Project Thankful

Day 8.

1.My brother.... Im so proud of him, and so thankful that he cares about me and about others.






2.MY hearing...So happy to be able to hear people and things,








 3. Warm blankets. So glad that i have them... plenty of them, too.

Day 9
1. My Voice - I can speak when I want. (some times i speak too much.)


2.
3.

Day 10
1. My Sight... even though I need glasses/contacts I am able to get them and able to see well with them

2.Gloves.. I have gloves when my hands get cold

Project Thankful... Days 6 and 7

Day 6

1.  A wonderful Church Family
2. A loving family
3. Ice Cream. (trivial, but makes life that much more enjoyable.)

Day 7

1. the rain :)
2. Umbrellas.
3. Spending time with those I love.

Day 3, 4, 5 of Project Thankful

Already dropped the ball a little bit.  :( but hopefully Ill make it up.

Day 3:
I am thankful for :

1. Prayer
2. A telephone to communicate with people.
3. for being employed

Day 4:

I am thankful for:

1. my co-workers
2. having weekends off. 
3. having relaxing evenings

Day 5

1. having wonderful days with Steve
2. being able to get out in the yard and helping out with what I can
3. Sunshine
4. Seeing people smile. 

Project Thankful Day 2

Today I am realizing I am thankful for some little things:

1. I am thankful for Kleenex.
2. I am thankful that i have a bed... and a soft one at that.
3. coffee.
4. Thankful for being able to persue my dreams, when I am able to.

Things I am Thankful for

Im trying something new. Something that I hope that maybe will help me have a new outlook on life...
Project Thankful.
It is my goal for everyday for the month of November to write out at least 1 thing that I am thankful for. :) whether it is major or minor. :)
I have found myself getting caught up in the moment, and thinking all about myself... not about others... How Blessed I truly am.
and I find myself not Thanking God for all that I have, and taking special interest in the "little things" and just being thankful for those little things....

Today im going to state some obvious ones that just everyone says... but i really am thankful for:

1. 1) my Lord and Savior. :)
2. my health, sure i have my days when I feel a little under the weather, but bottom line, I am Healthy... not everyone can say that.
3. Family. So thankful that they are so supportive, and when they are not, the let it be known.
4. My friends- who are there for me, no matter what... willing to laugh with me or cry with me, or pray with me. :)
5. thankful for the roof over my head
6. my education, and the opportunities I will have when it is completed.
7. I am thankful for all the resources we have.... - Lights, running water... not every country has that.
8. Thankful for all other modern conveniences, computer, car, internet, etc...

a few items knocked off the list :)

101 Update :)
NOt much left, decided to put on top of the list things i have yet to do/ working on, and then below are the items that i've already completed. :)

1. learn how to make a pie

 3.Try one new recipe a month (3/30)

5. Keep my car clean for 3 weeks - inside and out
8. Wash dishes every night for 2 weeks (0/2)
9. Make curtains for my room... possibly living room
11. Figure out a "life plan"

For the Best of Me
12. Read the Bible at its entirety
13. get up and stretch each morning for 2 weeks
14.excersize 4 times a week for a month
15. follow the food pyramid to a "T" for 3 days (0/3)
117. get a manicure & Pedicure
19. Do a teeth whitening program
20.Learn CPR
21 Drink 8 Glasses of water for 3 days (0/3)
23 Tithe Every week that i go to church - So far so good.
24 Blog once a week—getting there...
26 start bachelor degree @ university (Spring 2011?)(spring 2012)
28 Make my own bread

GO TO:

30 Go to the Deaf assisted living home 4 times a year (0/8)

Photography

:37 take a picture every day for a month
38enter into 6 photo contests (0/6)
39 Learn how to use photoshop properly...... for the majority
40 Enter items in State fair contests 0/2
41 Sell a photo
42 get a website for my photos
43 upload most photos online- (photobucket?)
44 make a real photo portfolio
45 Get out old film camera, take pics, and then get them developed.
47 Digiti-fy some of my photos of when i was a kid (scan)
48 Learn how to photograph portraits
49 Learn a photography skill once a month (0/30)


TO Do/ Buy

50 get laptop fixed
51 Go camping
54 Get a sewing machine
56 buy a shredder
58 Get a library card
59 get something from the library each month after i get a library card
60 frame 5 photos
62Get coins into paper money, or put it in savings- Coins were stolen – working on new jar of coins.

