Bringing Back the Old School

Saw someone on Facebook comment about what ever happened to the S Club 7... thought I'd bring some of their videos back. It was a lot of fun watching music videos from back in the day, so maybe I will bring some more groups back for old times sake. Enjoy 90's kids!

Little bit of happiness: Today I got the ball rolling with starting my Master's Degree... filled out FAFSA, applied for the Graduate School at Emporia State University, and signed up for the GRE. Now just to finish up my ESL endorsement with my last classes and the test.

Daily quote: "You can never be overdressed or over-educated." -Oscar Wilde

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Learning the Hard Way

We were talking about this video tonight and I don't think I have posted it yet. This dad is definitely badass... maybe I will have a gun just for this reason when I have my own kids. 

Little bit of happiness: Tonight I had dinner with some good friends and their kiddos. When I moved here the youngest was only 6 months and now he is 2 and talking up a storm. When he came into the house he must have smelled dinner because he yelled "I WANT BACON!" Haha, moments like that make me look forward to maybe having my own, but God only knows what will come out of their mouths. I already know Karma bite me in the butt from all the laughing I've done from my friends' kids!

Daily quote: Do what you can with what you have where you are.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

I am... a Teacher

Found a lot of good stuff on Pinterest today for work and it just adds to the list of things I want to get done this summer! I also found some funny ones about my job that I thought I would share.

And one that a little more on the serious side.

Little bit of happiness: I decided to total how many pages I have read so far this year... In three months I may have read 10,261 pages. Whoa.

Daily quote: What you read wen you don't have to determines what you will be when you can't help it." -Oscar Wilde

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Young and Wild and FREE!!

Today I have some humor from the mind of a kindergartner...

I was walking in the hallway next to their line and there was a little girl messing with the top of her shirt and looking down it. She kept smiling and looking back up and me like she was just waiting for me to ask what was going on.

So I whisper down to her.... "Whatcha doin'?"

She whispered back, "I'm wearing a bra!!"
Oh my gosh, I was just laughing hysterically and she just looked so proud of herself! (I think it was just actually an undershirt.) She was just soooo excited to wear a bra, almost as excited as I get to take mine OFF!
Ladies, you know what I mean, it just feels like sweet, sweet freedom! It's like the skies open up, the sun shines through, and the Hallelujah Chorus fills the earth. Nothing feels better after a long day than going eu natural.

So little one, you wear that bra girl. For those of us who wish we didn't!

Here's some more humor for you:

Onto more serious things...

I'm currently reading The Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey and today I focused on the Snowball Effect. This is where you list all your debt from things like credit cards and loans in order from least to greatest. You focus on paying them off in that order... you pay as much as you can for the minimal account WHILE still paying the minimum payments on the others. The idea is if you rid of the smaller ones first you will have more money to put towards the other later. So I've put all mine in order and can't wait to get rid of all the financial burden!

Little bit of happiness: Lots of great moments today! Started off with ALL of my kiddos reached standards on their math assessments, so proud of them!!!! Now I can breathe since we are now finished with assessments for the year, phew. I am also pretty sure that I have decided what I will be doing for my Master's Degree, so it's time to get in gear with that. Also got to talk to my college roommate and parents on the phone tonight. Good day!

Daily quote: "Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart." -Ellen Degeneres

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Still Hungry?

Another great one from Pinterest... a lot of people have asked what to read next after the Hunger Games. Here's some ideas:

From what I gather these are all dystopias. I have read The City of Ember, The Giver, The Uglies, Among the Hidden and the Lightning Thief. From those that are series I feel like the first one was the only one worth reading. My kids like The Maze Runner and Matched, but the other ones I would have to look into. Amazon is always a good place because they have reviews you can look at.

Little bit of happiness: The weather was GORGEOUS today! This evening I sat outside and finished reading a book and then walked Miss Emerald.

Daily quote: "With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy?" - Oscar Wilde

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Happy Hunger Games

Tonight I went to the opening night of the Hunger Games along with about 25 of our fifth graders from last year and a handful of their moms. It was a great time and I LOVED the movie! It was so close to the book, which is exactly what I was hoping for. It wasn't as detailed as the book, and those who hadn't read the book yet felt a bit lost for a while.

For my fellow Hunger Games fans here is a map of Panem created by a fan.

Go to this link if you want the background information for the map.

Day 22 of 23 Days of Frugal Living: 23 Tips that are Guaranteed to Save You Money

1. Don't go shopping - If you aren't shopping you can't spend the money, especially on impulse buys. I have got to stop shopping as often, especially just to kill time.

