Send Hugs (And Kisses)

Support our troops.  

I've never been in the military, but I feel like a veteran.  My best friend has been deployed twice and I served my country by being there by her side both times when her life was uprooted and dropped down again overseas.  I have written letters, typed hundreds of emails, sent packages, chatted with her over Skype, posted pictures of/for her on Facebook, talked to her on the phone, planned parties for when she came back, made supportive t-shirts for her friends and family, and missed her like crazy both times.  (As I type this, I'm counting down the days until she comes home from her second tour.)

But, how do you pack up a hug and mail it to someone?  Short of mailing myself, I haven't figured that out yet, so I encourage all of you to try.  Send your loved ones a little something, even if it's just a handwritten card saying "I miss you", to give them a piece of home and a little reminder that we are all very proud.  Support other troops through this website, which has worked hard since 2002 by sending letters and packages to "give back to those who give all".  Or, visit this website for more ways to get involved.  Remember: it's the thought that counts. 

You've been tipped, J

Save The World

Do your part and give to those in need, every little bit helps.  

It was hard for me to even write a tip, in light of the massive earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear plant failures that have devastated Japan recently.  I watched a slideshow of the wreckage and it brought me to tears.  Families have been displaced from their homes, many were killed, several thousands of people are still missing, and radiation levels make the search and rescue missions more dangerous every day.  Let's do everything we can to assist Japan, and here is how:

Cook Slower

Save time by using the crock-pot more often.  

The other day I found a recipe that changed my boyfriend's life.  Seriously.  The recipe only called for six ingredients: chicken, corn, salsa, green peppers, red peppers and taco seasoning.  I sent him to the grocery store with the list and simple cooking instructions stating "dice, dump everything into the crock-pot then turn on low".  He called me after a while and the following conversation took place:

     M: So, I have to cook this chicken first?

     J: No, just put it in the crock-pot.

     M: Alright, but do I have to stir it every five minutes?

     J: No, just turn it on LO and leave it alone.

     M: Okay, but won't it burn?

     J: No, it won't burn.

     M: Are you sure?

     J: I'm sure.

     M: So, you weren't kidding when you said all I had to dump everything in and it will cook! 

Expect More From Your Credit Card

Get rewarded for your spending.  

Raise your hand if you have a credit card.  Okay, now keep your hand up if your credit card rewards you in some way: cash back, flyer miles, etc.  Where's your hand?  If your hand is still up, take it and pat yourself on the back.  The rest of you should click here immediately.  This website is the holy grail of credit card information, touted by financial expert Suze Orman.  If you're a proponent of saving money and traveling there are cards that give you flyer miles for every dollar you spend.  If you love getting cash back or gift cards to your favorite stores, there's a card for that (hehe).  There are student credit cards, prepaid credit cards, and even business credit cards.  Just be sure to compare your options.

Put The Lid Down

Put the toilet lid down before you flush and hide your toothbrushes.  

Every time the toilet is flushed and the lid is up, a plume of bacteria shoots up into the air and lands on everything in your bathroom.  Mythbusters (episode 12) placed 50 toothbrushes around a bathroom and after two weeks of flushing with the lid up they found bacteria on every single one of them.  What is in your bathroom?  A wet toothbrush, a wet towel, and a wet bar of soap all create nesting places for airborne bacteria.  The thought of brushing my teeth with toilet water makes me cringe.  As far as I know, there aren't any mechanical devices made to lower the seat for you, however there are lid locking devices made to keep kids from dropping other items into the toilet, like keys and toys.  It only takes a second to lower the lid and I don't know about you, but what goes into my toilet needs to stay in my toilet and never be near my toothbrush, which stays safely hidden in the cabinet.

You've been tipped, J

Let's Play Golf

Learn to enjoy golf.    

Most men I know play golf.  Most women I know can play golf, they would just rather be doing something else.  I am one of those women.  I am my biggest competition and my biggest critic on the golf course, giving that darned little white ball complete control over me.  Sometimes it takes every ounce of restraint to not throw my club into the water after my ball.  But, I know how much my boyfriend thoroughly loves this sport.  Last year we went golfing together a handful of times and each time I was growly, uncoachable, and had very sore arms.  Well, its that time of year again and he is scoping out memberships.

Get Frugal With Groceries

Save money on your grocery bill with three easy steps.  

1. Make a list.  Think about what meals you want to make in the time frame you are shopping for.  (It's okay to plan on having leftovers!)  Take a quick inventory of your fridge and pantry; try coming up with meals using ingredients you already have.  Now, make a list of all of the ingredients you need to buy to prepare those meals.