Thankful Thursday - The Great Moms in My Life

I've been thinking all week about what to write today for my Thankful Thursday post. Then a wonderful friend of mine, Melanie, asked if I would read something she wrote for Mother's Day. It was awesome - and should she post it, I'll link to it.

It started me thinking about Mother's Day and all the wonderful women that have made a difference to me over the years. I realize that there is no blog that will hold the amount of writing I would have to do in order to properly thank every lady that has made a difference in my life. Today I'd like to touch on a few of them and reserve the right to come back and highlight a few more.

1st and most importantly, my Mom! My Mom is such a strong, wonderful woman. She taught us values, awesome work ethics, how to be givers and instilled in us that no matter what, family is family and you need to be there for them. Mom will be 68 in a little over week and still works so very hard for a living. She always has. Hey, she raised 4 of us to be self sustaining...productive citizens and personally that is by far the greatest accomplishment ever. I think I would have had to shoot the 2 middle children on most days - but she didn't. (What? Me...a middle child? :-)

Mom, thank you for all you have done for me. For your love, support and encouragement. For the freedom to be me - with all the silliness and sometimes meaness that is within me. You always have there for me to lean on when things were hard or to give me a much needed nudge, to get me back into the race. You have literally loved me through thick and thin and then back again. Even when I was at such an unhealthy weight, you were kind, but stern. You encouraged without killing the spirit and I'm so grateful for that. You always love us kids - as well as your grandchildren no matter how stupid we become at times, no matter if we don't call like we should and even though we probably don't see you enough. We know that no matter how hard life is or if we are basking in the glory of success that you are there for us, encouraging, motivating and wishing for the best for us. We know that you are there for all of us and for that I'm so thankful.

I'm glad that we share the love of the ocean. I look forward to our beach trips every year. I'm thankful that we share the love of so many things. We love horror movies, the beach, flea markets and just riding around. We love going to bingo. Even though we never win money, we walk away richer than we came because of the laughter we shared for the evening. Thank you for the never ending love, the laughter and the happiness that you've given to me all of these years. Thank you for your support and for always believing in me. Thank you for being one of my very, very bestest friends. I love you and appreciate all that you do and all that you are.

Next is my sister, Angie. Angie is one that I can talk to about anything at any time anywhere and trust me - we talk, text, email or facebook each other everyday. We love spending time together at the coffee shop or the beach! When she discovers something new on the computer, she shares and I do the same. I love the fact that we can laugh together, work together, sit and be quiet while enjoying each others company or just plain do nothing together. We have so many great memories as we've raised our children together - just years apart. I'm also thankful that she is one of my very, very bestest friends! One that when the times are tough - she will be there to help me through it. When I don't feel like I can make it, she will encourage me on. And when I need a smile, she always brings out the silly side in me so that I can carry on one more day. I'm also thankful that she will even go and pick up my wallet that I'd forgotten - even though when I told her there was a password, she immediately knew what it was.....she hates that nick name and I have NO idea where I got it from so many years ago. I love you and appreciate all that you do and all that you are.

The next person I'm thankful for is my very, very bestest friend, Jeanne. She loves me just the way I am - silly one day and so focused that I hardly have time for email the next. She loves my children like her own and is willing to walk through the valley with me. I'm so happy that we can just sit, relax and enjoy coffee together anytime. She has prayed for me, cried with me and has been honestly happy for my successes. She inspires me, reminds me and motivates me to continue on fighting the good fight. She loves me for who I am, just the way I am and for that I'm thankful. I love you and appreciate all that you do and all that you are.

And last but not least, I'm thankful for my Step Mom who loves me and my family as if we were her own. She came into the family and cares deeply for us. She isn't able to get around as much as she used to - but we still have fun together. I do miss the walks to taco bell in the snow, the movie watching all hours of the night and playing yahtzee - even though I always lost. I love you and appreciate all that you've done for me.

There are so many other women who have influenced me! They are strong, courageous and use their abilities to strengthen their families as well as those around them. I want to say thank you to all the wonderful Moms that I know and say - well done Mommie....well done!

Thank you for your constant sacrifices, your unconditional love, your laughter, your smile, your hugs and your shoves back on the right track. While we might not always like what you tell us (cause who likes hearing the truth when it hurts?) you always have the courage to tell us what we need to hear! THANK YOU for having that courage!

Happy Mother's Day!

Photo - My Mommie!

I Refuse To Let This Recession Kill my Spirit of Giving!!

No, I'm not kidding!

This is hitting closer to home now. Since the beginning of the year my husband's job has been at 32 hours a week. Well, Friday he calls me and says that they are now going to an every other week schedule. OUCH! So what is a giving heart supposed to do?

Plan ahead!

Christmas is coming, birthdays are right around the corner. Even if it is $10.00 a week, start your list and go ahead and make those purchases. My goal is to have all of my Christmas shopping done before the end of September. I will let you know how it goes.

College is this fall as well. Thankfully there is a nearby K-Mart who still has lay away. Towels, wash clothes and anything else I can think of are on lay away so that those needed items won't break the bank upon entering college.

Graduation - If you are planning on giving a nice gift to that graduate of yours, start putting back now. This will allow you to tuck a nice little bit of "green" in your favorite graduates card.

Yes - A recession is the perfect time to give. You will motivate and encourage others to give. You will make a difference in the life of someone who probably needs it more than you could ever know. No matter how bad things may be for you right now - there is always someone who is in a worse situation. A recession is filled with opportunities to make a big difference and not have to spend a lot. How is that possible? Well, I'm glad you asked!

A recession is the perfect time to give because:


1. You will not have to look far for someone in need. There is probably a family on your street that could use a little bit of help. Instead of your family going out to eat, get a gift card - give it to the family down the road (even if it is for McDonalds) and enjoy a night at home with your family playing games and feasting on hot dogs. What about that co-worker that never, ever ever goes out to lunch. You know who they are...invite them to lunch with you. Tell them you are buying and you won't take no for an answer.

2. Your little bit will go a long way. Any "little" thing you do during this economy will be greatly appreciated! I always appreciate everything that comes my way, but if I know someone is pinching pennies - then that always means so much more! You know it is sacrificial and more importantly, it comes from the heart. Even the box of Little Debbie Oatmeal Pies that you gave out one by one - put a smile on the face of someone and made their day. (If you've never done this, you should try it! It is a great feeling to just walk up and hand out an oatmeal pie to a total stranger and simply walk away.)

