Use leftover Easter ham and hard boiled eggs:

Amy’s ham and cheese spread recipe (from a previous column) would be a great stuffing for deviled eggs, so you can use up your leftover ham and dyed Easter eggs. — Kathy, email

Amy’s Ham and Cheese Spread
2 cups cooked ham, chopped
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
bread or crackers for serving
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until blended. You may need to stir a little more by hand to make sure that the mayonnaise and mustard are blended thoroughly. Chill in the refrigerator. Serve on bread or crackers.
Optional: Add diced onion, dill-pickle relish, chopped hard-boiled egg or chopped celery. — Amy, Ohio

Reuse giftwrap:

I honestly believe gift wrap is one of the biggest scams of modern society, but you look like a weirdo if you don’t wrap gifts. So I started saving ALL the giftwrap from gifts given to me: I open wrapped presents carefully so I can reuse the paper and I fold tissue paper nicely so it can be reused as well. When I had my first baby, I ended up with so much baby-themed gift wrap that I have reused it for every shower since! And I still have plenty more. Ribbon is also great because it can be saved for art projects and a wide variety of other uses. But the best thing is gift bags! Aside from reusing them, I’ve sold them at yard sales. — Archer, Texas

Coupon warning:

I regularly put my unused coupons in the “take one, leave one” basket at our library. However, after I left a few Internet printables and someone copied them, I was temporarily banned from using SmartSource coupons (smartsource.com) because they thought I had copied them. A word of advice: Be careful who you give your Internet printable coupons to, as they can be traced back to you. — Lea, Virginia

Ribbon organizer:

Place ribbon spools in a small plastic basket with holes (the kind you can find at any dollar store). Organize spools so they’re upright, like books on a shelf. Thread two inches or so of ribbon ends through the holes and you can pull the length of ribbon easily. You can also use an old shoebox with holes poked into it, a five-tier slacks hanger in the closet, or even a baby wipes container. For a pictorial, visit instructables.com/id/Recycled-Ribbon-Organizer/?ALLSTEPS –Melanie, Florida

Reuse cases:

I use plastic VHS cases to hold small household items such as cords, game pieces, pens, pencils, markers, crayons, Barbie accessories, etc. Mine are just like the old cases from video rental stores, but you could reuse any type for the same purpose. — Tina, Ohio

photo by jmurawski

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One way to save money is by using less of a product. It’s easy to use less without compromising quality and results. Some examples include using less sugar, dish soap, shampoo, paper towels or meat. The first reader tip shares her strategy to use less fabric softener, but it can be applied to other products, too:

Track usage:

One of my saving strategies (and also a great motivator!) is to keep track of how long it takes to use something up and how long I can make it last. For example, if a bottle of fabric softener says it contains enough for 40 loads, I’ll make a tick mark on the bottle each time I use some in a load and see how many I can get, which is usually between 60 and 70. — Sarah, Massachusetts
Note from Sara, to avoid numerous emails in my inbox: Yes, you can use 1/4 cup of vinegar in your washer instead of fabric softener or completely avoid using fabric softener, too.

Extend the life of an old sweatshirt:

The cuffs of my sweatshirt were really starting to come apart at the ends. Rather than sew the edges together, trim them back or glue them, I got some thin seam binding and sewed it to the ragged edges. Looks pretty good, and I can wear my old sweatshirt for a little longer. The repair didn’t cost much, and it didn’t take much time, either. — Chris D., email

Seed starting:

I have an all-fridge and an upright freezer standing beside each other. They each have a faint warm spot on top that generates a very gentle heat, perfect for starting seeds. I do this every year, just until they germinate. — Andrea, Canada

Popcorn cauliflower (salty and/or sweet versions):

This tasty treat is perfect for snacking. Just like popcorn, you can experiment with different spices and flavors. Do not microwave to reheat. Leftovers from the savory version can be blended into soups, but sweet versions should be eaten immediately.

Savory Popcorn Cauliflower (Basic)
1/2 to 1 full head fresh cauliflower (approx. 1 pound)
2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons oil
Salt, to taste
Seasonings, optional
Pinch of sweetener (Truvia or Splenda, e.g.), optional

Cut the cauliflower into bite-size pieces. Put pieces in a large plastic storage bag or a large mixing bowl. Drizzle oil over the cauliflower, then sprinkle with seasonings and a little salt. Close bag and shake until florets are coated as evenly as possible, or toss well in a bowl. I usually put in 2 teaspoons of olive oil, shake, then spray with olive oil in a spray bottle to use much less oil than called for. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 F for 50-60 minutes, turning them over every 15 minutes.
You want them to get very dark brown for the best flavor, and turning them is important because the bottoms will get too browned otherwise. Makes about 4 servings. Do not freeze.

