What do you really want to experience this year for Christmas? Less stress? More joy? If that is true for you, here is one way to get there: giving fewer gifts. I’m referring to reducing the number and scale of presents, which is not to be confused with your charitable giving. This can be […]
Richly colored silver linings
May 13, 2013 By 9 Comments
Did you know sunny days are not your best friend for taking pictures? It is the cloudy and sometimes even rainy days that bring out the most amazingly saturated hues in the landscape. As a photographer I especially love this weather, as it makes my photos just POP with lush greens, brilliant blues, and deep reds. […]
10 Lessons in happiness from a yard sale
June 18, 2012 By 39 Comments
Have you ever thought that your idea of happiness would be to spend a week’s vacation preparing for and holding a yard sale? That you would be just beside yourself with delight at digging through boxes that hold years of foolish purchases, projects you were going to do, and clothes you bought and never wore? […]
When little is big
June 11, 2012 By 22 Comments
It’s a conundrum, really. How can something little actually be bigger than it initially appears? Well, consider this: Have you ever helped a friend with something simple, perhaps picking up something at the grocery store, and they gushed with appreciation? Have you ever given a small gift that the recipient treasured more than it’s actual […]
The parable of the frugal traveler and the coin operated bathroom
May 29, 2012 By 29 Comments
Are you old enough to remember that stores did not always have free public bathrooms? You had to pay to use them, and they didn’t look anywhere near as sleek as this. You have not lived until you and your six siblings who are all under 10 years old are doing the traditional We’ve waited […]
5 Ways to create margin in your life
March 19, 2012 By 21 Comments
The much anticipated and equally dreaded Spring Forward! time change has arrived. Those of us who have experienced it with children know how exciting it is for the kids to be able to play outside longer and later, but also know how it can disrupt sleep and morning routines. If you are functioning right to […]
Creating pearls from your problems
March 12, 2012 By 10 Comments
Last week I wrote about the power behind embracing your problems, that if we grab hold of them rather than hiding or running away, we have so much to gain. Today I am sharing stories of folks who did just that so as to illustrate a glimpse of the possibilities that are available. ~~~~~ A […]
Are you embracing your problems?
March 7, 2012 By 5 Comments
Welcome, welcome, whether you are a familiar face or a new visitor! For you first timers, I am so glad that you have found me, as I am passionate about sharing resources and information to help you builder stronger and more satisfying relationships in your lives. I regularly mix family, faith, friendships and frugality for […]
Five Minute Friday-Real
February 3, 2012 By 10 Comments
We sit in a circle. Waiting. Watching. Worrying. Wondering how real we can be. Wondering how real others will be. As facilitator of the group, I jump in to break the ice. They’ve heard some of our story, how my husband and I have done a lifetime of stupid. Of how we ran arm in […]
Revealing treasure-a family friendly product for refinishing furniture
February 1, 2012 By 2 Comments
If you have been hanging out here for a while, you know that I regularly mix family, friendships and frugality for lots of fun. I am a fan of being on the same page as your spouse financially, getting the most for your money, and getting or staying out of debt. Today we are talking […]