3. Words of encouragement cost nothing but have the greatest value. Knowing that you are not alone with certain problems helps so much. It truly does. Why do you think support groups and online forums are so popular? We need to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and these types of groups remind us of that. When people are in different stages of the same type of journey, those that are "out front" can remind those that are behind that it will get better. Things do work out - you just have to be patient. We can see that there is hope just ahead. So, what are you waiting on? Send that note, type out that email - encourage someone today!

4. A positive attitude is contagious! Is yours worth catching? So many people are discouraged and are struggling just to make it through the day. Your positive attitude and helpful spirit can help carry several people through what just might be a horrible day. Even if you, yourself are going through a rough patch, you can still be positive and happy. Smile at everyone you come in contact with. Look at each new day as a chance to have a positive impact in the life of someone near you.

5. Giving what you have the most of - TIME. Many people in the Hollywood scene will donate thousands of dollars to their favorite charity (and let me say, I'd love to have a Hollywood Star have Spreading Joy Corporation as their favorite charity - I'm not even going to deny it!) but they don't often give much of their time. You may have the opposite problem - more time than money. So, give your time. Are you a quick book pro? Are you great with talking to complete strangers? Are you free for a few hours everyday while your children are in school? Think about how you can donate your time to make a difference.

Giving during a recession just makes sense. Many people (including myself) struggle with the fact that they can't make a HUGE difference and simply decide it is just not worth it. Just keep working through the recession. Keep giving something to someone every day. Don't worry about what it is, how big it is or if it will save the world. Just get yourself in the habit of giving and you'll be shocked at the amount of joy your heart receives back.


"The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving." Albert Einstein



Photo by:http://www.flickr.com/photos/myeye/2236222509/

I'm Thankful for My Favorite Things

In this weeks's edition of Thankful Thursday I'd like to share some of my favorite things that I'm thankful for. After all - we all do enjoy our favorite things - so why not express our thanks for them.

1. Coffee - ok, so that was on the last list, but it is so versatile. You can drink it hot, cold, dressed up with whipped cream and steamed milk or just plain black. YUUM

2. Krispy Kreme - HOT doughnuts, is there really any better brand?

3. Sun rises over the ocean - Anytime I'm at the beach, I get up early enough to watch the sun rise. It creeping up over the horizon in a blanket of bright bold colors is such an experience. You should try it.

4. The ocean all by itself - I could sit and watch the ocean time and time again. I'd love to have a house where I could go out on the back deck and enjoy my coffee and just watch the ocean.

5. Spring and Fall - It is spring for a few more weeks here in NC. I love the crisp cool mornings that warm up to almost summer like days. Doors open, windows open - cool wind coming through.

6. My Gameboy SP - I know with the modern technology out there - why would I still love this? I guess it is the kid in me. Anyone have any games they don't want anymore? I rule Kirby's Pinball!

7. Magazines - Even with how I keep up with blogs to save money on buying books, I do ask for magazine subscriptions for birthday presents and Christmas presents. Hey, it's the gift that gives for a year. I love Real Simple and Scrapbook Magazines. I'm not very good at scrapbooking so I'm also thankful that scraplifting is ok.

8. Cook Books - I used to try one or two new recipes a week, but lately I haven't been doing that. I need to get back to it.

9. Driving - I like to drive. Many tend to hate long trips, but I love driving. Now I don't like bumper to bumper traffic mind you.

10. Giving - Call me obsessed, but I like to give. I was at the store and they had Easter candy on sale for 75% off. I was thinking about who to give the bunnies to - to see about how many I'd need. I love giving. I always have. Hopefully, I always will.

11. Snow - we actually had a bit here in NC this winter - so that was pretty cool.

12. Laptop - I LOVE my laptop. I'd like one of the 8 inch itty bittys but - hours being cut back means no for now - still. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my laptop.

13. Candles - Cinnamon candles are my favorite. Kind of gives you the feeling of Christmas time.

14. Reading - I'm so thankful for being able to read. I love reading. I love to read blogs, books, papers. I love reading.

15. Cool Computer Buttons/Icons - The Thankful Thursday button picture above is adorable. So many blogs have them these days and I think they are wonderful. Still can't figure out how to make one, but I'm thankful that people will let us untechy people "grab" them. I just wish someone would make a button with "It's the little things that make life big" on it for me. That would be awesome.

This is my list for this Thankful Thursday. What are you thankful for this week? Don't wait until Thanksgiving to think about your blessings. Take a minute and express them here!

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. ~William Arthur Ward

The 30 Day Spreading Joy Challenge for May 2009

I'm currently working at making this blog a better blog by taking Problogger's 31 Days to Build a Better Blog. His recent challenge was to write an article that would "Call Your Readers to ACTION". After giving it some thought, I decided since May was just around the corner, I'd challenge YOU to take Spreading Joy's 30 Day Challenge.

This 30 Day Challenge is designed to help build "giving" habits. It can be random acts of kindness to strangers, giving food to the homeless, send an encouraging note/card or planning a special game night with your family - something that you wouldn't normally do. Not only do strangers need kindness, but our families do too. There is no right or wrong way, you simply need to commit to it - one thing a day for 30 days.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Take used magazines to Nursing home.

2. Buy a 6 pack of Reese Cups and give them away randomly.

3. Donate used books or clothing to a Women's Shelter or if you are in NC donate to Spreading Joy. Many of these places do not re-sell items, but they give them away to people who can use them.

4. Buy several bottles of flavored coffee creamer and let everyone at work know they are welcome to it.

5. Purchase a couple of cakes and take them to a local men's shelter. What a sweet treat for them!

6. Pass on a book that you've enjoyed.

7. Make a financial contribution to your favorite charity or to Spreading Joy Corporation. Even designate it towards our Back To School 2009 project.

8. Start an "Others" box and purchase toys to donate at Christmas time for deserving children.

9. Help a local food pantry. Many food pantries PURCHASE their food from food banks and then distribute the food freely. Take several bags by and drop off to help re-stock their pantry.

10. Purchase a dozen biscuits are on sale for $1 from McDonald's and put them in the "common area" of your work place. The first 12 co-workers that get there will welcome the surprise!

