One income and one year later.

Around this time last year, I quit my job in an effort to find out what it is I really want to focus my time and energy on.  I wasn't in a good place.  Well, during my one year sabbatical and discovery, I had good things happen and bad things happen.  Allow me to briefly share. Having one income; we were behind on bills, had our cable cutoff, our cellphones disconnected, threatening phone calls from bill collectors, my gym membership frozen and limited funds for entertainment.  It was very humbling to say the least!

On the other hand, I have learned to coupon & budget every dime of my money, some inexpensive ways to entertain my family, that I don't need all those extra features on my cellphone that cost an arm & a leg, how to get cable shows without paying a penny, how to get outdoors and exercise and that I cannot expect things to always make me happy and keep me happy.  When they are taken, it is devastating!

I say all this to tell you,  I trained myself to believe I couldn't live without certain "things" and when they were taken from me, I didn't know how to deal.  I was forced to find ways to still enjoy my life.  Yes, cable is convenient and having my phone cut off was scary (I got it turned back on almost immediately!) but the stress of trying to have it all & working my husband to death wasn't worth it to me.

I have been given the opportunity to work again and this time it WILL be different.  I'm not working to "get things". I am working to give back & make a difference in someone else's life. Work should be rewarding & encouraging and not just for obtaining.  In the past year I have lost what the world would call a lot but I have gained priceless values.  I've been spiritually promoted and I'm humbled & grateful for it.  I'm in a good place!

Date Your Mate Series pt. 4

Happy Friday!  Welcome to part 4 of 5 of the dating series.  This week I am going to challenge the ladies in the relationship.  Okay, so this week we are going to work on releasing control.  For this particular date, have your mate set the ENTIRE date up.  Let him choose what you wear, the location, the time, your meal (if you go out to eat) and anything else that the date involves.

There is a hidden benefit for you.....it will give you a little more insight about his preferences.  We often times wonder if he likes what we're wearing or if he'll like what we cook for dinner that night. After this date, you'll know a little more about his taste and preferences.  Your role in this date ladies is to listen, look and learn. That's it!  You don't plan anything, comment on anything or change anything.  Learn how to NOT be in control.

Trust him, encourage him and enjoy what he has planned for YOU!

Freaky Fridays, Date Your Mate Series pt. 3

We made it to yet another Friday! It's going to be a great day today.  So, what are you planning to do with your honey this weekend?  Here's a thought....let the leaves and crisp weather serve as the background setting for your outdoor extravaganza.  This idea is free and easy.  Take a walk in a park together and talk about anything OTHER than kids, bills, work and family.

Get to know your mate all over again.  Ask them about their ideas, goals, favorites or fantasies. Chances are, they have changed something that you have no idea about.  If you don't live near a park, there's this thing called Google that will tell you where the nearest park is in your area ;)

You can use the drive as a part of date time and continue the date when you arrive at your destination. The alone time will help you relieve tension and connect with your mate.  Every marriage needs a "tune up" every now and then. No couple is exempt.

Freaky Fridays: Date Your Mate Series pt. 2

Happy Friday!
As we come upon the Fall season, we start to think about warm and cozy things to buy, eat and do.  I love Fall.  It's my favorite season of the year.  I like it because I can comfort myself with things that are cozy, soft and warm.  This includes my husband!

So what are some ideas for couples to do during the cooler months that are inexpensive?  Well, let me just share with you!  Going to dinner & the movies is such a great way to spend time together.  It's also one of the oldest dating traditions ever but; I'm going to put a spin on it.  Here it goes.  We live near a Cine-mark theater which charges $1.75 per person per show.  The movies have been in theaters for at least 5 weeks, but if you can wait to see the film; this is a great bargain.  Now, Cine-mark charges $5.25 for a small popcorn.  That is ridiculous since it cost me less than $2 for a ticket so......we put good use to my oversized purses & bring our own treats.  Stop off at the dollar store and take $5 and get your treats.

As far as dinner goes, almost all of the chain restaurants have two-for-deals where two people can eat for $20.  Applebees, Friday's, O'Charleys are a few.  You can also get coupons in the Sunday paper for restaurants.  The coupons usually want you to spend $20 and then you get $5 off.  Order water with lemon instead of soda as your drink and you've cut an additional $4 per person off your bill.  Find a Cine-mark near you, take your honey and enjoy some cuddle time this Fall.

Freaky Fridays: Date your Mate Series

So, you are coming upon the sports season and you don't have the attention of your spouse like you do in the Spring and Summer months when there aren't a lot of sporting events broadcasted on television.  Have no fear my dear, I have come to the rescue!
I have learned not to interfere with my honey and his football and basketball games.  Instead, I choose to get involved and make it work for me as well as him.  Last month, honey and I had a date night at a WNBA game.  It was inexpensive, exciting and....you guessed it, sports!

Now, for those of you thinking, "I don't wanna watch a bunch of women run up and down the court", I used to feel the same way.  That is until I saw how inexpensive the tickets to those games were.  Not only are the tickets inexpensive, but you can get club level or even floor seats for next to nothing.  For $20, I got two tickets to the game that included club level seating, free all you can eat full buffet and bar and a great night of entertainment! 

Attending a sporting event is a great way to connect with your mate....and be recognized as the all time greatest woman that has ever walked the face of the earth.....well, to your spouse anyway!  Logon to www.wnba.com and look up your local team for tickets.  Get your game on!

Dating your spouse.

  

Why is it that once we get married, we forget what it's like to have that magic that we felt when we were dating?  Remember how excited you got when you were getting dressed and dolled up for a date with your mate?  Remember how you wanted to look and smell your best?  Remember how you planned the entire day around that special 3 or 4 hour evening?  Why not keep that magic going after you say "I do"? 

My husband and I date like we used to in high school.  We get dressed up, smelling good and excited about the events of the evening on date night.  When I was working, we had date night once a month.  It could be dinner, a movie, ice skating, rollerblading together, a night at a local hotel or something else romantic that we would conjure up.  Now that I am not working, we spend many of our date nights at home with one another.  We get a good bottle of wine, a great movie, some popcorn and we turn the lights down and enjoy each other's company. 

You don't have to have a lot of money.  You don't have to leave your home to have a date.  You can even get dressed up for your spouse and prance around the house as if you were going to a fancy restaurant.  Just because funds are limited doesn't mean your partners fantasies are.  They enjoy seeing you in your finest.  They like for you to show off your assets in front of them.  Get off your butt, get creative and take your mate on a date they will never forget.  Remember, if you don't date your spouse, someone else will!

P.S. Each Friday I will post date ideas that are sexy & budget friendly.  Freaky Fridays will be something you DON'T want to miss.  Stay tuned!