Cherry Cream Cheese



Vacation Spending Tips

After coming home from a wonderful/long vacation, I thought this 'Money Monday' would be focused on some tips we used on our last vacation (pictures of vacation to come!).

Budget:

 I can't stress this enough. You should know by now that I like to budget everything and when going on vacation I like to plan how much we are going to spend (estimating high) and then set that money aside so that we don't come back to a big credit card bill. I like to think about gas, treats, souvenirs, and meals.

Use Cash:

Sounds simple but sometimes it's just so much easier to swipe your cards than to deal with change. I've found that when I take a set amount with me, I feel more guilty about whipping out the Visa. Plus it makes you really think about your purchases.

Be a Cheap Date:

Whenever you can use coupons, gift cards, share meals, etc. This tip is great for restaurants/fast food places. I always save my receipts from Arby's, Wendy's, and Burger King because if you call the number on the back and complete a quick survey and you sometimes you can get a free meal (or at least a great deal).

 P.S. How do you like the new design? I love it! But I also loved the old one....

Scriptures

"By reading the scriptures I am so  renewed that all nature seems renewed around me and with me. The sky seems to be a pure, a cooler blue, the trees a deeper green. The whole world is charged with the glory of God and I feel fire and music under my feet."
-Thomas Merton

Please feel free to leave your favorite scriptures in the comment box. I want to see what puts "fire and music" under your feet....

Legs.

Today is the last post of the week, for I will be at Lake Powell from Thursday to the next Wednesday. It is my favorite place in the world and I recommend it to anyone who has not been. Anyway on to the workout for the week.

I think that being a soccer player made me appreciate really good-looking legs. So this post is dedicated to my favorite leg workouts.

Calf raises: putting your toes on the edge of a stair or chair lift up your body until you are on tippy-toe and go back down (I like to do these after running, it makes me feel like muscular).

Squats: stand with feet apart and well....squat. I'm sure there is a proper way of doing these that I'm not telling you but these are just my faves.

Lunges: My junior high P.E. teacher (Ms. Givens) would be proud to know that I still do these and have perfect form. Start with your legs together, with your right foot step as far forward as you can while still being able to push back up. Hold it for a count of three and then try it on the left. This one will make you sore!

I know that some of you fitness people are reading my blog and laughing but I would really like to know more leg workouts that you have. I like trying new things!

Itallian Dressing Chicken

Are you ready for the easiest/fastest/most delicious dinner you can make in less than 30 minutes? Bon Appetite!

Planning your Future.

I had a great tip from our landlord about saving money. He said to plan out all the things you want in life (i.e. house, kids, cars, education, etc.) and put a price on each thing. Then put a year next to the thing you want. After that calculate how much per year, month, and week you will have to save to get that thing. It was nice to see things in perspective. Example: