This is My LiveJournal

I made a discovery about myself the other day. I miss Livejournal. So much in fact that I use this for stream of consciousness writing and daily journaling, just like Livejournal, only it never goes live. 

Until today. 

Here's whats been up:

My girl. My dollfaced girl. She's  9 now. 9!

We had the most amazing time at the Great Wolf Lodge with 2 of her good friends. It was maybe the most fun and freedom she has ever had. She got to run the place with her 2 friends, as long as they stayed together. 

It was fun to see how girls operate at different speeds and different comfort levels. I can see how they will be as high schoolers and even as young women. One of my daughter's friends moved very fast. Like superfast, caution to the wind, gogogogo.The other one was very cautious. Very reserved. Very slow.

My girl fits remarkably well between them. She was the glue that kept the group together. Though she really leans more on the side of free spirit, she knew she could not leave her other friend. She would slow the fast friend and encourage the slower friend to move faster. She is getting more and more aware of the needs of others, and their strengths. She has so many innate leadership qualities, and if I just step back a bit they shine through. I am super pleased with that. 

There was also a road trip to western Washington on the day of her birthday. It was cool, except for the unrelenting giggling from the backseat. Fun to see friends at our destination though!

So the very next day after my daughter's birthday is my husband's birthday. 

I took him out to dinner. Then he totaled our car on a foggy mountain road...

He is fine, but we are in the market for a new car now...

Luckily we were well insured so we will see a bit of a return for the car, and are able to put some money down on a new one. 

School starts next week, but we got a letter from the school district basically saying that our school failed to meet the NCLB testing requirements. We get to choose whether we want her to stay in her current school and get tutors if necessary or go to another school. Since she has always tested very well, and has thankfully always excelled academically we are choosing the other school I think.

Lots more has happened as well but it is really just summer stuff. Swimming, playing, events, walking, hiking, exploring, friends,  etc.

I am in such denial that Summer is ending. I haven't even done the school supply shopping...

SUMMER Y U LEAVE ME?!

Berry Picking in the Sunshine.

This was a good day.

It didn't start out that way. 

It started out as many of the most frustrating days do. I had a giant list of things that "needed" to be done, and an overtired toddler who refused any sort of nap time.

I always feel so robbed at this point. Anger rises in me as I realize I will not have the productive day that I had planned, and instead I will spend the day dealing with meltdowns. Mine, or my toddlers. Could go either way.

There is a point on these days where I will still try to get everything done out of habit. Doomed from the start, but somehow I just think " today we will make it work". 

I just can't stop myself, and it ends up pretty catastrophically, at least for me. 

This day, I realized early on, the plans in my head were just not going to happen. My little guy was so grumpy.

 So we went for a drive. That calms us all down sometimes.

We ended up at a Blueberry Farm I had not known about before.

Two of my dudes favorite things. Being outside, and blueberries.

I pulled in.

Instead of fighting it, we changed plans. We chose to make the day a sweet, happy memory instead of a struggle.

 We mostly ran around exploring the acres and acres of blueberry bush aisles, stopping to pick a bit. Seeking shade. Taking photos. A little boy may have been, um,  "sampling" some blueberries out of his bucket.

We only picked about a pint. They had to live in my daughter's bucket to stay safe.

At the checkout the guy just slid the pint back across the counter and said "You can just have it, I think the birds and deer eat more than that in an hour". Yes, free blueberries & a fantastic day in the sunshine. 

Thankful that every day is a fresh new start, and that being open to a change of plans often leads to a better situation.

I also noticed my sweet little girl stepping in where she could help. Without being asked. She is getting so much more aware of the needs of others and I am so thankful I get to be her mom.

Though our blueberries were free this day, I would highly recommend finding a place to pick your own berries. They were only $1.75 per pound + kids LOVE this sort of activity. Win/ win.

Freeze what you won't use within 3 days to prevent waste. Frozen blueberries in greek yogurt is just like dessert!

Freedom and Wishes

It's the day after Independence Day for us in the USA.