Twists:
Caramel Kettle “Korn”: Add 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon caramel syrup when coating the cauliflower with oil. You can also drizzle on after cooking instead of the sweetener.
Salt and Vinegar: Add 1 tablespoon vinegar and a couple of pinches of sea salt when coating the cauliflower. However, if you really want the “popcorn” crisp, add the vinegar to a sprayer and wait until it’s cooked to spray and then sprinkle with sea salt.
Spicy Curry: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons curry and/or chili powder when adding seasoning.
Cajun: Add 1-2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning.
Thyme and Garlic Delight: Add Thyme, black pepper, fresh garlic and lemon juice. — Diana, Iowa

Dilute shampoo:

When I water down my shampoo or body wash it gets thinned out, so I add some cheap dollar store aloe vera gel to it, shake, and it is thick again! — Julie, Florida

photo by dno1967b

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Natural ingredients make your skin feel great, and chances are you already have some of the items needed to make your own beauty products. The following beauty recipes are easy to make, and you control the ingredients. Because these homemade products don’t contain preservatives, they can’t be stored long-term. So make them, then use them up!

Bath salts:

2 cups Epsom salts
1 cup sea salt
colorant, herbal, mineral (1/8 teaspoon) or FD&C liquid dyes (a drop at a time), optional
18 drops of lavender essential oil (or cosmetic-grade fragrance oils)
In a large bowl, mix salts and add the other ingredients slowly. Store in a glass mason jar. To use, add 1/2 cup mixture to bathwater.

Strawberries-and-cream bath bags:

1/2 cup oatmeal (regular or quick)
1/2 cup powdered milk
4 tablespoons ground almonds
6 drops strawberry essential oil
Combine dry ingredients in bowl, stirring to mix well. Add essential oil and blend. Divide mixture among three muslin or organza bags and tie them at the top. Hang one from the bathtub faucet as the water is running into the tub or place directly into bath water. Store the other two in an airtight jar or a baggie. — Diana, New York

Exfoliant:

Make a paste of equal parts cornmeal and water and apply it to your face. Use a circular motion to scrub and rinse off. For added citrus scent and as a natural astringent, squeeze the juice from half an orange or lemon into your paste mixture.

Toner:

Combine equal parts water and witch hazel. Apply with a cotton ball.

Skin mask:

2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
1 tablespoon pure honey
4 teaspoons brewed and cooled chamomile tea
2 drops lavender essential oil
Mix all ingredients together and apply to face. Leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse.

Salt scrub and massage oil:

Make them for yourself or give them as gifts. One reader, C.M. from New York, shares: “To make scrubbing salts, use kosher salt (boxes of it are on sale after most holidays) or sea salt, olive oil and essential oils, which cost $6 per bottle at the health food store, but go a really long way! Fill small canning jars with the salt and cover it with olive oil (2:1), then add a few drops of essential oils.
“You can find pretty colored bottles with corks at the dollar store and fill them with a light olive oil and some essential oil drops to make homemade massage oil. If you give them as gifts, you can use a heat gun to attach labels adorned with silver and gold embossing crystals and stamp art.”

Bubble Bath:

5 drops essential oil
1 ounce liquid glycerin
1 ounce coconut oil
1 (4-ounce) bar Castile soap, grated
4 cups distilled water
Mix ingredients together. Store in spill-proof container. Add to bathwater.

Lip balm:

It’s very easy to make. Visit greenbeesbees.blogspot.com/2008/09/homemade-lip-balm.html for a lip balm recipe, but a basic formula is:
1/4 cup vegetable or nut oil
1/4 ounce beeswax
1 teaspoon honey or glycerin (humectant)
1/2 to 1 teaspoon natural flavoring oil, such as peppermint or lemon
Heat the vegetable or nut oil and beeswax in a double boiler until the beeswax is melted. Remove from heat and whip with an electric beater until creamy. Add the honey or glycerin and flavoring oil; whip some more. Store in small glass jars. Try different oils on your lips to choose the best one for your skin. — F.L., Illinois

For more skin care and beauty recipes, visit frugalvillage.com/forums/make-yourself.

photo by saaleha

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Nothing ruins a great vacation opportunity faster than having to count every last penny to make sure you have enough money to make it back home. Taking a vacation is the perfect way to relax from your normally stressful life, and for many people, is the only time they can fully unwind and appreciate downtime with their families. If you don’t have a ton of money to spend on vacation, it can be difficult to relax and try new things.
Here are a few tips to help you save money when you travel but still have fun.

