No Place Like Home

After multiple weekends of traveling, there is no place I would rather be than my house....unless of course I am at my parents' house.  Here are some of the nice touches that make the house so inviting and my mom a great hostess:

An inviting backyard complete with two comfortable and unique hanging swing chairs much like the ones that can be found here

Fresh flower centerpieces

Decorative accessories like these hanging vases filled with water and living plants

A simple yet elegant shower curtain.  Hung on a curved rod, this white shower curtain has a mesh window that lets the light in and has a snap-on fabric liner that can be removed and washed when necessary.  The best part is this can be found for only $20 at your local Lowes

Of course all of these things are just extras that add to a great weekend spent with family!

Starting Tomorrow...

"Starting tomorrow," "starting next week," or "starting on Monday."  These are a few phrases commonly used by anyone (including me) who has ever wanted to drop a few pounds, improve their eating habits, or increase their overall health.  Since tomorrow is a Monday and the beginning of a new week, it is time for me to begin a different kind of diet: a debt diet. 

A few years ago after a change in jobs I became the not-so-proud owner of a small amount of credit card debt.  Small amount or not, any amount was more than I wanted so I read Jean Chatzky's book Pay It Down!  While not in the same debt situation as before, I do currently have a mortgage and would like to be saving more money so I am re-reading this book.  Not only is Pay It Down! a purposeful book, it is an easy read and helps to keep me to be more conscientious of my spending and saving. 

For anyone looking to increase their savings or decrease their debt, this book is a great resource.  You can also check out Jean Chatzky's blog for other practical financial management books and advice.

7-11

I didn't grow up around 7-11s.  I have heard of them, know what they are about, but have never lived in a city that had 7-11s.  Today, though, I am in Florida, where there is a 7-11 on every corner.  Perfect considering it's 7-11 day...I was able to experience the satisfaction of a free 7.11 ounce Slurpee!

Another satisfied customer...

Fuzzy Math

Men may have better spatial skills than women, but somehow I made this happen on a recent flight:

         1 pair of pajamas

         2 swimsuit cover-ups

         3 pairs of socks

         4 dresses

         3 pairs of shoes

         7 shirts

         10 pairs of shorts
         13 undergarments
         4 swimsuits
+       3 books               

=       1 carry-on bag








While the math might not add up, fitting all of these things into one carry-on suitcase has some definite advantages:

• Saving money by avoiding paying to check a bag;
• Having everything you packed at the ready in the event you end up spending the night in the airport; and,
• Reducing the likelihood that your goods will end up as Unclaimed Baggage.

No matter how much or little you pack, always make sure to pack your patience whenever you travel!