11. Sign up and commit to the 30 Day Challenge! Not only will it encourage me, in the fact that I'm able to make a difference, but it will encourage others to take the challenge as well.

12. Tell others about Spreading Joy and just how easy it is.

13. Purchase a box of Little Debbie Oatmeal cakes - place a label on it that says you are Spreading Joy and then give them out. For around $1.50 - you can give away 12 cakes which will make at least 12 people smile. This is what we did as shown by the picture. The label reads "I'm taking the 30 day challenge of doing one thing for one person each day. See how you can make a difference - go to www.spreadingjoycorp.com ." (Did anybody notice that there are only 11 cakes? My daughter was very happy!)

My challenge to you is to SIGN UP and commit to a month of giving. You can either "track" your giving in the comment section of this article or on our "Tell Me Your Story" page. Either one can be updated at any time. If you choose to use the comment section, you'll have to post a new comment each time you want to tell us about your giving. On the "Tell Me Your Story" section, you can simply add a new thread - just as I did with March.

I would LOVE to be able to report back to you at the end of the month all the things that were done to make a difference.

So, are you up for the challenge? Will you commit to 30 days of giving? I hope you'll sign up. I can't wait to show you what a huge difference a group of people can and will make!

Oprah and Ashton are on Twitter - But Have NO Clue What They Are Missing!

My desire with Spreading Joy Corporation is simple - I want to be spreading joy everyday! I have a huge desire to give big - Oprah Big - but until that day comes, I have decided that I will simply give what I can.

Twitter allows me to do just that. While SJC is an IRS approved Non Profit Organization, we currently do not have a steady stream of income. So, when I purchase things for the homeless, for Joy Packs, books, thank you cards etc, it is coming from money my husband and I donated - which is fine because we are doing what we can until we can give big.

But twitter - it allows me to make a difference and THAT is what people who only follow a "few select people" such as @oprah and @aplusk are missing out on. Granted, Oprah hasn't been using it that long and I'm sure she will probably add more over time, but when you are only following 98 people like Ashton is, then you are missing out. Sure what you have to say goes to your million or half of million followers and they comment on what you said, but you are missing a HUGE opportunity to make a difference.

Oprah is following 11 people

Ashton is following 98

Demi Moore is following 78

Larry King is following 46

Jimmy Fallon is following 97

Ellen Degeneres is following 20

Al Roker is following 47
Katie Couric is following 75

I was happy to see that Shaquille O'Neal is following 488 people. So he isn't missing out as much, but I wonder how many of the people he is following are fellow players.

The reason these guys are missing out is because they are only keeping up with each other. There are so many wonderful people on twitter which equals to so many ways to make a difference!

They are missing the fact that every Friday people in twitterland tell who is making a difference in their corner of the world with #followfriday. Many people will suggest who you should follow based on the content of their tweets. You can connect in so many ways but if you don't follow people and get to know them, you'll never know what you are missing.

There are people who are dealing with things like cancer and while they want to remain positive, they do have down days. Imagine how a simple tweet from @oprah would serve as an instant pick me up. Miley Cyrus is only following 34 people. If she were to desire to get the most from twitter and follow others, she would know that Jonathan Jay was a 15 year old fighting cancer and loves her. Imagine how a horrible day could be turned around with just 1 tweet! They would also know that Heather is a young mother that will be having her 3rd brain surgery soon and the new medication has zapped her energy. But regardless of that Heather will pray for you and unashamedly tweet that she is praying for you should you ask for prayer.

Following various people that you do not know, the opportunity for learning is unbelievable. Maybe because I'm doing what I can with what I have and money is not something I have a lot of right now - I love learning for free. I'm so new at this and I've asked for "honest" opinions. People like Jill and Brian will help newbies like me and give valuable feed back on their sites. Not only is the feed back awesome, but the articles that get posted are amazing! Someone recently tweeted about 25 Ways to Let RSS Feeds Optimize Your Life which will help me tremendously! This is what it's all about! This is what you miss out on by only following a few people!

By only following a few people you miss connections with people that you would otherwise never have the opportunity to get to know. For instance, Lark a "Poet, technical writer, movie lover, voracious reader, and witchy woman." and myself your basic do what you can with what you have - have more in common that what is on the surface. She is going through a similar journey with her Step Dad that I went through with my Step Dad 14 years ago. If I had not followed her, I would have never known. Her interest in the paranormal and love for horror flicks is what got my attention in the first place. I enjoy her tweets everyday but there will be days that she is down or the treatments aren't going well and I hope that I'm attentive enough to make a difference!

By only following a few select people - you miss out on awesome stories of changed lives! Mark who has been homeless in the past, came out of it and then due to this economy recently lost his home again still helps the homeless. His number one goal is to make the issue of homelessness front and center. To help invisible people become visible again! Mark received a call that one of his homeless friends, John, had been mugged while traveling north to find work. He sent out a tweet for help and Jimmy was working close by and was able to help. John didn't have to spend the night in 27 degree weather after having been mugged. Mark was able to help a homeless friend through this crisis even though he was no where near John.

I'm truly glad that so many Hollywood people are on twitter because they are the ones that have such a huge voice. Me - as of this posting, my voice is at 949 but I'm LISTENING to over 1,100 people and loving it! This is just a tiny speck of what you can get from utilizing twitter to the fullest!

I love communicating with James at Be Legendary. It reminds me to be courageous during the scary times. I love getting quotes from insightful1. Michelle and I both love buttered popcorn flavored Jelly Belly's. No matter what Catrina is doing, she is "always a mom first" - which is awesome considering so many of our children are left to their own devices. Valerie always has great articles and she communicates with her followers. Kristen and Sandy are helping Non Profits. Stillsafe provides me with awesome quotes and is a great retweeter. Lolly inspires with tweets such as "give gratitude". Liz is one of several bloggers who is helping others become successful and outstanding! If you are new to blogging, her blog has so much info to help you get going! DJ Change always has great articles. I never know what kind of tweets I'm going to get from Kim because she "tweets about art, film, comedy, twitter, design, tech + music. i love pop culture, sunshine + laughter/ #ROFL. =)". Larry gives us random thoughts from Hawaii. Then there's The Art of Joy. A group in Scotland that is using beautiful art to fund raise for various groups. Josh takes amazing photos. Jessica helps people with marketing on a budget and she helped me to understand twitter when I first started using twitter. Susan helps others find happiness. Adam is fun to keep up with. Great ideas and articles from Designriffs. Again, there are many more that I love to keep up with, but you get the idea!

Ashton may have reached 1,000,000 followers first, but I'm spending the weekend looking for the best, brightest and uniquest people that I can follow. Who knows, maybe I'll be the first person on twitter to FOLLOW 1,000,000 people!

"Wherever there is a human being there is an opportunity for a kindness."~Sallust

Thankful Thursdays

This post is part of "Thankful Thursday" Go to JonnandKate's Blog. To get your own button and start your Thankful Thursday post today.

I've come across a blog that is such an encouragement to me. His name is Jonathan Jay. He is 15 years old and he is blogging about his journey while fighting cancer. "A story of landmarks, of struggles and of hope. Today I am 15 years old and even more so I am a survivor." (Let me stop right here and say click on his name, check out his amazing story and then leave him a comment letting him know you are thinking of him.)

One of the things he blogs about is "Thankful Thursdays". I've read his amazing story and think wow - I have so much to be thankful for. I'm so glad that I came across it and now I will be posting a thankfulness post every Thursday. I always think of my blessing more than just at Thanksgiving, but will try and focus on them each week.

Like most people, I will start out with the obvious. But in the next few week I think you'll be intrigued by the things I'm thankful for. (Well, I at least hope so.)

On this Thankful Thursday - I'm thankful for:

• My Husband - We've been married for 19 1/2 years. He is a great guy, father and friend. He doesn't mind my "spur of the moment" ideas like "let's drive to the beach for a day" or "let's hang out at the book store for an afternoon". He usually does the dishes when my son doesn't do them and doesn't mind my facebook/twitter addiction. Or my coffee addiction for that matter. I'm sure I get on his nerves sometimes, but that is what keeps us on our toes.


• My Children - I have 2 wonderful children. 18 yr old son and 14 yr old daughter. They are givers (wonder where they got that from)? My daughter more so than my son, but still a good thing. They don't give me any trouble and usually when I ask for something to be done, I know it will get done. I'm proud to be their mom and they make that very easy.


• Place to live - It is not my dream home - but I have a home and it keeps me warm, cool, dry and safe. I may not have the room that I want or that office to keep me organized, but I have a lot more than many people in America have and for that, I'm truly thankful. If you don't believe me - check out this post from Invisible People.


• No significant health issues - My son does have Tourette Syndrome and my daughter struggles with IBS daily - but these are nothing compared to many things children their age are going through. They can work around these and still be great people. They can encourage others that are struggling and make a difference in ways they never dreamed.


• My regular family - Well - there is nothing regular about my family. I have great brothers and a wonderful sister. I can't imagine life without them. My Mom is by far the bestest, greatest most wonderfulest Mother of all and I'll never ever back down from that assumption. (I know, your Mom is great, but I'm telling you - my Mom is the lady!) I have been blessed with the greatest Step Parents on the face of the earth, even though we tease my step mom and call her our step monster :-) I have a great group of nieces and nephews and I love each and everyone of them. I have wonderful cousins and love all of my aunts and uncles dearly - all of them.

Now for a few of the less obvious things I'm thankful for!

• Puffy shaped clouds - I saw the biggest group of clouds together yesterday. I tried to get a picture of them but couldn't. Looked like a snow capped mountain. I love to find shapes in clouds.


• Reese cups - Who doesn't love reeses - really. If you don't, why? I'm sorry - really - tell me why. I know some who don't like chocolate (the horror) and some who don't like peanutbutter - but really? Reese's? LOVE them.


• Coffee - why this isn't at the top of these, I don't know. I love coffee. I must admit that I'm going to have to start doing at least half caf until I can get my sugar cravings under control. (ugghh) but my favorite treat (cause I can't afford it daily) is a Cinnamon Dolce Latte steamed extra hot! NOTHING like it. I love it.


• Being born in this day and age - I can't imagine sending my children somewhere at age 16 driving without me and "wondering" if they made it. I love being connected. I love know when my kids arrive to school and home each day. I don't see how my mom did it. As you'll see - I totally addicted to modern technology!


• Texting and emailing - I'm so thankful I can harass my sister through texting. I enjoy the fact that I can email my friends that live in Korea or the Philippines. I love emailing Bonnie in Russia and being able to keep up with her family.


• Facebook - I'm so thankful I can keep up with friends that live near and far. I love seeing Toni's girls on facebook and checking every ones "status". It's a quick peek into their life and it's wonderful. I love keeping up with the Holtsclaw family in Pennsylvania as well as my sister who lives down the road. Modern technology is the greatest thing.

• Twitter - I LOVE twitter. I have met so many wonderful people on there. Really inspiring, funny and full of information. I've learned a lot and found a lot of new blogs to keep up with. The Internet is full of great learning tools and so many generous people that will help you along the way!

• My Blackberry - I'm so thankful that I can be connected. I can have my emails, my facebook status, my replies from twitter anytime I'd like. It is so nice to be blessed with these resources. I don't take it lightly - as many people would love to be able to afford a blackberry or iphone.
  

This is my list for this Thursday full of Thankfulness. Oh - I'm glad I got to leave work a little early to see my son participate in his track meet.

"Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.--Brian Tracy"

Frugal Joy

I love saving money and still being able to do and or have great things! Reading blogs is one of the ways that I save money! I love to read and reading FREE blogs instead of buy books saves me hundreds if not thousands of dollars every year.

I've recently come across several blogs that help us to be more money savvy. I though I'd take a minute to share them with you. Enjoy!

5 Dollar Dinners:

She has a goal "to make $5 Dinners for my family every night of the week. Be inspired to come up with your own “dollar amount” based on your family size and regional food prices, and challenge yourself to make frugal AND healthy meals!"

This blog is not only a fun read but full of great recipes. She also gives us links to print coupons. I know - many think that couponing is a waste of time, but when you have more time than you do money, it is a great investment!

Head over to 5 Dollar Dinners and see what's cooking tonight!

The Simple Mom:
"Happiness is making the most of what you have." is the motto of The Simple Mom. Encouraging us to step back and take a look at what we have. Her blog is full of great ideas for giving, simple living, getting the most use of your freezer and she has graciously provided a great check list for spring cleaning!


