This Saturday my DD is making her 1st Communion. We have already purchased the dress, shoes, stockings, and head piece. She is going to wear a halo made out of babys breath. I wore one to my 1st Communion and thought it would be a nice tradition in place of a veil.

Anyways, on to the party we will have afterwards. My DH wants to make it easy and just do a deli tray. We are expecting about 25 people for the party. Guessing the party will start around 11:30 am. I am going to price some premade deli trays tonight and try to figure out if I could buy the meat and cheese myself any cheaper. Of course I still have to buy the condiments, bread/rolls, drinks, chips, and stuff for the 3-4 salads I am making. Even when I try to make things easy for myself I can't!

My MIL is getting the cake which is a big help. I am going to put DH is charge of the drinks. I think I can handle the rest. I figure if I start tonight I should be ready by Saturday.

I am going to budget $100 for the food and about $40 for the paper products and decorations. I already purchased a present for her so I don't have to worry about that.

What do you think $150 for a 25 people 1st Communion Party? Sounds a little high but it will give me some room if I think of something else I need.

I just ran the numbers to see how I did in April. I am still a work in progress. Some areas I have improved which is encouraging and some I haven't but I haven't given up hope yet!

Let's see....

Groceries-$467.42 this month compared to $261.30 in March. I am thinking the increase was due to the fact that we had company for a few days and also had a family party for DD's birthday. Will continue working on getting this down.

Eating out-$52.21 compared to March's total of $220.14. Good job me! I would still like to see this number a little lower but that is a definate improvement!

Entertainment-$2.16-only hit the Redbox once this month!

Gas-$248.22 compared to $192.63 in March. This is due to the increase cost of gas. I am going to have to be creative with this one. We don't live near the bus line and are pretty much out of the way of any stores so I can't ride my bike. Hmmmmm....

Debt repayment-$471.97 Hey, it's better than nothing. I would like this to be higher and will start scrounging for loose change to apply to my debt.

Utilities-$354.74. This includes gas and electricity, phone, cable, and internet.

DD's birthday-$210.96. This includes her present and the cookie cake we brought into school for her class.

Shopping-My biggest challenge category. $418.56 which is slightly less than the $597.23 I spent in March. I am happy that the amount decreased and I am happy that I paid cash for my shopping instead of putting it on a credit card. But I do know that some of that could have been applied to debt which aggravates me about myself.

Miscellaneous-
$300 car payment
$92.48 car and life insurance
$64.95 gym membership
$64.00 transfer to savings
$13.50 yearbook for DD
$40.00 church
$121.25 cash

That about wraps it up. I can see where I have to make improvements and will try to be more aware of my spending in May.