Random Articles

I have run across a lot of great articles recently -- most of which I want to share with the blog-world (or just keep the link for someday when I want to re-read them, I really hate when my bookmark list gets too long).  Today's two articles are all about money... or more accurately saving money and getting out of debt.

I make it no secret that one of my biggest long term goals right now is getting myself out of debt.  It is going to be a while before I can yell "I'm Deb Free" from the top of my lungs -- but everyday and every month I am getting closer and closer.  How exciting! 

That being said, when I see articles on MSN or other blogs about this topic, I almost always click on them to see if they have any great (and new) tips.  These two are worth a puruse, if you will.

1) Trick Yourself Into Saving More Mony, msn.com
I liked this article because I saw some tips I hadn't seen -- or maybe more accurately taken notice of lately.  My personal favorite is the "round up extra cash" idea.  I may try this for a month or two... see if the feeling of being strapped for cash is outweighed when I magically have some extra money at the end of each month to put away in savings for grad school or pay down debt.  Does anyone do this?  Do you like it?

2) Cash is King, Johnny B. Truant Blog
I like this article more because I agree with it whole heartedly.  Now that I am using the envelope system for eating out, entertainment, groceries and clothing I feel RICH!   No, really -- I DO!  I am certainly not making any more money or saving it better.  I just can SEE the money and know where it is going.  I feel RICH... and I like that feeling.

And since we are talking about finances and getting out debt -- let me introduce you two new blogs I have found that I like -- both are people/families blogging about their adventures while they go debt free. 

Man vs. Debt
Debt Free Adventure

That's all I got right now folks!  I should do a detailed update on how I am doing with my get out of debt plan.  I am working on two bigger credit card debts right now, so it has been a while since I have reached any great milestones.  But I promise I am still plugging away and I am feeling pretty good about it!

Online Shopping

How do you feel about shopping online? How about shopping for clothing online? I normally like to try things on so it always makes me a little nervous to buy things online.

However, I have recently been introduced to three websites (through this blog) that sell modest, fashionable clothing. And let me tell you... I am IN love. I want so much of it. I am trying to resist, to remind myself that I am on a budget, to wait and ask for some of it for my Birthday or for Christmas.

But seriously... this or this or this. How cute?!?!?

Ok, so what are these sites? Here you go:

1) Shade Clothing
2) DownEast Basics
3) Tabeez

So, what do you think? Are you going (virtual) shopping with me?

In earnest prayer...

Today and yesterday have been those type of days where I am just overwhelmed, tired and could throw myself a big old pity party. I have thought to myself repeatedly, "thank goodness I am a Christian and know that hope lies somewhere else than in this world and that He can provide me with more comfort than anything on this Earth, because if not I would be reaching for the bottle... or something else to comfort myself." YES! ME! Even though I don't like alcohol all that much, and see no point in "drowning your sorrows."

But then I am reminded that my problems are nothing compared to others on this Earth. There are people who aren't healthy, who don't have all of their family healthy, who are suffering more than my mere annoyances. I am fed, have a roof over my head at home AND at work, I get to choose my occupation and where I worship, I have freedom and liberty.

And more than that, my small, petty problems compared to other here are on Earth are nothing to my BIG, GREAT GOD who can do anything!

I found this blog and was brought to my knees for this family. Pray for them, that if God would choose to, to heal Sara and bring her back to her newborn. But if not, that He would be glorified and her family comforted. Pray they would turn to God in the midst of all of this, and that all of us, no matter how big or small would turn to God.

Pray for Stellan

There is so much I want to write. There are so many photos to post.

But for now, let's take the focus off of me and put it one a family who needs your prayers. I have been following this blog for a while now.

Please pray for Stellan and the rest of the MckMamma's brood.

A funny one...

here is a funny blog post (or at least I thought so) that I want to share with your before I try and type out a more serious one.

If it offends anyone, sorry! But I just laughed imaging if it all really did happen at church.

Things to Do

My friend Tiffany has two blogs. Her newest one is a really cool idea and I wanted to share it with you all. It is a list of things to do before you die... but they are all really cool ideas. I plan on joining her in the attempt to do them. Make sure to check it out!

As well, have you all be checking out Josh Wilson's Advent Calendar? Yesterday was free shipping on ordering his CD, "Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup." Today he talks about his Christmas EP and the song "Sing." Check it out! It's a great way to countdown to the day we remember the birth of Christ, the reason for this Advent season.

You may notice some changes over the coming weeks and such... I have lots of things I want to blog about and ways I want to make this blog a little more fun for all... but mainly me. I love sharing my life with you blog readers, but I do this more as a way to journal, try to remember things, etc... so I am going to try to spice this up and I hope you all enjoy it!