I've completed 90% of my christmas shopping, and it was all paid for in cash! What a great feeling! Of course, a lot of the cash came from my $20 challenge account, but I plan on getting back on track in January. Still, it's nice to be finished early and not to have racked up more credit card debt.

I'm also trying something new - I'm making an effort to hand-wash my dishes at least 80% of the time each week. I'm hoping to see a reduction in my oil bills this winter - last year it was a real struggle to keep the tank full. I also need to call my delivery guy and tell him to only put X amount of $$ in the tank, instead of filling it up and handing me a jaw-dropping invoice. We're working on some home improvement projects too which will hopefully make a difference in our heating costs this winter. Hubby's fixing the draft coming in through the family room door, and is trying to get our fireplace operational this winter. It will be nice to not have to look at the insulation stuffed up the chimney this year - and maybe even enjoy the warm glow and crackle of a fire!