Frugal Valentine’s Ideas That Are High Value

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the Friday Five girls decided to put together different ways of showing love. While the sense of security money provides is one way my darling shows his love for me, dropping cash on a bunch of flowers or candy can seem wasteful. Often the most thoughtful gifts don’t require a large financial investment.

Captain’s Log: Day 2

As I previously blogged, we’re currently without water. Since I spent most of the day at work, I wasn’t all that inconvenienced. Excluding living and dying by “if its yellow let it mellow, if its brown send it on down.”

Today, however, has been a bit more of an adventure. I attempted a mess-less breakfast of oatmeal in the microwave, but it overheated and spewed oats all down the side of the cup and into the microwave.

My Keurig had only 1 cup of water left for coffee, but thankfully yesterday my dad brought a 5 gallon bucket of water for us to use. They have well water, and it makes incredible coffee.

Our heat is working just fine, but I decided to build a fire and attempt to melt snow for flushing. I suppose that’s a good idea if its your only option. But Jay, when he arrived home from meeting a client, he quickly went to the creek and filled a 5 gallon bucket. within 5 minutes he’d bested the work I’d done all morning “thawing” snow.

I started to freak out right about when he arrived home. After all – if if the snow was that slow to melt in a 65* house (made warmer parked by the fire) how long would it take our pipes to unfreeze. We quickly decided to start drinking our way through some whiskey samples and a build-your-own 6 pack in the fridge.

This afternoon is marked by a fire, Bobcat basketball on the TV, a wide variety of drink options, and of course, blogging the fun.

What have you been up to this weekend? If you link up with Jaime, let me know so I can check out your post.

  Jaime

Captain’s Log: Day 1

This week we – like a good portion of the country – have had severe winter weather. Of course living in the south-east, please know that our severe is different than those living in the New England area. However, considering our roads (hilly, curvy, and with steep hillside banks) and minimal snow fighting power (plows, salt, and such) a layer of ice topped with snow really does debilitate our area.

I am incredibly thankful that, unlike many in the area, Jay and I never went without power. We do have an alternate heat source, but I’m so glad we’ve only used the fire place for ambiance and enjoyment this winter.

BUT

Yesterday morning, I awoke to every germaphobes nightmare – our pipes were frozen. Last year, we had a landscaping sprinkler (which we didn’t even know we had, much less known to winterize) exploded and made us water-less for a day. In the process, we added insulation and an electric heat strip.

So when the temps threatened to dip below zero (farienheight), we thought we were covered.

WE

THOUGHT

WRONG.

Today is day 2 without water. Day one wasn’t very difficult. I had water in the Keurig, so my coffee experience wasn’t compromised. I headed to work, same as always. After work, I ran on the treadmill and showered at the gym before going home. Taco Bell for dinner meant no dishes to linger in the sink while we waited for water.

Looks like my 5 minutes of free-writing is up. Perhaps I’ll do both Stream of Consciousness Saturday AND Sunday this week. Linking up with Jaime, and I can’t wait to read your posts!!

On Purging, Enough, and Serving Others in Unexpected Ways

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the fear that comes when security is questioned. Full disclosure: If I could buy anything, guaranteed security would be it. Since that doesn’t exist, I must question how  the goals we have in life, and how we can best achieve them.

I do not want stuff (or the quest for) to consume me. This doesn’t come from a boastful heart. My struggle with anxiety coupled with claustrophobia manifests in my hatred of nick-knacks.  I don’t like tight spaces. When I see people with cluttered houses, a very real fear wells up inside me. 

Several members of my family (and friends) would disagree. These kitschy items make their home more personalized. As a child, dusting was one of my chores. My mother had (and still does) the shelves on the piano lined with little trinkets. Every week it was my job to move them, wipe the surface down, and replace them.

If I were more noble, I would have a distaste for clutter and the accumulation of stuff in an attempt to serve others. (Like Marla. Are y’all sick of me blogging about thoughts inspired by her yet?)

We live in a resort location. I want my home to be open to friends who are in town. I want my family to feel comfortable dropping in. The less stuff we have, the easier it is to clean, the more welcome people are. Or at least in my mind.

Recently, I decided I needed to get rid of bath towels. After all, how many towels can one couple use? But in my zeal for order and tidiness, do I overlook ways that keeping items would also serve others?

This weekend, I had guests galore. Friday night, a few of my girlfriends spent the night – one brought her husband along. Between the hot tub, pool, and morning showers, we went through plenty of towels.Thankfully I hadn’t gotten around to the purge yet. I only have 2 beach towels, so the bath towels were in high demand!

After they left, I had about an hour to wash sheets and towels as well as clean up the kitchen before my family arrived – 6 strong. I felt bad texting them to bring their own beach towels, but I knew we’d all be headed back to the pool. The little man was sleeping over, so I was thankful for the 3rd set of king sized sheets I have, so that I could make the bed while the linens were still in the laundry room.

