I am going to Kauai in 23 days! Hawaii is my favorite place to travel. I go nearly every year. This will only be my second time on Kauai and it's been several years since I've been there. My BF and I will be staying at a renovated sugar plantation, consisting of individual cottages. I can't wait for 8 days of R&R!

Bonus: I have been eating well (low-carb, very little processed foods) and exercising, and have lost 5 lbs. in 3 weeks. My goal is to lose 2-3 more and I'll be bikini ready!

P.S. My vacation is paid for, and spending money is waiting in my ING account!

I spent $1300.00 this weekend on window treatments! Ack!

One good thing is, this was a planned purchase and I have been saving money in my ING account for Home Decor projects.

Another good thing: I used a coupon for 30% off- (everything except the curtain hardware)

I bought panels for one large window, the rods/rings, two faux-wood blinds for the bedrooms, and two throw pillows. The curtain panels were the huge expense- they were $535.00 after the discount.

The gal said that I am buying at the right time, because many of their fabric suppliers are raising their prices 6-8% in March.

I put the deposit on my new AMEX cash card so I can earn my rebate.

Whew, I feel so much better that I got this off my chest! :*)

Here is my new, improved outlook on the economy: A downturn in the economy will benefit me in the long run, so I happily accept it and am using it to my advantage.

We all know, by looking at the history of the stock market, that there are ups and downs, but over several years/decades, the returns are big. Therefore, I welcome this temporary decline to invest in stocks which are have great growth potential and getting them at a "bargain".

The decline in savings interest rates is distressing to those of us who have a lot of liquid assets; however, I'm going to keep stashing my cash into the highest rate accounts I can, because when the rates do bounce back, I will benefit right away - the money will already be there.

I'm glad that is over! Happy Friday!

I did everything right.... filed electronically, having direct deposit... it's been 11 days! What is going on? It seemed like everyone else got theirs within a week or so. It's just annoying!

Anyway, Happy Valentines day to all!

Dinner will be a steak from the freezer, steamed broccoli and baked potatoes. Dessert was GOING to be cupcakes with chocolate whipped frosting, but we are going to Hawaii in 5 weeks and trying to slim down.... I might still make them, eat a couple and take the rest to work. Flowers: instead of paying the outrageous price for roses or delivered bouquets, I looked on the web and found an arrangement I like (NO roses) and will get them from the grocery store and arrange them myself. I should be able to make a large bouquet for $15 or less.

I did my taxes yesterday. I'm getting $686 back. I e-filed using H&R. I'm putting most of this into my Home Decor fund. In addition to wanting to purchase an armoire and some window treatments for my home, I am going to help my Mom pay for laminate flooring in her condo. Her carpet is really gross (from the previous owner) and I think it would be a great investment in her place. I am also going to paint her living/dining room a pale yellow. She is really excited about this. My Mom is in her 70's, has many health problems and very limited income. I really want to make her feel comfortable and secure.