June similarly to May seemed to fly by, but that probably has something to do with the fact that I spent the first week of it in Italy, on vacation. Vacations seem to do that to people.

After the heat of Italy, it was really nice to come back to a cold snap as well as a nice healthy garden. I uploaded my first video to share with you guys just how the garden is going along. It wasn’t the best video around, but I plan to practice a bit for the next one.

I spent a lot of this month talking and thinking about Italy, and I’m sorry if that bored you, but I’m sure we will be getting back to our regularly scheduled programming shortly.

A lot of other stuff has happened recently in my career life that I’m not quite ready to talk about on the blog yet, but know that I’m pretty pleased right now. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

I was able to make a lot of moves toward my goals of settling into this house, and making some lifestyle changes, and it felt really good (more on that here).

 

Spent on Groceries in June: $229.52

Total for the year: $1,286.40

Cost of Garden Supplies 2016: $221 (just a few last minute plants)

Where did may go? Like really? I feel like it was all a blur.

I did a lot of foraging this month as seen on Instargam. I feel like spring is the easiest month to forage in the Northeast there are so many things in season that it’s actually hard to keep up with them all.

I also got a nice start on all things gardening (also more gardening here). Aside from getting the vegetable garden going. Momma Chuck gave me about a million flowers to transplant at my house. I’m excited to see them all fill in over the next couple years.

It was about this time last year that Chuck and I closed on our house and in a fun turn of events some of our close friends just closed on their first house. I’m super excited to see what they do as they settle in. It will be fun to have another friend to chat about house projects with.

Unfortunately, my aching shoulder did hold me back form hiking and working out, but I am on the mend and looking forward to getting into it in June.

Spent on Groceries in May: $189.97 (remember there was a week spent away so lots of eating out)

Total for the year: $1,045.56

Cost of Garden Supplies 2016: $209 (3 cy of mulch + garden dirt + some plants)

I realize that I am a day late, but seeing as meal plans are some of my most popular posts, I figured they should not be messed with, so this recently post is getting posted a day late.

Anywhoodles…

In the beginning of the month I was able to get outside for a short stint to build a fire pit in our backyard, only for it to be hailed and snowed on shortly there after (we are talking hours people). That polar vortex was no joke. I was outside in sandals in the morning only to be bundled under blankets watching snow come down that afternoon. The next few days were filled with more snow, and storms causing power outages, trees to come down and lots of damage to homes and buildings around us. It was not so fun.

The poor weather did force me to get a bunch of stuff done inside however, including some decorating and even more purging. I really need to have a garage sale soon. There is so much to get rid of.

As month rolled by the days warmed up. I was able to get some of the cooler weather seeds into the ground (think peas, arugula, kale, radish, lettuce etc.) and my early spring flowers have started to bloom in full. I’m loving the early bursts of color!! I’ll be posting more garden stuff soon. So hold tight.

During my super inspiring trip to Philly Chuck and his dad got a solid start on our fancy new deck. I can’t even tell you how excited I am for this to be done. It is going to be a huge addition to our home and really make our lifestyle that much more feesable. Seriously we are outdoor people after all.

In addition to my trip to PA, Chuck and I made it out to NH for family stuff, and a big party for a friends 30th birthday.

It’s been an intense and busy month, but we made it through and I’m looking forward to more spring fun!

Spent on Groceries in April: $250.97

Total for the year: $843.59

Cost of Garden Supplies 2016: $68.28 (we bought and planted blueberry 10 bushes this month)

 

March seemed agonizingly slow to me this year. I think it’s because the weather was so back and forth and all I could think about was getting my hands dirty in the garden. Starting a few seeds indoors just was not enough for me. I have plans for our little home, big ones and I want to get to work on them.

Both Chuck and I (me with a little prodding from Alicia) seemed to get into the spring cleaning mind set. I can never fathom where all the “stuff” in our house comes from. Why do we have so much that we simply don’t need? Where does it come from? My main goal is to get the office under control, while Chuck is anxious to get the room over the garage in order. It will all get done someday (I hope).

It’s also the home stretch of cold weather so while I haven’t spent much time developing new recipes I have been cooking our cool weather favorites in preparation for the warmer months of grilling time.

Spring here we come!

 

 

Spent on Groceries in March: $171.65 – woot woot! and I wasn’t even trying!

Total for the year: $592.62

Cost of Garden Supplies 2016: $23.28 (Seeds, pots, garden gloves, etc)

February has been a month of fun and love.

Our home town has an annual chowder fest, that’s always a blast, but the unseasonably warm weather meant it was crazier than normal.

I went with a good friend to pick our colors for a blanket I plan to make her. It’s fun seeing people get excited about yarn and color.

We gained a roommate this month, though it’s just for a short while since my dear friend Alicia leaves for boot camp in a couple weeks. Chuck gets to see what living with two redheads is like (ooo buddy!)

I took my mom and sister to the city for the first time. I think my sister was overwhelmed a bit, but she was a trooper and has an experience to tell all her friends at school.

We started planning that trip to Italy I’ve mentioned a time or two. All of the places we are staying are booked, including the most beautiful (according to the pictures) apartment in Rome. I. CANT. WAIT.

We celebrated my birthday with way to much wine and junk food. I really couldn’t ask for a better birthday present than hanging out with awesome people and food, there really isn’t much more to life for me.

 

Spent on Groceries in February: $222.93

*not bad for 3 people, though Alicia is buying some of her own stuff.

Total for the year: $420.97

Cost of Garden Supplies 2016: $4.30 (I bought more seeds in February)