Onward: Through the Spring

Easter has come and gone but it is now officially spring. The grass is extra green from so many April showers and the outside temperature is just right as it is not too cold or too warm. Even as nature is renewed it is also time to renew ourselves. Even though gas prices have continued to rise the past few weeks there are so many simple ways (and inexpensive ways)to enjoy the season of Spring. Listed below are a few things to do to help get started enjoying the season.

1.  Freshen up the house by opening up the windows.  Enjoy the warm (or cool) breezes as your house gets aired out.

2.  Continue to freshen the atmosphere in your house by pouring bleach down all the drains in your house.  This will make the house smell fresh and clean.

3.  Don't forget to feed the birds your leftover bread, chips, or cereals.  That way food is not wasted and there is also the enjoyment of watching the birds eat the food you scattered and put out for them.

4.  When it rains take the opportunity for a long restful nap.  Listen to the pitter-patter of  the rain and the thunder while snuggled up in your bed all comfy.

5.  Plant flower seeds indoors in trays or pots.  Transfer the seedlings or flowers outdoors later in the season.

6.  Get out your spring and summer wardrobe from last year.  Brighten your clothes by washing them in a good detergent that contains bleach.  At the same time get rid of clothes that are not fit to wear anymore.  Think of new ways to combine and wear your wardrobe in different ways from last year.

7.  Freshen up with a good spring hair cut.  I have heard it said that a good hair cut can take ten years off of a person's appearance.  Find out if this is true!

8.  Remember activities you used to participate in or enjoy in the spring when you were younger.  Incorporate those remembered activities into your life in new ways in the present.

You can do anything

ONWARD: Quotable Quotes Part II

It will be Easter Sunday in a few weeks.  The year is moving onward if we are ready for it to or not! Listed below are some more quotable quotes I have found for contemplation and encouragement.

"At school, new ideas are thrust at you every day.  Out in the world, you'll have to find the inner motivation to search for new ideas on your own."  __Bill Watterson

"We all have different desires and needs, but if we don't discover what we want from ourselves and what we stand for, we will live passively and unfulfilled."__Bill Watterson (American Author of the Comic Strip CALVIN & HOBBES, b.1958)

"Courage doesn't always roar.  Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying,"I will try again tomorrow."__Mary Anne Radmacher

"Consider calling it a challenge rather than calling it a crisis."__Mary Anne Radmacher

"Postpone not a good action."__Irish Sayings Quote

"The more intensely we feel about an idea or goal, the more assuredly the idea, buried deep in our subconscious, will direct us along the path to fulfillment."__Earl Nightingale

"Think left and think right and think low and think high.  Oh, the things you can think up if only you try!"__Dr. Seuss 

"Just go out there and do what you have to do." __Martina Navratilova 


Sources:
ThinkExist com Quotations. "Mary Anne Radmacher Quotes". ThinkExist Com Quotations Online Mar. 20 2011 9 Apr. 2011 http://einstein/quotes/mary__anne__radmacher
ThinkExist Com Quotations.  "Dr. Seuss quotes."  ThinkExistCom Quotations Online 1 Mar. 2011.  9 Apr. 2011 http://einstein/quotes/dr.__seuss/
ThinkExist Com Quotations.  "Irish Sayings Quotes."  ThinkExistCom Quotations Online 1 Mar. 2011.  9 Apr. 2011 http://einstein/quotes/irish__sayings/4html
ThinkExist Com Quotations.  "Doing Your Best Quotes."  ThinkExistCom Quotations Online 1 Mar. 2011.  9 Apr. 2011.  http://einstein/quotations/doing__your__best/4html
*All Quotes taken from ThinkExist.Com
  

 

Onward: Ways to Save Money Part III

It is April now and Gas prices are still on the rise even as we speak!  It is more then time for people to make changes in behavior to save money in other ways.  It appears to be the general consensus online and in magazines that small changes in spending behavior can add up to large savings.  Listed below are more ways to save money. Also see the two previous posts on this blog about other ways to save money.

1.  Save money on gas by not making as many trips out in the first place.  Stock up on items the family uses regularly by ordering online from drugstore chains that offer free shipping.

