony Lama Boots, Skittles, $5 Magazines, Recipes and More

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elucidationWord of the Day: Elucidation Definition: Explanation Used in a sentence: That statement calls for elucidation.

lucy the puggle dog

Well hello there… It’s friday. And it’s going to be like 95 degrees here in the Pacific Northwest today. Booo! Am I the only one who misses temps in the 70’s? I mean the high temperatures are great for the garden, but I’m melting here people. MELTING.

What’s the weather like in YOUR neck of the woods? I may want to come and visit. Ha!

Have a great weekend everyone, and stay safe.

♥ Mavis

*This deal post will be updated throughout the day so be sure and check back for deals. 

harry potter hogwarts collection

Amazon Gold Box Deal of the Day – 61% Off “Harry Potter: Hogwarts Collection”

free kindle books

Available Kindle Books I think are cool…

The prices on Kindle Books can change quickly, so grab them while you can. Don’t have a Kindle? Download the kindle app on your other devices. It’s easy! 🙂

amazon-subscribe-and-save14

Amazon Subscribe and Save Deals

CaptureThis summer Amazon is running a Capture Their Love of Reading contest with a prize pack for the winner that includes all things Kindle for the whole family. Entering is simple: Head over HERE and share a picture of your child reading. That’s it. Easy peasy way to enter to win a pack of Kindles, an Amazon Fire TV, Fire Phone and more.

8 Tips for Building Good Credit While in CollegeI realize most students are focusing on classes and their social lives in college and not their credit score. But with the 8 Tips for Building Good Credit While in College, they can do both! Find more great tips for any student on my College Life Pinterest Board.

Collapsible Storage Boxes Bra Underwear Closet Organizer Drawer Divider

Amazon has the 4 Piece MIU COLOR Collapsible Storage Boxes Bra Underwear Closet Organizers on sale for $16.99 and they ship FREE with Amazon Prime. 

down alternative comforter

Got a King bed? Amazon has the Clara Clark White Goose Down Alternative Comforter Duvet, King/California King on sale for just $32. Saweeeet!

Dan Post, Tony Lama boots

Today Zulily is offering Dan Post, Tony Lama Boots & More on sale with savings up to 55% off. Giddy up! New to Zulily? Go HERE to Sign Up. Then HERE to get the deals.

bank of american free muesum pass

If you have a Bank of America debit/credit card, you can score FREE admission into over 100 museums this weekend as part of their Museum on Us program.

This awesome program allows Bank of America card holders to gain free admission into any participating museum during the first full weekend of every month. How cool is that? Don’t forget to bring your photo ID along with your Bank of America card to gain free admission.

Go HERE to see if your local museum is on the list!

Farmers-Breakfast-Skillet-with-Sausage-and-Eggs1

I imagine this hearty Farmer’s Breakfast Skillet w/ Sausage and Eggs is what all farmers eat each morning. Hence the name. But modern day farmers probably have fresh cut berries with almond milk. Who knows! Get the recipe HERE or Pin it for Later. Find more breakfast recipes on my Breakfast Pinterest Board.

Columbia Dandini Ravine ShirtREI Outlet Deal of the Day – Columbia Dandini Ravine Shirt $34.73 {was $90} REI Members: Earn a $20 Bonus Card when you spend $100 or more. July 21 – August 2. Not a member? Join HERE.

Transcend 16GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card

Amazon has the Transcend 16GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card on sale for just $6.99!!

paint sprayers

The Home Depot Deal of the Day – UP TO 30% OFF SELECT PAINT SPRAYERS & STEAMERS

amazon add on items

Amazon Add on Items

*These are all Amazon Add-on Items and they will ship with qualifying orders over $25 and are eligible for free shipping on $25 orders with Amazon Prime {or will ship FREE on $35 orders without Prime}. 

