A generous boss gave out six packs of cupcakes from a local bakery, green bagels, and Shamrock shakes for St. Patrick’s Day. A fun start to the weekend.

The kids were slightly horrified to see this car in a local parking lot. Then we discussed the reasons why someone’s car might look like this. I’ll turn anything into a teaching moment if I can. ;)

I gave the kids $25 each on Friday and took them to the bank to open up their own passbook savings accounts. I wanted them to have an account that they could control, adding and subtracting to it as they want; this way they could see their money grow, and when Mom says “no” about buying something they deem a “must-have,” they can choose to spend their own money on it. We made a few rules (for example, when they get money, they have to put half of it in another account I have for them, and the other half goes in these new accounts), and they are more than a little excited to have this bit of extra control. Although it’s old-fashioned, I am super partial to the passbook savings account because it’s an easy way for them to see their balance grow (or not) as the case might be.

Both kids start the spring soccer season in a few weeks. We took advantage of a local shoe store’s sale — a 20% discount if you bring them an old pair of shoes (that they will, in turn, donate). Love Mom & Pop’s!

The kids went to a movie with Mystic’s daughter on Friday night, and while they were there, I ran a few errands. I love J. Crew’s new window display. The pinwheels are made up of folded magazine pages.

First time having a Skinny Caramel Macchiato. I’m a few days shy of being a month of Diet Coke-free, and it hasn’t gotten any easier. I liked the Macchiato, but too much milk for me. I still prefer the iced coffees and frappuccinos.

The kids took over the the camera for Friday’s sunset. You know, ’cause I was driving….

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