Growing up this was always such a fun holiday,wasn't it? 

It still is so much fun. 

As a child, when the 4th of July arrived, I felt like it was a pre-party to my birthday, as my day is only 4 days later. Right around the 5th, I would get really excited for my day.

I'm not as giddy about it as I once was, but I am still so thankful to have taken my trip around the sun again.

Back to our celebration this year. I took the kids to see How to Train Your Dragon 2. Turns out noone goes to the movies on 4th of July, which is great since my youngest doesn't tolerate sitting still for very long.

The movie was good, at least the parts I saw whilst my son ran laps up and down the ramp at the entrance to the theatre, so as not to disturb the moviegoers.

My daughter liked it.

We went out to dinner, and afterward  got together with some neighbors and had a block party. Lots of fireworks and fun. 

This year I tried something different, and released sky lanterns. 

They will definitely become a tradition in this house. They are beautiful and everyone enjoyed them.

They created a perfect moment to reflect on our freedoms, make wishes for the future, release, and watch them float away. Bright and steady against the alternating dark, and perilously explosive night sky.

It was a great way to slow the kids down after they ran amok all night.

We are all bleary eyed today, but we are hoping to enjoy a hike together this weekend.

Hope yours is fantastic!

Post All the Walks!!!

 I am still walking, and posting the photos of my walks on the Instagram!

Instead of taking far too long to individually post every walk that I am behind in posting here (and possibly getting discouraged/distracted and leaving to doubletap on Instagram for my whole break)- Here are my walks up to this point :

Fort Columbia- Spontaneous Detour Walk

9/48walks

Fort Stevens walk 10/48walks

Beach Walk! Seaside, OR     11/48walks  

Downtown Seaside walk (and food!)12/48walks

 Mother's day hike 13/48walks

And finally- My anniversary sunset walk ended here. 14/48walks

Are we friends on instagram yet? If not, we should be! Find me @_lourab_ 

Quotes and Motivation

Worth it.

6/ #48Walks : Yay, Sun!

For the 6th of my 48 Walks we were blessed with a gorgeous sunny day. We drove down south to the Millersylvania State Park. I love this park because it is so close by and child friendly. 

You will need a Discover Pass to visit this park.

I also love that there are many different options on what to do once you get to the park. There are trails, camping, swimming, fishing, and during the warmer months there are boat/kayak/paddle boat rentals.

This walk was actually taken the last day of February.

I still don't have a word, or a phrase for what I am figuratively walking towards. Maybe it should be clarity? 

I'm not really worried about it. It will come in good time.

Right now I am just so enjoying the last of our Winter woods, and anticipating Springtime. 

Now on to the magic.

February Progress

February.

By the time we get to the end of February we are just kind of battle weary. The glow of the new year has dimmed. We are tired of Winter's short, dark days. Even as the days are getting longer and stronger, they are just not enough at February's end. Are they?

At the end of February I am careful to remember that things can change so gradually that you will not notice it if you are not mindful. If you are drudging through your routine, head down and cursing your wet feet, you will just miss the change.

I look for the light, and the new growth, and the sunsets that are a minute or two later than the night before.

Then in comes March, with its joyful parade of light, and flowers, and greenery, and warmer days. St. Patricks day, and Guiness and corned beef and cabbage.

I love March. It has always been one of my favorite months.

Anyway, on to the financial update:
February was a great financial month! We were able to so away another $1900. Still working about 12 hrs a week at hospital, and only eating at home the majority of the time.

While this is pretty great, and far above what I assumed would be possible last December, we became unfocused this last week and spent a bit more on food than I wanted to.

I will do my best to make March even more organized. This helps any budgeting endeavor.

Just a quick blip today to mark progress. Hope your weekend is nice and relaxing!

Frugal Living and Giving: 15 Ways to Help Even on a Budget.

source

All of us have times when we must lean on our family and friends. We also have times when we must be the friend someone leans on.
This should not change just because you are on a budget.
If, at the end of your goal, you find yourself with plenty of money and estranged friends, what was the point?
There are so many ways to help out that involve little or no money.
Sometimes just showing up for people makes the biggest impact. Even if you are empty handed.