The point of all this rambling? Sometimes a family of 2 really does need 20 bath towels. My life is very different from Marla‘s. I shouldn’t covet her minimalistic life any more than she should covet the square footage of my house. 

Contentment.

Finding joy in what I have, both possessions and life experiences, is key to reaching this seemingly illusive prize.

I am blessed, far beyond what I recognize. 

For the blessings unseen, unnamed – today I am thankful.

Meigs Creek – Trail Report

Last week was a busy one, so I didn’t have a chance to blog all our fun. Jay and I tackled 2 hikes, and made an offer on a rental cabin. That’s not to mention the Dolly concert, or hanging out in Gatlinburg with my sister, niece, and some of their friends.

So let’s back track a 8 days to the hike Jay and I did last Sunday. I’ve finally found a Bible Study class where I fit, so skipping church for an epic hike was out of the question. Instead, we headed into the park Sunday afternoon for a short hike starting in The Sinks, Meigs Creek Trail.

The Sinks are infamous due to the dangerous water which has caused several deaths when people attempt to kayak/swim the area. The area has a pool of more calm water and is a popular swimming hole. The parking lot was packed when we got there, but it didn’t take us very far down the trail to have the peace and tranquility I love in a hike.

First up along the path, though, was the waterfall. It is a bit off the beaten path, but the footing is easy enough to warrant climbing down for a better view. The terrain was easy enough, Jay should have brought along his fancy camera, but we weren’t sure what to expect.

 The trail description Jay had read prior to embarking boasted 18 bridge-less creek crossings along the path. We counted ourselves around 20, although some are rather small and we weren’t sure which officially counted.

Around the 2 mile mark were a couple of big ole trees. Of course we stopped long enough to get a few pictures before continuing up the trail.

We encountered some other hikers on the trail, they warned us of a timber rattlesnake up head. They had to stop and wait quite some time for the snake to get off the trail. From that point on I was paranoid. I made Jay discuss with me our snake-bite plan of action.

I was not a fan of this part of the trail. If the snake didn’t get me, I feared poison ivy would!! Thankfully neither nemesis was encountered during the hike. We did, however, find a big hairy pile of poop.

Speculation is that it was coyote scat. Apparently they swallow their prey whole and their digestion systems don’t take care of the hair?

The turn around point was uneventful, save for the tasty peanut butter and jelly sandwich I had toted along in my pack. On the first part of the way back, I tried to look at the flowers and enjoy the surroundings, but mostly I was still worried we’d run into Mr. Snake.

Get a picture of me crossing for the blog! Thankfully he didn’t have the camera for the crossing in where I fell. Then again, if I had pictorial proof of the fall, you wouldn’t be tempted to wonder if I peed my pants.

I was cranky the rest of the hike, until I was able to get back to the car and change clothes. Stopping for dinner on the way home, we found a cute little place not far from our house. And they serve beer, baked bean covered cheese fries, and giant cookie pizzas!

I suppose the trip wasn’t a total waste!

Investment, Security, Trust

Back in the olden days, I blogged about my family finances. Without providing detailed figures, I shared about our quest to become debt free. These days, our goals have changed a bit and we’re working to find what our differences mean for our financial future.

Before I met my darling, I had 2 major financial goals: to become debt free and accumulate a million dollar net worth by my 40th birthday. These days, pushing my 34th birthday, the feeling behind the goals are still present but the specifics have changed a bit.

The core motivation behind both of these goals is security. Each represent, in their own way, power and control. A lack of fear when it comes to money seems to be the path to freedom. 

Are these feelings sinful? That’s something I’ve wrestled with a bit. Is my drive for these things a lack of trust in God to provide for me? Is it an assumption that I’ll be around indefinitely and need the funds? Both of those are very dangerous view points.

Almost 6 years ago, I became the wife of a realtor. I didn’t realize real estate was less a profession and more a way of life. Success transactions for others has led to success for ourselves, buying and selling property on a very small scale. 

If I were comfortable taking on investment debt, my husband would be thrilled to find that success on a larger scale. My gut (or is it my Dave Ramsey indoctrination?) says not just no, but hell no. There is too much risk. However when I break it down into a trust issue, I waiver.

Do I trust my husband to be good at his job? To be smart when it comes to investments, returns, and calculated risks? Yes, he has proven this over and over.

Do I trust God to care for me as He does the lilies of the field?  Yes. He has proven Himself over and over. Not just in my life, but also in the lives of family and friends.

BUT

These choices come with pressure. What if he’s wrong? What if being broke is His best will for us? What if this really isn’t a trust/sin issue, but rather the Holy Spirit trying to protect me from a harmful path?

I have no answers, just lots of uncertainty. Please feel free to share thoughts, struggles, or ideas. Otherwise, I’d just appreciate prayers.

Once in a Lifetime?

Earlier this week, Jay & I looked at a cabin we are interested in purchasing. On the back deck, I snapped this picture.

