Today was a pretty good day in terms of spending only what needed to be spent, but an expensive day overall. DH had a $240 visit with the periodontist, and we went out and got a couple of gifts for his mom's birthday this evening. I go back tomorrow to get my dental work finished, and that will be around $150 or so, I think. We had leftovers last night for dinner, and ate at home tonight as well. DH is talking about taking his lunch to work with him one day a week. He doesn't spend much as it is - maybe $4 a day - but it would add up over the weeks and months.

I jotted down a quick list of meal ideas based on what we have here at home, but it isn't done. I need to take a better look at what all we have and come up with a few more. I think I listed out 5 or 6 dinner ideas. With leftovers that will stretch out to at least 7 or 8 dinners, but there are 14 nights left this month! I'll see what I can come up with. Having a budget in mind sort of turns this into a challenge, and I find it helpful.

DD's spring ballet performance is next month. One of the nice things about her school is that it isn't all about the costumes. They reuse costumes from year to year, so the only costs we parents incur for performances are new tights and a small performance fee to help cover the cost of the stage rental. Oh, and new shoes only if the current ones are really yucky looking. I know things will get more expensive if she continues on with this in terms of more classes and wearing through shoes more quickly, but for now it's nice to know that it isn't a massive expense. I've heard stories of families spending $200-$300 a year on costumes for their girls' recital. Crazy to ask parents to do that, if you ask me.