Weekly Wrap-Up and What I’m Reading On the Web

Sunshine means backyard fun for our little one (and the pup).

Word up, it’s Friday again, time to check in to see what’s going on at the iHB household. (what does ‘word up’ mean anyway? I tried looking at the sky and saying it, but it didn’t seem very effective…)

What Am I doing?

And the sunshine finally showed up! It’s been about 80 degrees for the past week, and looks like the forecast is showing 70-80 degrees for the next 10 days at least. We had a great 4th of July at my grandparents cabin. It finally got warm enough to take a quick dip in the lake, and then we shot off our $15 worth of fireworks. The neighbors had probably dropped a few grand, so we still got to watch a great show.

Last week, we put up the retaining wall for one side of the patio. This weekend we’re finally pouring the sand for the patio and laying the bricks. Apparently, this is the worst part of the patio, because not only do you have to level it perfect, but then you have to tamp it down. I’m just excited to finally get to finishing the patio! After that, I just have to hang one of the gates on the fence (thanks Dad for building the gate) and then finish one other gate. Then we take a day to finish the pergola, and WE’RE DONE! Don’t worry, I’ll have more pics

Retaining wall also functions as a patio seating area.

What’ I’ve Been Reading:

Check out some of the coolest blogs on the interwebz!

Modest Money says Thank You For Getting Speeding Tickets. How do you feel about this? I think it’s great! Lol.

Add Vodka asks Money Problems? Jump On Board. Most everyone I know has had money problems at some point. Heck, it’s the reason I’ve start my blog. This is a great read, and is a guest post from Average Joe.

20′s Finances gives us 4 Tips When Starting Your Own Business. Some awesome, simple tips here to help you avoid being a statistic.

Tight Fisted Miser writes abouts his June Expenses – $1300.56. Wow! I wish my expenses were that low.

Financial Samurai literally quit his job this week and released a new book called How To Engineer Your Layoff: Make A Small Fortune By Saying Goodbye.This guy has been a catalyst and motivation for me in starting my blog and helping others. What an inspiration for those who are looking at getting out of the rate race who don’t want all the risk.

Thirty Six Months talks about What Not To Do When You Land Your First Grown Up Job!

Work Save Live talks about Our Journey June 2012 – Saving a Down Payment for a House.

Bog Of Debt continues her story about her journey into debt in “I Kept Sliding“.

Married With Debt talks about his Debt Payoff Progress – June. So excited, because they are debt free after one more payment.

Mo Money Mo Houses talks about her Emergency Fund Dilemma. I have the opposite problem as her, lol.

Budget Fridays: I posted my first Budget Friday Review last week! It was awesome to be able to help this couple with their budget, and had some great input from the readers. I am still looking for more submissions, so feel free to use the contact for to shoot me a mail if you would like help with your budget at all, or if you don’t have a budget.

Comments

Weekly Wrap-Up and What I’m Reading On the Web – 9 — 23 Comments

AverageJoe on July 13, 2012 at 6:01 am said:

Holy cow, what a great smile your little one has! When my kids would smile like that Cheryl & I would say “Moral is high with the workers…” Thanks for including my guest post at Add Vodka! Have a great weekend.

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- iheartbudgets on July 13, 2012 at 10:22 am said:
  
  Thanks He’s been a great help out in the yard….you know….watering the grass with his drool and all
  
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Modest Money on July 13, 2012 at 7:01 am said:

That backyard of yours is gonna be pretty awesome once you finish it up…ok I know it will probably never finish. I’m sure it’s a rewarding ongoing project though.

Thanks for mentioning my post. And enjoy another sunny weekend in the northwest. We’ve got summer to make up for.

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- iheartbudgets on July 13, 2012 at 9:49 am said:
  
  Haha. I was just thinking this. Once we finish the main projects, our lanscaping still needs a ton fo work! We have been enjoying the progress, and it’s fun to take on projects and actually finish them. And yes, we definitely have a summer to make up for. We’re going camping next weekend in the Eastern part of the state where it much warmer, so that’ll help!
  
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bogofdebt on July 13, 2012 at 7:10 am said:

Adorable baby and puppy! I can’t wait to see final pictures of your backyard. Thanks for the mention!

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- iheartbudgets on July 13, 2012 at 9:49 am said:
  
  Thanks! He gets his looks from his momma
  
  I can’t wait for the pictures either! Oh….and you know….enjoying the backyard too
  
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Michelle on July 13, 2012 at 7:16 am said:

I LOVE that picture! So cute and adorable.

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- iheartbudgets on July 13, 2012 at 9:50 am said:
  
  Thanks He gets his looks from his daddy ( I know, I just contradicted myself)
  
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Jason on July 13, 2012 at 8:31 am said:

Thanks for the mention! At least the weather is reasonable to work outside. I’d want no park of doing that work out here in KC this weekend as it will be 95+ degrees!

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- iheartbudgets on July 13, 2012 at 9:55 am said:
  
  UGH! I like 75-85 degrees when haging out, and 85-90 when going to swim anywhere. 95+ seems miserable, especially if you’re working on something outside. I would just sleep all day, and do all my yardwork at night, with those really bright lights like road construction workers. Nevermind the neighbors, I have work to do.
  
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Robert @ The College Investor on July 13, 2012 at 9:31 am said:

I’ve build many of those types of walls, and I bet your back hurts after that. Those stones get heavier over time!

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- iheartbudgets on July 13, 2012 at 9:57 am said:
  
  Honestly, I felt pretty good. I practiced proper lifting, that may have helped. My arms were sore, though! I’m excited to get this thing done!
  
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Felicity @ Waist & Wallet on July 13, 2012 at 10:06 am said:

Looks like I’ve got some reading to do. Thanks for sharing your finds.

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- iheartbudgets on July 13, 2012 at 10:42 am said:
  
  For sure! Thanks for dropping by.
  
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Mo' Money Mo' Houses on July 13, 2012 at 11:14 am said:

Thanks for the shout out! What I would do for a patio, or even a balcony this summer! Alas my apartment just has a measly front lawn and I don’t want to be one of those hipsters who brings a chair out on their lawn and just people watches. Nope, I just can’t do it.

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- iheartbudgets on July 13, 2012 at 3:58 pm said:
  
  Lol. You should go redneck and stick your lawn chair in a kiddie pool with a baby on the hip and a Bud Light in the other hand.
  
  We’re excited for the patio, just a few more weekends of work!
  
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Andy Hough on July 16, 2012 at 2:03 pm said:

Thanks for including me. Your back yard project looks like it will turn out great.

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- iheartbudgets on July 17, 2012 at 9:19 am said:
  
  Np Andy. We hoping to have it DONE in a few weeks. I’ll definitely have pics for everyone.
  
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Marissa @ Thirty Six Months on July 16, 2012 at 5:52 pm said:

Thanks for including me!

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- iheartbudgets on July 17, 2012 at 9:26 am said:
  
  of course
  
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