BFF has left on her journey home. I am doing laundry, catching up on finance tracking, and just generally getting things back in order.

I went over on spending just a little bit, so I ended March with 102% expenditure on variables. Since I spent only 52% in January, and 99% in February, I am not worried about how the year is going. And I wouldn't have overspent had I not had company just before pay day.

We did a little shopping ($83). The bulk of this was the purchase of two saucepans from IKEA. I had always promised myself I would buy these high-quality pans when I got back to IKEA, and I did it. Can't wait to throw out the old ones! I also got a new pair of jeans and a bra at Goodwill.

Our eating out cost me $30. That was for one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner. The other meals we ate at home, with the exception of lunch today, which goes on the April budget.

We also went to see the movie "The Leisure Seeker," which was $9.

I should be paying bills today, as it's pay day, but I'm pretty tired and I think I'll let that chore wait until tomorrow when I'm fresher.

I did do the monthly recap, however:

Housing: $321 (mortgage only; assessment fee hasn't been withdrawn yet)

Entertainment: $198 (includes renewal of Ancestry.com subscription)

Eating out: $163 (HIGH!)

Furnishings/Equipment/Decor: $155 (mostly for new window shades, as well as the pans)

Groceries: $143

Utilities: $142

Gifts/Charity: $122 (includes $100 wedding gift)

Gas: $56

Medical/Health: $37

Personal: $17

Laundry: $15

Clothing: $13

Household Supplies: $8

Fares/Parking: $4

Grand Total: $1447

A very good total, helped along by not having to pay the assessment fee in March's budget cycle. Also, I didn't shell out anything for pet care/supplies, which is unusual. I was stocked up.

We didn't sleep much, so I'm off to do some catching up!