Skip a Rental Car:

You don’t always need to rent a car when you travel. Some cities and destinations are perfect for walking sightseeing and using public transportation and it can often save you quite a bit of money over renting a car. You can call the hotel you plan to stay in before you arrive and ask about the public transportation options and closest subway or bus stop, and whether or not there are multi-day passes and other cost saving measures available.

Pack Your Own Meals:

One of the biggest expenses when traveling is eating in restaurants for three meals a day. You don’t have to get three restaurant meals a day in order to eat on vacation! Consider packing non-perishable items for breakfast and/or lunch and eating dinner in the restaurant of your choice. Alternatively, you can select a hotel that includes breakfast daily. Start each day with breakfast in the hotel, and if possible, take a piece of fruit or a bagel for later. If your hotel or vacation rental has a refrigerator, you can keep many more options handy for inexpensive and quick meals.

Look for Free and Discounted Entertainment Options:

You don’t have to pay for group tours or go to all of the touristy attractions that charge admission to experience a new destination. Think outside the box and consider local museums, parks, beaches and free attractions. You can get a local map and take a self guided, walking tour of the area. Visit the local library or coffee shops and look at their bulletin boards – this is where members of the community will post announcements and information about local events. Many of these events would be great for the budget traveler!

Look for Combination Passes for Local Attractions:

If there are a number of tourist destinations you intend to visit on your vacation, check into a combination pass which gives you a discount for purchasing a ticket to more than one destination at the same time. You can find these through the destination’s visitor’s bureau website, through travel agents, or sometimes through your hotel. Combination passes are most common in high tourist areas where there are many attractions in the same location.

Look for and Use Local Coupons:

If you’re going to stay in a destination for awhile, you can make use of coupons for dining, rental cars, and attractions. There are often books of coupons you can purchase ahead of time to save money on all of the local restaurants and attractions. You can also purchase the local newspaper and clip coupons or watch for specials at local restaurants – like happy hour, kids eat free, or buy one get one free nights.

All of these options will help save money when on vacation, but none will reduce the amount of fun and relaxation you experience while traveling. Sometimes thinking a little outside the box will help keep more money in your wallet, but can be just as enjoyable.

photo by danesparza

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A friend shared with me how she was overwhelmed with housework. She had two young children and said that between toys and papers from school, she could never get ahead. Again, I thought, come on now. Just address these issues immediately, and it’s not a problem. Surely, she must not be managing her time wisely, I thought.

I’d spend 15 minutes cleaning, a few times a day, and it was smooth sailing. Martha taught me useful tidbits like how often to flip my mattress, how to care for my broom and how to craft lacey luminarias. Did you know you should never place your broom with the bristles resting on the floor?

Then I had my third child, and life as I knew it changed. It’s not that I don’t love discovering and applying life tips, because I do. I offer practical strategies to readers and experiment with and implement new home solutions on a regular basis, but what I don’t need is guilt if I don’t take the time to fold a sheet properly, learn napkin folding 101 or, horror upon horrors, don’t make homemade tricolored pasta.

I wax nostalgic as I glance through glossy magazines and remember the “old me,” but my new motto is “dust happens.” Real moms step on Legos. We fight the laundry monster, the garden has weeds, our homes have crumbs and there are never enough hours in the day. Our families count on us. We have this incredible opportunity to leave a legacy of love. So, while decorating the perfect home in the latest color palette and organizing your life into cute compartments is admirable, it’s hardly soulful. It lacks depth and doesn’t add anything of true substance or value, does it? Somehow, I think I’ll live a full life without knowing how to choose the right duster or how to embellish my bath towels. My kids will still grow up well-adjusted if the utensils aren’t perfectly aligned in the drawer.

What greater gift can you give your family than to share your time? I’m not suggesting you live in chaos, but make time for what truly matters. Set aside the label maker and step away from the fabric-lined baskets once in a while. It’s not too late to escape from Supermom Island. I did. Martha doesn’t live here anymore. My family does. You won’t find guest slippers in my entryway. It’s even OK to keep your shoes on when you visit. After all, you might step on a Lego.

