more for the new year

I attended a True Couponing class this weekend and have now added “To become a Couponer” to my list of New Year’s resolutions…which brings the total to ONE! …not really a big new years resolutioner…  But this was cool and I am determined to learn the ways of True Couponing so that I will be able to, not only save money on groceries for our family [of 2] {We really do buy a lot of groceries!}, but give back and bless others once I have built up a “stock pile”.

Unlike all of those extreme couponing shows on TV, True Couponing is a faith-based organization and it isn’t about hoarding or buying enough_________ (<– insert toiletry item here) for 10 years…and then selling it at a garage sale for full price.  It’s about getting what you need for your family, plus a little extra for the best price possible while using the resources provided (store coupons, manufacturers coupons, printable online coupons, and BOGOs).  Then, once you’ve built up a little extra, and are able to bless someone else either with the extra food or the money you’ve saved, you pass on the blessing.

I won’t go on anymore, but if you’re interested in checking out the website go to TrueCouponing.com.  Look for seminars in your area–they put them on and they’re FREE!

All that to say, I bought my Sunday paper yesterday (2, actually) for the coupons and found this great picture in the Orange Extra.  It’s one of the Orlando Sentinel’s photographer’s favorite photo of 2011.  Each photographer got to pick their favorite, but this picture was featured.  It was taken using a custom infrared setting, and I’m pretty sure the pagoda was originally red.

I thought it was a really beautiful picture so I made a color-story out of it.  Some inspiration for you?

{image via The Orlando Sentinel, photographer: Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda}

On another note, I wanted to share this great printable calendar from Creature Comforts {great blog, btw!} with you–  I just think it’s the cutest!  Not only will it be printed for my own {kid-free} home, but it will also be going in my new nephew’s room {whose arrival is set for mid-February!}.  Of course, as each new month comes out, we’ll update it…and possibly save the image for framing .

You can download it yourself HERE

If you’re more of a computer desktop calendar type of person, check out Smashing Magazine’s website.  You can download a variety of free desktop calendars!  Here are a few of my faves:

A new DIY and giveaway are coming soon so keep reading!

hooked on hooks

I don’t know about you, but I am ready to de-clutter!  After pumpkins and candy corn, Christmas trees and garland, I’m wanting everything clean, neat, and organized.  Over the Christmas holiday, I cleaned out my closet and my husband’s closet but, since the decorations have come down, I’m ready to get the rest of the house into a neater feel.

A friend of mine recently added a row of hooks to the wall by her front door.  I don’t usually hang much by the front door–living in Florida, we’re not constantly toting around coats, scarves, and hats…and neither are our guests, but I still liked the hook look.  And it doesn’t necessarily have to go by the front door, either, I’ve decided.  The bathroom, of course, is another option, but in a mudroom, bedroom, or closet work as well.  So, today, I’m hooked on hooks.

Here’s a little inspiration for my daily obsession.

{click on the image to view image larger & scroll}

Enjoy your weekend!

simple joys

Today I am loving …

{Starbuck’s Cinnamon Dolce Latte}

 {Slatkin Candle Co., Apple Crumble}

…not to mention Autumn, Cinnamon Sugared Donut, and Creamy Pumpkin

{Ray Charles Jazz Music}

{Caldrea, Pumpkin Chai scented products}

{Zucchini Bread}

and of course….

{A cute scarf}

Happy After-Labor-Day Fall Feel Weekend!

something worth reading

As is the way with most blog writers, I was a blog reader first.  I’d dabbled in blogging when it first became popular but never really had too many interesting things in my personal life to write about, so I dropped it.  Then about 2 years ago, I saw someone post a link to Little Green Notebook on Facebook and got hooked on blogs again {but for real this time}.  For a while, LGN was the only blog I read…and I LOVED it.  It sucked-up a lot of my time…until reading it led me to other blogs, and slowly I was completely emersed in blog world.

After a few months of this constant blog reading, I decided that I could write a blog {genius. right?}!…but that’s the beauty of blogs, I belive, that everyone and anyone can write them.  Now, not every blog will have 2500 followers or become a book, but there is someone out there {or a few someones} who will appreciate, relate to, and enjoy your style.

So even though, I’m a blog writer, I’m definitely still a blog reader, and I wanted to share with you tonight some of my very favorite blogs so that you can enjoy them as well.

 

…and the list just keeps growing!

Tick Tock

Phew!  Where has the time gone?  

It seems like the past 3 weeks have flown by in such a blur that I’ve barely had time to clean my house! 

{trust me…there’s something wrong when I can’t even find time to clean my house}

This past school year was my last for teaching.  I finished out 5 good years, graduated with my Interior Design degree and moved right into a job at an interior design firm doing marketing and now design assistant work.

It’s what I wanted, no doubt.  

I am completely loving it, but it is definitely a transition and I am re-learning how to manage my time.  Bear with me as I transition into this new chapter of my life and begin again.  It’s exciting, scary, sweet, and sour all at once.

On a great note, I’ve had lots of time with family and friends lately, which is also another reason why things have seemed been so busy.  And as the grand finale to summer, I am so looking forward to seeing a number of wonderful college friends in just a few short days.  It’s hard to believe I will be celebrating my 5 year wedding anniversary in a little over a month, my 10 year high school reunion in 1 year, and will be seeing college friends from 5 years ago in 9 days!

Life goes by so quickly and I think {for me, at least} I don’t take the time to appreciate all of the small steps in between life’s big events. 

I heard a wise man once say–”…we are so worried about getting to that next step…when we’re in high school, we can’t wait to get to college, once we get to college, we can’t wait to find that perfect job, and then to get married, after that, a house, then kids, then a pool…

that we forget about what’s in front of us 

right now 

and we miss out on opportunities the Lord gives us…”  

Food for thought?

{because it definitely was for me}

Since we’re talking about time, I thought I’d share with you this cool clock screen saver.

You can download it for free HERE.

Don’t let the time tick away too quickly.