Money Can Take a Backseat

When You’re Stressed

Ask yourself “What’s Most Important to Me?”

Today I came into work a little stressed out and depressed about finances. It’s a big month for us, extra bills yada yada.  Anyway, as I’m stressing I’m trying to tell myself “hey you’ll figure it out, everything will be fine” and I know this but as a human being, I stress.

During my lunch break or the 10 min I take to eat lunch at my desk, I started checking my facebook and I saw a post from an old friend from grade school. There was a picture of a girl, whom I remember, and a heartfelt message with a condolence about how great of person she was and how she will be missed. She was young, 38 to be exact, and the the hashtag said fuckcancer.

My heart sunk. For I didn’t know this girl since say 6th-7th grade, but as soon as I saw the picture, I immediately flashed back to the school bus, the Catholic school we went to, and her family. I just keep thinking how sad and how young she was. 38! My brother just turned 38 yesterday. It’s a scary thing to think that could be any of us. I feel so sad for the family and her husband.

This isn’t the 1st person I know who has been diagnosed and passed from cancer at the young age of 30(something).

After reading and looking at all the pictures people posted of her life, I instantly stopped caring about my stupid financial stress. Because that’s what it is stupid and trivial. The people in your life – family, friends, and all the relationships you have are what’s really important. The rest of of it will fall into place. The little things we stress over will be gone in time. But the people we have lost will only forever be a memory. Even though some people say time will heal, it doesn’t. They will always be missed, and you just hope one day you come to peace with it.

As for my trivial issue, I got back to my work and saw an email that we will be getting an increase in wages and retroactive pay reflecting this increase. It’s like I said, it all works out.

But for them, the loss is only the beginning of a long road ahead. May they find peace.

 

Free Birthday Cards #1

Free Birthday Cards – Just Print

I don’t know why I didn’t start this sooner because I hate buying cards. Here’s a template for two birthday cards – just print out and use. Since it’s set for two designs per page you will have to cut in half and sign the back or right on front. It’s not meant for folding.

Save some money and enjoy!

Benefits of Cucumber Water

Today’s Inspiration: Cucumber Water

Over the Memorial Day Weekend I tried a new drink, Cucumber Martini. It was delicious, very refreshing and even with a little simple syrup, not too sweet. I love cucumbers but I tend to only eat them in salads. So today I decided to try plain cucumber water. I hear it’s the thing at spas. I wanted to give my water a boost by adding some natural flavors in addition to increasing my water intake.  Turns out I love it! I can’t wait to try other flavors like strawberry mint!

Curious about health benefits? I was, so I did a little research and here’s what I found.

1. Plenty of Vitamins &  good for your muscles: Cucumbers contain silica, a trace mineral necessary to keep connective tissue healthy. Cucumbers are also full of Vitamin K, which keep bones strong and healthy. Plus Vitamins A, B and C, which boost immunity, give you energy, and keep you radiant

2. Skin Friendly: The silica and antioxidants help your skin stay clear and supple. It’s also an anti-inflammatory which can reduce acne redness. Try washing your face with cucumber water in addition to your usual acne routine to reduce redness.

3. It’s low calorie: An entire cucumber averages about 45 calories so a few slices in your water is not

4. You may drink more water: We like things that taste good. Better tasting water just increase your intake.

5. It’s detoxifying: Antioxidants help your body fight free radicals, thereby promoting healthy aging and fighting disease.

6. It’s inexpensive: Cucumbers are the 4th most widely cultivated vegetable in the world. Organics cost a bit more, however, they are less expensive.

7. It’s easy: It takes just a few minutes to fill a pitcher (or glass) of water and slice a few cucumbers into it.

8. Goodbye Bloat: Cucumbers also act as a natural diuretic helping you get rid of that excess water and bloating.

Tip: The cucumber slices should soak in the water overnight to give you maximum flavor. Discard any unused water after two days to keep your beverage tasting fresh.

Cucumber skins contain vitamin A so buy the unwaxed kind. If adding waxed cucumbers to your water, peel the skin off first.

Wedding Anniversary Gift

I made this today for my husband for our 4 year anniversary. It’s the lyrics to our wedding song “At Last” we chose this song because he took me to an Etta James concert for our first date. We got married in the DR, hence the map. I just need to frame it.

Cool Present in Lieu of Card

A Keepsake for Years

I saw a post today my friend shared on facebook, and I don’t remember the name of the blog (sorry I can’t reference). But the idea behind the post was instead of buying a card every year on Mother’s Day, you buy a journal, and every year the spouse and kids use a page in the journal to write something, post a picture, or draw.

I thought it was such a cute idea. It can even be used for birthdays, Father’s Day, Grandparent’s Day etc… I know for someone like me, who throws cards out, a journal is definitely a keepsake that I would cherish. I like the idea of my husband and kids writing the message, because it comes from the heart, (not that cards don’t) but it’s the words and thoughts directly from your loved ones.

The women who posted the blog article said the best part is that her children are young, so the journal starts out as scribbles and as the children grow it will turn into sentences. It reminds me of my kids’ preschool art that I saved.

This is something I can see myself looking at when I’m older and enjoying the memories they wrote about each year!

 

Cinco de Mayo – Let’s Eat!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

I love Mexican food and margaritas so today is one of my favorite holidays to eat and be merry.

In addition to chicken fajitas, I wanted to make some kind of creamy yet spicy corn dip.

I did a search on the ingredients I wanted to base my recipe on, and found one Corn and Jalapeno Dip

This is a slow cooker recipe but I’m making stovetop today.

Slow Cooker corn jalapeno dip (via damndelicious)

 

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 3 (15.25-ounces) cans whole kernel corn, drained
• 2 jalapenos, seeded and diced
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives or scallions

For the slow cooker recipe Read More

Stovetop Instructions

Cook bacon and drain.  Save a bit of grease for sauteing.

Saute corn and jalapenos in a little bacon grease for about 5 minutes, stir in cream cheese and sour cream and simmer until everything melts together.  Add the Pepper jack and Parmesan cheeses along with salt and pepper.  Toss in the bacon and mix until the cheeses melt. Pull off the stove and garnish with chives/scallions.
Note: I added sauted mushrooms and cilantro for extra flavor!

 

 

 

 

Favorite Blogs

A Life Less Bullshit

“It doesn’t matter how slow you’re moving as long as you’re moving” – Nicole Antoinette

Cordelia Calls It Quits

“There are better things to do with a life, and I aim to find them.” – Kelly Gurnett

Leanne Cole PHOTOGRAPHY

She is an awesome photographer and features others in her blog. She gives some tips and ideas for people starting out with DSLR. Just looking at her photos is inspiring.

 The Positivity Solution

“There are two types of people in this world: The ones who make you feel better as soon as they walk into a room, and the ones who make you feel better as soon as they walk out of it.”

– Shola (Mom)