The Social Security tax credit of 2% has expired. If you’re like me, you feel it in each paycheck – especially since most Americans haven’t gotten a raise at all in the 2 years the tax credit was in effect. This means we are bringing home a significantly lower amount of money. In the interest of being positive in 2013 and trying to take action where I can, I decided to do things on my own to help ease the pain of this lower income. Here are three ways I saved some money on my monthly bills: Continue reading
Category Archives: Life
Reducing and Re-Organizing – A Great Start to 2013
This is the second post in an ongoing series focusing on decluttering my closet. The first post outlined 3 steps I’d be taking to achieve that:
- Reducing clothes in my closet
- Using the items I already have
- Replacing items with quality pieces
I decided that the best way to ring in the new year would be to reduce items I don’t use by donating them to Goodwill. I ended up moving beyond my closet into my bedroom, and eventually into the kitchen. It felt, and stil feels, so good to have made this big of a dent so soon into the new year! Here is what I donated: Continue reading
3 Steps to De-Cluttering My Closet in 2013
I made a conscious effort during 2012 to eliminate dresses from my closet that I don’t wear or don’t need – and to only buy new items that are well-made and can be used for a variety of occasions. I try to buy from small shops and boutiques whenever possible. Continue reading
Pumpkin Donuts with Chocolate Frosting
One of the lovely ladies I work with was having a birthday and so I planned to make treats. This woman had an amazing year – she’s lost a lot of weight, and eats healthfully. I wanted to make something that would be good, but still fit her lifestyle. I found a recipe for pumpkin donuts on Prevention RD and decided that, at about 150 calories per donut, these would be perfect. Continue reading
Making (Not Buying) Holiday Gifts for 2012
Throughout the year, I’ve strived to buy less and make more (and learned a TON along the way). This started in the late spring with my first-ever herb and vegetable garden on my balcony, and has grown into a full-on love affair with cooking and baking for all occasions – using quality, local, and healthful ingredients wherever possible. So many people don’t cook or bake and the delight they have in getting something homemade makes me feel so wonderful.
It’s no surprise then that I would decide to give baked goods as holiday gifts to all my friends this year. I found some yummy cookie recipes to try, and got little treat boxes and tins to package the finished products. The results were delicious, low-cost, homemade, and so much fun to make! Continue reading
I’ve Got a Craving…
…For these delicious dishes at some of my favorite local Atlanta restaurants. I’m not a “foodie” but I love trying new foods and restaurants. Over the past 4.5 years I’ve lived in Atlanta I’ve had some bad, good and great meals. I decided I wanted to share the ten meals/dishes/treats that I crave on a regular basis, with all of you. Enjoy! Continue reading
Sriracha Turkey Meatballs
Another fantastic recipe found on Pinterest, I made these Sriracha Turkey Meatballs for the Thanksgiving potluck at my office. I think they were the first dish to be completely gone – wow! Sriracha is definitely a popular food condiment here, and I think it added to the appeal for my coworkers. 😉 Either way, these were a crowd-pleaser and would be great for any upcoming holiday parties. Continue reading
Caramel Apple Tart
My baking adventures thus far have included various kinds of cupcakes and frosting, and one amazing cookie recipe (coming soon). I wanted to try making something different to gain some new skills and learn, so I found a recipe on Pinterest for an Apple Dulce De Leche Tart. Here goes! Continue reading