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To set the record straight, laundry should be sorted. There’s the “right” way to decide what needs to be hung up rather than folded, too. And for those households in which the men haven’t touched a pair of dirty socks in over a decade — that doesn’t happen over here without a laundry strike. Yes, I stoop that low. I’ve been known to place the hamper strategically on his side of the bed so he can’t miss it. All is fair in love and laundry.

SORTING: Sort by weight (fabric types such as denim, terry, knits, fleece, flannel, wool, etc.) and then by color (whites, lights, brights and darks). If an article of clothing says “wash separately,” it can often be washed with like colors. Sort out heavily soiled or stained clothing to prevent discoloration of other clothes. Sort by size so you have a balanced load. You want the agitator to work and spin well, so don’t overload. Sort fabrics by required water temperature, too.

TEMPERATURES: Hot water is used for whites, colorfast light-colored fabrics and clothing that has stains, unless you’re using an enzyme detergent such as Tide or Clorox cold-water bleach, which perform well in lower temperatures. Warm water is used for most clothing, such as permanent-press items, colorfast brights and polyester. Cold is for darks and bright colors, delicates and wools. According to Science Daily, researchers found washing in hot water killed all dust mites, compared to 6.5 percent when washing in warm water. Hot water was found to be more effective on dog dander and pollen, too. Washing in warm water with a double cold-rinse cycle was suggested as an effective alternative. Keep in mind, however, that many detergents perform best in higher temperatures. Read your clothing’s care labels for washing and drying instructions.

HANGING VS. FOLDING: Sweaters, T-shirts and casual knits should be folded to prevent stretching. If you prefer hanging T-shirts to avoid crease marks, avoid wire hangers and remove the hanger from the bottom so you don’t stretch the neck. If you hang sweaters, fold them in half lengthwise and drape them over the base of a hanger. Jeans can be folded. Casual pants and dress pants should be hung from felt-lined clamps, clip hangers or trouser-bar hangers. Dress shirts, blouses, skirts and dresses in fabrics such as rayons, silks and cottons should be hung to avoid wrinkles. Use padded hangers for dress clothes and delicates so they don’t slip. Blankets can be stored on hangers to take up less space. Invest in wooden hangers for your nicer clothing.

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Are you going stir-crazy waiting for spring? Bring on the sunshine, cue the butterflies and give me the sweet scent of hyacinth. I’m done with short days, heating bills, gray skies and cold and flu. I enjoy the four seasons, but sometimes winter is too long. It’s not surprising that some people experience the winter blues. Don’t bottle your feelings up. Make some positive changes. Here are a few blah-busting tips to help you feel alive. Before you know it, it’ll be spring.

GET OUTSIDE: It’s way too easy to make excuses for not getting outdoors during winter. A simple walk outside can make a huge difference in how you feel. At the very least, open the blinds and let the light shine through. If you can, plan a vacation during winter to break up the season. Even if it’s a drive, get outside and breathe in the air and absorb the light. It’s a great time to feed winter birds. If you have snow, look for a place to go snowshoeing, ice-skating or sledding. It’s a great season to grab your camera and take some scenic pictures.

EXERCISE: If you’re not into winter sports, there are plenty of exercises you can do inside. Try an exercise video for even 20 minutes a day, and I guarantee you’ll feel rejuvenated. You have an opportunity to take that spin or yoga class or go swimming. Plenty of time to get in shape before summer.

EAT WELL: Break out the recipes you’ve been meaning to try. It’s the perfect time to enjoy comfort foods, too. Nutritious foods and balanced meals combined with rest and exercise are going to help you feel good. If you don’t usually take vitamins, try it. Vitamin D can help.

ADD COLOR: Add colorful decorative accents such as pillows, towels and place mats to freshen and liven up your indoor space. It’s amazing what fresh flowers, fruit and tropical plants can do to improve your mood. Colorful candles and reed diffusers with fresh scents can lift your spirits, too.

MUSIC: Curl up with a book and some feel-good music. Is there music you haven’t listened to in years? Now is a great time to play it. Sit next to a window. Pamper yourself. Break out the moisturizer to soothe dry skin and simply relax.

WATCH MOVIES OR TELEVISION: Grab a comedy and laugh, or watch programs that focus on the outdoors. Gardening shows can inspire you, and it’s not too early to order seeds and get a jump start on your garden with winter sowing. For more information, check out www.wintersown.org.