For FUn

:65. Learn to play a new instrument
66 Watch the stars
68. Start a sketch book.... and then start sketching
69.Learn how to paint
70. Go to a driving range to hit golf balls
71. go play a real golf game.
72 go to a drive in theater
73 Go on a picnic
75. host a game night
76. learn how to make a peice of clothing for myself
77. Fly somewhere...
78 Fly a kite
79. Learn 5 ASL signs a week... (0/130)
80. finish college scrapbook
81. take vitamins every day fora month
82. Get a jewelery box
83 Get some high heels, and learn how to wear them....
.84. Don’t complain for 1 week
.85. Learn how to use Chop sticks


Financial
89 save $100 a month for the duration of the project (9/30)

For The best of everyone
90. Buy and send out/give 10 'just because' gifts (1/10)
91. Give food/clothing to the needy 4 times a year (2/10)

93.Learn how to drive a stick shift
94Write 3 letters of complaint of food / service (0/3)

95Write 3 letters of praise of food/service (0/3)
96 start working on posture
97 Make sure im on the right track for schooling.
98 do a charity walk once a year (0/2)
100pray for someone everyday.- Working On it

2. Learn how to make a cheesecake Did it.. not how i thought it would be, but everyone still liked it.

House & Home
4. Keep at least one plant alive (ivy?) 1/2 way- got an Ivy for b-day, now gotta keep it alive. – failed with the ivy – but I have other plants growing – marigolds, basil and others…
92. Start recycling more
6. clean out my desk (june 2011)

7. clean out my closet ---did --- and moved-- now the key is to keeping it clean :)

6.dont eat any sweets 3 days out of the project (3/3) spring 2011 gave up sweets for Lent.
18. get new eyeglasses-- love them!!

22 Make a prayer journal made one, may make another one, .... one that would be easier to write in...

25 find a job Found one??? –

27 Vaccuum once a week for a month (4/4)

101 Have someone inspired enough to make a 101 for themselves

99 buy something online... preferably via etsy.(Bought Coasters online frm my cousin...)

29 Go to a hot air balloon festival- Completed on 9/19/2010 (plano Balloon Festival)

31 go to a concert (Trans siberian orchestra)
32 Go to at least one professional game (rangers game April 23)
10. Clean out craft bin

33 go to the zoo(went with Nikki April 2011)

34 go to the botanical gardens (went July 2011)

36 Go to a museum- (went to the Amon Carter musueum July 2011 )
46 Print various pics for mom(put photos on a cd for mom)
53 Get a phone Summer  2011
7 Back up data from computer (something that needs to constantly needing to be done)’

61 Get a small digital camera.
55 Get a external hard drive (2010)
63 get a family portrait, with parents and brother
64 go to a festival (art Festival Ft worth April 17 2011)
67 go fishing (at lake)

35 go to a college football game (TCU game with Steve Sept 2011)

.74 plan a surprise (surprise party for Emily May 2010_
86. Spend an afternoon in a local coffeeshop – loved to do this – will be doing again.
88. Make my bed for 3 weeks (0/3)

87. perform a song with my brother (him singing, me doing sign language)Accomplished on May 2 – we did “Give me your Eyes” – By Brandon Heath – He sang, played his mandolin – and I Signed. It was great J

South Texas Wildfires

Thoughts and Prayers are going out to those who have been affected by the wildfires in South Texas.  I found some photos of the damage and smoke from the fires.  - Some are really touching.