2. DIY when possible - I would have to get used to the gardening and making my own soaps, but I love me some crafts!

3. Go car-lite - In effort to use my car less around town here, I will be investing in a (cute) bike with my tax return money. Other than catching rides with my friends, not using a car for going to Dodge and out of town really isn't much of an option.

4. Look for quality - Buy less cheap crap and research before every purchase.

5. Don't borrow money - Pay cash, or don't get it!

6. Stop the subscriptions - I don't have any magazine or newspapers, but I'm sure there are things I could cut out here and there.

7. Make your own homemade cleaners - Good idea, but not very high on my priority list right now.

8. Turn off the satelitte/cable -  Not only save money, but have time for other things and people. I would have a hard time at first, but this is something I may work towards down the road.

9. Live within your means - I'm working on getting rid of all my credit cards and only using cash.  

10. Learn to be content - Life is filled with so much more happiness when are content with what you have.

11.  Value your health - Eating, sleeping, exercising better not only makes you healthier but saves you money on doctors visits. I totally agree with this!

12. Cook at home - I've been doing a lot better with this, not only does it save me money but I eat much healthier.

13. Start a garden - Great way to save a lot of money, however I have a lot of learning to do with this! I will be starting with zucchini this year, and working my way up.

14. Look to buy used first - Saves money and waste. Maybe this is where upcycling can come in too.

15. Go out to eat on the cheap - Easiest way is to drink water and choose something less pricey. Coupons don't hurt either.

16. Put a number on it - Keeping track of food thrown away and think about the long term use before buying things. I know I need to think about if I will still be wanting that purchase a month, six months, or year down the line. I really want to use the 30 Day List that was talked about earlier to help with this.

17. Rethink the laundry - For pants and I bras I wear them a couple times before washing them.

18. Shop your home - Refashion clothes, and other odds and ends you already have. Good idea, although I don't really know how to sew and such.

19. Read and learn - Love this one! A lot of the information I learn is actually from novels.

20. Reduce convenience foods - I've stopped buying packaged foods that I can just pop in the microwave, so much cheaper and WAY healthier! More fruits and veggies in their place.

21. Don't toss the leftovers - Making it into something else... I would need some major help with coming up with different ideas. Maybe once I have my recipe book put together it would help out.

22. Save on utilities - Use less! I've been making a better effort about shutting off the lights when I'm not in the room.

23. Take care of your possessions - I need to work on this, my mother always told me I think everything can be replaced. I need to make the effort of taking care of things so they last longer and less money is spent in the long run.

Little bit of happiness: Of course the Hunger Games movie was the highlight of my day, but it was also a lot of fun to hang out with a different group of great people.

Daily quote: "Love the life you live. Live the life you love." - Bob Marley

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra



Cheerful Mornings

A little insight from my daily calendar...

3 ways to keep the mornings calm and cheerful:

1. Get enough sleep! I tend to cut myself short with sleep, but I find that if I sleep too long it actually makes me more tired during the day. I probably get 5-6 hours a night, instead of the 6-8 recommended. Something else to work on!

2. Sing! It just puts you in a good mood from the very start of the day. I usually don't sing, I dance... well booty drop is more like it. Haha, it just puts me in a good mood.

3. Get organized the night before! Definitely something I need to do better at. Maybe not just with setting out clothes, but also making lunch in advanced. Another great thing to do once you are super organized.

Day 21 of 23 Days of Frugal Living: The Process of Converting Your Spouse

 Another one that doesn't really pertain to me. It was mostly about making your case and sharing your goals with your other half.

Little bit of happiness: I have lost 5 pounds in the last week and had a good observation at work today!

Daily quote: What's meant to be will always find its way.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Favorite Voices from the Voice

Just thought I would share some of my favorite unique singers from the Voice so far...

Day 20 of 23 Days of Frugal Living: It's Time for a Giveaway - Track Your Spending with PearBudget

Just a link to a website that provides a program for putting together a set budget.

Little bit of happiness: My new glasses arrived today! WOOHOO!!

Daily quote: If you eat what you've always eaten, you will weight what you've always weighed.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Happy Spring!

Happy Spring craft...

Supplies before...

...Finished Product After!