Festival of Frugality:
"Home of the weekly carnival that helps you pinch pennies out of dollars." This the place for tons of ideas! This blog is literally one stop place for all things frugal. They take the time to find blog articles so you don't have to go searching all over the Internet for them. As this economy continues to remain in a slump, this is the place to get ideas!


The Simple Dollar:

This is one of my favorite blogs! Trent pulled his family out of a horrible debt situation. He has remained focused on his family while doing what ever it takes to ensure that he can provide without going into greater debt. He even has published a book 365 Ways to Live Cheap. "It's filled with 365 great tactics you can apply to your personal finances, from frugal tips to great ideas for managing your money." His blog is full of ideas and tips to get you started!


Here are a 10 other tips for helping get the most bang for your buck:
1. Cutting coupons while you are watching your favorite TV program.
2. Have soup and salad for dinner once a week - quick, easy and delicious!
3. Have family night at home - play a board game with your kids. Enjoy simple meal with easy clean up and have fun sending time together. Play your favorite music in the back ground.
4. Breakfast for dinner. Very inexpensive and yummy.
5. Be on the look out for good books and magazines at yard sales and thrift stores.
6. Start a magazine swap. Find out who is reading what and swap. Gets more for your subscription dollars.
7. Save your change. We have a bank in our closet that we drop all of our change into everyday. We don't carry cash much, but every little bit saved helps.
8. Drink water when eating out. We try not to eat out if we can help it, but when we do we save close to $8.00 by drinking water. If you must have flavor, add lemons and a little sugar and have lemonade.
9. Turn off lights and computers when not in use. Really an age old tip, but it helps.
10. Keep a positive attitude when being thrifty. Making it fun will go a long way to keeping yourself on track.

I love being thrifty and I hope that these blogs and tips will bring you closer to your financial goals.

Have fun Spreading Joy today!

More Giving Without Spending

A few weeks ago, I did a post 50 Ways to Make a Difference Without Spending a Penny. Since then, I've found a few blogs that are encouraging others on the subject of giving and one of them is sharing ideas on ways to give without spending AND giving an idea for each day. At the end of the year, she will have shared 365 ways of giving without spending.

Her blog is A Year of Giving Without Spending. There are a lot of great ideas to get you going.

Remember, your financial status shouldn't determine if you give. If you can give abundantly - then you should give back part of what has been given to you. If the times are tough right now, you can still make a difference. You may have to be a little creative, but it can still be done! Do like I do - give what you can until you can give BIG! Never lose sight of the goal you have.

Have you taken the 30 day challenge? If not, take 30 days to develop a wonderful habit of giving. Your journey could inspire others to do the same. So many people need encouragement - will you be the encourager? Will you help inspire others? Those 2 ways of Spreading Joy doesn't cost anything either.

So, tell me - how ARE you spreading joy?

Photo by:http://www.flickr.com/photos/stuartpilbrow/2942333106/

30 Day Challenge for March 2009

Here is a recap of my Month of Giving for March 2009. My wish is that it will encourage you and inspire you to do what you can with what you have.

Ok, I've been doing at least one thing everyday - on purpose since April 1st and keeping track of it to reach 1,000 acts of Spreading Joy. I enjoy giving and doing for others - it actually motivates me to want to do more.

Steve's hours have been cut back for some time now - and I'm really trying to NOT spend any money that we don't need to spend. BUT - I'm still Spreading Joy - my heart will not let me stop.
So, I'll be keeping track of how I'm spreading joy this month. I do not count the things that I would "normally" do, but things that I think are over and above my normal volunteering and giving.

As of February 28th, I've recorded 583 "acts of joy". I wanted to be at 1,000 by March 31st of this year....I'm not thinking that is going to happen. So, here is how things are shaping up so far.

3/1 - Started snowing late in the evening - walked to a local pizza place to order pizza, but noticed how very clean everything was and decided to not order so that they wouldn't have to clean up after us. (trust me - in the food industry you are glad for the work, but once you've already cleaned it, you kind of dread those straggling customers. (1 item)
3/2 - gave away 2 princess gift bags with some lotion and shower gel and lip balm, pencil, eraser and notepad. (previous purchased items...) (2 items)
3/3 - Put oatmeal out in common area at work, sent email to troops, and allowed kids to eat at pizza buffet (we are not eating out much anymore) (3 items)
3/4 - Left Little Debbie Oatmeal cakes for 3 co-workers that work in a different facility (3 items)
So, that is how my first 4 days are shaping up - how about yours? Are you taking the 30 day challenge? How's it going? How are you spreading joy? Any low cost/no cost ways to help me out?

It's 10:20 Saturday evening and I'm tired - very much so! I wanted to get this posted and copy it over to facebook to. Even though things are tight - I find we spend money on just about whatever we want to don't we? Yep - you know I'm telling the truth here.
It always comes back to us when we do things and they are a sacrifice for us.

This month will be a happy mixture of "freebies" and costly giving. Glad to see it! Truly I am.

3/5 Bought dinner for Mom and Stepdad at my brother and sisters birthday party. Even though the tip was already figured into the check - left our great waitress an extra tip for her wonderful attitude and service.(3 items)
3/6 - Took a note by to the manager of the restaurant about the wonderful service our waitress gave us even though were were drinking tea, water and diet coke like camels! (1 item)
3/7 - Purchased items from an auction that benefited Missions. Missionaries have a special place in my heart. They sacrifice on a daily basis and do so gladly! (1 item)

There you have it - One week down and 14 acts of Joy closer to my personal goal of 1,000! I'm excited. I can't wait until I get there! How is your month going? Are you spreading joy everyday? Oh, you don't want to miss out on the joy this brings back to you. No way to ever tell you how great it is - - it is soooo worth it.