Green Horse Hopper, Pump Included

Wahooo! Amazon has the Green Horse Hopper, {Pump Included} on sale for $19.40. Be the birthday hero with this one. 😉 

disney store

The DisneyStore.com is having a Buy 1 Plush AND Get 1 for $1 Sale. Prices at just $4.99 {reg. $19.95}. Grab them while you can.

crazy 8 jean sale

Today only grab Crazy8 Jeans for just $8.88.

school supply deals

School Supply Deals

magazine sale

Amazon is having a $5 Magazine Sale. Grab ’em while you can!!!

Find More $5.00 Magazines

Zaycon-ground-beef-event

Zaycon Fresh is now taking orders for their upcoming events. Below are their offerings and prices in my area.Go HERE to find out if this deal is available in your area.

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts $1.89/lb $75.60/case
  • Fresh Ground Beef, Lean {93/7} – 40 lbs $3.99/lb | $159.60/case
  • Frozen Wild Sockeye Salmon Fillets 25lbs
  • Frozen Premium Alaskan Cod $5.49/lb $137.25/case
  • All Beef Hot Dogs $3.29/lb 10 lbs $32.90/case
  • Polish Kielbasa Sausages $2.79/lb 10 lbs  $27.90/case
  • Meaty Back Ribs $3.99/lb | $143.64/case
  • Bacon-Wrapped Pork Fillet $3.79/lb  36 lbs 136.44/case
  • Pork Sausage Links $2.79 ln 20 lbs $55.80/case
  • USDA Choice or Higher Chuck Roast $5.79/lb  $208.44/case
  • USDA Choice or Higher Patio Steaks $6.49/lb  $214.17/case
  • Smoked Pulled Pork – 20lbs $4.49/lb  $89.80/case

Check out the post on how we process so much Zaycon meat at one time.

planters peanutsCheck out these New Printable Coupons:

Find More Printable Coupons

This post may contain affiliate links. These affiliate links help support this site. For more information, please see my disclosure policy. Thank you for supporting One Hundred Dollars a Month.

Returning My Coat to REI, My Hot Date, and a Filthy Penny

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rei winter coat rips and tears

The HH took the day off from work yesterday and lucky for him, it was my day to run errands and so I let home chauffeur me around. 😉

After reading the comments about my coat problem on Facebook, I decided to give REI a call about my coat. Even though I no longer had my receipt, I have been an REI member for over 10 years so they were able to look up my purchase history.  I explained about the seams ripping apart and the customer service rep basically told me there was no way of her knowing if it was a manufacture defect over the phone and that my best option would be to bring the coat in and have customer service take a look at it. rei 1 year refund policy

Well look at that. REI decided my 2 year old coat WAS a manufacture defect and refunded me the price I paid for the coat back in February of 2013. I would have never thought to do this without so many of your prompting me to try. So thank you.

lucky penny

I spy with my little eye… a lucky penny.

HH: DO NOT PICK THAT UP.

Mavis: Why not?

HH: You don’t know where’s it been.

Mavis: Well I know where it’s going… IN MY POCKET.jersey mike subs

Jersey Mike’s Subs. That’s where the HH took me for our hot lunch date yesterday.

The sandwich {and atmosphere, was just okay}. If I had to do it over again I would have pocketed the money and just suggested we head home to make grilled cheese sandwiches. But when your husband is trying to be romantic and take you on a date, sometimes you just have to go with the flow.

lucy puggle dogLucy survived her trip to the vet. Did I tell you Lucy the trouble puggle has been kicked out of every nail parlor in town? Yep, it’s true. Turns out she hates having people touch her feet {I don’t blame her} and our AWESOME vet is the only option left. She wouldn’t walk in on her own so the HH had to carry her in.

That’s high maintenance suburbia for you.

~Mavis

This post may contain affiliate links. These affiliate links help support this site. For more information, please see my disclosure policy. Thank you for supporting One Hundred Dollars a Month.

Mavis Butterfield Etsy