Day 19 of 23 Days of Frugal Living: Living the Good Life... No Matter What the Checkbook Says

To me this is very, very important... even thought funds might be tight, you can still have fun and be happy! You must think of quality of quanity and people over possessions. In order to do this, make the following priorities:

1. Develop your passions: who you are and what you love

2. Learn a new skill: or refine old ones... doesn't have to be formal higher education, just read!

3. Invest in people: people that don't care about your money care about you

4. Volunteer your time: there's always someone who has less that you can help

5. Enjoy nature: you don't have to go far to experience a different way of life

6. Health is wealth: take care of your body (eat healthy), mind (reduce stress), and soul (nuture your spirit)

7. Stay home: cook at home, workout at home, relax at home... don't always be on the go

Little bit of happiness: Loved the spring rain! It's nice and refreshing, so different from the dry norm here.

Daily quote: Before you talk, listen. Before you react, think. Before you criticize, wait. Before you pray, forgive. Before you quit, try.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Faux Porcelain Vases

Latest craft project... Faux Porcelain Vases!

The supplies: 3 cheap glass bottles from Hobby Lobby, puff paint, and white spray paint.

Designs created on the glass bottles with the puff paint.

After the puff paint has dried, use white spray paint to create the porcelain look.

YAY CRAFTS!

Day 18 of 23 Days of Frugal Living: How to Stick to a Budget

 1. Write it down!

Use a spreadsheet to include spendings like:

• Rent/Mortgage Repayments
• Utilities (Electricity, gas, water)
• Phone, Mobile and Internet Expenses
• Insurance (House, Health, Life, Car etc)
• Car, Transportation and Tickets
• Food and Clothing
• Medical
• Entertainment
• Other (debts, gym memberships etc)
• SAVINGS!!!!

2. Work towards a goal!

Reward yourself with a vacation or item of choice after saving over a period of time.

3. Treat yourself every so often!

To celebrate not slipping up after a period of time reward yourself with a small treat.

4. Make your budget workable!

Don't be so strict on your budget that it is impossible to be successful.

Started Dave Ramsey's Money Makeover today! Wowzers... got some work to do!

Little bit of happiness: Mark another thing off the bucket list! Made my postcard to send to PostSecret!

Daily quote: Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Dadgum Autocorrect

Ever had the autocorrect on your phone go waaaay wrong? I have, but luckily I catch it in time, usually. Here are some that didn't get caught in time. (Warning, I was laughing so hard I was crying reading some of these! Cool, I know):

PHOTOS OF WEEK ELEVEN:

March 11th: Barnes and Noble and new Stunna Shades!

March 12th: While at my parents I picked up some of my favorite art pieces I did in high school. The dog is ink and oil paint, the parrot is acrylics, and the baboon is oil pastels. The monkey scared the crud out of my parents' dog at the time, haha.

March 13th: This was my first sculpture, and also my favorite. I had sketched it out on a paper table cloth at Macaroni Grill during a field trip and then went to work one stressful weekend.

March 14th: Jodi Picoult signing my copy of Lone Wolf! Amazing day!

March 15th: My loot from Sephora (Kat Von D makeup and Kate Walsh's perfume) and my first use of the eyeshadow.

March 16th: Started Herbalife today, which my brother sells. I'm not a fan of mint chocolate, but I am pleasantly surprised that the shake isn't bad at all.

March 17th: I found a recipe to make SoLong's Raspberry Chipotle Bean Dip so I took it to the St. Patty's Party... I liked it!

Day 17 of 23 Days of Frugal Living: Redefining Our Wants vs. Our Needs

Being a part of the Western world, most of have everything we could ever need, or want. The blog states that the following are universal needs:

• food
• clean water
• shelter from the elements
• intimate relationships
• participation in a community
• recreation/leisure
• the ability to create
• insight into self
• freedom

They also use Donella Meadows views from her book Beyond the Limits to help redefine your wants vs. your needs.

1. You don’t need a bigger house or car, you need respect.
2. You don’t need the newest cosmetics, you need to feel attractive.
3. You don’t need a closet full of clothes, your need variety and beauty.
4. You don’t need electronics (i.e. TV’s, gaming systems, stuff with apple logos, etc.), you need something worthwhile to do with your life.
5. You dont’ need material things, you need identity, community, challenge, acknowledgement, love, and joy.

So basically, what are those things that you are wanting fulfilling the need of?

Little bit of happiness: Just another great, simple day before heading back to work tomorrow. Slept in. Read. Arts and crafts. Won our first volleyball game! :)

Daily quote: "You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need." -Vernon Howard

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Did You Hear a Click?

Tonight at our St. Patty's Day party we were talking about the iPad and trying to figure out Skype... and the video of grandparents trying to take a picture came up. Thought I would share that one, and one with grandparents using photobooth. Enjoy the laughs!

