Spring Cleaning and Good Energy

I found myself with a few hours on my hands... time- check, organizational work needed- check.  At the suggestion of my best friend, Allison, I decided to organize my cooking binders.  Although I am not into technology in many ways (old cell phone, don't want an IPad or Kindle), the one way I fully embrace technology is in my cooking.

As someone raised in a house without a lot of cooking, I found myself a few years ago just starting to get into cooking with the help of some friends, the internet, and a recipe exchange at work.  I slowly got better, and now I absolutely LOVE to cook.  I even enjoy making my grocery list since I try out (usually) one new recipe per week.

However, my one binder quickly expanded to three- overstuffed and so full of recipes that it was getting to be overwhelming instead of inspiring to look through them.  I tried Allison's suggestion of designating one binder for desserts, one for soups, sides, and appetizers, and one for main courses and slow cooker.  In the midst of a HUGE amount of pages, sheet protectors, and the feeling that I would never finish, I realized how good it felt to purge some of the old recipes.  Some were recipes that I'd clipped or gotten with every intention of trying... but it just never happened.  Some were recipes I thought might bring me good luck (Engagement Chicken), but haven't fit in with my life so far.  It felt a little like I was beating myself up by looking at those types of recipes, because they felt like a reminder of what I want but haven't experienced.  Some recipes were just too easy for me now or contained too many processed items.  It was a realizing how far I've come as I found my first recipe I ever really made along with my comments.  It was a letting myself off the hook for some of the recipes that I'm not in the place to use yet.  It was giving some recipes a chance to shine since now it will be easier to find them, and I'll have a chance to try some of those.

No organizational project is complete without that final, finishing, fun touch so I spent some time making new cover sheets just how I wanted them.

The feeling of order and peace after these types of projects is great.  I've also been suddenly hearing the word energy an awful lot lately, from some great Carol Plum-Ucci novels to home decorating columns.  One thing that keeps coming up is that lots of things have an energy attached to them-- that many things either make you feel good or bad when you see them.  So, I have to admit, I kept that thought in my head as I tried to get rid of things that felt like they were bringing me back to a period of "negative frequency" of my life.  I did the same with clothes recently, and I am feeling energized and happy to have gotten rid of some of those as well.

In addition, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the spring fashions this year more than I've loved clothes in the last ten years or maybe ever.  I feel like some of the things that have been dragging people down for the last little while have started brightening up and lightening up.

Some evidence:
1) New Pope refusing to live in the apartment because it was too big and elaborate and washing the feet of prisoners like Jesus... a positive and hopeful leader for the church seems to be here.

2)  Economy gradually improving

3)  Bright, colorful, OPTIMISTIC clothes meant for living life in

4)  Marriage equality quickly gaining majority support.  Whatever anyone's views are on the subject, I respect them, but I am thrilled to see people letting go of intolerance and gaining acceptance.  Like many others, I've evolved on the issue, but it feels electric to be "on the right side of history", and I know I'll probably remember this time the way other generations remember great leaps forward in civil rights or innovation.

Small spring haul-

Doubling Down on Debt

As I mentioned before, I have been doubling down on getting myself out of credit card debt.  Finally, I was just so done with being in debt that things just seemed to fall into place because my will was there.  I was willing to make sacrifices and try new ways to save money (all while still maintaining a decent lifestyle with fun and shopping too).  Income tax refund- right to my credit card; I didn't even bat an eyelash or think for a minute of something I wanted to buy.  In the final few months of this process, I have a few more tips to share.

1)  Budget ahead of time.

Instead of waiting until deductions were taking out from my checking such as utility bills or the gym membership, I have lately been balancing my checking account as if these expenses are already deducted.  This practice has been a huge help because instead of spending a little too much and then scrambling at the end, I now have a good idea of how much I will have left over once my bills are paid.  It keeps me more disciplined because I know exactly how much money  I have until I get paid next.

2)  Align spending with values as much as possible.

I like this one a lot, because it makes me feel more control over how I spend my money and live my life.  It was easy for me to identify my values- I prefer to shop a) made in USA b) at companies that treat their employees well c) companies that are environmentally aware and d) grocery stores with less genetically modified food choices.  So, as much as I can, I try to "vote with my wallet" for the values that I value.  Sure, it costs a little more for me to get my oil changed at a place that recycles the oil and materials, but that 6 dollars or so is well worth it when I think that I am helping the environment, even a little, by making that choice.

Same goes for Costco- my vote will always go them for allowing employees to unionize, giving them health benefits and fair wages.  They also save me money, so now I am adding a monthly trip to Costco and trying to up the amount of things I buy from them- starting with coffee and shave gel and next time will be adding toilet paper and getting gas there to the list.

I can't go too crazy with this one, because there are things that you just can't find made in the USA (such as shoes) or things that I just can't afford made in USA.  However, even adding a few purchases made here can add up if lots of people do it.  A few recommendations are www.etsy.com and Hard Tail exercise and lounge wear found at Nordstrom and Lord and Taylor.

3)  Speak Up

After hearing the woman in front of me at Kohl's one day ask the cashier if she had any coupons up there, I've been trying this here and there.  On a recent trip to Kohl's, I asked that question and was given an additional 15% off of my order, even though I don't have a Kohl's card.  A few minutes later, I asked at Ulta since my coupon had expired.  That was all it took for me to save 3.50 on a curling iron.  As long as you ask nicely, the worst they can say is no.  This trick can save you a lot of money, and it's a confidence booster when you ask and are given something that you wouldn't have though to ask for before.