Merry Christmas! (Yeah, I said it. I’m usually a “Happy Holidays” kinda gal, but it is Christmas Eve.)

I’ll be spending the weekend with my family but I wanted to drop in to clear my cash-spending conscience before the festivities begin.

• $30 gas
• $58 Target
• $200 TOMS (I may or may not have ordered 3 pairs of shoes in the middle of the night. If I don’t love them, they’ll be returned.)
• $25 Bluefly (Had a $25 Klout Perk so I ordered some baubles for half price!)
• $46 Lands’ End (Ordered two cable knit sweaters that were regularly $100 each!)

See you in 2012!

I was up bright and early to run errands this morning – Ollie needed a holiday pedicure and I had to get my Christmas cards in the mail. I have a list of things to do at home before my family arrives next week – laundry, baking, cleaning, wrapping gifts – so I’m planning on staying in the rest of the weekend (and not spending any money.)

• $15 Post Office
• $62 utilities
• $28 vet
• $27 PetSmart

Are you prepared for the holidays?

I’m officially done with my holiday shopping! Admittedly, it was pretty easy considering I only had to buy for three people and two dogs (small families do have their perks) but it’s still stressful – budget adjustments, finding the perfect gift.

Are you done with your holiday shopping? Do you have a budget or do you just wing-it?

• $27 gas
• $45 grocery
• $35 prescription
• $200 gifts (No hints here!)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you have lots to be thankful for. I’m thankful for visiting family and not having to spend any money while home. (That’s just one of many things I’m thankful for, obviously.)

Here’s what I’ve spent since my last update:

• $154 State Farm – car insurance*
• $79 utilities
• $550 Chase
• $939 rent
• $165 Sallie Mae
• $490 car payment
• $47 internet
• $208 Sprint**
• $20 Secret Santa
• $50 Bill Me Later
• $500 ING***

My goal for December is to transition from a spreadsheet to Mint.com for budgeting. Do any of you use Mint? How do you like it?

*This should be under $100 next month as this bill still included the second car.
**My sprint bill is usually around $80, but I upgraded to the iPhone 4S and added the Apple Care protection plan because I don’t trust myself with a $800 phone.
***I’m still learning how to live on one paycheck once a month, so that $500 isn’t to be touched until at least halfway through the month.

• $5 grocery store sushi (don’t judge)
• $28 grocery
• $6 Chick-fil-a

I’ll be traveling home to Chicago to spend Thanksgiving with family so I’ll confess all my money-spending sins when I return.

What are your plans for the holiday? Hosting a big dinner? Doing it on a budget?

• $22 Homegoods – silverware
• $126 Target – bedding
• $71 grocery
• $21 Sur La Table

Had a lovely lunch with a friend this weekend thanks to a gift certificate to McCormick & Schmicks and picked up food for the week (with enough to freeze for later).

Where’d you spend your money this week?

The first of the month takes on a whole new significance when all your bills are due at the same time. One paycheck once a month is brutal. How often do you get paid?

• $939 rent
• $490 car payment – Prius
• $165 Sallie Mae
• $47 internet
• $400 Chase
• $85 Sprint
• $33 Target
• $14 breakfast with a friend
• $8 Whole Foods