Here are a few little tips to help you put some pennies aside for the holidays. Thank you to billshrink.com for this information.
Lay Off the Starbucks = $160 savings over next few months
A tall coffee at Starbucks approaches $2.00. If you drink one of those every weekday, you’re spending $10 a week, $40 per month and roughly $520 per year. (And this is one of the cheapest items at Starbucks!)
If you absolutely need a caffeine fix every day, consider making your own coffee. After about $15 to buy the coffee maker and the filters, a bag of coffee only costs $8 and will keep you awake for weeks.
If you’re not a coffee drinker, see what other “daily luxuries” you may enjoy. Whether it’s micro-brewed beer, gourmet chocolates or a Ben & Jerry’s addiction, cutting back -- or substituting a cheaper alternative -- can easily buy a few gifts for the family.
Bottled Water = $78 savings over the next few months
Water is one of those things that you should try not to pay for. With 2/3 of the world covered in water and filters that convert “tap water” to filtered water (such as a Brita) for about $20, you should stick to filling up a water bottle rather than shelling out $1-2 for bottled water. If you buy bottled water a few times a week, you can save over $200 a year and about $80 by the time Christmas rolls around.
Gas = $87 savings over the next few months
BillShrink.com found that gas prices vary as much $.50 per gallon in the same neighborhood. This means that by simply driving to a nearby gas station, you can save $260 a year. Use BillShrink’s gas comparison tool to find the cheapest gas on your commute for the next 4 months and you could be looking at an extra $87 bucks in your pocket.
Ease Up on Eating Out = $520 savings over the next few months
Eating at home is not only healthier, but it is also much cheaper. When you eat out, you are paying a mark-up for not only your meal and drinks, but also for the service that comes with it. Try staying in two nights a week and save about $30 a person. If you continue this until the holidays, you’ll have saved $520 – enough to treat the whole family to a nice Christmas dinner.
If cutting out dinner is too hard, try packing your lunch rather than going out and dropping $6 during work. This will also save you about $30 a week and by combining the two, you’ll double your savings and have some delicious leftovers to bring for lunch the next day.
Quit Smoking = $347 savings over next few months
The cost of smoking is not getting any cheaper with an average pack costing between $4-6. If you smoke four packs a week, you’ll pay over $1000 a year. Since quitting smoking is easier said than done, it may be worth it use some of those savings on nicotine patches or gum to help you quit.
The caveat of this strategy is that you’ve got to want to quit smoking in order for this to work. While you can save some money doing this, you’re not going to be able to use that as motivation alone. You’ll need to weigh the other benefits of quitting as well and determine the reason why it’s time for you to quite now.
Turn Down the Monthly Fixed Costs = ~$200 savings over few months
According to BillShrink, most people are overpaying for their cell phone plan. By simply visiting BillShrink or other comparison sites, you can quickly analyze your wireless, credit card and cable plan. If you’re paying for more cell minutes or texts than you need, you could be losing $420 a year and the same goes for the cash-back rewards you could be missing out on from your credit card and the extra channels you pay for that you never watch on your TV. By only paying for what you use, you could save nearly $200 over four months.
If you already have the best plans for you, feel free to call up your phone or cable provider and try to negotiate a better price. Since it is cheaper for them to retain current customers than get new ones, they want to keep you from leaving and keep you happy. See if they have any specials that will entice you to stay.
And if you still find yourself short of Christmas cash, just remember: you can always sell things on eBay. After all, getting rid of old stuff is the best way to prepare for this year’s new stuff.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
THINGS TO DO FOR FREE!
It gets harder and harder to come up with things to do when you are on a budget whether you have kids or not. So, I thought I would share some suggestions you could keep handy so that when you do have some free time, you might want to check out the list and may even have an "ah ha" "that's what I want to do moment" with one of the ideas.
Sometimes it's the simplest things that matter the most.
ENJOY QUIET TIME AT THE LIBRARY - READ ABOUT A TOPIC YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT
TAKE A RIDE THROUGH SOME BACK ROADS ESPECIALLY NOW WHEN FALL IS IN THE AIR
TAKE A WALK ON THE BEACH, COLLECT SHELLS, ROCKS, ETC. - SUNSET, MY FAVORITE.
CLEAN OUT YOUR GARAGE OR ATTIC, SOUNDS LIKE WORK BUT SO THERAPUTIC TO CLEAN OUT THINGS AND GET RID OF THEM
BAKE SOME HOMEMADE BREAD OR COOKIES AND MAKE A LITTLE EXTRA FOR AN ELDERLY NEIGHBOR
WASH AND VACUUM YOUR CAR BY HAND - GRAB THE KIDS AND GIVE THEM A SPONGE TO HELP
PULL OUT THE FAMILY BOARD GAMES - DO YOU REMEMBER WHAT THOSE ARE???