2.  Instead of fancy dinner parties give potluck dinners and picnics. Everyone who attends can contribute and the upshot is that everyone is more then likely to be able to find dishes they enjoy eating.

3.  Take tea, juice, or other beverages with you to work in plastic water bottles that have previously been used.  This saves the expense of buying yet another beverage in a bottle for the sake of convenience.

4.  Whiten and brighten your smile with the simple inexpensive use of peroxide.  Simply mix peroxide in a small cup with water and rinse your mouth out with it.
This not only brightens your smile but helps considerably with oral hygiene.

5.  Enjoy holiday candy the day after the holiday when it will be priced up to 50 percent less. Buy the biggest heart shaped box of candy you want or the cutest chocolate Easter bunny.

6.  Check the back of grocery store receipts and fast food receipts for free food offers and discounts.  For calling and completing a telephone survey you might be eligible for a free sandwich, etc.

7.  Do away with expensive hair products and use cheaper, more natural methods to make your hair look fantastic.  Shiny hair can be achieved by rinsing hair with cold water. Or try rinsing hair in vinegar for a clean, clarifying effect.

Move Ownard: Quotable Quotes

Spring has arrived but it is not too late to make new resolutions or to get back on track with the original resolutions that may have been made at the first of the year.  For encouragement in this matter of self improvement and new resolutions I am posting quotes that are related to these subjects as well as the subject of moving onward.  I am listing quotes from the noted American psychic Edgar Cayce (1877-1945) first as he lived in our neck of the woods in Kentucky.  After so many years of driving up and down the area where he lived and was later buried, it is interesting to look into some things he said. Some other individuals whose quotes I am posting include Benjamin Franklin and Albert Einstein.

EDGAR CAYCE:

"When you are prepared for a thing, the opportunity to use it presents itself."

"There is progress whether ye are going forward or backward.  The thing is to move!"

"Dreams are today's answers to tomorrow's questions."

"Know this:  that whatever situation you find yourself in, it is what is necessary for your development.  An entity must apply in its associations from day to day a word here and a word there, one today, another tomorrow, and the next day, with the understanding that from such activities in word and deed, self-development will come...when an entity has prepared itself through constant forward movement towards service, the necessary circumstances for change will come about so that he may see the next step, the next opportunity...Haste not and be not overanxious; for is not the whole of the building of His making"?

OTHER QUOTES:

"When you are finished Changing, you are finished."  __Benjamin Franklin

"If you are going through hell, keep going."  __Winston Churchill

"Life is like riding a bicycle.  To keep your balance you must keep moving."  __Albert Einstein

"Don't wait.  The time will never be just right."  __Napoleon Hill

"The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago.  The second best time is now."  __Proverb

"When you know what you want, and want it bad enough, you will find a way to get it."__Jim Rohn

"You are the embodiment of the information you choose to accept and act upon.  To change your circumstances you need to change your thinking and subsequent actions."  __Adin Sinclair

"Never, never, never give up."  _Winston Churchill

"People often say that motivation doesn't last.  Well, neither does bathing-- that's why we recommend it daily."  __Zig Ziglar

"If you want to reach a goal, you must 'see the reaching' in your own mind before you actually arrive at your goal."  __Zig Ziglar  

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started.  The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one."  __Mark Twain