It is amazing how quickly a week can go by. The busier I am the faster it whooshes past my eyes! Here is how my giving is shaping up so far this week:

3/8 - Purchased Girl Scout Cookies from 3 Scouts (1 from each of them) (1 item)
3/9 - Was not ill and grouchy at work - even though I was functioning on 2 and 1/2 hours of sleep. (if you don't think that is spreading joy - work side by side with a grouch...) (1 item)
3/10 - Happy Chuck Norris Day - donuts for my team and some customers to celebrate this great birthday. (1 item)
3/11 - purchased 3 McDonald's hot fudge sundae for the great staff at Quiznos at Waterside Crossing (3 items)
3/12 - While at the hospital for Megan's Hida Scan - went to get coffee (what a shock) and put all the cash I had into the Relay for Life canister (1 item)
3/13 - Gave away 2 little debbie nutty butty bars (is that spelled right????) oh well - (2 items)
Tomorrow - I know that I'm going to support a Church's used book sale - I love books. I love to read them and give them away - and I'll be doing that this weekend to. (I also love to keep a lot to...)

So, this is me this week. I hope you are spreading joy every where you go!
How about your ideas - I know you have them. How are you spreading joy?
Until next time -

Wow!!! I can't believe I'm so far behind in my 30 day challenge posting. First I get behind because of Jury Duty...when your normal working routine is changed it affect so many things - and then I stay behind because of working a few extra hours for someone that needs some help this week....oh, enough of the whining already....on with it - right?!? :-)
Ok, Ok - here we go...

3/14 - Supported Church used book sale and boy scout yard sale (2 items)

3/15 - Gave cards of encouragement to 2 people (oh I forgot, I have more to mail...uugghhh) (2 items)

3/16 - Took Magazines by DR office waiting room (1 item)

3/17 - Gave away 2 butterfingers and 2 nestle crunch bars (4 yummy wonderful items)

3/18 - sent a few encouraging emails and thanked several officers for serving and protecting! (2 items)

3/19 - played on FREE CLICK sites - sent rice, bibles, books etc - so much to send. (1 items)3/20 - Gave waitress $3.00 tip on free meal (one purchase from previously listed auction) - (1 item)

3/21 - Unwrapped a smile or two - gave out a box of Little Debbie Cakes (1 item)

3/22 Used www.goodsearch.com 10 times today and earned .10 cents for Spreading Joy - HEY - if 100 people used it 5 times a day - WE would earn $1,825.00 for a year for Spreading Joy - prett cool. (1 item)

3/23 - made it a point to smile and speak to every person I passed (1 item)3/24 - Gave a few gifts to someone in nursing home (1 item)

So - that brings me to today and it's early yet which leaves me plenty of time. I've got to get Angie to post this on the Facebook group - since I do not have access to it during the day...boo-hoo-hoo.

This brings me to a total of 622 acts of Joy since April 1st of last year. I'm so excited...as I will reach my first goal of 1,000 acts of joy and THEN it will be on to 2,500. I wonder if I could reach a million acts in my lift time??? probably not alone - but if we all kept track of it, we could do it together in the next few years....couldn't we.

I'm simply giving what I can until I can give BIG - and I can't wait!

How about you? How are you Spreading Joy? Everyone can do it - even the little kiddies. Yep - how man of you (especially mommies) have ever received a big ole handful of beautiful "yellow" flowers from the front yard? Even 2 year olds need to give. (now they don't tend to share very well, but they love to give...)
Start today - Spreading Joy is fun, simple and the rewards that YOU will receive are out of this world!

Wow, I can not believe it is April 1st 2009. It doesn't seem like a year since I started journaling about my giving habits - and yes, they truly are habits now. I try and find ways everyday to make a difference everyday. This month was a little more difficult as my husbands job has cut his hours a while back. I've been trying not to spend money if I don't have to (especially with a child that will be graduating High School in June - very expensive)
Here is the last few days of how I went about Spreading Joy:

3/24 - Gave a few gifts to someone in Nursing Home
3/25 - Took a friend to lunch. It was only Wendys, but lunch is still lunch. I used to work with this friend everyday, but he transferred to greener pastures....good for him!

3/26 - Brought in candy for co-workers Birthday! 3/27 - Left work early and spent time my wonderful husband of 19 and 1/2 years.

3/28 - Gave a yummy, most delicious Reese Egg to a Police Officer that was doing reports in his car. Carefully approached his vehicle, smiled and as I gave him the little piece of chocolate/peanut butter heaven, I told him to have a wonderful evening and stay safe. I hope he was encouraged.

3/29 - Gave out letters of encouragement and thanks

3/30 - Donated clothing to a local crisis ministry
3/31 - Linda - who is coming upon her 1,000th mitzvah (acts of kindness) has asked those that can celebrate with her - " So my request to you TODAY as part of helping me achieve this 1000th mitzvah is to give food or money to your local Jewish Family Services, food bank, shelter, person in need down the street, etc. $1 is equivalent to 5 lbs of food. Please give generously. Sign your name on the comments after you have donated. Thank you for joining me in my mitzvah project." so In honor of my Internet friend from the other side of America and her wonderful journey of 1000 mitzvahs, I purchase a $20.00 grocery store gift card for "someone down the street" who lives on a fixed income and would never ever let you know she needs anything. Never. So, if she doesn't - then she will have a "little" extra.

So, that was 7 more acts of joy for MY own personal journey. That brings my total to 629 - so very close to MY first goal of 1,000.

I need to plan ahead and think of something great for my 1,000th act of joy....any ideas?

I have truly enjoyed sharing this month with you. I hope you have found it encouraging as well as inspirational. My goal is to inspire you to do something for someone. It doesn't have to cost thousands of dollars (unless of course you have thousands to spare and then I hope you'll consider donating to Spreading Joy some to do great big things with) but it just needs to come from the heart. It's a win/win situation. Everyone wins when you give!

How is your 30 day challenge coming? Tell us about it. You never know who you may encourage to start their own journey of giving.

Photo courtesy of http://is.gd/qYEg

The Yummy Things

I'm truly a lover of so many things. I love the cute tiny version of the real deals, I love freshly baked cookies or brownies, I love bite sized brownies, cheesecake samples - I could go on and on (and maybe soon, I will just have to do that) but sometimes the yummy things make life good.

I love giving homemade treats as well as getting them. I would LOVE to be able to bake and decorate cakes like the professionals do because if I could - someone would get at least one a week. Think about it....if you own a bakery and you have everything you need to make cookies, cakes and such - why NOT make and decorate one cake, giant cookie - something for someone simply for no reason.

I'm not a professional, but I'm definitely going to give it a try. Maybe even cookies in a jar mixes or something of that nature.