VISIT YOUR NEIGHBORS - JUST FOR A QUICK STOP TO SAY HELLO, I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU IN AWHILE
WRITE DOWN YOUR FUTURE GOALS. GOALS ARE NOT WRITTEN IN STONE BUT THEY ARE ALWAYS MORE ATTAINABLE WHEN WRITTEN DOWN WHERE YOU CAN VISUALLY SEE THEM
PLANT SOME FLOWERS IN POTS OR EVEN BETTER, VEGETABLES OR BERRIES. MMMMMMMMMMM...
MAKE A “TO DO” LIST FOR THE WEEK, OK, SO, I NEED ONE EVERY DAY BUT JOT DOWN SOME OF THE THINGS YOU HAVEN'T THOUGHT ABOUT IN AWHILE THAT NEED TO GET DONE
ORGANIZE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE LIKE ME AND HAVE BINS OF THEM IN THE GARAGE THAT YOU HAVE HAD SINCE CHILDHOOD
GO FOR A PICNIC AT THE PARK, GRAB A BLANKET, MAYBE A BOTTLE OF WINE, SOME BREAD, CHEESE...THERE YOU GO, INSTANT ITALIAN PIAZZA PICNIC
GO ON A HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR, HAVE YOU SEEN THE FREEDOM TRAIL IN BOSTON...PRETTY COOL!
HAVE A POTLUCK BLOCK PARTY - SUCH A GREAT WAY TO KEEP A GROUP OF NEIGHBORS CLOSE
RESEARCH SOMETHING NEW - LEARN HOW TO MAKE POTTERY, TILE A FLOOR, SOMETHING YOU'VE NEVER DONE BEFORE
COOK SOME MEALS IN ADVANCE - WHAT'S BETTER THAN PULLING OUT A COMPLETELY FINISHED MEAL AFTER A LONG DAY OF WORK. TAKE A DAY AND COOK EVERYTHING UP AND FREEZE IT
ORGANIZE HOLIDAY DECORATIONS - WE ALL HAVE THEM, BROKEN BULBS, TANGLED STRINGS OF LIGHTS, ETC.
TAKE A RELAXING BUBBLE BATH.... AD SOME BEAUTIFUL SMELLING CANDLES, MUSIC, AHHHHHHHH!
WATCH AN OLD CLASSIC MOVIE - I LOVE OLD BLACK AND WHITE MOVIES. ESPECIALLY SOMETHING BETTE DAVIS...SHE MADE SOME CRAZY MOVIES
MAKE A LIST OF PEOPLE YOU SHOULD MEET, SOME LOCAL PEOPLE WHO MAY BE MORE ATTAINABLE THAN LET'S SAY, THE POPE, OR THE PRESIDENT. YOU CAN STILL ADD SOME OF THOSE TO YOUR LIST BUT TRY TO STAY A LITTLE REALISTIC FOR THE SHORT TERM
PRACTICE YOGA OR TRY IT FOR THE FIRST TIME, NOW THERE IS SOMETHING DEFINITELY ON MY "TO DO" LIST! GREAT FOR STRESS
LEARN HOW TO MEDITATE AND DO IT. TAKE AS LITTLE OR AS MUCH TIME AS YOU WANT TO DO IT.
ORGANIZE A NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UP - THERE IS ALWAYS A LITTLE PARK AROUND THAT COULD USE SOME TLC.
ORGANIZE HOME WARRANTIES AND HEALTH DOCS, INSTEAD OF BEING LIKE SOME OF US AND PUTTING EVERYTHING INTO ONE FILE BOX UNLABLED AND UNCATEGORIZED
REARRANGE FURNITURE IN YOUR HOME OR OFFICE, YOU WOULD BE SURPRISED HOW REFRESHED IT MAKES YOU FEEL. DO A LITTLE HOMEWORK ON FENG SHUI AND YOU WILL BE AMAZED AT HOW MOVING FURNITURE AROUND CAN MAKE YOU FEEL
ORGANIZE FOR A FUTURE YARD SALE - LABEL AND TAG EVERYTHING IN ADVANCE SO ON THAT NICE SATURDAY OR SUNDAY MORNING YOU CAN JUST TAKE EVERYTHING OUT AT ONCE...EASILY
CREATE YOUR OWN VISION BOARD(S) - I HAVE ONE ON MY COMPUTER SCREEN, IN MY APPOINTMENT BOOK, FRAMED ON A WALL IN MY HOME, AND A COPY OF A SMALLER ONE IN MY PURSE. REMINDS ME OF THE THINGS I AM WORKING TOWARDS AND THE ARE ALL DIFFERENT.