Here are some ideas to help some friends in need for no money:

1.Do their laundry for them. No less than 3 loads. Washed, dried, folded and put away.

2.Babysitting. 2 hours. No big deal.

3.Clean out their car. Complete with vacuuming, and wipe down. (this was done for me as a birthday
present from a friend who was just laid off. It was one of my all time favorite presents).

4.Volunteer to make phone calls for them. Could be calling the doctor, insurance company, or even distant relatives that need to know some good, or bad news.

5. Shovel a walk/mow a lawn

6.Walk a their dog for them. Complete with a play session.

7.Take their kids for a sleepover with your kids. It is so nice to have a free night, especially so when you are dealing with stress.

8.Clean their kitchen for them. (As a new mom this was one thing I wish I had more of)

9. Go for a walk together, even if one of you is wheelchair bound (or especially so).

10. Volunteer to drive them to appointments. I work in the medical field, and this is a huge issue for many. So much that they may actually miss important appointments that can help them heal.

And for very little money:

1. A reach out meal- Bring a meal, paper plates/ plastic cutlery, and about 1 1/2 hours of good company.

2. Freezer meals- just do a search on the interwebs. You'll find about a million inexpensive freezer meals to make. Make 2-3 and a card appropriate for the occasion.

3. A gift card for a meal. +Bonus points for places that deliver.

4. A gas card (helpful for people traveling to and from hospitals and doc appts)

5. A good book. It may not seem like the time, but sometimes you need an escape. This one is more for hospital stays, and long treatment sessions. Not so much for new moms.

If you see a need, do what you can to help. It doesn't have to be expensive!

If you have any ideas to add, please do so in comments!

5/#48Walks : The Walk That Went Awry

My little guy is really, really into stories right now. He LOVES when people tell him stories. He likes to read, and we do every night, but what he is really into right now is the off-the-cuff stories that people tell upon request.

After hearing "you tell me a story?" About 30 times in one day, naturally you start just telling the stories about the day.

Our story of this walk was "Once upon a time, there was a cute little boy who set off on a mission to make it to the end of a loooooong walk to see if he could see some seals in the water. But, this little boy threw one of his shoes into the ocean and his Momma had to carry him all the way back to the start. The end."

This was our first real hike in about 10 days. After being shut up indoors due to unsafe windy conditions and that work thing I was elated to hear that sun was in the forecast. I finished my chores at a frenetic pace so we could just enjoy the afternoon out at one of our favorite spots.
I didn't bother checking tide tables. I just chased the sun.
We walked the mile to the boardwalk and arrived to find that it was lowtide, so we only got to see the strange wasteland that is usually hidden underwater. It is strange, but still beautiful, in a chaotic way.

Then, while I was distracted (by photo ops?), my son apparently threw his shoe off the boardwalk. I looked back to find one white little sock poking out from his pantleg. Then looked over the edge to see a tiny, lonely shoe.  Lost forever.

At this time I just started laughing like a crazy person. Just wondering what this little person could have been thinking. Age 2 is my favorite.
Maybe it got stuck under the railing and fell in?
Maybe, but the story I got was that he threw it.
He was pretty upset to learn we could not retrieve it.
I just picked him up and we walked together all the way back to the car.

And the whole time he was either telling or requesting the story of the little boy who threw his shoe into the ocean. The end.

Now, onto the pictures

All For Today

source?

and it's free!

Quotes and Motivation: Invincible Summer

I took this picture on Mt. Rainier last year. 

 While we have had a much drier Winter than usual, rain is in the forecast for the next 9 days. I have finally made peace with the rain, and even found peace IN the rain.  I still find I have to be careful here, and this is a quote I often refer back to. 

It reminds me the light will return. It's already on it's way!

 Ir reminds me how thankful I am for the gift of vivid imagination. I can always recall the glow of a Summer day spent on the water, or a crisp Spring morning in the forest when the Earth is just waking up from Winter. I can even plan for future days spent in similar ways. 

Until then, I will focus on that bright center of my brain that knows the promise of longer days full of warmth is kept, and always believes that the best is yet to come. 

+ Gratitude and mindfulness go a long way!

What is your favorite uplifting quote?

4 Ingredient Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies

Two recipes in one!

This is one of those old favorite frugal recipes I am teaching my daughter for her college years. I don't care if she is only 8. Sometimes you need a cookie, and when you look around in your kitchen, all you can find is:

1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky. I won't judge)

1 cup sugar (brown, or white)
1 egg or 3 tbsp of egg whites if you have egg sensitivities like me.
Splash of vanilla.

Preheat oven to 375°. Spoon cookie dough into 1" balls and put on baking sheet. This is a sticky process and I like to get a spoonful, then scrape it off the spoon with my hand then onto the cookie sheet.

For the finish, you can choose to either flatten with the bottom of a glass. (If the glass sticks, just dip in sugar) and follow up with a cute little cookie cutter impression.

or...

You can do criss cross pattern with a fork,the same sugar trick applies if your fork is sticking.  This one reminds me of being little. Our sweet little old neighbor lady would bake us peanut butter cookies, shove them in a ziploc bag, and hand them to us as we whizzed by on our roller skates. 

Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes. Let cool and remove from baking sheet. Consume with reckless abandon. These are around 66 calories each. Even less if you are using egg whites.

Easiest homemade cookies ever.

Go make some!

Have any super easy, fuss free treats like this one? I'd love to see them.

(p.s. Yes. I realize that I used more parentheses than were entirely necessary on this post.)

Enjoy!

Super Simple: Jello Playdough or Why I Will Not Be Buying Playdoh Again

Oh Man, you guys. This is so easy. I have to share. I wish I had known about this sooner.

If you have little kids, you probably have some playdoh in the house, (maybe in the carpet?). It is great for their little motor skills, and the dexterity of their little hands + their creativity and sense of accomplishment.

My son loves playdoh. It is the most frequent activity he requests. In fact I can't remember a day without playdoh in it somewhere. He loves it that much.

One day we sat down to play with his playdoh, and it was so dried out it was unusable. Gross, crumbly and no longer pliable. So I started researching online. I found a few Jello Playdough recipes and decided I had to try it.

Bulleted benefits of Jello Playdough:

• Jello Playdough is so easy to put together. It comes together in about 10 minutes. Less than the time it takes to go to the store to get more playdoh.
• One batch of Jello Playdough is approximately 3 1/2 cans of storebought playdoh.
• It doesn't dry out as quickly as it's commercial counterpart. (planned obsolescence?)
• It smells amazing. Whatever flavor your Jello is will be the scent of the Jello Playdough!
• It is a fun activity for your kids to help make. They like to measure and pour.
• It feels like a science experiment when the dough forms a ball during the cooking process.
• Jello Playdoh is more pliable. It just feels "softer and smoother:"
• Its way cheaper. 1 Jello packet costs about .69 and makes 3x what a .79- $1.50 can does. The rest of the items are already pantry staples. I could calculate what they all cost as well, but that is a waste of time since I will come to the same conclusion. 
• Warm Jello Playdough feels amazing. 
• Super bright colors

By now I know you are pumped, right? I tried a few different recipes, and adjusted them. Many Jello Playdough recipes call for cream of tartar, but I have no idea what it does. I made it both ways and saw no difference.

Here is the recipe we have been making the past 2 weeks:

1 Cup Flour

1 Cup Water

1/4 Cup Salt

2 TBSP  coconut oil

1 Jello packet

Mix ingredients together and cook over medium heat. Stir constantly until dough forms a ball. Turn out on a floured surface and let it cool. Knead a bit, then play.

the dough ball

It really is that easy. 

My little guy cut out a bunch of hearts for me. 

2/ 48Walks on a Sunday

These were taken at Tolmie State Park. This is a great park for kids. The trails are well kept, even boardwalks in places, and just long enough for little legs to run.

During the Summer months the beach is the perfect place for kids to enjoy some crab catching, sand dollar collecting, and general watery fun. It's not usually too crowded, even on our most Summery days.

It is definitely one of our favorites. 

This #48walks project, led by Alison Chino, has been super Interesting. My favorite part is seeing where all of the participants are in the world, and the places we are choosing to show. 

My family is a pretty outdoorsy lot anyway, and it has been fun to go out walking with an intention of showcasing these familiar twists and turns on our favorite woodland trails. 

There is a quiet peace I feel when walking in the Winter woods. There isn't a lot of foot traffic during the Winter, and I'm sure that plays a big part. 

I love the bare winter branches against the overcast sky & the dark hollows made by the understory brush. These will soon be little secrets. Still there, only hidden by the new Spring growth. 

 We will be there. Happily running the same trails, with new wonder.

8 Ways to Use Christmas Discounts for Valentines Day

I love a good bargain, so naturally I am a clearance shopper. January is one of the very best times for people like me. Practically everything is on clearance!

During the month of January the most deeply discounted items are the leftover Christmas goods.

 Most people remember to stock up on clearance items for the following Christmas. I always, always buy new wrapping paper, and a few new things for the following Christmas. 

This is nothing new for us budget savvy folk.

For many, January is so full of resolutions, and purging, and organizing that they forget Valentine's Day exists until around February 1st. 

There are so many great deals that will make your  February self so thankful for your foresight. 

Many Christmas items can easily become Valentine's Day items, with a little imagination.

Yep, Valentine's Day in the Christmas section.

Too soon?

My February savings account doesn't think so!

Here is a list of things to buy right now at a huge discount to make your Valentine's day beautiful in both aesthetics and budget-friendliness.

1. Red and White Tissue paper.

 It's pretty affordable to begin with but I have come away with the big fancy packs for about $0.19 before. The possibilities are endless!

 tissue paper pom poms,

 tissue paper flowers,

source

tissue paper luminaries 

source

2. Red Dresses- its usually date night, after all! Show off your fitness resolution successes in a brand new red party dress.

3. Red sweaters and Cardigans. You can wear these pretty much year round as well.

4. Red Tights! to wear as is or for projects. These 2 are on my list.

source

source

5. Twinkle lights. Buy them now for like $1.00 per box and twinkle light your place up for a romantic evening.



source

6. Red ribbon. Apply where needed! Also good for wrapping birthday presents year round.

7. Red Dinnerware. If you are staying in this Valentines day, or if you make Valentine's day treats, some red dinnerware makes it all fancy.

8. Red and white candles. Candlelight is always welcome on romantic occasions. 

I've already gotten the twinkle lights and the tissue paper, and  will be making a few projects to decorate this place up for Valentine's day. The best thing about these projects? They are less than $1.00 each to make now that I have done my clearance shopping.

Creativity is important when you are on a budget. A budget does not mean you shouldn't have a good time, celebrate, give gifts, or decorate for holidays. It just means you have to be a bit more creative. From that necessity the very best ideas are borne.

Have you noticed any other Christmas items that could easily become Valentine's Day items? Share your ideas?

Weekend. Finally!

Hey weekend!

I've been working out of town all week, and it was so nice to not have an 120 minute commute to anywhere today. 

Of course, Saturdays are always tricky for me as I have to shift gears quickly to keep the kids entertained alone. My husband works Saturdays, so I am on my own. 

Even though all I actually want to do once a Saturday rolls around is lay on the couch drinking tea and reading something interesting, that is not going to be a reality for several more years. I am ok with that. Especially if I remember that when I get the time to myself I crave it will mean that my babies will be all grown, and I will be missing these days.

So today, despite a chill to the air, we ran around our local preserve and I took photos for the #48walks project led by Alison Chino. 

Love the idea, and I kind of feel like it is a visual relay race team, if that makes sense. 