Sources:
ThinkExist.com Quotations.  "Zig Ziglar quotes."  ThinkExist.com Quotations Online 1 Feb. 2011. 22 mar. 2011 http://einstein/quote/zig__Ziglar/
ThinkExist.com Quotations.  "Edgar Cayce quotes."  ThinkExist.com Quotations Online/ 1 Feb. 2011.  22 Mar 2011 http://einstein/quotes/edgar__cayce/
ThinkExist.com Quotations.  "Proverb quotes."  ThinkExist.com Quotations Online  1 Feb. 2011. 22 Mar 2011 http://einstein/quotes/proverb__/   
ThinkExist.com Quotations. "Napoleon Hill quotes."  ThinkExist.com Quotations Online 1 Feb. 2011. 22 Mar 2011 http://einstein/quotes/napoleon__hill/4.html/
ThinkExist.com Quotations.  "Jim Rohn Quotes."  ThinkExist.com Quotations Online 1 Feb2011. 22 Mar.2011 http://einstein/quotes/jim__rohn/
ThinkExist.com Quotations.  "Albert Einstein quotes."  ThinkExist.Com Quotations Online 1 Feb. 2011. 22 Mar. 2011.  http://einstein/quotes/albert__einstein/
ThinkExist.com Quotations. "Benjamin Franklin quotes." ThinkExist.com Quotations Online 1 Feb. 2011. 22 Mar. 2011 http://einstein/quotes/benjamin__franklin/
ThinkExist.com Quotations "Winston Churchill quotes."  ThinkExist.com Quotations Online 1 Feb. 2011. 22 Mar. 2011 http://einstein/quotes/winston__churchill/
                                                    

Move Onward: Saving Money Part II

More ways to move onward through the economic crisis by saving money:

1.  Pay utility bills by the 1st due date every month to avoid a six to nine dollar late fee every month.

2.  Take advantage of programs at the local health department such as Family Planning and Wic.  Family Planning will provide services based on your income concerning birth control.  Several health departments provide condoms free of charge simply by asking for them and no doctor's appointment is needed to receive condoms for free.  Wic is a nutrition program for women and preschool age children.  Pregnant women and small children receive vouchers for food items such as milk, baby formula, cheese, juice, and cereal.  Call the local health department to find out more information or to make appointments.

3.  Take college classes online instead of on a college campus in order to save money on gas.  This may also save you considerable driving time that can be used for studying instead.

4.  Cut up old clothes to use as rags for cleaning, instead of constantly buying paper towels.  If necessary rags can be cleaned in the washer in order to use again.

5.  Shop at stores like the Dollar Tree that only charge $1 for each item for sale in the store.  Merchandise in these type of stores vary but there are many name brand products to be found there.  Look for shampoo, soap, toothpaste, Reynold's wrap, party supplies, school supplies, make-up, baby items, wrapping paper; the list can go on and on!

6.  Don't waste paper towels on cleaning mirrors and glass when newspaper cleans glass and mirrors better.  Newspapers will get glass and mirrors squeaky clean!  Using old newspaper to clean glass will also give a 2nd use to newspapers which will help the household "go green".

7.  Take full advantage of  federal programs such as Pell Grants, work study positions, and grants from individual states to continue higher education.

8.  Turn the lights off when leaving the room to save money as well as energy.  This is nothing new but everyone can use a reminder on subjects like this.  Turn the thermostat down when leaving the house for long periods of time.  Unplug appliances at night that are not being used. Switch to using energy saving fluorescent light bulbs.  Look for inserts in your utility bills for more money saving and energy saving ideas like these.

9.  Don't spend money on expensive permanent tattoos. Instead use fake tattoos for the same look as well as more versatility in style as can change fake tattoos frequently instead of being stuck with the same tattoo for life.

10.  Wash plastic containers food comes in to re-warm food in the microwave, store food in the refrigerator, use as impromptu plates or bowls, and to pack your lunch for work in.  Reusing plastic containers saves money on tin foil, plastic wrap, or having to buy plastic containers.

11.  Grow a small garden in your yard to have close access to your favorite vegetables and flowers as well as saving money on these items.  It is even possible to grow tomatoes indoors in a pail.

The bottom line is to be creative in ways to not waste resources.

Money Saving Ways to Move Onward

The past few weeks gas prices have risen in dramatic amounts in our already struggling economy!  According to the latest news, gas prices will not quit climbing anytime soon.  Many households have suffered job losses or are trying to get back on their feet with new employment. Listed below are a few ways to save money and resources in order to move onward through this latest economic crisis.

1.  Instead of buying new furniture make do with the furniture you already have by painting it or putting a new stain on it.  Experiment all you want with bright colors or different paint techniques!

2.  Don't spend money buying wrapping paper for gifts as you can "make" your own wrapping paper with materials already  in the house such as the Sunday comics from the newspaper, old maps, Chinese takeout menus, tin foil, etc.