WATCH EDUCATIONAL YOUTUBE VIDEOS - DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH YOU CAN LEARN FROM YOUTUBE? I'M TALKING ABOUT THE "REAL" EDUCATIONAL STUFF. NOT THE THINGS YOU WOULDN'T WANT YOUR KIDS TO SEE. CHECK OUT VIDEO'S ABOUT "THE SECRET" OR TOPICS LIKE "HOME ORGANIZING" OR "WHAT PAINT COLORS YOU SHOULD CHOOSE FOR YOUR HOME". LOOK UP SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS. THEY SHOULD ALL BE THERE
CREATE SOME HOMEMADE GREETING CARDS EVEN IF THEY ARE IN ADVANCE OF A HOLIDAY OR BIRTHDAY. SHOW SOMEONE YOU REALLY CARE BY THINKING ABOUT THE THINGS THEY LIKE BEST AND INCORPORATE THEM INTO THE CARD
RESEARCH YOUR FAMILY TREE, I DON'T THINK I HAVE EVER EVEN STARTED THIS ONE BUT IT'S A GREAT IDEA, ESPECIALLY TO GIVE TO YOUR KIDS WHEN THEY ARE GROWN
DO A PUZZLE WITH KIDS OR SIGNIFICANT OTHER, IT'S VERY ADDICTING
LEARN SOME CARD TRICKS, A LITTLE SOMETHING YOU CAN SHOW OFF AT THE NEXT PARTY
START A WORKOUT ROUTINE. I HAVE THE HARDEST TIME WITH THIS ONE BUT I DO TRY TO WALK A BIT EACH DAY WHEN I CAN. FOR YOUR HEALTH EVERYONE SHOULD AT LEAST WALK.
GO THROUGH OLD MAGAZINES THEN TOSS, I TEAR OUT ARTICLES HERE AND THERE TO SAVE OR RECIPES BUT FOR THE MOST PART, I DON'T NEED THEM COLLECTING DUST ANYWHERE
START A JOURNAL (IT'S NEVER TOO LATE), I THINK THIS IS THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE FOR MYSELF...EVER. I NEVER REALIZED WHAT IT WOULD DO FOR ME MENTALLY TO WRITE IN A JOURNAL, YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO IT EVERY DAY BUT WHEN YOU HAVE TIME, WRITE YOUR FEELINGS AWAY. LATER, YOU CAN CHECK BACK ON SOME THINGS YOU WROTE IN THE PAST AND SEE IF YOU ARE STILL ON COURSE IN YOUR LIFE OR IF THINGS ARE GETTING BETTER THAN THEY WERE WHEN YOU FIRST WROTE IN IT.
WRITE A LETTER TO YOUR PARENTS OR CHILDREN. AN UNEXPECTED LETTER TELLING THEM HOW MUCH YOU CARE FOR THEM. GIVE IT TO THEM WHILE THEY ARE STILL WITH YOU. IT WILL MEAN SO MUCH MORE
SCAVENGER HUNT WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY. MY KIDS DO THIS IN THE HOUSE SOMETIMES ON RAINY DAYS, THEY HAVE A BLAST
PLAN A CAMPING TRIP (YES, IN A TENT)TAKE IT FROM EXPERIENCE, CAMPFIRE, MARSHMALLOWS AND SMORES. THE BEST!
TAKE YOUR PET TO THE PARK OR TO THE BEACH AND RUN WITH HIM. EXERCISE FOR "TWO"
WATCH KITE FLYERS AND MAYBE FLY YOUR OWN, THEY HAVE SOME OF THE GREATEST SPOTS LOCALLY, ESPECIALLY IN NEWPORT.
VISIT AND HELP OUT AT A NURSING HOME, YOU CAN'T IMAGINE THE FACE OF AN APPRECIATIVE ELDERLY MAN OR WOMAN THAT YOU JUST READ A BIT OF A BOOK TO. ITS PRICELESS
HAVE A NEIGHBORHOOD MOVIE (DVD) SWAP, I'M READY FOR THAT ONE. TONS AND TONS OF THEM.
CLEAR YOUR CLOSET OF UNUSED CLOTHES. GET RID OF IT... YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVEN'T WORN IT IN A YEAR OR SO, YOU PROBABLY NEVER WILL AGAIN. AND IF YOU GO UP AND DOWN WITH WEIGHT YOU MIGHT WANT TO KEEP SMALLER AND LARGER SIZES BUT STYLES COME AND GO... TOSS IT!
GET UP EARLY AND GO FISHING ON A POND, I USED TO DO THIS ALL THE TIME WITH MY DAD WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, HE WAS ALWAYS TELLING ME BE QUIET OR YOU'LL SCARE THE FISH AWAY. I COULDN'T HELP MYSELF. I WAS A CHATTERBOX, CAN YOU IMAGINE THAT???
