March started and I felt some progress on my health, felt the spring coming and celebrated birthday and spent a LOT of time in the kitchen.

I continued on the elimination diet and sticked with meat and veggies. I had some test done for food sensitivities and it turned out that I am eating a lot of food that my body can’t process, like milk, oats, peanuts and flaxseeds — all of these are recipe for our overnight oats that I ate almost everyday. I also have some sensitivity to chicken, shrimp and wheat — so yes, a lot. The good news is that these are sensitivities. My hope is that my gut will heal enough and that I can reintroduce these food at some point. In the meantime, I am spending a lot of time in the kitchen finding different recipes.

We celebrated AHP’s birthday in March. His actual birthday was February, but we decided to celebrate in March since there were some illness going around. This was his first birthday party with friends and he had a LOT of fun. He really love blowing his birthday cake and being surrounded by his friends.

The boys also continued playing basketball. I definitely saw improvements on their skills, especially MBP. March Madness also came to Seattle and Mr. MMD got tickets for the 4 of us to see the game. MBP really enjoyed it. AHP lasted about 15 minutes before he got bored and just wanted to run around. We are back and forth from our seats to the hallway.

This month we spent $6,595. I’m pretty sure we are going to spent 6 digits this year. Let’s take a look at this month’s spending.

Groceries – $1,878.35

This is a really big increase from our previous spending of under $1k/month on groceries. I took over meal planning and grocery shopping and I’m still learning the prices of meat. For this month, I got a lot of meat from Costco. Unfortunately, I got it before my food sensitivity test. Turned out that I have food sensitivity to chicken and now our freezer is full of chicken. I’ll slowly cook this for the boys and Mr. MMD while incorporating some of my meals. I’m learning the prices and eventually, I’d like this to go under $1k again.

Automotive – $752.25

We paid $569 for our 6 month auto insurance through Progressive and $183.25 to renew the license and registration of our 2011 Toyota Prius. The mileage of our Prius is hitting 130k and we are starting to look for a new to us car. Our plan is to get an electric car but I’m not sure when will we actually hit buy. I think we have another 2 years on our Prius, maybe (hopefully) more.

General Merchandise – $711.95

This is another category that is increasing. These are our catch all.

Home Maintenance – $623.83

We had our roof cleaned. It was way overdue and paid $450 for it. It was less than I expected since we are a repeat customer even though it has been three years since our roof and gutters got cleaned. I really need to do this every year. The rest are some items for the house.

Home Improvement – $412.4

Mr. MMD put together 2 more garden beds for us. We had our soil delivered and purchased a bunch of supplies for the garden. We are a very novice gardener, but so far, our arugula, spinach and kale are sprouting. Even our beets and carrots are growing.

Healthcare – $391.1

These are for health and dental insurance, some copays for doctor and lab work. I also got a new glasses from Zenni for $33.85.

Education – $356

This is AHP’s tuition for March.

Utilities – $333.99

These are for electric and gas, water and sewer.

Entertainment – $206.64

These are for 4 tickets to watch March Madness. It was fun and MBP got really into it.

Pets/PetCare – $184.02

Mr. MMD took our furbaby to her annual exam and vaccines.

Travel – $136.9

I booked a campsite for 2 nights this coming July and we paid $42.9 for parking when we went to Seattle to watch the game.

Gas – $111.52

4 tank of gas for our Prius

HOA – $91.21

Restaurant – $85.57

Some concessions and lunch for the game and we added some $$ on MBP’s account for his school lunch.

Kids Activities – $83.71

Some items that are specific for kids — you know like diapers.

Taxes – $76.6

I purchased H&R Block software to complete 5 taxes – ours, my parents, and my 3 siblings.

Clothing / Shoes – $71.07

I bought a couple of swimsuit from Marshalls and got AHP a new trunks from Target.

Dues and Subscription – $43.75

Quite a bit of subscription this month since we paid for Paramount, HBO and Apple to watch the March Madness

Internet – $14.95

Our internet increased by about $5, but still a very affordable rate.

That was our March! Expensive but this might be our new normal.

This was a better month. I felt some progress from my diet. The first two weeks were really hard, but after 2 weeks, I was able to sleep better. In 3 weeks, my anxiety decreased. For that alone, I think it was worth it. It’s mainly meat with 9 cups of fruits and vegetables, daily. The vegetables are evenly divided to 3 cups of leafy, 3 cups of sulfur and 3 cups of colors. I followed the AIP Diet and the Wahls Protocol. We were mostly vegetarian before this but never consumed this much vegetables. We were a lousy vegetarian. This time, I focused on nutrient density.

Along with the diet, I also had my Prenuvo all body MRI scan. The result had 2 things that I need to follow up on. The cost of this was reflected in 2024. The biggest expense I have this month is for my functional doctor. After the initial consultation along with the test result, I committed to it. It was $4,664. Unfortunately, insurance do not cover this, but I do think that this should be part of preventative care. All my labs were showing normal, but was not necessarily on an optimal level. Similarly, there were some test that my PCP don’t really look at. The program will end in June and I’m hopeful. I was also able to see a Rheumatologist. She ordered some tests and it came back normal.

On a fun note, I had the energy and was able to decorate MBP’s class door for the month. We also celebrated AHP’s 5th birthday. The boys continued to play basketball and I can actually open my mouth and cheer them on! MBP started selling Campfire Candy and everyone recovered from illness from January. The boys are still getting some snots but they were able to fight it.