Smoke is seen from many miles away - only about 30% of the fire is contained at this time.

Fires have burned over 1,000 homes, and over 34,000 acres.

Neighborhoods are being evacuated.

Fires have claimed a couple of peoples lives.

Reports of animals also being claimed.

School district is shut down for the rest of the week.

Electricity is out in some areas...

Being that the fires are only just a few hours south of where I am located,  I really feel that we should do something to help the people who have lost everything and those that need help.

 I found this information online about how to help:

Donate

• The Jewish Federation of Greater Austin: Collecting earmarked donations to assist the Red Cross of Central Texas and any Jewish families in need of assistance from the fires. Donate online or by check here.
• Texas Wildfire Relief Fund: Collecting monetary donations to provide Texas’ firefighters with the water, food and equipment they need to continue their work.
• Austin Disaster Relief Network: Accepting the following in-kind donations – diapers, baby food, adult food (non-perishable), trash cans, heavy duty trash bags, underwear, kennels for dogs, socks, work gloves, water.

Volunteer

• Hands On Central Texas: Seeking trained Red Cross Shelter volunteers and Critical Incident Stress management volunteers. People with this training should contact admin@adrntx.org.
• American Red Cross of Central Texas: Fill out a volunteer application to become a trained Red Cross volunteer.

Stay on top of the situation

• FEMA: Posting regular press releases with up-to-date information
• Texas Forest Service: stay on top of the forest service’s response to the wildfires.
• Incident Information System: Charts natural incidents, including wildfires, and gives current information about their status.

Smile.

2. When someone randomly compliments you.

The little things:: My version... :) "Finding Smiles"

http://justlittlethings.tumblr.com/

Found this website decided to do something similar... finding one aspect of my life during the day to be thankful, and to remember how blessed I am.... some may be silly some may be serious.... but just little reminders that there is something good in everything.

1. Getting a call from someone that you wanted to talk to ... and you didnt tell them :)

More stuff Crossed off :)

1. learn how to make a pie
2. Learn how to make a cheesecake Did it.. not how i thought it would be, but everyone still liked it.


3.Try one new recipe a month (3/30)

House & Home
4. Keep at least one plant alive (ivy?) 1/2 way- got an Ivy for b-day, now gotta keep it alive. – failed with the ivy – but I have other plants growing – marigolds, basil and others… 

5. Keep my car clean for 3 weeks - inside and out

6. clean out my desk (june 2011)

7. clean out my closet ---did --- and moved-- now the key is to keeping it clean :)

8. Wash dishes every night for 2 weeks (0/2)

9. Make curtains for my room... possibly living room

10. Clean out craft bin

11. Figure out a "life plan"





For the Best of Me
12. Read the Bible at its entirety

13. get up and stretch each morning for 2 weeks

14.excersize 4 times a week for a month

15. follow the food pyramid to a "T" for 3 days (0/3)

16.dont eat any sweets 3 days out of the project (3/3) spring 2011 gave up sweets for Lent.

17. get a manicure & Pedicure

18. get new eyeglasses-- love them!!

19. Do a teeth whitening program

20.Learn CPR

21 Drink 8 Glasses of water for 3 days (0/3)

22 Make a prayer journal made one, may make another one, .... one that would be easier to write in...

23 Tithe Every week that i go to church - So far so good.

24 Blog once a week—getting there...

25 find a job Found one??? -
26 start bachelor degree @ university (Spring 2011?)(spring 2012)

27 Vaccuum once a week for a month (4/4)

28 Make my own bread





GO TO:
29 Go to a hot air balloon festival- Completed on 9/19/2010 (plano Balloon Festival)

30 Go to the Deaf assisted living home 4 times a year (0/8)

31 go to a concert (Trans siberian orchestra)


32 Go to at least one professional game (rangers game April 23)

33 go to the zoo(went with Nikki April 2011)

34 go to the botanical gardens (went July  2011)

35 go to a college football game

36 Go to a museum- (went to the Amon Carter musueum July 2011 )





Photography

:37 take a picture every day for a month

38enter into 6 photo contests (0/6)

39 Learn how to use photoshop properly...... for the majority

40 Enter items in State fair contests 0/2

41 Sell a photo

42 get a website for my photos

43 upload most photos online- (photobucket?)