TAKE A CLASS: If you’ve been thinking about taking a class like cake decorating, knitting or learning a foreign language, do it. Get out and and interact with other people.

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Time passes quickly. The days become weeks, and the weeks become years. Have you ever thought back to the dreams you once had? If you set aside your dreams for your list of a million-other-things and decided to wait for your turn or for the planets to align, part of you probably feels you haven’t been true to yourself. No one else is going to be disappointed if you don’t accomplish your goals; this is your own promise to yourself.

Maybe you learned to let go of some of them and create new dreams. But it’s possible there is one promise you made to yourself that you can’t abandon. Some dreams feel like a dull ache that surfaces from time to time. That ache serves as a reminder that there’s still time to pursue them. They can’t be ignored forever. So whether your promise is to open a business, continue your education, write a book or give back to your roots, the time to do something about it is now.

Through the years, my readers have shared their hopes and dreams with me. Most of their goals aren’t far-fetched, yet fear, lack of savings and everyday life often stand in the way. They think their dreams won’t ever become reality, or they are stuck on where to start so they don’t start at all. I want you to get started.

MAP IT OUT: Make a list of short-term and long-term goals. Be as specific as possible. What action can you take today toward your goal? Do you know what information or knowledge you need? Can you make some phone calls? Do research online or at the library? Take a class? Do it. Seeing it written down will bring life to your goal, and taking even a baby step is going to energize you.

KNOW WHAT BLOCKS YOU: Fully grasp what blocks your progress. Think of ways to clear the hurdles. If it’s lack of time, then your short-term goal can be to manage your time better so it’s no longer an issue. If it’s lack of money, then your goal can be to start saving. Frugality can help with that. If it’s fear, it’s time to confront what frightens you. The important part is planning for roadblocks that can get in the way — whether they are put there by yourself or others.

VISUALIZE ACCOMPLISHMENT: Believe in your dream. Picture it in your mind. Express your commitment to your promise. You really have to want it and choose it to achieve it. Start by making small promises on a regular basis to gain confidence.

CREATE A DEADLINE: Equally important as getting started is setting a deadline for your goal. This will prevent procrastination and will help you stay committed. If you think it’s going to take years, then set up mini-objectives and deadlines. Reward yourself when you hit milestones. Be determined and regularly make the time to work toward your goal. No one said it would be easy, but take the words “I can’t” out of the picture. Replace them with “I promise to,” and be specific.

Check on your progress and be prepared for compromise or changes. You might decide you need more or less time, or that you need to change direction. You owe it to yourself to try to fulfill the promise you intended to keep when you made it. Are you ready? Pay off that debt!

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Getting hooked on birding
Attracting various species isn’t difficult. You simply supply adequate food, water and shelter. If you want to become an avid enthusiast, you can photograph birds, provide nesting areas, grow specialized plants, learn more about specific birds, join or start a birding club, and keep a bird journal.

If you take the hobby route, you’ll soon discover that bird events often include trips to stalk specific or more elusive and rare birds. It’s extremely rewarding to identify a bird you’ve never seen before. Bird events can be found throughout the world and frequently offer various fun activities such as boating, hiking, photo contests, workshops, book signings, exhibits, and keynote speakers too.

You don’t have to leave home to observe wild birds because your own backyard can attract many, but it’s a lot more fun to venture out on a birding trip. One frugal trip can be to Chippewa Nature Center. If you don’t have a field guide or binoculars, they loan backpacks that have the basic gear you’ll need for a day of fun. They have a handy printable bird checklist too. http://www.chippewanaturecenter.com/checklists/Bird%20Checklist.pdf
Upcoming CNC activities include watching and learning about bird banding on 7/26/07 Thursday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and an early bird hike on 8/8/07 Wednesday 7:00 – 10:00 am

Family fun at home
You can make homemade feeders, birdbaths and suet inexpensively. Feeders can be constructed with an empty plastic milk jug, aluminum can, or 2 liter pop bottle with an opening cut out.

An easy birdbath can be created from a large sized (16” or larger) clay pot and saucer. Spray with clear acrylic sealing spray. (You may be able to locate a waterproof saucer) Turn the claypot upside down and use the saucer to hold water. Get creative and stack varying sized clay pots (ie. 10″,12″, and 14″ clay pots and 17″ diameter clay saucer ) and decorate it with paint, decals or mosaic tiles. If stacking pots, you’ll want to use silicone adhesive to assemble.

