Vacation Itinerary - Plan well to have a blast and curb costs.

Recently we found ourselves having to take a two week trip to Richmond, Virginia. Jon was sent for two weeks of training that he really couldn't get out of and I wasn't ready for two weeks alone with the little dude. Since I had off of work anyway, and we hadn't had a real vacation since our honeymoon, we decided to go together and make a vacation of it.

I didn't want to empty the savings for this trip, so I did a lot of research and came up with a detailed itinerary plan so I would know exactly how much the trip would cost. For those of you that are "fly by the seat of your pants gals", don't dismiss the detailed itinerary. You don't have to follow it verbatim (We didn't). You can make substitutions and exchanges that are relatively equal, or just cancel a night and spend the evening in your P.J.'s (we did that too).


For two weeks vacation, we ended up spending $500.00 per person, including food, entertainment, lodging, and travel. I'll take that (though, I would have rather gone to Cape Cod - maybe next year).

Here's our Itinerary:

The Groner Family Vacation

Itinerary

 

 

September 24^th 2012 – October 4^th 2012

Richmond, Virginia

 

 

Lodging Information:

Monday September 24^th 2012 at 3pm: Check in

Friday October 4^th 2012 at 11am: Check out

Confirmation Number: 65052

 

Homestead Studio Studios

241 Arboretum Place

Richmond, Virginia 23236

·        Cooking Utensils and Equipment Provided.

·        Fridge, Stove Top, and Microwave Provided

·        Free Wifi in Rooms

·        On Site Laundry Room for Guests

(2.00 per washer and dryer- need quarters)

Total Cost of Lodging: $452.00 (including taxes and fees)

 

Groceries-

 

Menu- Week 1:

Breakfast Options: Bagel with Cream Cheese, Milk and Cereal, Pancakes with syrup and Jam.

 

Monday (9-24):

 Dinner: Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Carrots and Southwest Ranch Dip, Brownies.

 

 

Tuesday (9-25):

 Rowy Lunch: Turkey, Muenster, Pickle, Mayo Sandwiches. Chips, Soda. Carrots and Ranch Dip.

Dinner out.

 

Wednesday (9-26):

 Rowy Lunch: Turkey, Muenster, Pickle, Mayo Sandwiches. Chips, Soda. Carrots and Ranch Dip.

Dinner: Bacon Lettuce Tomato Sandwiches, Side Salad, Microwavable fried Apples.

 

Thursday (9-27):

Rowy Lunch: Turkey, Muenster, Pickle, Mayo Sandwiches. Chips, Soda. Carrots and Ranch Dip.

Dinner: Order Pizza

 

Friday (9-28):

Rowy Lunch: Turkey, Muenster, Pickle, Mayo Sandwiches. Chips, Soda. Carrots and Ranch Dip.

Dinner: Microwave Family Refrigerated Trays: Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes (with butter, salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese), and green bean casserole.

 

Saturday (9-29):

Breakfast from options; Lunch either on road to Williamsburg or at Maymont.

Dinner out (either in Williamsburg or Richmond)

 

Sunday (9-30):

Breakfast from options, Lunch at Zoo, Dinner out.

 

***Monday (see below): Shopping Day in Morning to get groceries for this week:

 

SHOPPING LIST- Week 1:

 

