The bright lights, sounds, and chaos of the grocery store and shopping mall unnerve me as I run my errands. I return home and turn on my computer, only to be bombarded with e-mails and ads and blog posts all telling me to buy things. My kids are busy making their holiday wish lists. My birthday is coming soon, and my family is asking me what I would like. I reply, "Nothing." They don't believe me. … [Read more...]
I've been working hard to get rid of the stuff that's cluttering my closets. I've been trying hard to only bring home things that I truly need or absolutely love. And I've been working on being grateful for having less. … [Read more...]
The holidays can be tough when you don't have a lot of cash. They're especially tough if your family and loved ones live far away from you and you can't afford to travel. … [Read more...]
The holiday season is hectic enough without having to make a last-minute run to the store for something. With a little planning now, you can stock up before the holidays, so that you can enjoy the season without the hassles. Here are a few ideas for your stock-up list: … [Read more...]
The other day I caught myself telling someone I had to go grocery shopping. I don't think it was too long after I complained that I had to go to the dentist for a routine cleaning or that I had to do a mountain of laundry. It struck me that I often use the phrase "I have to" when I really should be saying "I get to." … [Read more...]
Are you hosting a holiday meal? Yay! I love hosting a holiday meal - hosting is my favorite (reference to the movie Elf, a holiday must see for my family). Truly, I do love all things homemaking, so it only stands to reason that I love hosting for the holidays. I actually don't host very often, as our parents still tend to do the hosting, but every other year or so I manage to sneak in a chance to host. This year, I am hosting Christmas for my side of the family. When I get ready for a … [Read more...]
I don't know about you, but long about December 18th, I sometimes feel like this sweet puppy. Kind of overwhelmed by Christmas preparations. To make matters worse, it seems like the more stressed I get, the less I am able to keep costs in line. I guess desperation will do that to a person. Some years I manage to stay ahead of the game and other years, well, not as much. I find when I cross these holiday preparations off my list by , mid-to-late November, my holiday season tends to run much … [Read more...]