ATTEND A FREE COMMUNITY BUSINESS CLASS, SCHOOL PLAY, ACTIVITY AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER, OUTSIDE MOVIE THAT THEY NOW HAVE IN SEVERAL LOCATIONS OR AN INTRODUCTORY ZOOMBA CLASS...
I'M SURE YOU HAVE TONS OF YOUR OWN THINGS YOU LIKE TO DO AND WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU SHARE THEM HERE SO THAT OTHERS CAN HAVE MORE GREAT THINGS TO DO AS WELL.
SHARE AWAY....
Sometimes it's the simplest things that matter the most.
ENJOY QUIET TIME AT THE LIBRARY - READ ABOUT A TOPIC YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT
TAKE A RIDE THROUGH SOME BACK ROADS ESPECIALLY NOW WHEN FALL IS IN THE AIR
TAKE A WALK ON THE BEACH, COLLECT SHELLS, ROCKS, ETC. - SUNSET, MY FAVORITE.
CLEAN OUT YOUR GARAGE OR ATTIC, SOUNDS LIKE WORK BUT SO THERAPUTIC TO CLEAN OUT THINGS AND GET RID OF THEM
BAKE SOME HOMEMADE BREAD OR COOKIES AND MAKE A LITTLE EXTRA FOR AN ELDERLY NEIGHBOR
WASH AND VACUUM YOUR CAR BY HAND - GRAB THE KIDS AND GIVE THEM A SPONGE TO HELP
PULL OUT THE FAMILY BOARD GAMES - DO YOU REMEMBER WHAT THOSE ARE???
VISIT YOUR NEIGHBORS - JUST FOR A QUICK STOP TO SAY HELLO, I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU IN AWHILE
WRITE DOWN YOUR FUTURE GOALS. GOALS ARE NOT WRITTEN IN STONE BUT THEY ARE ALWAYS MORE ATTAINABLE WHEN WRITTEN DOWN WHERE YOU CAN VISUALLY SEE THEM
PLANT SOME FLOWERS IN POTS OR EVEN BETTER, VEGETABLES OR BERRIES. MMMMMMMMMMM...
MAKE A “TO DO” LIST FOR THE WEEK, OK, SO, I NEED ONE EVERY DAY BUT JOT DOWN SOME OF THE THINGS YOU HAVEN'T THOUGHT ABOUT IN AWHILE THAT NEED TO GET DONE
ORGANIZE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE LIKE ME AND HAVE BINS OF THEM IN THE GARAGE THAT YOU HAVE HAD SINCE CHILDHOOD
GO FOR A PICNIC AT THE PARK, GRAB A BLANKET, MAYBE A BOTTLE OF WINE, SOME BREAD, CHEESE...THERE YOU GO, INSTANT ITALIAN PIAZZA PICNIC
GO ON A HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR, HAVE YOU SEEN THE FREEDOM TRAIL IN BOSTON...PRETTY COOL!
HAVE A POTLUCK BLOCK PARTY - SUCH A GREAT WAY TO KEEP A GROUP OF NEIGHBORS CLOSE
RESEARCH SOMETHING NEW - LEARN HOW TO MAKE POTTERY, TILE A FLOOR, SOMETHING YOU'VE NEVER DONE BEFORE
COOK SOME MEALS IN ADVANCE - WHAT'S BETTER THAN PULLING OUT A COMPLETELY FINISHED MEAL AFTER A LONG DAY OF WORK. TAKE A DAY AND COOK EVERYTHING UP AND FREEZE IT
ORGANIZE HOLIDAY DECORATIONS - WE ALL HAVE THEM, BROKEN BULBS, TANGLED STRINGS OF LIGHTS, ETC.
TAKE A RELAXING BUBBLE BATH.... AD SOME BEAUTIFUL SMELLING CANDLES, MUSIC, AHHHHHHHH!
WATCH AN OLD CLASSIC MOVIE - I LOVE OLD BLACK AND WHITE MOVIES. ESPECIALLY SOMETHING BETTE DAVIS...SHE MADE SOME CRAZY MOVIES
MAKE A LIST OF PEOPLE YOU SHOULD MEET, SOME LOCAL PEOPLE WHO MAY BE MORE ATTAINABLE THAN LET'S SAY, THE POPE, OR THE PRESIDENT. YOU CAN STILL ADD SOME OF THOSE TO YOUR LIST BUT TRY TO STAY A LITTLE REALISTIC FOR THE SHORT TERM
PRACTICE YOGA OR TRY IT FOR THE FIRST TIME, NOW THERE IS SOMETHING DEFINITELY ON MY "TO DO" LIST! GREAT FOR STRESS
LEARN HOW TO MEDITATE AND DO IT. TAKE AS LITTLE OR AS MUCH TIME AS YOU WANT TO DO IT.