The yummy things are why I try and give Reese cups away frequently. First, they are my favorite and next everyone knows that peanut butter and chocolate were just made for each other...they are the perfect pair. I love buying them and just giving them out to people I don't even know. Reese Cups are so yummy. Actually, I recently purchase some of the Easter Reese Eggs because I wanted "dessert" after lunch and I had some left over. I saw a Police Officer doing some paperwork and I walked over to him and handed him a Reese Egg and simply said - "have a great night and stay safe". I smiled and left. I LOVED it and he was definitely surprised. I love those that serve and protect us and they deserve an abundance of yummy things.

Ahhh - the yummy things, a surprisingly simple way of Spreading Joy. What is your favorite yummy thing? Do you share it? Giving and making a difference doesn't have to cost a lot, it just has to come from the heart.

So, tell me - how are you Spreading Joy?

Happiness is a Choice

Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. ~Abraham Lincoln

I believe that Abraham Lincoln lived through one of the worst times that the United States has ever been through and yet he realized that happiness is a choice.

I understand that bad things happen to good people and sometimes it seems never ending - but you have opportunities to seek out the happiness during these bad times.

"Our economy is in a downward spiral, the news is always depressing and it seems that no matter how hard we try, we just can't seem to get ahead. Is anyone really happy? "

Sound familiar? Sure it does. We see how companies large and small are having to cut back, scale down and lay people off just to make it. We see how families are sacrificing family vacations for quality time spent at home because they can't afford the hotels and/or gas to get to where they want to go. But the question remains - do you have to be miserable?

NO WAY!!

Quality time at home with the family can be so much fun! Break out the board games for a gameathon! Play board games with the family until you are the last man standing. Make homemade pizza and some kind of easy dessert. Pop several bags of popcorn and let the games begin. Give a certificate for "No Chore Day" to the winner (and Mom - let's hope YOU are the winner!)

If we choose to be happy during these discouraging times it will encourage others as well as teach our children how to handle difficult situations. Yes we get tired of always fighting to keep our head above water but it is worth the fight. It is worth the extra effort. Things aren't going to always be bad - there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, you just have to keep working your way there.

Here are some benefits of choosing to be happy:

1. Healthy body - your blood pressure isn't up, your body isn't stressed - choose happiness!

2. Your family is happier - Again, things are tough but look for the joy in everyday situations. Even the nightly news world is looking for happier stories to run. (and a side note here - there is NO reason they can't start a newscast off with a positive story of someone doing good, one in the middle of the depressing news and then end the nightly news with a story of someone doing good...they said there is no way they could air all the stories of people doing good - they need to at least try)

3. Your friends will still want to be your friends - Come on - you know you do not like being around Negative Nellie. No one does.

4. You will be successful - What? You don't get it? Success isn't measured by the size of your house, the year - make and model of your vehicle or the balance in your bank account. NO - success is so much more than that. Your children love coming home? Success! Your friends spend time laughing with you when they are with you? Success! Your spouse loves just being with you even if it is just at home reading side by side quietly? Success! Where is your success?

5. You display self control - While you can't control what goes on around you, you can control your reaction to what is happening. Self control is a rare quality these days.

6. You will have wealth that can never be taken away - Money cannot buy happiness! If it could, would as many Hollywood stars be on drugs, end up in rehab and like some - lose it all because they couldn't manage the money. Money is not the only wealth there is. Are your teenage children making wise decisions and getting the best grades possible? Yes - then you are rich indeed! Are you and your husband still happily married? Wow - what wealth there is in that! Are you and your family pretty much healthy? - That is awesome!

The mortgage brokers can't take that kind of wealth away. Some of us are rich beyond compare and yet we are so focused on the house we don't have and the money we don't make that we forget to see the real wealth we have....those that hug us every night, those friends that will help when the times are so tough that we can't make it alone. These are the priceless things that make us happy.

There are so many things out there that we have no control over - but happiness....we have a choice!

What are you choosing? I hope you'll choose happiness, joy and all that comes with it!

Not your Normal Non-Profit

Not your Normal Non-Profit


This is an essay that I wrote to enter a Business Grant Contest. We must get people to "read and rate" our story.

So - please "read and rate"!



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50 Ways to Make a Difference without Spending a penny!

So many people have been laid off of their jobs or have had significant cut backs as to the amount of hours worked (which is the case in my family - my husband is not getting a full 40 hour week and boy does that hurt.) The head says "you can't afford to give and make a difference" while your heart screams "you can't afford NOT to give and make a difference!" So, what is a person that has a desire to give BIG (and I'm talking give "Oprah big") supposed to do when the money isn't there? Forget about the "BIG" portion of giving and simply do what you can with what you have.

I truly do love to buy things for the sole purpose of giving them away. When my children see things are obviously not for them, they will immediately ask "Who is that for?" because they know that I normally don't keep things - I give them away. With my husbands hours being cut back, I'm still going to give or do something daily to make a difference. Here are some of the ways I'll be Spreading Joy while the finances are extremely tight!

1. Pass on a book that you've enjoyed. Write a note in the front saying what you enjoyed and instruct the next "owner" to pass it on after they have read it.

2. Instead of "googling" when searching - use Good Search and these guys will make a donation to Spreading Joy. (there is a button on the right that will take you there)

3. Donate gently used dvd's, vhs tapes and video games - I'm sure Spreading Joy can find those that will love to use them.

4. Be Positive today - with the depressing economy, bills falling behind - this can really be tough, but it will encourage those around you and in the process bring joy to yourself.

5. Donate expired coupons to the troops overseas.

6. Thank a Police Officer today (hopefully NOT while you are getting a ticket!)

7. Give time to your spouse - do something together, visit a park, bookstore etc.

8. Donate household items to Spreading Joy to pass along to others in need.

9. Hold a yard sale and donate half of the proceeds.

10. Taking the 30 day challenge? Tell me about it here.

11. Baby sit for a friend/neighbor for free.

12. Serve a meal at a homeless shelter or women's shelter

13. Encourage our soldiers. Send a free letter here.

14. Mentor someone - have you started your own business? Are you an expert in a certain field? Share that talent!

15. Donate unused craft items to a daycare or elementary school.

16. Turn in those Box Tops for Education - found on Pillsbury items.

17. Smile at everyone you come in contact with today.

18. Offer to let someone ahead of you in line.

19. Volunteer in a Nursing home.

20. Donate blood.

21. Donate Plasma - and get paid for it.

22. Organize a book drive - get your neighborhood to donate gently used books. Pass out a flier asking for books - giving instructions to leave them in a bag on the porch letting them know you will pick them up the next week.