3.  Save on entertainment costs by bringing home old magazines from work that you haven't read.  Another source for free reading materials are magazines provided at church. 

4.  To save on the health and beauty aid budgets send away for free samples listed on the Internet.  Many companies give away samples of new products such as lotion, shampoo, makeup, cologne, tampons, medicine, etc.  The samples to sign up for are easy to find on magazine and/or freebie websites.

5.  Bring snacks and drinks from home to work instead of  feeding money into vending machines for the same products.  For example a soft drink from a vending machine can cost one dollar or more, while the same product bought at a grocery store can be thirty-three cents to fifty cents.  Over a period of one month, bringing food from home to work can add up to significant savings!

6.  Twice a week prepare meals that do not have meat featured in them.  Instead put items like grilled cheese, pancakes, pasta, and vegetables on the menu.

7.  Use cell phones only and don't maintain a land line phone at home.  Also take advantage of family plans cell phone service providers offer.

8.  Buy books to read at places such as thrift stores for fifty cents to one dollar.  It has been my experience that books at thrift shops can be found in good condition .  There are books to be found at thrift shops that are older classics as well as books that are current best sellers.

9.  Find a bank where there are checking accounts that do not have monthly service charges but that provide checking accounts free of charge.  The savings in doing this may be as little as five dollars , however there is no need to be charged five dollars a month if it can be avoided otherwise!

10.  Instead of buying new athletic shoes wash ones currently owned in the washer and then wear them like they are new.

11.  Instead of buying new clothes for a special occasion such as a dance or a wedding, borrow or trade dresses and suits from friends and family.  Doing this will save money as well not wasting resources by buying an outfit to be used for one special occasion only.

12.  Quit eating out at restaurants or buying takeout food.  Eating food prepared at home saves a family money as well as providing more food for the same amount of money. 

13.  Do not buy anything at all, including food, unless the item is on sale or at already rock bottom prices.  Not anything!

14.  Use plastic bags from the grocery or retail stores to line small trashcans in the house.  The bags can be doubled up to then dispose of the trash without having to use or buy a traditional trash bag.  Doing this also makes full use of the plastic bags from the store by having a second use for them.

15.  Save money and energy by not drying laundry in the dryer. Instead hang clothes and laundry up in the house to dry.  Small items like washcloths or underwear dry surprisingly quick on their own without help from a clothes dryer.

16.  Take advantage of buy one get one free offers or buy one get one half off offers.  Use one product for yourself while putting up the second product as a gift for someone else.

17.  Share any extra resources with others such as coupons, old books, movies, clothes, phones, extra food, unused toys, household furniture, household decorating items, dishes, etc.  This helps reduce clutter as well as helping other people who may also have other extra resources to help other people with.

18.  Make lists and notes on scrap paper from magazine adds, newspapers and used envelopes instead of using paper from a new notebook or new package.

19.  Save money by going to a local beauty college for haircuts, perms, hair color, deep conditioning, facials, and manicures.  The savings obtained by doing this may be around  ten dollars or even in the range of hundreds of dollars.

20.  Get free haircuts and beauty treatments from a talented friend or family member.  Or consider skipping a few haircuts and then experiment with new hairstyles on your own.

21.  Getting vaccinations or flu shots at a local health department will be cheaper then the same vaccinations at a doctor's office or pharmacy.

22.  Have family portraits and special occasion photos taken by a talented non-professional photographer
who enjoys the work as an hobby or who may want more experience.  Photos for special occasions can then be obtained merely for the price of supplies or a small gift or tip.

23.  Do as many errands as possible at one time instead of making more then one trip. This will save time as well as money on gas!

24.  Ditch the cost of extra cable channels for movies or sports as there are enough of those type resources to enjoy online for free.

25.  Save up the money for purchases instead of having purchases heavily financed and instead of making monthly payments on purchases.  In these tough economic times who needs to create another bill?

26.  Use items for yourself that are
 no longer being used or worn by other family members such as jewelry, shoes, coats, and purses.


Th bottom line is to remember two rules of thumb:

1.  Be creative in providing for your families wants and needs.

2.  Remember the old saying, "waste not, want not"!