ORGANIZE A NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UP - THERE IS ALWAYS A LITTLE PARK AROUND THAT COULD USE SOME TLC.
ORGANIZE HOME WARRANTIES AND HEALTH DOCS, INSTEAD OF BEING LIKE SOME OF US AND PUTTING EVERYTHING INTO ONE FILE BOX UNLABLED AND UNCATEGORIZED
REARRANGE FURNITURE IN YOUR HOME OR OFFICE, YOU WOULD BE SURPRISED HOW REFRESHED IT MAKES YOU FEEL. DO A LITTLE HOMEWORK ON FENG SHUI AND YOU WILL BE AMAZED AT HOW MOVING FURNITURE AROUND CAN MAKE YOU FEEL
ORGANIZE FOR A FUTURE YARD SALE - LABEL AND TAG EVERYTHING IN ADVANCE SO ON THAT NICE SATURDAY OR SUNDAY MORNING YOU CAN JUST TAKE EVERYTHING OUT AT ONCE...EASILY
CREATE YOUR OWN VISION BOARD(S) - I HAVE ONE ON MY COMPUTER SCREEN, IN MY APPOINTMENT BOOK, FRAMED ON A WALL IN MY HOME, AND A COPY OF A SMALLER ONE IN MY PURSE. REMINDS ME OF THE THINGS I AM WORKING TOWARDS AND THE ARE ALL DIFFERENT.
WATCH EDUCATIONAL YOUTUBE VIDEOS - DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH YOU CAN LEARN FROM YOUTUBE? I'M TALKING ABOUT THE "REAL" EDUCATIONAL STUFF. NOT THE THINGS YOU WOULDN'T WANT YOUR KIDS TO SEE. CHECK OUT VIDEO'S ABOUT "THE SECRET" OR TOPICS LIKE "HOME ORGANIZING" OR "WHAT PAINT COLORS YOU SHOULD CHOOSE FOR YOUR HOME". LOOK UP SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS. THEY SHOULD ALL BE THERE
CREATE SOME HOMEMADE GREETING CARDS EVEN IF THEY ARE IN ADVANCE OF A HOLIDAY OR BIRTHDAY. SHOW SOMEONE YOU REALLY CARE BY THINKING ABOUT THE THINGS THEY LIKE BEST AND INCORPORATE THEM INTO THE CARD
RESEARCH YOUR FAMILY TREE, I DON'T THINK I HAVE EVER EVEN STARTED THIS ONE BUT IT'S A GREAT IDEA, ESPECIALLY TO GIVE TO YOUR KIDS WHEN THEY ARE GROWN
DO A PUZZLE WITH KIDS OR SIGNIFICANT OTHER, IT'S VERY ADDICTING
LEARN SOME CARD TRICKS, A LITTLE SOMETHING YOU CAN SHOW OFF AT THE NEXT PARTY
START A WORKOUT ROUTINE. I HAVE THE HARDEST TIME WITH THIS ONE BUT I DO TRY TO WALK A BIT EACH DAY WHEN I CAN. FOR YOUR HEALTH EVERYONE SHOULD AT LEAST WALK.
GO THROUGH OLD MAGAZINES THEN TOSS, I TEAR OUT ARTICLES HERE AND THERE TO SAVE OR RECIPES BUT FOR THE MOST PART, I DON'T NEED THEM COLLECTING DUST ANYWHERE
START A JOURNAL (IT'S NEVER TOO LATE), I THINK THIS IS THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE FOR MYSELF...EVER. I NEVER REALIZED WHAT IT WOULD DO FOR ME MENTALLY TO WRITE IN A JOURNAL, YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO IT EVERY DAY BUT WHEN YOU HAVE TIME, WRITE YOUR FEELINGS AWAY. LATER, YOU CAN CHECK BACK ON SOME THINGS YOU WROTE IN THE PAST AND SEE IF YOU ARE STILL ON COURSE IN YOUR LIFE OR IF THINGS ARE GETTING BETTER THAN THEY WERE WHEN YOU FIRST WROTE IN IT.
WRITE A LETTER TO YOUR PARENTS OR CHILDREN. AN UNEXPECTED LETTER TELLING THEM HOW MUCH YOU CARE FOR THEM. GIVE IT TO THEM WHILE THEY ARE STILL WITH YOU. IT WILL MEAN SO MUCH MORE
SCAVENGER HUNT WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY. MY KIDS DO THIS IN THE HOUSE SOMETIMES ON RAINY DAYS, THEY HAVE A BLAST
PLAN A CAMPING TRIP (YES, IN A TENT)TAKE IT FROM EXPERIENCE, CAMPFIRE, MARSHMALLOWS AND SMORES. THE BEST!