44 make a real photo portfolio

45 Get out old film camera, take pics, and then get them developed.

46 Print various pics for mom(put photos on a cd for mom)

47 Digiti-fy some of my photos of when i was a kid (scan)

48 Learn how to photograph portraits

49 Learn a photography skill once a month (0/30)





TO Do/ Buy

50 get laptop fixed

51 Go camping

53 Get a phone

54 Get a sewing machine

55 Get a external hard drive (2010)

56 buy a shredder

57 Back up data from computer (something that needs to constantly needing to be done)

58 Get a library card

59 get something from the library each month after i get a library card

60 frame 5 photos

61 Get a small digital camera.

62Get coins into paper money, or put it in savings- Coins were stolen – working on new jar of coins.

63 get a family portrait, with parents and brother

64 go to a festival (art Festival Ft worth April 17 2011)





For FUn

:65. Learn to play a new instrument

66 Watch the stars

67 go fishing

68. Start a sketch book.... and then start sketching

69.Learn how to paint

70. Go to a driving range to hit golf balls

71. go play a real golf game.

72 go to a drive in theater

73 Go on a picnic

.74 plan a surprise (surprise party for Emily May 2010_

75. host a game night

76. learn how to make a peice of clothing for myself

77. Fly somewhere...

78 Fly a kite

79. Learn 5 ASL signs a week... (0/130)

80. finish college scrapbook

81. take vitamins every day fora month

82. Get a jewelery box

83 Get some high heels, and learn how to wear them....

.84. Don’t complain for 1 week



.85. Learn how to use Chop sticks

86. Spend an afternoon in a local coffeeshop – loved to do this – will be doing again.


87. perform a song with my brother (him singing, me doing sign language)Accomplished on May 2 – we did “Give me your Eyes” – By Brandon Heath – He sang, played his mandolin – and I Signed. It was great 

88. Make my bed for 3 weeks (0/3)

Financial

89 save $100 a month for the duration of the project (9/30)


For The best of everyone

90. Buy and send out/give 10 'just because' gifts (1/10)

91. Give food/clothing to the needy 4 times a year (2/10)

92. Start recycling more

93.Learn how to drive a stick shift

94Write 3 letters of complaint of food / service (0/3)

95Write 3 letters of praise of food/service (0/3)

96 start working on posture

97 Make sure im on the right track for schooling.

98 do a charity walk once a year (0/2)

99 buy something online... preferably via etsy.(Bought Coasters online frm my cousin...)

100pray for someone everyday.- Working On it

101 Have someone inspired enough to make a 101 for themselves

Still crossing things off on the 101 list

1. learn how to make a pie
2. Learn how to make a cheesecake Did it.. not how i thought it would be, but everyone still liked it.


3.Try one new recipe a month (3/30)

House & Home
4. Keep at least one plant alive (ivy?) 1/2 way- got an Ivy for b-day, now gotta keep it alive. – failed with the ivy – but I have other plants growing – marigolds, basil and others…

5. Keep my car clean for 3 weeks - inside and out

6. clean out my desk (june 2011)

7. clean out my closet ---did --- and moved-- now the key is to keeping it clean :)

8. Wash dishes every night for 2 weeks (0/2)

9. Make curtains for my room... possibly living room

10. Clean out craft bin

11. Figure out a "life plan"





For the Best of Me
12. Read the Bible at its entirety

13. get up and stretch each morning for 2 weeks

14.excersize 4 times a week for a month

15. follow the food pyramid to a "T" for 3 days (0/3)

16.dont eat any sweets 3 days out of the project (3/3) spring 2011 gave up sweets for Lent.