1 Bag of Bagels: 2.59

1 Blocks of Cream Cheese: 1.49

1 Gallon of Milk: 3.50

1 Box of Cereal: 1.99

1 Package of Paper Plates: 2.29

1 Package of Forks: 1.69

1 Package of Forks, Spoons, Knives: 1.69

1 Package of Frozen Pancakes: 2.29

1 Jar of Strawberry Jam: 2.59

1 Bottle of Pancake Syrup: 2.49

1 Container or Canola and Butter: 2.39

3 Gallon Bottles of Poland Spring Water: 3.00

1 Case of small Water Bottles: 3.59

1 Bag of Frozen Grilled Chicken Breast: 6.99

1 Jar of Mayonnaise: 3.99

1 Stalk of Celery: 1.00

1 Small White Onion: 1.00

2 Loaves of Bread: 2.00

Salt and Pepper Shakers: 1.59

Baby Carrots: 1.29

Ranch Dressing: 1.29

Store Made Brownies: 4.00

Family Pack of Turkey: 8.99

Muenster Cheese: 2.49

Sandwich Slices of Pickles: 2.39

Bag of Potato Chips: 2.00

Case of Diet Vanilla Dr. Pepper: 3.50

Ready to Heat Bacon: 3.49

Iceberg Lettuce: 1.50

1 Beefsteak Tomato: 1.00

Bagged Salad: 1.29

Salad Topping: 2.49

Shredded Cheddar Cheese (small): 2.00

Refrigerated Fried Apples: 3.00

Refrigerated Roast Beef Tray: 5.00

Refrigerated Mashed Potato Tray: 4.00

Refrigerated Green Bean Casserole Tray: 4.00

 

Total Cost of Groceries Week 1: $101.88

Walmart Super Center is located at 900 Walmart Way

Midlothian, VA 23113

 

 

 

Menu – Week 2

Monday (10-1):

Rowy Lunch: Sonic on the way to Walmart Super Center

Dinner:  Pulled Pork Sandwiches on Kaiser Rolls, Macaroni and Cheese, and Steamed Carrot Coins

 

 

Tuesday (10-2):

Rowy Lunch:  T.V. Dinner for Lunch plus any leftovers.

 

 

Wednesday (10-3):

Rowy Lunch: T.V. Dinner for Lunch plus any leftovers

Dinner: Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwiches with Mayo and Pickle, Refrigerated Stuffing, and Cauliflower and Cheese.

 

Thursday (10-4):

Check out! Sonic on way Home.

 

SHOPPING LIST- Week 2:

Refrigerated  Pulled Pork: 6.00

Refrigerated Macaroni and Cheese: 4.00

Steamables- Carrots: 3.00

2 T.V Dinners: 6.00

1 Bag of Sub Rolls: 4.00

Refrigerated Stuffing: 4.00

Green Giant Cauliflower and Cheese: 4.00

Total for Week 2 Groceries: $31.00 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUGGESTED ITINERARY:

 

Monday, September 24^th, 2012:

·        Pack the Car the night before.

·        Breakfast @ Home.

·         Jon leaves at 6am, Rowy leaves around 1pm.

·         Rowy stops at Sonic on the way down. ($7.00)

·        Rowy does Grocery Shopping at Walmart Super Center and unpacks essentials into hotel.

·        Jon helps with the rest of luggage when he gets off.

·        Dinner at Hotel, Unpacking, and Relaxing.

 

Tuesday, September 25^th, 2012:

·        Short Pump Towne Center at 6pm. 50.00 Spending Money per person (100.00 Total)

 

·        Dinner at the Cheesecake Factory (within Short Pump Town Center) ($30.00)

 

·        Consider the famous skinnylicious specialties (most under 10.00, and all under 595 calories), to go with a shared cheesecake (about 10x 595 caloriesJ)

·        If Michael’s crotchety, consider getting take out, they pack it up with utensils to go and we can have a picnic under the twinkle lights. (actually- that sounds kind of amazing!)

Wednesday, September 26^th, 2012:

·        Dinner at the Hotel

·        Night Time Putt Putt Golf at 7901 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, Virginia 23235. Around 8pm. $7.00 for 1, Second Player free with Entertainment Card. Bring Bjourn Carrier for Michael (or stroller). Total Cost: $7.00

 

Thursday, September 27^th, 2012:

·        Order Pizza at Hotel: Use Entertainment Coupon (Free side (up to 4 dollars, with purchase). Consider the 10.00 Dinner Box (1 rectangular Large Pepperoni Pizza, 10 Cinnastix with Icing, 10 Breadsticks with Marinara. Then we can get free wings as a side for only $10.00! (Order something else to meet 15.00 delivery charge minimum). Total: $20.00

·        Rent a movie in the hotel: Total: $7.00

 

Friday, September 28^th, 2012:

·        Dinner at Hotel

·        Movie at Regal Westchester Commons Stadium 16, Midlothian Turnpike and Rt. 288 Midlothian, Virginia 23114. The blogs suggest that taking a newborn to a movie is fine as long as one of us is prepared to rush out with him if things go badly. They also said that we should stick to something fairly family friendly (spiderman, brave, etc…) because those crowds are baby friendly. Buy Tickets ahead of time at entertainment.com for $3.00 per ticket discount: $7.00 per person= $14.00 Plus Popcorn- $5.00. Total: $19.00

 

Saturday, September 29^th, 2012:

·        Alternate Plans depending on whether Babies are allowed at Meghan’s Gallery opening (and whether it’s one of those crazy $1,000 admission ones).

o   Plan 1: Williamsburg

§  Breakfast at Hotel

§  Lunch at Sonic (11110 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, Virginia 23235) Bring Coupon for Free Cheeseburger and Free Coney Dog from Entertainment.com Total: $12.00

§  Head down to Williamsburg for Meghan’s Gallery Opening

§  Take the stroller and walk around Williamsburg (work off all that Sonic!)

 

§  Dinner at Aromas Café and Bakery at Merchants Square or Jon’s Favorite Barbecue Place. $25.00

 

§  $25.00 per person to spend in Merchants Square. Total : $50.00

o   Plan 2: Richmond

§  Breakfast at Hotel

§  Canal Cruise around Noon. 139 Virginia Street, Richmond, Virginia. $6.00 x 2: 12.00 Total. 5 star guest reviews!

 

§  Lunch at Great Wraps, 711 A North Lombardy Street Richmond, Virginia. Use Entertainment Book Coupon for Buy One Wrap, Get One Free. Total: $10.00

 

§  After Lunch, Head over to the Edgar Allen Poe House. Buy one admission, get one free coupon. $6.00 + 1 free= $6.00

§  Dinner at Sonic:  (11110 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, Virginia 23235) Bring Coupon for Free Cheeseburger and Free Coney Dog from Entertainment.com Total: $17.00

Sunday, September 30^th, 2012:

§  Breakfast at Hotel

§  Maymont at around 11am! Admission Free. Carriage Rides for two: $10.00, Tram Ride for two: $3.00.

**Sorry for Picture Overload- But you can tell what I’m most excited about!!!

 

§  Lunch at the Maymont Cafeteria. Total: $20.00

§  Must See’s before you leave Maymont: The Petting Zoo, The Japanese Garden, and the Water Fall.

§  Dinner at  Friendly’s, 11603 Midlothian Turnpike Midlothian, Virginia 22113

Use Entertainment Book Coupon for 5.00 off 25.00 bill. Total: $25.00

 

Monday, October 1^st, 2012:

§  Dinner at hotel

§  Rowy has lunch at Sonic on the way to Walmart to get groceries. Total: $7.00

§  Work on Family Mission StatementJ

 

Tuesday, October 2^nd, 2012:

§  Canal Walk – Free, 139 Virginia Street, Richmond, Virginia.

§  Dinner at any restaurant in Entertainment Book with 2 for 1 Meal Deal. Total: $30.00

 

Wednesday, October 3^rd, 2012:

§  Dinner at Hotel

§  Pack up all of our stuff, Load Car except for overnight essentials.

 

Thursday, October 4^th, 2012:

§  Check out at 11am, Head Back Home.

 

TOTAL TRIP COST FOR 2 WEEKS VACATION: $1,000.00

$850.00 CURRENTLY BUDGETED; BUT GROCERIES ARE INCLUDED SO WE SAVE THE 120/WEEK NORMALLY BUDGETED FOR THAT.

TOTAL BUDGETED: 1,090.00

 

Add to Packing List:

Bjourn Carrier

2 reusable Water Bottles

Entertainment Book and Coupons

Movie Tickets

Cooler Bag and Freezer Packs 

Free Printable! Reward Program - Meet your goals, chart your results, earn a reward.