TAKE YOUR PET TO THE PARK OR TO THE BEACH AND RUN WITH HIM. EXERCISE FOR "TWO"
WATCH KITE FLYERS AND MAYBE FLY YOUR OWN, THEY HAVE SOME OF THE GREATEST SPOTS LOCALLY, ESPECIALLY IN NEWPORT.
VISIT AND HELP OUT AT A NURSING HOME, YOU CAN'T IMAGINE THE FACE OF AN APPRECIATIVE ELDERLY MAN OR WOMAN THAT YOU JUST READ A BIT OF A BOOK TO. ITS PRICELESS
HAVE A NEIGHBORHOOD MOVIE (DVD) SWAP, I'M READY FOR THAT ONE. TONS AND TONS OF THEM.
CLEAR YOUR CLOSET OF UNUSED CLOTHES. GET RID OF IT... YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVEN'T WORN IT IN A YEAR OR SO, YOU PROBABLY NEVER WILL AGAIN. AND IF YOU GO UP AND DOWN WITH WEIGHT YOU MIGHT WANT TO KEEP SMALLER AND LARGER SIZES BUT STYLES COME AND GO... TOSS IT!
GET UP EARLY AND GO FISHING ON A POND, I USED TO DO THIS ALL THE TIME WITH MY DAD WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, HE WAS ALWAYS TELLING ME BE QUIET OR YOU'LL SCARE THE FISH AWAY. I COULDN'T HELP MYSELF. I WAS A CHATTERBOX, CAN YOU IMAGINE THAT???
ATTEND A FREE COMMUNITY BUSINESS CLASS, SCHOOL PLAY, ACTIVITY AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER, OUTSIDE MOVIE THAT THEY NOW HAVE IN SEVERAL LOCATIONS OR AN INTRODUCTORY ZOOMBA CLASS...
I'M SURE YOU HAVE TONS OF YOUR OWN THINGS YOU LIKE TO DO AND WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU SHARE THEM HERE SO THAT OTHERS CAN HAVE MORE GREAT THINGS TO DO AS WELL.
SHARE AWAY....
WHAT ARE "YOUR" PRIORITIES??
Do you ever think about how you prioritize things every day? It seems as if those priorities can change from day to day, hour to hour, minute to minute. For instance, plan a meeting, school calls, your child got hurt at recess. Meeting changes, drive to school, drive home or in an extreme case the hospital which you know will take up the remainder of your day so you had better cancel all of the other appointments you thought were a priority today because this takes true "priority".
How we prioritize things in our life is determined by a number of factors. It's not just about what we "want" to do. It’s not just about something having a high or low priority, It’s not just about how urgent or how much time something requires. Yet we don’t just randomly decide to do one task over another, Even as we grow older and our situations change (we become richer, older, healthier, etc.) so do our priorities.
Consider how the following effects your life and the choices you make.
Single parent vs two parent home
Small children vs grown children vs no children
Healthy parents vs older in need of assistance parents
Living close to family vs family in another state
Single vs married
Going to college vs starting work for financial stability
Job vs career
Self employed vs. punching a clock
High pressure job vs relaxing no stress job
Great salary vs just getting by with your paycheck
Having to work to pay the bills vs having enough to pay the bills and enjoy life
Choosing to pay your electric bill vs taking your kids to dinner
Lifestyle of being 25 vs being 45 vs being 65
Staying home to enjoy some quiet time vs visiting friends or a big night out
Doing laundry vs watching television and some down time
Planning for college vs planning for retirement
Planning grocery shopping vs drive through at McDonalds
Hour to exercise vs hour to read a great book in your spare time
Taking a ride to visit older grandparents vs taking a ride to an amusement park
Creating a savings account vs spending money and enjoying life everyday
Working from a home office vs working at your business office
Answering emails, phone calls, etc. vs getting to work that is demanded first
Planning your day vs the day making the plans for you
Making decisions yourself vs having others make decisions for you
Emotions also play a major role in decisions of choosing your priorities and should not be taken lightly. The more important a priority, the more it can become a highlight or casualty of the emotions of others. Not everyone will agree with what you believe your priorites are. Sometimes parents or employers will voice their opinion and/or decide for you what your priorities need to be depending on your age and work status.
It's just amazing to me how many outside factors come into play when you are planning what to do with your "own" time. Sometimes it's just impossible to keep up with everything that has to be done in the course of the day. However, if you think about the things that are most important to you at the time they are important, that will help you get by.