For homemade suet, you can save your bacon grease and melt it in a saucepan. Add some unsalted peanuts, a few tablespoons of peanut butter, sunflower seeds, corn meal, oat meal, flour, honey, and raisins. You can pour this mix into a baking pan and refrigerate until hardened. Then simply cut into cakes to fill a suet feeder or make your own by smearing it on pine cones or place the homemade suet in an empty juice can. Visit http://www.birdnature.com/log.html to see a log suet feeder project. The best location for your homemade suet is in the shade and sheltered from weather such as rain, snow, and high heat.

Introductory reading
If you’re looking for a beginner’s field guide, I suggest “Stokes Beginner’s Guide to Birds: Eastern Region” by Donald and Lillian Stokes, Little, Brown and Company; 1st ed edition (October 1, 1996) It contains beautiful pictures and is well organized by color, so it’s not overwhelming for children and beginners. Once you’ve learned the basics, I suggest upgrading to a more detailed guide that shares shapes, sizes, posture, markings, such as Sibley or Kaufman field guides.

Learn more and network
If interested in learning more about birdwatching and meeting fellow enthusiasts, you can contact the following places to get started:

Michigan Audubon Society
6011 West St. Joseph Hwy
Suite 403
Lansing, MI 48717
517-886-9144
Fax 517-886-9466
http://www.michiganaudubon.org/

Midland Nature Club
Meet monthly at Washington Woods, Midland
Contact Janea Little, Senior Naturalist at CNC 989-631-0830

Garden for wildlife and create a backyard wildlife habitat
http://www.nwf.org/backyard/index.cfm

Meet a birding pal
http://www.birdingpal.org/mi.htm

American Birding Association
http://www.americanbirding.org/

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Five years ago, I started my first blog. All I wrote on my first entry was “So I always know…” It serves as a reminder to me of the day I zigged instead of zagged. I made a choice that day and wanted to never forget that where I am and where I’m from are days upon days of making choices and decisions. Sometimes stumbling and often times doing and saying things that aren’t always in my best interest, but learning and growing all the while. (and loving myself)

I used to be more daring. I’ve mellowed through the years. I laugh less and take life too seriously at times. I’m always working on that. In my youth, I vowed I wouldn’t change and wouldn’t let “the system” change me. As a teen I loved the punk scene. I won’t get into all the reasons because that’s unimportant, but there’s a song that I liked by The Dead Kennedys titled “Life Sentence.” Part of the lyrics say:

“No sense of humor
But such good manners
Now you’re an adult
You’re boring

Are you really you you you
You you you you you you
Are you really you?
No”

This is a far cry from Carly Simon’s “Coming Around Again” lyrics that say:

“Baby sneezes
Mommy pleases
Daddy breezes in
So good on paper
So romantic
So bewildering
I know nothin’ stays the same
But if you’re willin’ to play the game
It will be comin’ around again”

Yet somehow I can relate to both.

My point is, I’m working on my “something more.” Some people are fortunate, they find their groove early on and all the little puzzle pieces fit perfectly and some people are simply content with the status quo. I was the one pushing my dreams down and working toward comfort and stability. I would often challenge myself, but those challenges were still within a comfort zone of what I knew I would succeed at or at the very least, I wouldn’t fail miserably. I took risks here and there, but would return to structure.

Like many, my life was becoming a spectator sport in the sense of instead of living, doing, and exploring, I was simply watching from the sidelines. Maybe you’re like I am, an adventurer at heart and you know when you can’t just sit and watch anymore. When you realize some alternatives will serve a greater purpose and be more fulfilling.

I’m sure you’ve noticed my absence from blogging. I’ve been busy, but it’s also because some of my routines have worn out their purpose. I’ve been intentionally avoiding it and doing silly things like crossword puzzles and making jello instead. Then of course I’m working. I’m especially working on being more daring. I’m in training for my “something more.” I’m stretching beyond my usual routines because I need to. It’s easy to do the predictable, isn’t it? In a nutshell, my life was getting smaller and it was impacting who I am and where I want to go.

What I’m trying to say and I think a lot of my women readers will relate to this…It’s my turn. The dream is here and the dream is now. It’s finally my turn. It’s so profound that I’m left with so what do I do now? I know what I could do. I could keep it safe and comfortable like I have been, but that’s not what I want to do. Not this time. This isn’t about my husband, my kids, my family…this is about me. Goodbye safe harbor.

There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. ~Anaïs Nin

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