23. Turn in your Campbell's Soup Labels
24. Have a family meal at the table - talk about current events in the family.
25. Give a handwritten note of encouragement.
26. Start a Gratitude Journal - leave it out for others to see as they visit you.
27. Donate gently used magazines to a nursing home
29. Call someone who is not feeling well and talk until you make them laugh
30. Volunteer at an animal shelter - play with the animals.
31. Visit with the elderly or someone who can no longer get out as much as they'd like.
32. Pick flowers from your garden and give away.
33. Volunteer for your local church.
34. Give a thank you card to someone who has made a difference in your life.
35. Run errands for a new Mom (or someone that is sick)
36. Pick up trash you see as you are walking on your route.
37. Volunteer to read to a class at your local Elementary school
38. Write a thank you note to your child's teacher.

39. Seek out a store manager and let them know what an excellent employee your grocery bagger was (or cashier).

40. Donate gently used clothing.

41. Volunteer at a hospital.

42. Donate your "free items" from the buy one get one free - to a local food pantry.

43. Leave a note hanging in or on your mailbox thanking your mail carrier for always being so dependable!

44. Speak to the elderly you pass - look them in the eye and smile. We tend to forget about the great individuals who paved the way for us.

45. Say Please and Thank you - show sincere appreciation.

46. Go to Church. There are so many churches. When people get discouraged, that is one of the first places they'll go. You can encourage so many people this way!

47. Make extra chili and cornbread muffins - and take to a neighbor.

48. Bake homemade cookies with items you have in your pantry and share with neighborhood children.

49. Donate extra blankets to a homeless shelter.

50. Give a basket of home grown veggies.

51. (a bonus!) Host a game night with your family - eat dessert first! Turn off cell phones (ok - kids, you can leave yours on....) but spend time laughing together playing games!

There you have it - 50 ways to make a difference without spending a single penny.

Everyone can make a difference! The real question is - will you? How are you Spreading Joy? Do you have any other ideas of making a difference without spending any money? If so, please share them in the comments! (that would count a too - because we all need as many ideas as we can get!)

Valentine's Day - More giving!

Happy Valentine's Day! A day Americans set aside to show those close to us that we love them. We show those around us that we appreciate them and do a little extra to show that we care.

Why? Why are we so passionate about Valentine's Day? Why do we get cards for ALL of our family members? Why do we get the delicious international box of chocolates for those that we love? Because we give to what we are passionate about. We not only love our family members, we are passionate about them.

We love to give the singing monkeys, the poofy puppies and the delicious candy because of the love and passion we have for others.

Our passion drives us to give. We give our time, we give gifts, we show those we love that we are passionate about them.

What is your passion? What drives you to give?

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day - and enjoy giving.

The Hairy Shrimp

Yes, this is a real shrimp that I had from a restaurant. I understand that it isn't hairy - but you have to agree that it is a bit weird looking.

The thing that gave me the idea about this story is that when I held it up to show my Mom, the waitress was over at the table in a flash asking if everything was OK. She was extremely concerned. I told assured her that everything was fine and we continued on with our meal. I was impressed with the speed and concern that she showed us.

So, by now you must be wondering what in the world this has to do with Spreading Joy. I was relieved to see such customer service. Lately there is a lot of talk that people just don't care - but that isn't true. There are some wonderful people giving great customer service.

But....on to the next part of this entry. (You knew there was a catch didn't you?)


What about those of us that expect perfect customer service? Do you blame the waitress if the food isn't right? Why? She didn't cook it. When things heat up at the restaurant, you have an awesome chance of Spreading Joy! Your actions could literally make or break someones day. You don't know what they have been through and how you handle yourself could make a huge difference in someones day - all without costing you any more than your meal.


I was with my Mom (whom I totally adore) and daughter (adore her too) and we were eating out at my favorite restaurant for dinner when it happened. "Oh my gosh" I said to my Mom and started laughing. I was eating my delicious homemade smashed potatoes when I saw it. At first I was unsure of what it was because it was triangular shaped and black. Could it be a guitar pick? We were still laughing because I actually even asked if it was a boomerang. I don't even begin to know why in the world I thought it was a miniature boomerang - I must be losing my mind. So, by this point, me being the silly person that I am - I'm laughing and crying because I keep hearing myself asking my mom about the boomerang. We fish out the triangular substance and realize that it is folded over. We unfold it and finally figured out that it was the label from the potato. How funny is that? We are laughing so hard that no one around us realizes that "something" was in my food.



Knowing that all potatoes at the fine establishment is washed very carefully, I decided that we must inform the manager. I'm serious. I did not want a free meal and I did not (and told her so) want the cook or any of the preparers to get into any kind of trouble - I simply wanted to let them know that they need to watch for those pesky labels. Plain and simple. (Joy at it's best!)



She was a little surprised. I didn't want any trouble and in fact we were still laughing at my ridiculous suggestion of boomerang. I just wanted to keep them from having any future troubles out of their customers. I know that people have a bad day and then the food that you are purchasing isn't right and things tend to go down hill from there, but sometimes it just gets out of control.

We enjoyed our meal, tipped our Waiter nicely and headed back out to enjoy the remainder of our day.

That experience could have cost someone their job (depending on how many times they had messed up before) or at the very least, caused a Manager of a fine Restaurant to think that some Witch Hazel will really give some bad word of mouth advertising. But no - everyone enjoyed their evening and hopefully a Manager went home and told her husband - you are not going to believe what happened....but these silly ladies..... Hopefully a Manager realized that someone really cares about helping others and Spreading Joy and isn't out there to skin alive those that mess up.

Am I going to receive bad customer service - probably. How will I handle it? Who knows, but it is my desire to handle it the way I would want someone to treat me when I mess up.



My joy for that day - ease the Managers mind while letting them know that some labels are so much in love with their potatoes that they do not want to let go!

That's what I consider true generosity. You give your all, and yet you always feel as if it costs you nothing. - Simone De Beauvoir