I was reading a post on someones' blog and it was just "real" so thought I would share it with you;
My priorities are to have fun and enjoy myself and my new apartment. But somehow I find myself sitting at this desk, working from 9 to 3 pm each day, bored out of my mind, and still sleeping near boxes that I haven’t been able to unpack. I hate desk jobs. I really need to reconsider this. How are we supposed to survive the office world? I think I’m really depressed. Plus my hair is falling.
(Read more: http://self-help.thehappyguy.com/2009/06/18/misplaced-priorities/#ixzz0zz8gT9Bu)
To me, there seemed to be one decision I have recently made that affects the way I plan my day and choose which things will take priority over others...
Enjoy every minute of where you are right now because you will never be at this exact moment again. Know your priorities are and have the courage; pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically, to say “no” to other things that are not as important to "you". You know what they are because you have a bigger "yes" burning inside.
Pat
How we prioritize things in our life is determined by a number of factors. It's not just about what we "want" to do. It’s not just about something having a high or low priority, It’s not just about how urgent or how much time something requires. Yet we don’t just randomly decide to do one task over another, Even as we grow older and our situations change (we become richer, older, healthier, etc.) so do our priorities.
Consider how the following effects your life and the choices you make.
Single parent vs two parent home
Small children vs grown children vs no children
Healthy parents vs older in need of assistance parents
Living close to family vs family in another state
Single vs married
Going to college vs starting work for financial stability
Job vs career
Self employed vs. punching a clock
High pressure job vs relaxing no stress job
Great salary vs just getting by with your paycheck
Having to work to pay the bills vs having enough to pay the bills and enjoy life
Choosing to pay your electric bill vs taking your kids to dinner
Lifestyle of being 25 vs being 45 vs being 65
Staying home to enjoy some quiet time vs visiting friends or a big night out
Doing laundry vs watching television and some down time
Planning for college vs planning for retirement
Planning grocery shopping vs drive through at McDonalds
Hour to exercise vs hour to read a great book in your spare time
Taking a ride to visit older grandparents vs taking a ride to an amusement park
Creating a savings account vs spending money and enjoying life everyday
Working from a home office vs working at your business office
Answering emails, phone calls, etc. vs getting to work that is demanded first
Planning your day vs the day making the plans for you
Making decisions yourself vs having others make decisions for you
Emotions also play a major role in decisions of choosing your priorities and should not be taken lightly. The more important a priority, the more it can become a highlight or casualty of the emotions of others. Not everyone will agree with what you believe your priorites are. Sometimes parents or employers will voice their opinion and/or decide for you what your priorities need to be depending on your age and work status.
It's just amazing to me how many outside factors come into play when you are planning what to do with your "own" time. Sometimes it's just impossible to keep up with everything that has to be done in the course of the day. However, if you think about the things that are most important to you at the time they are important, that will help you get by.
I was reading a post on someones' blog and it was just "real" so thought I would share it with you;
My priorities are to have fun and enjoy myself and my new apartment. But somehow I find myself sitting at this desk, working from 9 to 3 pm each day, bored out of my mind, and still sleeping near boxes that I haven’t been able to unpack. I hate desk jobs. I really need to reconsider this. How are we supposed to survive the office world? I think I’m really depressed. Plus my hair is falling.
(Read more: http://self-help.thehappyguy.com/2009/06/18/misplaced-priorities/#ixzz0zz8gT9Bu)
To me, there seemed to be one decision I have recently made that affects the way I plan my day and choose which things will take priority over others...
Enjoy every minute of where you are right now because you will never be at this exact moment again. Know your priorities are and have the courage; pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically, to say “no” to other things that are not as important to "you". You know what they are because you have a bigger "yes" burning inside.
Pat
Thursday, September 16, 2010
September
For most of us, the summer was over before we even thought about doing everything we wanted to do. I know for myself it was as if the weeks went by so fast and now I'm looking up at September and the crisp weather of fall(Although, I still sneak off for an hour or so to the beach and some reading time during warmer days). Reality does say that fall is here, which is great too. I love to take my kids apple picking, jump on a hayride, nighttime bonfires, cornfield maze, they are just alot of fun at any age. Another few months and we will be in winter gear, taking out the shovels, getting ready for the first snow. I LOVE the snow too, especially when it is one of the first storms and the new snow is falling at night glistening under the streetlights. Everything white and quiet. We are New Englanders, we love all four seasons which is why most of us continue to live here. Imagine never getting to experience true fall foilage, winter snowball fights and the beauty of springs first flowers. I'm not sure I could live without some of it including a cozy fireplace on a chilly night holding a cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream. It's the simplist things in life that are the greatest if you really think about it.
