The New Year and its resolutions are upon us! I actually love the idea behind resolutions — even if I go about it a bit differently than most. Typically, I make a to-do list of things I hope to complete throughout the year. It's kind of like a life list, but scaled down for just a year. Once year, I resolved to take a bubble bath every night. I may not have made it all 365 days, but nearly 10 years later I still take a bubble bath several nights per week. I was highly motivated to stick with that one! And, I think that's what it's about. Goals are good. Change can be necessary. But, without proper motivation, it's just not going to work. (Like Project 365 that I started a few years ago — "everybody else is doing it" was clearly not enough motivation to get me past the 1st month.) What is a good motivator? Money. True story. If you can see an impact on your bottom line, it will bee easier to stick with a New Year's resolution. That's why I've put together a list of 8 common resolutions, with the financial incentive to help you stick with it! [Continue reading on Babble.com...]

{The New Home Ec} New Year Cards: Procrastinator’s Holiday Greeting

Every year, the chaos of the holiday season gets to me, and something has to give. Christmas cards are the first to go at our house — not because I don’t love them! I love sharing holiday greetings with friends & family, providing our loved…


{The New Home Ec} New Year’s Eve Celebrations on a Budget

With just a few days left in 2011, it’s beyond time to make plans for the big night. I’m always coming at it last minute, too caught up in the Christmas season to plan ahead for the new year. Whether you’re partying at home or plannin…


{How to Have It All} Vera Bradley Winter Sale: 40% off Select Patterns

Vera Bradley is having a Winter Sale! Save 40% Off Night and Day, Twirly Birds Pink, Buttercup, English Meadow and Symphony in Hue. There is now coupon code required for this deal. I was looking over what is on sale and I was surprised at how many things Vera Bradley makes. [Continue reading at How [...]


Christmas Clearance: Beyond Trees and Lights

There are only 363 days until Christmas—it’s time to stockup on wrapping paper, greeting cards and stocking stuffers. Of course, I’m only partly kidding. Holiday clearance deals began yesterday, and the prices will continue to drop all week. This is when I purchase my wrapping paper, gift tags and holiday trinkets to use in next [...]


Simple Ideas for the Very Last Minute Shopper

I can’t believe I’m heading out to shop today—I was doing so well this year! I just found out that the amazing gift I purchased for my sis weeks ago was given to her yesterday by someone else. And, so I’m off in search of another perfect gift. While I hope to finish today, and [...]


{The New Home Ec} 15 Amazingly Useful Ways to Reuse Wine Corks

I am so excited to display my new gift on the wall! How gorgeous is that? My sister-in-law made the Pinterest-inspired wine cork monogram for me this Christmas. It is so creative and gorgeous — a perfect way to reuse all those wine corks. I&#8217…


{The New Home Ec} Store Hours for Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

We’re coming down to the wire — are you ready yet? If you still need a few gifts, we’ve got you covered! I’m out of time for last minute handmade gifts, but several retail stores have extended hours today & tomorrow. Plus, I’ll probably need to make a stop on Christmas Eve for tape. [Continue [...]


{The New Home Ec} 18 Creative Ways to Give Cash & Gift Cards

I know, I know. Gift cards & money aren’t the most personal gifts, but sometimes it’s just the way to go. It’s often hard to come up with just the right gift for some people, especially at the last minute. And, sometimes the right…


10 Fun Things for Kids to Do Over Winter Break

The girls have been home for winter break all week — with almost 2 weeks still to go! It’s been a blissful 3 days of sleeping in (slightly), playing Wii and coercing them to clean the toy room in anticipation of Santa’s delivery. They’re pretty much over it already, so it’s time to dig deep [...]