17. get a manicure & Pedicure

18. get new eyeglasses-- love them!!

19. Do a teeth whitening program

20.Learn CPR

21 Drink 8 Glasses of water for 3 days (0/3)

22 Make a prayer journal made one, may make another one, .... one that would be easier to write in...

23 Tithe Every week that i go to church - So far so good.

24 Blog once a week—getting there...

25 find a job Found one??? -
26 start bachelor degree @ university (Spring 2011?)(spring 2012)

27 Vaccuum once a week for a month (4/4)

28 Make my own bread





GO TO:
29 Go to a hot air balloon festival- Completed on 9/19/2010 (plano Balloon Festival)

30 Go to the Deaf assisted living home 4 times a year (0/8)

31 go to a concert (Trans siberian orchestra)


32 Go to at least one professional game (rangers game April 23)

33 go to the zoo(went with Nikki April 2011)

34 go to the botanical gardens

35 go to a college football game

36 Go to a museum





Photography

:37 take a picture every day for a month

38enter into 6 photo contests (0/6)

39 Learn how to use photoshop properly...... for the majority

40 Enter items in State fair contests 0/2

41 Sell a photo

42 get a website for my photos

43 upload most photos online- (photobucket?)

44 make a real photo portfolio

45 Get out old film camera, take pics, and then get them developed.

46 Print various pics for mom(put photos on a cd for mom)

47 Digiti-fy some of my photos of when i was a kid (scan)

48 Learn how to photograph portraits

49 Learn a photography skill once a month (0/30)





TO Do/ Buy

50 get laptop fixed

51 Go camping

53 Get a phone

54 Get a sewing machine

55 Get a external hard drive (2010)

56 buy a shredder

57 Back up data from computer (something that needs to constantly needing to be done)

58 Get a library card

59 get something from the library each month after i get a library card

60 frame 5 photos

61 Get a small digital camera.

62Get coins into paper money, or put it in savings- Coins were stolen – working on new jar of coins.

63 get a family portrait, with parents and brother

64 go to a festival (art Festival Ft worth April 17 2011)





For FUn

:65. Learn to play a new instrument

66 Watch the stars

67 go fishing

68. Start a sketch book.... and then start sketching

69.Learn how to paint

70. Go to a driving range to hit golf balls

71. go play a real golf game.

72 go to a drive in theater

73 Go on a picnic

.74 plan a surprise (surprise party for Emily May 2010_

75. host a game night

76. learn how to make a peice of clothing for myself

77. Fly somewhere...

78 Fly a kite

79. Learn 5 ASL signs a week... (0/130)

80. finish college scrapbook

81. take vitamins every day fora month

82. Get a jewelery box

83 Get some high heels, and learn how to wear them....

.84. Don’t complain for 1 week



.85. Learn how to use Chop sticks

86. Spend an afternoon in a local coffeeshop – loved to do this – will be doing again.


87. perform a song with my brother (him singing, me doing sign language)Accomplished on May 2 – we did “Give me your Eyes” – By Brandon Heath – He sang, played his mandolin – and I Signed. It was great 

88. Make my bed for 3 weeks (0/3)

Financial

89 save $100 a month for the duration of the project (9/30)


For The best of everyone

90. Buy and send out/give 10 'just because' gifts (1/10)

91. Give food/clothing to the needy 4 times a year (2/10)

92. Start recycling more

93.Learn how to drive a stick shift

94Write 3 letters of complaint of food / service (0/3)

95Write 3 letters of praise of food/service (0/3)

96 start working on posture

97 Make sure im on the right track for schooling.

98 do a charity walk once a year (0/2)

99 buy something online... preferably via etsy.(Bought Coasters online frm my cousin...)

100pray for someone everyday.- Working On it

101 Have someone inspired enough to make a 101 for themselves

Update on 101 in 1001

Bolded items are things that  need to be done 

strike out items are things that are completed. 

