February No Spend Month Challenge: Day 13 Recap & Day 14 Challenge (No-Spend Valentine’s Day Ideas)

Good morning, savvy savers! Can you believe we are almost half-way finished with this month! So, yesterday was another organization day, focused on our home offices, bookshelves, craft areas, and/or home libraries. This was a very important challenge for me as I work from home, and so I spend an inordinate amount of time at my desk. You would think that would mean I automatically have the motivation to keep that area neat and tidy at all times.  And while generally speaking my desk is clutter-free, my drawers, rolling cabinets, and shelves are not!  My inbox/outbox too, was a mess, and my vertical files were full of unneeded papers, review guides, and coupons I hadn’t looked in several months. I firmly believe that home are our most important investments, and therefore our most important business. Keeping this space organized is essential to keeping our homes running more smoothly. 

I’m really excited about yesterday’s progress.

So, I was able to:

1. I cleared off my desk.
2. I organized my dining room bookshelves, putting like groups together, and placing non re-reads to a bin for a later book swap weekend.
3. I took the binders and manuals I previously housed in on my dining room shelves, and placed them on an upcycled shelf in my office.
4. I turned my former dining room buffet station into an office credenza to hold my craft room staples.
5. I sorted through my personal files, and established a personal box for my husband and I both, as well as created a new lock box system for credit cards, cash, gift cards, etc.
6. I cleaned out my coupon binder.

I felt completely overwhelmed when I started, and utterly victorious when I stopped! Woohoo!

As well yesterday I was also able to accomplish:

1. As part of my #Choose30 Daily Challenge, I woke up at 7:25, walked my fur babies, showered, & dressed to my shoes. (Thanks, Flylady!)
2. Worked on my daily Motivated Moms Planner.
3. I finished a day’s worth of clerking assignments ahead of schedule!
4. I cooked from my pantry for each meal.
5. Read my daily devotional.
6. I waked two miles.

Yesterday I saved:

• I eat at home this evening for dinner, saving our family $6.95. 
• I recycled, upcycled, and composted one bins of deluge, and saved $0.25, the cost of 1 trash bag. 
• My family drank water today, and saved $0.69, the cost of a 2-liter of soda.
• I also did not watch cable tv, and saved $3.68 by doing so.
• I lost a half day’s worth of electricity costs, and saved $3.00! 

Total amount I saved my family: $14.57

This months savings goal remaining: $344.86

Now for today’s challenge:

So, with Valentine’s Day in mind, I challenge you to all find ways to make the most of your Valentine’s Day, without having to spend a dime!

A few ideas:

1. Tour a local brewery or winery–most breweries and wineries offer free tours and tastings!
2. Have a picnic in the park–Pack a few treats, a bottle of wine, a blanket, and your love to keep you warm!
3. Cook or bake together–What’s more romantic than preparing a meal together, in-kitchen… matching aprons anyone?
4. Attend a book reading– Check your bookseller or commerce  to see what is going on.
5. Attend a free art show–As it’s President’s Day Weekend, many public museums will be open this weekend, and offer free admission! 
6. Play a game–Board games  can be easily made into a couples activity.  
7. Have a movie night at home–Check your mobile phones as Redbox will be texting all subscribers with free Valentine’s  Day codes! 
8. Stroll the beach–What’s more romantic than a shoreline stroll, while holding hands, while watching the waves crash onto shore. I’m a Jersey Shore Girl at heart, so this rocks to me! 
9. Visit a farmer’s market–-Spend a morning checking out the work of local artisans, many of whom offer free samples and will barter! Sing for your supper, if you will.  
10. Go for a drive–Take a ride along a historic parkway, take the scenic mountain pass trail, or follow a Native American path. The options are endless.
11. Have a spa day–Enjoy a romantic candlelit bath together,  make DIY, organic products at home, give one another foot rubs or back massages. 
12. Explore a nearby tourist attraction– Stop by the visitor’s bureau or chamber of commerce in your own backyard, and see the local sights in a new, romantic light!
13. Paint– Draw a portrait of your loved on, no experience necessary. Sometimes seeing yourself, through someone that loves you, is all the perspective you need to value today! 

Be sure to check back tonight for today’s recap!

 
Here’s to saving,

Challenge Links:

• The 31 Day No Spend Month Challenge!
• February No Spend Month Challenge: Day 1 (Commitment & Pantry Organization)
• February No Spend Month Challenge: Day 1 Recap
• February No Spend Month Challenge: Day 2 (Menu Ideas)
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 2 Recap
• February No-Spend Challenge: Day 3 (Dine Out At Home)
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 3 Recap
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 4 (#Choose30 Challenge)
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 4 Recap
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 5 (Coupon Swap)
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 5 Recap
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 6 (Rain-Check Shopping)
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 6 Recap
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 7 (How To Save On Your Utility Bills) 
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 8 (Preparing For Cleaning Week)
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 8 Recap 
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 9 (Establishing Cleaning Routines & Decluttering Zones)
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 9 Recap
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 10 (Bathroom & Linen Closet Organization)
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 10 Recap
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 11 (Clean Off Your Counter-tops)
• February No Spend Month Challenge: Day 11 Recap
• February No Spend Month Challenge: Day 12 (Clean Out Your Closet)
• February No Spend Month Challenge: Day 12 Recap
• February No Spend Month Challenge: Day 13 (Home Office & Craft Room Organization)