Contentment is all about being okay with where you’re at and not wanting everything you don’t have. Really, I know there is no way I can be happy if I keep thinking about everything that’s not right or perfect in my life. The key to happiness and contentment for me? Wanting what I have, and being okay with where I’m at in life. For me, I have to accept life for what it is. Easier said than done some days but it’s a process, it’s not about doing it perfectly… xo.
What are you glad you have today? What makes you content right here, right now?
Summer is coming! Here in LA, the beach is a year-round option, but it’s gotten so hot lately that option has become requirement. Here’s a little round-up for a cheap beach day with some cute new things.
How to Have Fun Beach/Pool Days on the Cheap All Summer Long…
It’s no secret that I’m both mesmerized and baffled by the world of coupons. That’s why whenever I get the chance to pick someone’s brain about how they coupon I take it. Also, since we have the most basic cable package available (we’re talking the $15 one) whenever I am around a TV that has fancy channels like TLC I take pretty much make my husband sick with Extreme Couponing marathons. Tell me all about coupons! I mean, there is so much money to be saved and if you have the skills to work the couponing system, know the rules, loopholes, etc, well then, you pretty much have it made.
That’s why when I came across these instructional videos by Grocery Coupon Network I was hooked. This is my favorite video: Learn to Coupon in 5 Steps(here’s the link to their whole slew of informative couponing videos). Seriously, I want to be able to coupon like this lady…
This is a post by Chelsea who is currently doing a Spending Fast®.
Being on a year-long Spending Fast is awesome for finances but not always so awesome for the brain. It is easy to get bummed out that we can’t go shopping with our friends or buy the latest nail polish colors.
I’m a huge sucker for some custom wood detailing. Trimmed out windows, bead board, and whitewashed wood paneling is the stuff of magic. There’s just something so finished about a room with extra wood details and trimmed windows. I mean, carpenters have a sexy line of work, if you’re asking me. And they charge arm and limb to install any custom woodwork, so any time you can cut costs by doing it yourself I’m totally game! One of the most affordable and doable woodwork projects you can do in your home is to frame your windows in trim. And I am talking easy peasy folks…Not a single 45 degree angle! Plus I’ll teach you a little painting trick that saves you even more $$$!
The warmer it gets, the more I want to go camping. Here’s a little roundup of cheap camping ideas if you have the urge for roughing it. Don’t worry, it’s not too rough…
First, find a free destination near you. There are so many cheap campsites around the country, listed on FreeCampsites.net. Going in a warmer month and location will cut down on the gear you’ll need, so that will also save money. Bare minimum pup tents come cheaper than this one, but if you want flaps for a little privacy, this lightweight two-person tent will do the trick. Keep warm with an insanely cheap sleeping bag, if you don’t already have one. For food, you can do better than hot dogs. A dutch oven can help you make easy and inexpensive meals like stews and pastas, over the fire. And unless you’re a real pro, you’ll need some firewood, lighter fluid, and a fire starter for that. (I’ve also heard dryer lint makes good kindling, if you want to skip the fluid). Conserve your wood as much as you can, and gather more from felled dry branches if you can. Clean up your dishes and yourself with this natural soap that’s safe for everything. Also: smear it on the inside of your socks to prevent blisters. Keep bugs at bay with citronella balm and the dark at bay with a little lantern. For entertainment, pack books, games, and playing cards, and explore the terrain around you!
Any free campsite recommendations? What free stuff do you like to do while camping?
Lauren Johnson is a filmmaker/producer living in West Hollywood who enjoys a great foreign thriller, leisure beers, and non-primary colors. Lauren also writes the blog LOCONCEPTS.
Hi, I'm Anna! I paid off close to 24k in debt in only 15 months & it completely changed my life! I want you to have a debt-free life too so here you'll be able to read all about: How to do a Spending Fast®, saving & making more money, DIY's, & a lot about living awesomely with less. Let's do this!