1. learn how to make a pie

2. Learn how to make a cheesecake Did it.. not how i thought it would be, but everyone still liked it.

3.Try one new recipe a month (1/30)

House & Home

4. Keep at least one plant alive (ivy?) 1/2 way- got an Ivy for b-day, now gotta keep it alive. – failed with the ivy – but I have other plants growing – marigolds, basil and others…

5. Keep my car clean  for 3 weeks - inside and out

6. clean out my desk ½ done… cleaned out the major part of it…

7. clean out my closet ---did --- and moved-- now the key is to keeping it clean :)

8. Wash dishes every night for 2 weeks (0/2)

9. Make curtains for my room... possibly living room

10. Clean out craft bin

11. Figure out a "life plan"

For the Best of Me

12. Read the Bible at its entirety

13. get up and stretch each morning for 2 weeks

14.excersize 4 times a week for a month

15. follow the food pyramid to a "T" for 3 days (0/3)

16.dont eat any sweets 3 days out of the project (3/3) spring 2011 gave up sweets for Lent.

17. get a manicure & Pedicure

18. get new eyeglasses-- love them!!

19. Do a teeth whitening program

20.Learn CPR

21 Drink 8 Glasses of water for 3 days (0/3)

22 Make a prayer journal made one, may make another one, .... one that would be easier to write in...

23 Tithe Every week that i go to church - So far so good.

24 Blog once a week—getting there...

25 find a job Found one??? - Still employed at same place, but not laid off anymore.

26 start bachelor degree @ university (Spring 2011?)(spring 2012)

27 Vaccuum once a week for a month (4/4)

28 Make my own bread

GO TO:

29 Go to a hot air balloon festival- Completed on 9/19/2010 (plano Balloon Festival)

30 Go to the Deaf assisted living home 4 times a year (0/8)

31 go to a concert (Trans siberian orchestra)

32 Go to at least one professional game (rangers game April 23)

33 go to the zoo

34 go to the botanical gardens

35 go to a college football game

36 Go to a museum

Photography

:37 take a picture every day for a month

38enter into 6 photo contests (0/6)

39 Learn how to use photoshop properly...... for the majority

40 Enter items in State fair contests 0/2

41 Sell a photo

42 get a website for my photos

43 upload most photos online- (photobucket?)

44 make a real photo portfolio

45 Get out old film camera, take pics, and then get them developed.

46 Print various pics for mom

47 Digiti-fy some of my photos of when i was a kid (scan)

48 Learn how to photograph portraits

49 Learn a photography skill once a month (0/30)

TO Do/ Buy

50 get laptop fixed

51 Go camping

 53 Get a phone

54 Get a sewing machine

55 Get a external hard drive (simon got me one for Christmas - 2010)

56 buy a shredder

57 Back up data from computer (something that needs to constantly needing to be done)

58 Get a library card

59 get something from the library each month after i get a library card

60 frame 5 photos

61 Get a small digital camera.

62Get coins into paper money, or put it in savings- Coins were stolen – working on new jar of coins.

63 get a family portrait, with parents and brother

64 go to a festival (art Festival Ft worth April 17 2011)

For FUn

:65. Learn to play a new instrument

66 Watch the stars

67 go fishing

68. Start a sketch book.... and then start sketching

69.Learn how to paint

70. Go to a driving range to hit golf balls

71. go play a real golf game.