As I'm adjusting to life with baby, I'm faced with a difficult challenge. Out of the 12 weeks I have off of work, I'm not allowed to work out for 6 weeks. That gives me 6 weeks to get myself into shape to go back to my very physical job. Begin panic mode.

Since Jon gained a little bit of weight when I was pregnant (totally not his fault-I would sneak extra cheese in his dinner so I wouldn't look as big in comparison), he wanted to do something that we could work at together. Since I had six non active weeks to think about this, I went all out. I wanted to focus on something that would reward us for changing the behaviours we wanted to modify, but didn't seem overwhelming. I originally wanted to do something competitive between us, but since Jon and I have very different views on competition (I'm Miss Congeniality, Jon believes that second winner is the first loser), I veered away from that. I decided instead that we should compete with ourselves.

We're working on our fourth week of this program and LOVE it! We've both registered a weight loss each week. In total, I've lost 45 pounds. Here's the program that we use, though it can be modified for any goal you would like to reach.

1. Initiate an immediate spending freeze for the house. You are allowed to purchase groceries, pay bills, and pay for anything on a list of essential purchases (such as Jon's haircuts) that you both agree on. You can read more about our spending freezes here.

2. List the goals that are most important to you. Focus on smaller aspects of your main goal.  For instance, don't just list "Lose Weight". List "Work out 4x per week" and "Eat 3 servings of fruits and vegetables each day."

•     The goals that we listed are:
• Log what we eat every day into the free calorie counter myfitnesspal.com (they also have smart phone apps). We have to have it set to show our diary to our "friends" (each other), and we must log by midnight, so that the diary is shared to our "friends".
• Be under our calories for the week. We wanted to focus on a weekly calorie goal versus a daily goal. That way if we eat the chocolate cake on Monday, we can focus on eating healthier the remainder of the week to make up for it. myfitnesspal.com has an easy to read chart in the home page which tells you if you are over or under your weekly calorie goals.
• Work out 4 times per week. For now, we have a goal of 30 minute work outs 4 times per week but will increase it to 60 minutes for week 6 of this program.
• Eat absolutely no fast food. To us, fast food is defined as any restaurant that has a drive thru. Since the spending freeze is in place though, there shouldn't be any restaurants involved.
• Take a multivitamin every day. This is more for Jon than me, since I feel like I've been taking prenatal vitamins my whole life. 
• Register a weight loss at the end of the week.
• Don't drink any soda or energy drinks. We wanted to try to focus on healthy energy and break our addiction to MIO (Jon) and Dr. Pepper (me - but I did a pretty good job breaking that addiction when I was pregnant, so now I'm just reinforcing).

3. Assign points for each of the goals you listed in order of  their importance. To earn the points, you must meet the goal each day of the week (except for things that are determined weekly such as working out and weight loss).  For us, Logging our food and working out were worth 5 points each, since that was most important to us. Registering a weight loss at the end of the week was worth 3 points since that's the next most important. Everything else is worth 2 points. There are a total of 21 points with our goals. Out of those 21 points, we need to earn 14 points to earn the reward. Judging is very strict. If you don't meet the requirements of the goal, you don't earn the points, and you don't get a reward.

4. The reward for meeting your goal for the week can be anything. Date nights, back rubs, a fun family activity. My darling loves money. To be fair, he really loves hobbies. The hobbies just happen to cost money. His current hobby is brewing his own beer. No Mr. Beer kits for this guy. He's Jerry-rigged our downstairs closet as a brewery complete with  carboys and his own labels. Sigh. While it would benefit me if he loved reading or blogging instead of flying, brewing, cake making, and ham radio equipment, I love his passion for life and would give anything (except our house and our retirement account) to not stifle that. I set a small monetary reward for our goals. We can each earn $20.00 per week that we achieve our goal point balance. If we fall short, the $20.00 is deposited into our Roth IRA account (get it? It's a win-win! I love win-win's).

5. You can also use this to teach savings, whether it be to your teenager or your 30 year old husband. You have the option every week of either buying something with your $20.00, or saving it for the next week to buy something larger with $40.00.

You can edit my chart to meet your needs and print it off by clicking here. Good Luck!