5 quick things Friday because I WAS going to do 5 things I’m loving lately, but then couldn’t think of 5 things, but I also wanted to do a roundup post, so this here is a mash-up of memes. Ha! Things I’m loving lately is a round up of small things that give me an […]
A Spending Fast: do you need someone to hold your hand?
On this site and in my ebook The Temporary Tightwad, I’ve spoken a lot about the power of a spending fast to change your finances forever. I even chronicled my no-spend challenge last summer here. I’ve done 3 such spending fasts in my life. The first helped me get out of debt, the second helped my […]
Bodyweight exercises to do at home with your toddler
I love bodyweight exercises. They’re more effective at helping tone the body and take less time than cardio, and also don’t require any equipment. And you can do them in a hotel room while you’re on vacation! The following is a bodyweight workout you can do WITH your little one. How fun! They’re always climbing […]
How a homeschooling WAHM does summer (without losing it)
So summer is here in full swing. (I do take a break from homeschooling in the summertime, in case you’re wondering.) The kids are spending their time pursuing hobbies deeply, splashing around outside with the hose and making arrangements to meet their friends at the pool. It’s all fun and good, but what about the […]
My news fast: an update, one month in
I posted a month ago that I was beginning a 60 day news fast. I’ve kept that up for this month and will continue. There are a few things I’ve noticed and learned from this experiment. I’ll quickly list them here and expound further down. A few things I’ve learned since beginning my news fast: […]
What I’ve Learned About Beauty from Watching French Movies
Like any good wanna-be French girl, I’ve seen my fair share of French movies. While I watch them to immerse myself in conversational, every day casual French, I also learn things about their attitudes towards beauty. Here’s what I’ve learned about beauty from watching French movies. Less makeup, more skin (and hair) care French women […]
Happiness Project: 8 things I’ve learned about happiness
The science and study of happiness has long interested me. In 2011 I read a wonderful book, The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin, probably one of the best in the niche. That book profoundly influenced my life and thinking. I embarked on a Happiness Project of my own and even invited friends to join me in […]
Favorite Cleaning Tools: 4 Homemaking Tools I Can’t Live Without
Since we’re talking about spring cleaning and avoiding “tool-shaped objects” syndrome, I thought it would be a perfect time to talk about favorite cleaning tools I can’t live without. For years, in the name of frugality, I cleaned with sub-par products. I wasted time, energy and money on homemade cleaning products and homemade laundry detergent […]
Spring cleaning: skip it and do this instead
It happens every February: everyone starts talking about spring cleaning. I’m going to take a slightly contrarian position and encourage you to skip it entirely. Here’s why, and what you might do instead that’s a more profitable use of your time. Where did spring cleaning come from? “When homes were heated with wood, coal or […]
Sitting Kills: How to Easily Sprinkle Bite Size Exercise Through Your Day
How busy moms can add more health-supporting, meaningful movement to their day without stressing about “exercise” routines It’s a typical after-school scene. One kid needs help with unrecognizable math homework, another complains about the latest middle-school mean girl drama, and everyone is hangry. You grab your phone to take a breather on the couch while […]