72 go to a drive in theater

73  FIND A NEW ITEM FOR THIS.)

.74 plan a surprise (surprise party for Emily May 2010_

75. host a game night

76. learn how to make a peice of clothing for myself

77. Fly somewhere...

78 Fly a kite

79. Learn 5 ASL signs a week... (0/130)

80. finish college scrapbook

81. take vitamins every day fora month

82. Get a jewelery box

83 Get some high heels, and learn how to wear them....

.84. FIND A NEW ITEM FOR THIS SPACE

.85. Learn how to use Chop sticks

86. Spend an afternoon in a local coffeeshop – loved to do this – will be doing again.

87. perform a song with my brother (him singing, me doing sign language)Accomplished on May 2 – we did “Give me your Eyes” – By Brandon Heath – He sang, played his mandolin – and I Signed. It was great 

88. Make my bed for 3 weeks (0/3)

Financial

89 save $100 a month for the duration of the project (7/30)

For The best of everyone

90. Buy and send out/give 10 'just because' gifts (1/10)

91. Give food/clothing to the needy 4 times a year (0/10)

92. Start recycling more

93.Learn how to drive a stick shift

94Write 3 letters of complaint of food / service (0/3)

95Write 3 letters of praise of food/service (0/3)

96 start working on posture

97 Make sure im on the right track for UNT (talk to a counselor up there)

98 do a charity walk once a year (0/2)

99 buy something online... preferably via etsy.(Bought Coasters online frm my cousin...)

100pray for someone everyday.

101 Have someone inspired enough to make a 101 for themselves

Things I like:)

What I want to wear::

http://www.rufflesandstuff.com/2010/02/scrunch-belt.html


What I want my house to look like :::





Where I wish I could lay and watch the sunset :)



.
Yes, super Girly, but i Love it::

.
a Piano... in MY Color!!!!


i KNOW i will be doing this to my fingers at some point :)

Sign language

.

 A new signed. Song .

..  Our God by Chris Tomlin

On a search

theres a particular kind of blue that i just LOVE... i have no idea the name of it... i think its actually like a little "family" of shades of blue.
So, im trying to spruce up my apt, and i really would like to incorporate this (these) shades of blue...
I currently dont really have a pallette of colors going in my apt, i have grey/black in my bedroom, if i incorporate this blue i think it would look really good -
Then my living room, no real color... alot of browns...
let me know what you think, and if you know like what to call this color, please tell me.

High Hat cupcakes looks sooo yummy!!!



http://www.stuckincustoms.com/category/travel/texas/austin/page/2/



http://thebedlamofbeefy.blogspot.com/2011/03/word.html

Today's Pinterest

Frozen Hot Chocolate from Womans Day





http://shimmerlikegold.org/2010/07/10/a-lovely-little-cottage/





http://tandsdaybook.blogspot.com/2011_02_01_archive.html




http://bahrainidiva.blogspot.com/2011/02/armchairs-and-sofas-from-graham-and.html


From Kiss the Groom Homemade paper!


http://www.doubletakesblog.com/2008/08/diy-corner-bookmark.html



From Theknot.com

Saving Money

I dont know about you guys, but im trying to save money.... gas prices are in general up... at an average of 3.40 in the dfw area.... and with the amount of driving im doing im having to put in gas every 4 days... its getting expensive. aproximately $240 a month is ONLY going to gas... but money is tight. i really dont know about everyone else....
so im trying to figure out some simple ways to cut back and get more cash back in my pocket.
as a general rule im good about saving money and pretty much just buying things that i need.
here are some ideas, some are pretty much "no brainers"

