Emily posted this back in January 2012 but it's good to revisit as we head into a new year. Enjoy! New Year's Resolutions. Blah blah blah. Even if you started January off with a bang, we're 12 days in. Which is more than enough time to fizzle out and fall back into your old habits. In college, I worked at a gym for three years. I always found it funny that our numbers tripled on January first. Like clockwork, we had a big group of eager exercisers with shiny shoes and good intentions. By the time February rolled around, we were back to our regular group. I'm in the same boat. I always love the promise and purpose of setting resolutions. I Keep Reading
Rethinking Resolutions: Setting goals one month at a time
What’s for dinner? This week’s menu plan (12/30)
Getting back into a normal routine after the holidays is always rough. I just want to slide cheese trays and cookie plates onto the table and pretend it's dinner. My family hasn't been fooled. So I am going to force myself to get real dinners on the table this week. Hopefully the normal routine will soon follow. Here's what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday -- Hamburgers with Homemade Buns, Banana Milkshakes Tuesday -- Quinoa Patties with avocado slices, baked sweet potatoes, green salads Wednesday -- Family Dinner Thursday -- Rice Bowls with Citrus Soy Dressing, fruit salad Friday -- Pizza Night, green salads Saturday -- Keep Reading
Setting Manageable and Measurable New Year’s Resolutions
Guest Post by Kari Patterson We sat on her couch as I recounted my parenting woes. The more I dumped the more I felt overwhelmed. Little things, seemingly unrelated, heaped verbally into the air until I sat in a thick fog of my own creation. I shook my head and looked at her. Where do I start? Her simple response became my guiding principle for resolutions since. Pick one thing, and the rest will fall into place. Pick one thing. She explained that usually all behavioral issues have the same – or at least a similar – root. By simply picking one thing you create a manageable plan, and as you conquer one particular area you inevitably notice Keep Reading
Redbox: FREE one-night DVD rental code valid today only (12/26)
Get a FREE one-night DVD rental from Redbox when you use the code LL97NH6M at checkout. These codes typically work on regular DVDs ($1.20). This code is valid today only (12/26). Thanks, Thrifty & Thriving! Keep Reading
IKEA: Seize the Days deals through New Year’s
IKEA is having a number of one-day only offers through January 1, 2014: Each offer is available in-stores, while supplies last, and have a limit of 2 or 4 per household Find more IKEA deals here. Thanks, Thrifty & Thriving! Keep Reading
Winners of the Kindle Fire and Mini Kick Micro Scooter giveaways
Congratulations to the winner of the Kindle Fire Giveaway! Tonya With over 900 entries, I think this was our most popular giveaway yet! Also, congratulations to the winner of the Mini Kick Micro Scooter Giveaway, sponsored by TikesBikes.com! Andria All winners have been contacted and their prizes are on the way! Keep Reading
Ten for Teens: Final giving project update!
Ten for Teens Final Update We did it, friends! Our "final" gift card tally was 1,056, which means over one-thousand teens in local foster care are receiving a gift this Christmas! Here's how the numbers worked out: Multnomah County: 590 gift cards Washington County: 151 gift cards Clackamas County: 148 gift cards Marion County: 83 gift cards Clark County: 83 gift cards You all have NO IDEA the impact your generosity is having on both the foster kids who will receive these cards, but also the DHS workers who tirelessly serve vulnerable children in our area. They are absolutely floored with what you all gave and the messages of love that Keep Reading