Day 16 of 23 Days of Frugal Living: Frugality out of Necessity

The challenge today really struck a cord with me today. It becomes extremely stressful to make it from month to month on a small budget and make ends meet. Here are the reasons the blog gives that we get dead broke and can't seem to find a way out:

1. We view frugal living as boring and bland. We don't have the money at the end of the month because we spend it to try to make ourselves feel like we got it. (Wow! I didn't realize I do this until I read it in words)

2. Our wants and needs are messed up.

3. We buy too much. (I think especially of food, how much food gets tossed out because it gets old?)

4. Not taking responsibility and admitting fault.

5. Not having a budget. It's painful, but vital.

6. We aren't earning enough money. You might have to get a 2nd job, get creative.

7. There isn't an emerency fund... at least 1,000 bucks.

8. Too much clutter.  

9. We live to try and impress others. (Danger!)

10. Find ourselves for therapeutic or recreational purpose. (Dang, guilty!)

11. We thing vintage wisdom (most for your dollar, cooking from scratch, growing own food, make own cleaning products, mending clothes, and repurposing or upcycling) is a thing of the past.

I think I can find myself guilty of all of these at some point or another. It definitely makes me take a step back and look at all my mistakes. I want to become a better spender and saving, one day at a time.

Little bit of happiness: Today was just a great day! Explored a new recipe, hung out with friends at our March Madness/St. Patty's party, went to a b-day party for a couple of the little guys, and met some friends out at the bar. It was great to see everyone, and seeing these people gives me something to look forward to in going back to work.

Daily quote: Quit waiting for everything to be perfect... you have everything you need right now.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

My Child

Took my child to the vet again today... yes, my friends call her my kid so I figured I would embrace it. Especially since her doctors visits are more expensive than my own. Emerald is missing some fur on her back and the vet doesn't know what is going on yet. She got a steriod in the butt, and we will have to go back in a week for a check-up. I kid you not, she's my child. Here's a cute baby...

Now you know why I couldn't say no... and why I wouldn't be opposed to another :)

Day 15 of 23 Days of Frugal Living: Learn to Share and Barter

Not sure I agree with this old school idea, but here are some "good" and "bad" ideas:

GOOD:

1. Exchange time, not dollars

2. Volunteer for non-profit organization

3. Car pool

4. Share creative ideas on a blog

5. Donate items to charity you don't use

6. Swap party

7. Library card

8. Homemade gifts

BAD:

1. Share yard tools between neighbors

2. Community garden

I think those things would just create more confusion about who's is who's. Maybe that's selfish, I don't know. Why complicate something that is easier on your own?

Little bit of happiness: Rest and relaxation day to myself before getting back to society and work... started the Herbalife program, mowed the lawn, caught up on DVR shows, read, took the dog to the vet, got some more craft supplies, ingredients to make So Long's dip tomorrow, and stopped off at Hastings. Excited to see my friends tomorrow!

Daily quote: Maybe the best thing to do is stop figuring out where you're going and just enjoy where you're at.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Kat Von D Makeup

I just finished one of Kat's books and while in Kansas City I was able to go into Sephora and look at Kat Von D's makeup line for the first time in person. I've had it bookmarked for awhile, so I had to get my hands on some! Hopefully I will be able to invest in some more in the future. Here's the palet I got:

On her shows she always has crazy makeup, and here are some of my favorites that I could find online.

Here's her pictures for her 2 different perfumes a few years ago... with and without tattoos. Crazy difference! She's gorgeous, especially without the tattoos... but the tattoos make her personality for sure.

Day 14 of 23 Days of Frugal Living: Starting Your Own Urban Garden

This was a quick post about how to have a garden in a huge city. Once again, don't really feel much connection to this one... I have a large backyard to use if I wanted. I am wanting to plant some zucchini this year, so I will have to do some more research on that.

Little bit of happiness: Opened my perfume box I bought yesterday... this thing was the size of a Zippo lighter! Haha, just had to laugh out at my self. I will have to make sure I pick 5 very important days to wear it before it runs out! Oh well, it smells amazing. (Billionaire Boyfriend by Kate Walsh)

Daily quote: A woman without curves is like jeans without pockets; you don't know where to put your hands.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Meeting My Favorite Author!!

After a day of shopping, I got to meet my favorite author, Jodi Picoult! This is without a doubt going to be one of my highlights for the year, I can already tell you that much! In fact, meeting a favorite author was going to be on my "bucket list" for the year but I thought it was too advantageous... man, did I learn my lesson! Never doubt yourself, your dreams could actually be within reach.