For this month, we spent a whopping $9,472. My goodness! This will definitely the most expensive year ever! Let’s take a look.

Healthcare – $4,851

As I said, this is big. The functional health cost $4,664. I have some copays for $95 and $92.9 for our health insurance. I am so so grateful that we can cover this with no issues

Groceries – $1,172.64

A little less than last month, but probably because there are less days. I’m shopping most of the days now and this is mainly from Winco and Costco.

Home Improvement – $1,084.57

We broke our microwave and bought one at Costco. This will show 2 orders because the first one didn’t get delivered and the refund will not show up until March.

General Merchandise – $621.27

Wow, this is high. We just really spend as we wish now. A lots of order from Amazon and stuff from Costco.

Education – $381

This was higher than normal because they charged me a late fee from last January. Because of all the illness, I forgot about the tuition fee. This should end in June.

Home Maintenance – $365.13

We bought a kitchen aid from Costco as a replacement of our broken bread maker.

Kids Activities – $271.81

We signed up MBP for summer camp. We also bought some presents for AHP.

Utilities – $156.86

This is for sewer and garbage.

Automotive – $98.54

Our Toyota Prius needed an oil change.

HOA – $91.21

Normal HOA dues for the montn

Gas/Fuel – $90.45

Gas for our Prius three times.

Pets/Pet Care – $87.59

Food for our furbaby.

Clothing/Shoes – $68.69

I bought the kids some pajamas from the GAP. AHP asked for new pajamas since he grew out of his old one.

Personal Care – $54.50

I took the boys for a haircut at my salon. $20 of these are for tips.

Gifts – $46.49

We bought some gifts for AHP and MBP’s teacher.

Restaurants – $20.30

Mr. MMD had lunch with our friend.

Dues & Subscriptions – $7.65

This is our monthly Prim Subscription

Online Services – $2.23

Cost to host this blog at Google Cloud Platform.

We had some challenges during the first month of 2025. My joint pain continued from my wrist to my jaw. Once it reached my jaw, I spent some time looking around the internet for any things that I can do to stop the inflammation attacking my own body. It led me down to an Auto Immune Plan (AIP) diet. I was pretty much open to anything to stop further joint pain so I decided to give it a try. Mr. MMD helped me a lot on this since I was already feeling very discouraged. Once I printed the 2 week meal plan, he shopped and we cooked the food for the week. I’m now on my 3rd week on the diet. I was losing weight, because I have to give up grains and dairy, but I think I got it under control now. It is still too early to tell if the diet is working. I still have some pain that moves around my body but it’s not as bad as the first 2 episodes. However, I don’t have any new big joint pain and I’m not on any medication, aside from the supplements that I’m taking.

Aside from my undiagnosed disease, our household also caught some nasty virus. MBP missed school for a week, Mr. MMD caught the same bug and was in bed for a couple of days and AHP had a mild fever. I also got some cough and cold and ache and stiffness on my joints. It was tiring but I’m hoping that we have better days.

Aside from being sick, the kiddos also started playing basketball. I was at least able to go to all the practices and games. It was hard to cheer while my jaw was in pain, but I’m thankful that at least I was there.

We spent $4,296 in January. We don’t really have any big purchase this month, but I expect some big changes on groceries and healthcare as we navigate my illness this year.

Groceries – $1,524.53

This is a pretty hefty increase on our budget. We used to eat very little meat, but my diet basically consist of meat and vegetables, with a focus on nutrient dense meal while eliminating foods that are high on lectins or food that can cause inflammation. We are still getting use to this and it is hard cooking different meals for everyone. I’m actually enjoying some of the meals here, especially bringing back the meats. I am hopeful that this diet can at least minimize the joint pains and helped me heal.

Healthcare/Medical – $795.25

As I mentioned, I had some health challenges and decided to see a functional doctor. This is a different doctor than a primary care doctor. I paid $299 for the labs and initial consultation. I also had some genes testing done. Mr. MMD bought a couple of eyeglass from eye buy direct for $122. One of the glasses were transitions. Our health insurance for Mr. MMD and I were $92.9 I also paid for 2 months of dental insurance for $73.64. I bought some meds and supplements from Costco at $32.9. I also paid for labs copay and labs for $35.02

Education – $356

This is for AHP preschool. This is his last year of preschool. He is super excited to go to Kindergarten. Time flew by so fast.

Gym – $320.91

Our YMCA membership are $173. Mr. MMD’s hockey league are $147.91.

General Merchandise – $270.54

This is the catch all of everything and this time includes the kids diaper.

Gifts – $200

My sister cashed the check from last Christmas.

Automotive – $129

Our 2011 Toyota Prius were due for renewal. This is the cost of the annual renewal.

Utilities – $127.24

Our sewer and water bill.

Clothing / Shoes – $114.87

Mr. MMD bought some shoes for $103.97 and I bought some joggers from Costco.

Dues and Subscription – $102.65

I paid $95 for the annual credit card fee of our Chase Sapphire Preferred. This is for Mr. MMD’s card. Amazon Prime is $7.65.

HOA – 91.21

The cost of living in our neighborhood. This pays for the park and trail maintenance.

Mobile – $85.32

We used quite a bit of data in November / early December

Restaurant – $74.14

We actually found a good restaurant that served really good ramen. This was before my diet. It will be a while since I can actually eat out in a restaurant.

Home Maintenance – $73.11

Some item for the house.

Gas – $30.05

One tank of gas. We didn’t go out a lot this month.

Online Services – $2.17

Cost to host this blog from Google Cloud Platform