I love being outside more than I can explain, if I sit inside all day long I am so irritable.  I am so thankful to live in such a gorgeous place, where the best days are spent playing with the kids out of doors.

 Thankful that nature is completely free entertainment.

Hope you are being good to yourself this weekend! 

Have a great one.  

Budget Quotes and Motivation: Think of Your Future Self

Budgets.

They have been with me all my life.

Not because I grew up in an "alternative way",  with little money but a whole lot of land. (I did)

Not because we were  sometimes broke and really struggling.   (We were)

It is because, well, I like them


When I was 13-16 I remember fantasizing about college. Getting out on my own,  what would that look like?

I would collect the newspaper, grocery adverts, my parent's utility bills, and a calculator. I would lock myself in my room, turn on my radio, and research. (My dad would be on the only good computer in the house at the time)

I would find an apartment and a job in the paper. Then I would calculate how much groceries, and utilities would cost. I would look into colleges around town and see what a semester might cost. I would add that in too.


I would get a solid amount. I would reach a happy balance. I would feel really quite pleased with myself that I had it all figured out. It was a great comfort at that time. I knew when the time came I would make it just fine.

It still is a great comfort.
It is not always easy, though.


This year we have made travel a priority. To do this though, we will have to follow a pretty strict budget.

I know many people who hate to budget. Who are vexed by it. Or derailed by impulses, (this coffee is good NOW, it wont make a difference if I save $3.00 at home).

I feel like budgets are of utmost importance. They create guidelines and boundaries. They ultimately give you so much more autonomy.


It may feel like the budget is in control for a while, but every step closer to the goal makes a difference. Even if it is only a tiny step forward,  forward is the right direction.

In fitness, and in finance, here are a few go to reminders.

Sometimes saying no to something now, feels even better when you remember you are  saying yes to something in the future.

Be patient.

The control you show today directly affects the freedoms you will have tomorrow!

Set your limits and respect them.

Do not let your today self rob your tomorrow self.

Here's to staying in control!

Are you still on board with your budget resolutions for this year?

RELAX!!! 25 Ways to Reduce Stress for Free!

I say "Relax" about a billion times a day.

Usually it is said this way :

"Just relax! Its fine."

This works all the time for my kids.

 No matter what "it" actually is. (for the record- It is usually a toy issue, I wouldn't say this if they were on fire or bleeding.)

I say it in my head too when I am getting frustrated, or overwhelmed.

It usually works... sometimes.

But I thought I would compile an actual list of free stress busting activities. Because as this year starts and we often feel the need to put a whole new load of demands in our already demanding lives. I figure, we should all just RELAX a little.

While spa days, yoga retreats, and beach vacations are nice and relaxing- we happen to be saving for something even more life changing and spectacular, and you might be too. So for now- try these.

Bonus points for combining several of these in one day!

1. Sing.

2. Dance. Check Youtube. Hulu. Or Netflix

3.Take a walk. Walking boosts endorphins in as little as 10 minutes.

My little guy walking

4. Bonus points if you take a walk with a friend.

5. Do yoga. 

6. Find a quiet place and just be.

7. Meditate.

8. Play a game. 

9. Call a friend or family member. Bonus points for skyping.

10. Play with your kids. Then hug them, a lot.

11. Take a bath.

12. Drink something hot. Even if it is just water with a lemon.

13. Write something.

14. Draw something.

15. Help someone else out.

16. Go play outside. Nature is the original stress reducer.

17. Find a source of water. Rivers, lakes, creeks, ponds, or ocean. Doesn't matter, just find some and do what you want in or near it.

18. Breathe deeply.


19. Visit the library, read in a quiet corner.

20. Stretch your body.

21. Say something nice to yourself, and mean it.


22. Take a nap!


23. Do toe-ga. (Warning: if feet kinda skeeve you out- skip this one)


24. Take a hike.

25. Go for a run.




I could really keep going on and on. You don't need money to beat stress. You just need to prioritize your time!

What are some of your thrifty stress busters?