Temptations

I feel like I'm on a diet.  On a diet at Costco on Sample Saturday.  Everything looks good.  And, little bites don't really count...do they?

I'm hungry.  I'm hungry for all of the ways I used to blow money.  Like stopping for coffee.  Or having lunch out.  Or buying something at the market that isn't on sale.  Little bites, that most definitely count.

The temptations this month are plentiful, even if the dollars are scarce.  October marks my one year anniversary of dating the most terrific man in the land, my son's ninth incredible year on the planet, the unfortunate end of the allowable lapse between hair color treatments, and Halloween money magnets like treats and costumes.  Not all of these can be attended to on a monthly budget.  Especially one $500 less than usual due to last month's draw.

Life on a vow of credit celibacy is not luxe.

Yes,  this is a month where my mommy delusions kick in and I battle the unceasing compulsion to purchase the stuff of Zane's every desire.  Not that I seriously entertained the items on his much talked about wish list this year.  I may not be the only delusional member of my family if he was seriously expecting that electric scooter,  Pug puppy,  cell phone, and new DSi with games.  But, I confess, in years past, efforts to come close to such a list would have been my dearest aim...all without once calculating the impact on my pocketbook.

I suppose that's the luxury of credit - no immediate impact.  In terms of dieting, this kind of shopping bears much in likeness to binge eating at Thanksgiving.  Everything looks so good...and it's only once a year...I'll risk the indigestion and the wild discomfort of a bloated tummy just so I can have a slice of each of those desserts...and some more stuffing with gravy...and another blackberry daiquiri.  Of course, there is indigestion and bloating and discomfort and one swears she'll never eat that much again in all her life.  Until the company Christmas party...and then family feasts...and then New Years...and then, 'Hey!  I can't fit into my jeans!  How did this happen?!"

This year, though, this year for the birthday celebrations, I did just as the women's magazines suggest their readers do in the event of festive holiday occasions -  I made a plan, had a snack at home before leaving the house (aka, checked the bank account), and spent wisely.   Also, I did my best to look dashing so as to distract myself and others from the old eating/spending habits I was avoiding.

My plan:  shop and plan ahead, look for deals, include only the necessary
My pre-party snack:  find things that I can make or do without any expense
My wise spending:  spend less than $50 on gifts, and less than $30 on the party


Working the plan:
It was quickly decided by Zane's dad (who has always handled dollars wisely) and I, that simple and easy were key factors in this year's celebration.  That boded well for the budget.  The location would be Farmer John's Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze.  I'd make the cupcakes.  He'd pick up some pizzas and drinks.  We'd give the kids pumpkins as their goodies.  Happily, there's no charge for using their covered picnic area, the maze admission was inexpensive, and the outdoor venue meant these third graders could run and holler to their hearts' contentment without disturbing the peace.  Given the sugar content in the cupcakes, that was a fortunate bonus.

In preparation, I skipped purchasing and mailing invitations and opted for the quick and dirty text message to the moms.  I'm still a little embarrassed by this, but wow.  It worked. Making the cupcakes was a snap.  Where I typically go the whole "from scratch" route, for this audience, I chose Betty Crocker mix and frosting.  Pop that batter in mini-cupcake tins and we're off on the road of creativity.  Whooo!

Gift wise, I knew I'd fall short of the wish list.  But, fortunate for me, my kid is a bit of a sentimentalist.  I mined through a year of family outing photos and created a whole little album detailing Zane's adventures.  Walgreen's had a web special of a 50% discount on 4X6 prints upon which I capitalized and voila!  Instant pleaser!  And, only $11.00.

Looking great wise?  Well, I wore a hat to hide my much grown out dye job. :)  Voila.  Birthday party success.

And, the best reward, even better than coming in on budget, was Zane's last thought before heading off to bed, "I wish every day could be like this..."