During the conversation with Jodi, we were in the 4th row! Here are my favorite parts of the conversation:

1. She compares what happened with the ending of the movie version of My Sister's Keepers to a baby put up for adoption. You wish them the best life with good parents, hope they become a good citizen, go to college and get a good job, and start their own family... but instead, you find out they have become a prostitute! Haha.

2. She said the next book to be made into a movie will probably be Sing You Home... which the rights have been bought by Ellen Degeneres! I sure hope this happens, two of my favorite people!

3. She has another book coming out this year, one that she has co-written with her daughter. Jodi gave away 3 prepublished copies to 3 thirteen year olds at the signing... man, I wish I were 13 again!! Oh well, guess I will just have to wait like everyone else.

There she is signing my book!!! Man, I was so star struck! I have walked across stages a few times in life for graduations (even lost a shoe during my high school graduation walk) and this was the most nerve racking one yet. Haha. She was so nice.

SIGNED!!!

Day 13 of 23 Days of Frugal Living: Grow Your Own Herbs

Basically it's all in the title... but grow perennials so you don't have to plant them every year.

Little bit of happiness: Can't get much better than meeting my favorite author... but add to it a good day of shopping: bulletin board stuff, craft supplies, Kat Von D makeup, and Kate Walsh's new perfume. GREAT DAY!!

Daily quote: "If a man wants to read good books, he must make a point of avoiding bad ones; for life is short, and time and energy is limited." -Schopenhaur

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

The Hunger Games Trilogy has been Conquered

I finished the Hunger Games series today! Of course the first was the best, by far.

Now I just have to wait for the 23rd to see the first movie... EEEK!

Day 12 of the 23 Days of Frugal Living: Raising Frugal Children

Well, this definitely doesn't pertain to me... but in short, your kids are watching your every move, even with money. Lead by example. The end.

Little bit of happiness: Spent most of the day at home reading, updating my blog after a long weekend, and then headed to KC with mom... tomorrow is the day I meet my favorite author, Jodi Picoult, after a day of shopping! HAPPY, HAPPY, JOY, JOY.

Daily quote: "May the odds be ever in your favor." -The Hunger Games

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Be Successful

Day 11 of the 23 Days of Frugal Living Challege: Going Car-lite

Basically, today focuses on using your car less, if at all. Living in rural Kansas I don't drive to much, but it would be impossible to give up driving completely. No thank you to a 20 mile walk to Dodge or even worse when I decide to go back towards my family and friends. However, in addition to saving on gas, you are also able to reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy the world around you if you walk or bike more often. I would be willing to try using my car less, especially since it is not too far from work. And I have a bicycle in mind that I would like to purchase, but that is just more money I would spend in order to save it. Decisions, decisions.

Little bit of happiness: Some more little things that make me happy: visiting puppies at the puppy pound, having a heart to heart with my old college roomie about where we see life taking us, and ordered new glasses! Productive day.

Daily quote: Respect people who find time for you in their busy schedule. But love people who never look at their schedule when you need them.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

This Means War

We went and saw This Means War tonight. It was super funny, and not as much as a chick flick as I thought it would be. And can't forget that Chelsea Handler is in it too!

This candy machine was in the lobby of the movie theater:

Toto, we're not in Southwest Kansas anymore! I've gotta get out more :)

Day 10 of the 23 Days of Frugal Living: How to Stop Spending Money to try and Impress Other People

Sadly, I'm guilty of this one too... I don't know if I would use the word "impress" though. More like trying to keep up with my friends that make twice as much as me AND have two incomes in the house... FYI it isn't possible to keep up :) Anyways, onto the blog...

An important thing to remember with trying to keep up with the "in" thing, is that by the next week it will be upgraded, so why waste the money in the first place? Instead of becoming a people follower try this:

1. Give freely of your time and energy.

2. Prioritze family.

3. Discover and develop your gifts.

4. Put off consumerism.

5. Speak encouraging words.

6. Find time to listen to others.

7. Inspire, not impress

Little bit of happiness: Getting out of Southwest Kansas allows me to have some of the small pleasures of life that I miss: a book store and Target. Yes, it's very sad. So I got a couple books at Barnes and Noble and new black and green "STUNNA" shades at Target. Do I need these things? Does it go with frugal spending and saving? No, no it doesn't. But does it make me happy, darn tootin'.... so there.

Daily quote: "Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like." -Will Smith

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra