| A Major Milestone |
 |
 |
 |
|
As of yesterday, December 22nd, our book Living The Savvy Life, has maintained its status as an international bestseller for a full year! For those of you who know the struggle we experienced in getting it published (two years and 36 rejection letters), just getting it on bookshelves was a triumph. The fact that it has experienced such staying power is proof that our message of smart spending and rich living is one that is appreciated here in the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, Austria and Finland! I want to thank all of you who helped us get to this point including David Hancock and Rick Frishman of Morgan James Publishing. Thank you for believing in us and believing in our message!
Write comment (0 Comments)
|
| The Best Investment I've Made This Holiday Season |
|
|
|
|
I'm a make things from scratch kind of gal. From pancakes and waffles to cornbread and cakes, I enjoy the experience of combining basic ingredients to cook and bake rather than using a premade mix. Two years ago, we decided to build a gingerbread house - from scratch. I purchased a gingerbread house cookie-cutter-set and used it to cut the dough I had made (from scratch) for the walls and roof. We made the icing (from scratch) and added all kinds of candy that we had purchased to decorate the structure. Between the cookie-cutter-set, the ingredients for the gingerbread and all of the candy, we easily spent $35-$40. Despite having Paul's help, who is actually really good at this type of thing, our gingerbread house suffered severe structural damage and, as Dante likes to say, it EXPLODED!!! It didn't actually explode, it imploded. Although the results were disastrous and the process a bit stressful, it was still a fun afternoon. However, Paul and I weren't eager to try it again. A few weeks ago when I was at Trader Joe's, their Gingerbread House Kit caught my eye. It contained everything we would need, including premade walls and roof pieces, for the unbelievable price of $7.99. I grabbed one and ran. Last night, Dante and I sat down to put it together while Paul made dinner. It was so easy that Dante was able to jump in and help put together the structure itself. The entire experience was relaxing and enjoyable. It was a great lesson for me that "from scratch" isn't always better!
The Tosetti Family Gingerbread House - 2011 |
| Costco - A New Record |
|
|
|
|
I managed to get in and out of Costco last night in 12 minutes, with 2 items for $12.58!
|
| The Tosetti Family Holiday Calendar |
|
|
|
|
The month of December can easily get out of control with gifts to buy, events to attend and halls to deck.
I learned a long time ago that if I don't go into the month with a plan, I'll easily get swept away and miss out on doing the things I want to do. Having a plan helps to ensure that something like decorating the tree stays enjoyable because I've allotted enough time for it, rather than stressful because I've waited until too late in the evening to start, I'm tired, the living room is a mess and I just want to go to bed.
Here is an overview of our family's plans up to December 25th...
Week of December 5th
This week we plan to decorate the tree and put the lights on the outside of the house. Because putting up the tree can be an overhwhelming process sometimes, our plan is to do it in two steps. On Saturday morning, I'm going to put the tree together (we have a beautiful artificial tree) and string the lights on it while Dante is sleeping. I love it when he wakes up in the morning and discovers the tree magically appeared. Early that evening, we will put up the decorations.
Week of December 12th
For the past 10 years, we've celebrated Christmas with my family a week or two early. What I love about this tweak in the schedule is that we can focus on spending time with my family rather than worrying about having to get to my in-laws house the next day.
Christmas at my dad's ranch in Chowchilla, also known as Camp Haze, has become a much talked about event ever since my other-mom Linda bought everyone Nerf Guns as gifts a few years back. Since then, their 40 acres has become a playground for epic Nerf Gun battles. Not necessarily the most Christmas-ey activity, but a much loved Haze family tradition.
That afternoon we will visit my mom and grandmother in Fresno for a quieter, but very enjoyable, Christmas dinner.
Week of December 19th
Paul, Dante and I will attempt to build another gingerbread house. Our last effort resulted in structural issues that were comically devastating. Our back up plan for the day is to make hot cocoa and watch Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.
December 24th
On Christmas Eve we will head to Paul's dad's house. This is Paul Sr.'s favorite day of the year. With three grandsons running around the house he is at his happiest. One of my favorite traditions from the Tosetti side of the family is having St. Honore' Cake for dessert.
December 25th
For as long as Paul and I have been together, December 25th is a sacred day where we stay at home. Our tradition is to open presents, have cinnamon rolls for breakfast, watch movies all day and then make dinner together. With all the running around we normally do, plus the added frenetic pace of December, we love to give Dante an entire day to just be at home so he can play with all of his new toys.
|
| And The Winner of the $100 Visa Gift Card Is.... |
|
|
|
|
I'm thrilled to announce that the winner of the $100 Visa Gift Card is Pamela G. of Arizona. Pamela won the gift card after participating in The Savvy Life phone interview series. The interviews were conducted as a research project to learn exactly what Savvy Life readers are looking for to make 2012 the best year yet from a financial and lifestyle perspecting. As we move into 2012, look for new programs and opportunities through The Savvy Life to help you gain control over your financial life to not only create a strong financial foundation, but to help you buy the things you want to buy, do the things you want to do and visit the places you want to visit. I want to again thank everyone who participated in the interviews. |
Connect with The Savvy Life
Joomla! is Free Software released under the GNU General Public License.
