Green Bling

Necessities have always been more important to me than excessive luxuries. I love saving money and reducing my carbon footprint whenever possible. I prefer to shop at second-hand stores, department store clearance and garage sales.  Lately, I've wondered if I'm doing enough...

A few years ago I started to think more about planting a garden (instead of just "talking" about it). Recycling more, buying more local produce, and even making my own laundry detergent became everyday possibilities. I would rather not be 100% dependent on big corporation's for things I can learn to do myself with a bit of work, sacrifice and dedication. I started to rethink what the important things are, and how I want the next half of my life to be. This "earth conscious" transition has been a challenge so far and I want to do more.  Naturally, I have a heap of questions:

• Is "Green Living" logical and possible in today's dependent society?
• Can I make my own shampoo...that REALLY works?
• What kind of energy alternatives are available to me?
• Can I live without my monthly cell phone plan? Is there a less expensive alternative?
• How can I reduce waste?
• Cloth Diapers? Ummmmm...
• Where do I start?

In this quest to live more simply I happened upon a documentary about a family that chose to nearly eliminate negative impact on our environment.

Learn more about Colin Beavan and his project here.


These are some things they did to start:

1. Reduce waste.
2. No elevators, cars, or taxi's.
3. Incorporate sustainable earth friendly energy alternatives...use only what they need.
4. Buy used stuff, borrow or rent. *there are some exceptions to this rule
5. No toxic chemicals for cleaning. Only natural homemade cleansers for EVERYTHING.

No Impact Mans website outlines a range of steps I am willing to take to live a more earth friendly, healthy, happier life. I think his project is brave notion of accepting responsibility for this planet, our health and that of future generations.

More from Colin about green living and healthy lifestyle alternatives here.

Classy Sassy Kate

  

 

Textured tights with high boots is always an adorable style choice. Similar vintage style jackets like this one should be easy to find. Brown boots, and hats are a dime a dozen...

Add a clutch purse to complete the look, and you're ready to go!

 

Want to Imitate Kate, for Less?...

Check your local second hand stores, department stores, Amazon and Etsy for great deals.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I Heart the Love Bug

Photo courtesy of LOLPix visit them to find more funny stuff and get your laugh on!

With Valentines Day around the corner, It's time for me to admit my true feelings...I am not a big fan of cupids arrow. Maybe it's the heavy commercialism of a seemingly intimate occasion that makes me want to gag. I don't know. I have had the luck of being "swept of my feet" for a lack of better words so I'm definitely not bitter in any way shape or form. I compiled a list of possible causes to my Valentine "phobia" :

• Flowers are pretty,  despite my relentless pursuit to water and bask them in light, they shrivel up and die. Can you understand why the message is confusing?
• Chocolate candies in the little heart shaped boxes are so cute that I cry; after my big toe hits the scale  two weeks later.
• A fancy dinner is great but it kinda creeps me out that other people in the restaurant pretty much know what we'll be doing after we leave---Just Dance 3 competition on the Wii---Loser does dishes for one month. Get your mind outta the gutter.
• Valentines Day commercials send me the message that jewelry is a reward for cleaning the toilet, mopping floors, and folding laundry, and stuff , the other 364 days of the year. Depending on the price...I figure this is not the greatest ROI (return on investment), but it's the thought that counts.

So you should really try to figure out what the best gift would be for that special someone. Match it to their personality. A pure romantic will be more attune to want flowers, jewelry, a dinner/movie date, whereas a frugal person may enjoy more practical gifts like a gift card to his/her favorite store or something you know they will use often. You could also try giving them something you know they really want but have put off buying due to finances or any number of reasons. Find out what their hobbies are and get a gift that relates to it. If the relationship is brand new I suggest planning a date according to their interests. Keep it fun and sweet...go bowling, to an art show, a movie, a concert or just cook dinner for him/her.

So good luck and tread lightly with your lover. Your life hangs in the balance: Whatever you do on Valentines Day sets the bar for every day after that for as long as the relationship lasts. May the force be with you...

Photo courtesy of Zazzle where you can customize this postcard and more!

 

What's Your Trump Card?

I have wondered about the lifestyles of the most rich and famous. I think we all have. Would an extra fifty thousand dollars help you right now? Absolutely! I refuse to be one of those people that try to convince you that money is evil. Rather, it's the intent behind the wealth that can be either positive or negative. I'm a realist when it comes to money: MONEY ISN'T EVERYTHING, BUT IT SURE CAN MAKE LIFE A LITTLE BETTER FOR EVERYONE.

This months book is The Trump Card by Ivanka Trump.

Excerpt from The Trump Card:

 Get it For Kindle
Amazon.com

...."Have a great flight", she said.

"Your not flying with us? I asked.

"Of course I am," she said. "But I'll be up in first class. You and your brothers will be back in coach. Make sure to behave yourselves."

     At the time, I thought this was the most spectacularly unfair development....and I launched into my version of a temper tantrum. I said, "That's totally not fair. Why do you get to fly first class?"

     

My mother had a ready response. She said, "You're modeling now Ivanka. If you want to spend some of your modeling money and upgrade your ticket, that would be great. In fact, I'd love the company. Otherwise, I'll be up in first class...



Order Hard Cover
Amazon.com

So set aside all of your generalizations, and stereotypes about young, beautiful rich women. Ms Trump is a game changer. Only one chapter in and I am inspired by her work ethic and intelligence. Ivanka is proof that just because you are beautiful and filthy rich does not mean you should skate through life on that alone. Despite what you may think; Ivanka and her brothers were not "handed" whatever they wanted. Ivanka tells stories about how Donald and Ivana taught them the value of money early in life. That if they were to carry on the family wealth; they were going to be educated, work for it,  EARN IT. More important, she places value in the idea that giving is the key to receiving.

Other Web Rescources:

Living on a Dime--Financial Independence Through Better Life Choices

How to Set and Achieve a Goal--Step by step goal setting guide

Mind Reality--Create a Life of Abundance