So, we are here with some of the most stunning fall foilage in the United States. Complimented by seaside communities, ocean views, forested areas full of rivers and streams, small towns, and beautiful vistas during this colorful season - In Southern New England, it's inavoidable to miss seeing the beauty everywhere you look. When I was young, I used to press the leaves into a book so they would keep their color but first we used to iron the leaves between two pieces of wax paper to preserve them then cut the wax paper to shape around the leave. Just a little fun tip that maybe you can do with your kids this season.
The Fall Women's Expo is coming up on October 3rd at Twin River and we have some amazing things planned. Once again, you can come and enjoy fashion shows, cooking demonstrations, speminars, presentations, entertainment, food and wine tastings and of course shopping, shopping, shopping...just in time for the holidays (and a little something for yourself of course). Make sure you bring your friends and sign up online so that you can get a discount coupon or two for one coupon for the event. It's going to be a great time. Can't spill the beans and let you know everything that is going on but if you go to the website at www.southernnewenglandwomensexpo.com you will be able to see the event schedule and lineup. Come and join us, have a great day of pampering and some overdue "you" time!
And for all our single friends who have just had enough of the night club scene and kids young enough to be our own... I hope you can join us for some relaxed networking, drinks and free appetizers at Twin Oaks Restaurant in Cranston on September 21st. Twin Oaks has done an exceptional job at our events in the past and this event itself is just a relaxed, no stress, have a drink with some friends type of event. No name tags, no speed dating, no expectations, no pressure... Come and Join Us! Registration is requested at http://twinoakssinglesnetworking-autohome.eventbrite.com/
The next issue of SNEWoman Magazine is also in the works. It was a big decision to skip the summer issue and make the second issue October thru December but there was just so much to offer during those months that we just couldn't give up the chance for our second issue to come out when so many exciting things were going on. And I have to tell you, it is looking amazing. The articles in this issue have surpassed the depth of the Premiere Issue and you will be able to learn things that you didn't know you already didn't know....how's that...lol...
Ok, so just a chat for the night. I really just wanted to check in with everyone. Say, welcome to fall and hope your summer was amazing. Keep an eye out for information about the next issue which is being layed out now. There may be one or two more spots available for advertising but they will go on a first come first serve basis. Hope to be seeing you all at the Fall Women's Expo, don't forget to go to the website to get your discount admission passes. It's a great deal and worth logging on for! Wishing you all the most incredible week!
Pat
So, we are here with some of the most stunning fall foilage in the United States. Complimented by seaside communities, ocean views, forested areas full of rivers and streams, small towns, and beautiful vistas during this colorful season - In Southern New England, it's inavoidable to miss seeing the beauty everywhere you look. When I was young, I used to press the leaves into a book so they would keep their color but first we used to iron the leaves between two pieces of wax paper to preserve them then cut the wax paper to shape around the leave. Just a little fun tip that maybe you can do with your kids this season.
The Fall Women's Expo is coming up on October 3rd at Twin River and we have some amazing things planned. Once again, you can come and enjoy fashion shows, cooking demonstrations, speminars, presentations, entertainment, food and wine tastings and of course shopping, shopping, shopping...just in time for the holidays (and a little something for yourself of course). Make sure you bring your friends and sign up online so that you can get a discount coupon or two for one coupon for the event. It's going to be a great time. Can't spill the beans and let you know everything that is going on but if you go to the website at www.southernnewenglandwomensexpo.com you will be able to see the event schedule and lineup. Come and join us, have a great day of pampering and some overdue "you" time!
And for all our single friends who have just had enough of the night club scene and kids young enough to be our own... I hope you can join us for some relaxed networking, drinks and free appetizers at Twin Oaks Restaurant in Cranston on September 21st. Twin Oaks has done an exceptional job at our events in the past and this event itself is just a relaxed, no stress, have a drink with some friends type of event. No name tags, no speed dating, no expectations, no pressure... Come and Join Us! Registration is requested at http://twinoakssinglesnetworking-autohome.eventbrite.com/
The next issue of SNEWoman Magazine is also in the works. It was a big decision to skip the summer issue and make the second issue October thru December but there was just so much to offer during those months that we just couldn't give up the chance for our second issue to come out when so many exciting things were going on. And I have to tell you, it is looking amazing. The articles in this issue have surpassed the depth of the Premiere Issue and you will be able to learn things that you didn't know you already didn't know....how's that...lol...
Ok, so just a chat for the night. I really just wanted to check in with everyone. Say, welcome to fall and hope your summer was amazing. Keep an eye out for information about the next issue which is being layed out now. There may be one or two more spots available for advertising but they will go on a first come first serve basis. Hope to be seeing you all at the Fall Women's Expo, don't forget to go to the website to get your discount admission passes. It's a great deal and worth logging on for! Wishing you all the most incredible week!
Pat
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