1.  budget budget budget.... know how much money you get in each month. know where the money is going... bills, groceries, rent, motgage, loans, entertainment, eating out... then trim your budget... do an "actual budget" how much you actually are spending on stuff, be as detailed as possible.then know what you need to do to make it better.
2. ask yourself "do i need this?" or "can i afford this" for those times when you are thinking about getting something.... I've put manythings back down after i thought to myself "do i really need this?" or "can I afford this?" "can my money that i'd buy this with, can it go someplace better used?" instead a $30 computer game, put that money  towards groceries, or even clothes that you really need for the new job.
3. disconnect any services you dont use.  easy example would be landline phones... most use their cell phones, while i know quite a few people that use thier home phones, i know that people still need them. can save about $20 a month though. Same with Television. I havent had television service since September of last year 6 months. how do i get my entertainment? Movies... and Hulu, and network websites, yes internet sites take a day or so to get the shows posted, but go over to a friends or family members home to view that MUST SEE show, or just wait til the next day, thats what i do.
4. lose the gym membership. this is an easyone... i dont go to the gym, never have... but i think they're about $40 a month... go to the park, walk, exercise at home... most apt complexes have a gym on site, so you can do a treadmill or weights or what not, so if you live in an apt, take advantage of that service...
5. cook at home vs. take out....  i once calculated all of this... i've never been a big person to really eat out all the time, i went through a brief period where i did, but i gained about 15 pounds in about a year. :/ at the time i was eating dinner out.. mainly fast food... so getting out my calculator...  lets say you eat out once a day... for $7.00.... for  5 days aweek. - 35 a week. then friday and saturday you may go out with friends or a date or whatever... so maybe about another 35? we're up to $70 a week... $280 for a month.  Granted some dont go out every day and some spend more on the weekends, and some people have a whole family or whatever.So now looking at groceries... i spend on average about 60 for about a week and a half, or more... so maybe about 150 a month on groceries... i probably spend less, i go like on a "big" run to the store, then when i need little things (milk bread) ill run and get those things
6. Buy generic when possible.... i know that theres certain things you dont want generic products, but you can save a pretty good deal if you replace some things that you get with generic.
7. watch your expiration dates and dont get anything that will ruin fast... including fruits and veggies... if you arent sure if you are going to use them quickly, dont buy them and have to throw them awy.
8. make your own coffee. if you buy a $3.00 coffee every morning... about 15.00 for just during the week... 60 a month.  i make my own coffee at home... a can of coffee, lets say i get like a $6 can, a smaller can can normally last me over a month.... look how much is saved.
9. make your lunch and take it to work... usually healthier, and you have more time catching up on that book you've been wanting to read, rather than running out to get food and rushing back to the office.
10. make a list for the store.... dont impulse buy. one of our biggest hangups is impulse buying. stick to the list.
11. dont shop when you're hungry. 
12. limit your time you are going to shop. to much impulse buying.
13. consolidate and pay of debt.
14. pay your bills on time to avoid late fees. 
15. Avoid ATM fees.
16. avoid credit cards.
17. spend cash, not plastic. people spend 12-18% more when they pay with debit/credit cards than with cash.
18. shop the "Scratch and Dent" area when looking for new appliances... like at sears.
19. skip the soda...  $2 at resturants, if you're buying for 2 people, thats  $4 for an outing, if you go out every weekend about $16 would be saved if you skip soda.---- if you skip soda for fast food, if you go out every day like some i know.. they eat out twice a day, like i said... and lets say a soda with a meal is 1.50 x 2 a day, 3.00 x7 days a week. 21.00 x 4 weeks in a month --84.00 a month saved just from not getting soda... 
20. wait for things to go on sale.
21. unplug.. appliances, switch off lights, turn off a/c open windows, get a fan, 
22. plan vacations ahead of time to get the best deals.
23. keep your car as long as possible.
24. avoid vending machines.
25. plan your menu. dont over buy. coupons, leftovres, shop right
26. recycle.... can you reuse something for something else?
27. ride your bike, walk, carpool where possible. ... 
28. get your movies online. Netflix
29. Library. get books, videos whatever :) 
30. Compare prices for large purcheses. 
31. Quit addictions.... smoking, drinking, gambling, whatever... that you're tossing your money at.
32. buy used furniture
33. shop at thrift stores

Pinterest

Pinterest has become a new favorite of mine ---
here are some photos that stuck out to me today.

How He Loves by David Crowder Band

David Crowder Band has a song - it is called - How He Loves .  It is a really awesome song --- He loves us so much, more than we could ever know. No matter our trials and hardships - he loves us... He loves ALL of us ... not just some people, EVERYONE!!!

I do sign language to Songs - and I did a video of the song - of me signing the song.

John 15:13
13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.


Jeremiah 31:3
3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.