The property overlooks a river, and has beautiful surroundings. My intention was to make this my “best shot” I shared this week.

HOWEVER

Odd as it may seem, I’ve owned more real estate than cars in my life. Heck – I’ve owned more houses than cars!! (That is assuming that my car that I brought into the marriage is mine and his cars are his.) 

Yesterday, I had to pull over on the side of the road and take a picture of something so rare, I’ve never seen it in my lifetime. Discussing it over dinner with my parents, its not anything they have ever seen either. Not to say, of course, that I’ll never see it again, but Quinn will always be my first.

The first car I ever paid for,

My first brand new car,

and now

My first car to ever hit 200,000 miles.

Thanks for the memories babe! 

And cups up to another 100,000!!

A Lesson in Hospitality – Trophy Wife 101

Hospitality.

A gift for some, a chore for others.

For this trophy wife it can often seem like a second job.  Most of his sales are rental properties or second homes, so when the clients-turned-friends come back into town, they often want to meet up with us for dinner.

Last week was one such opportunity. But first, some back-story.

Picture it – 2008. A new married couple return from their honeymoon early and attend a real estate auction. A 5.55 acre lot is their first piece of real estate and also their first joint debt. They planned to build their forever home there.

Skipping to the point, we ended up selling it. Only shocking to those who don’t know about the nomadic life we’ve had the past 5+ years. We are currently living in our 3rd house, and have a date scheduled this evening to consider a prospect for #4.

The couple who purchased it from us is from out of town, but visit the area often. Whenever they are in town, they let Jay know and we try to get together. This past week was such a time. They have built a gorgeous home on the land and invited us over for a champagne toast to celebrate.

Okay now I’m really to the point – they don’t have furniture in their home yet. Their grill isn’t hooked up. . The burgers were cooked in the oven, we sat in lawn chairs, and used a 5 gallon bucket for a table. Yet I’ve never felt more warm hospitality than I did that evening.

I experienced another example over the Mothers Day weekend. I offered to take my mother and grandmother out to lunch, but neither wanted to bother with the crowds. Instead, my mom hosted us at her house. We ate burgers and potato chips off of paper plates.

Hospitality has less to do with fine china and a perfectly set table, and more to do with the heart of the host. Opening up my home shouldn’t have to be a big presentation, but rather a time of good conversation. Enjoying friends and family, even if the house isn’t spotless.

I’m slowly learning that its okay to say “don’t take off your shoes, my floor is too dirty” when guests arrive. Chances are, their house isn’t spotless either and my admission will make them feel right at home.

Frugal Date Night – Outdoor Movie

As a couple without kids, Jay and I are as purposeful as we should probably be about designating date nights. Sure we spend plenty of evenings just the 2 of us, but just like any couple, we get into a routine that quickly turns into a rut. When I saw a billboard for a free outdoor movie, I knew I’d discovered the perfect date night!

I’m not sure where/why/how, but I thought the movie started at 6pm. Jay (and a coworker) questioned how an outdoor movie could be viewed before dusk but we headed out to Burger King for a quick bite. I get off work at 5, so by the time I got home to pick up my man we didn’t have time for slow food.

As Bjay headed to BK, I noticed the billboard again. 

American Graffiti – 8PM – The Island

Not 6. 

We had hurried for nothing. Instead we had plenty of time for goofing around. Phones weren’t allowed on the date save for social media picture posting. Given the amount of likes the above picture received, I don’t think anyone understood the “date night fit for a King” caption.

The Island will be showing movies every Thursday through May 15th. (Presumably stopping then since the dark doesn’t come in the summer until far too late to start a movie.) Since this was our first experience, we took a blanket just in case we had to sit on the ground.

Instead, straight back chairs (with cushion) and inflatable rafts were provided. Next time, I hope to get a bigger raft so we can snuggle, but the individual sizes were comfy for kicking back and enjoying the show.

A vendor was set up selling dinner items as well as movie snacks. Although I didn’t notice a sign discouraging people from bringing in their own food.

I’d never seen the movie before, but the plot wasn’t so complicated the distractions kept me from enjoying it. That is until a kid stacked rafts up 5 high directly in front of me – nothing a little scootch to the left didn’t cure.

We ended up spending $7 in snacks (jumbo hot dog, chips and a drink), but had I a little more self control the outing would have been totally free.

I’m an early-to-bed kinda girl, so the 10:30 movie end time was a bit late for my taste. I’m yawning up a storm this afternoon as I write this. But we had a great time, it was well worth it! 

Do you “date night?” Do you have a budget or do whatever your heart desires? I’d love to steal read some of your ideas!

Choose Your Own Adventure – Valentine’s Style

For Valentine’s Day my husband either choose to forgo a card/gift and instead littered  the driveway

or

I have an incredibly romantic, creative husband.

The snow is gone, but last I checked we still have spray paint and ketchup in our driveway.

Hope you felt cherished this Valentine’s day – no matter how your loved ones expressed it.