5 Tips for Giving

Well, hello old friend. It appears it's been so long since my last post that Blogger has changed their user interface--lookin' sharp! Between a recent work trip, visiting family and friends, and a truly cruel early-summer cold, things have been busy. But I'm back, with a fun topic to boot.

I occasionally write about the importance of giving back, donating money, and volunteering. This is something I'm really passionate about, and I want to spread the word! You don't have to be independently wealthy, have knowledge on every non-profit on the planet, or spend a lot of time to make a big difference. So, here are my five tips for great giving:

1. Follow your heart. There are literally thousands of non-profits just in the city you live in. This can be overwhelming. The first step is to figure out what you're passionate about. Think about the kind of social issues or news stories that really get you fired up. Maybe you are interested in women's health advocacy. Perhaps you're an animal lover and want to protect our furry friends. Or, maybe the you can't believe how many kids go hungry in the US every day and want to do something to help. Whatever your passion, find a charity that aligns with it. You'll be more interested, more engaged, and more likely to form a long-term giving relationship with a charity that you're personally invested in.

2. Do your research. As I said before, there are more non-profits in this world than you could possibly know what to do with. And, you work hard to earn that money that's burning a hole in your altruistic pocket--don't let it go to an organization that isn't doing their best to further the cause. Every few years, the media goes crazy with a story about how a trusted charity isn't on the up-and-up or has ulterior motives (see Kony 2012, Three Cups of Tea, Komen vs Planned Parenthood, et al). So, take the time to do your research before opening your wallet. Sites like Charity Navigator and Give Well offer insight into the best, most effective charities out there. Additionally, organizations that receive over a certain amount of donations each year are required to make their Annual Report public. Check out an organization's Annual Report and determine what percentage of donations are going to programs and services (as opposed to administrative and fundraising costs). The higher percentage, the better.

Kids playing during recess at a La Esperanza
Granada-sponsered school in Nicaragua

3. Find out ways to make your buck go further. Once you're ready to give some money, find ways to get more bang for your buck. Ask the charity of your choice if they have a matching program. Many charities have benefactors that offer to match donations during a specific time period. That means, for every $50 you give, your donation is matched, for a total of $100. Also, ask your employer if they offer a company match. Many companies encourage charitable giving and pony up matching donations on behalf of their employees. It's worth asking. Finally, when you give a donation, ask the charity where the money is most needed. Most likely, they'll tell you that they want donations to their general fund. This money is used for whatever their most pressing need is at any given time.

4. Keep your receipts! Yes, giving makes us feel all warm and fuzzy and gives us some good karma, but don't forget about your bottom line. If the charity you're donating to is 501(c)3 certified, that means you can deduct your donations from your tax liability every year. Always ask for a receipt and hold on to them until tax time.

5. Give in other ways. Sometimes, money is tight. If you can't make a financial donation, that doesn't mean you can't help in other ways. Most charities rely heavily on volunteers to do everything under the sun: writing thank you notes to donors, walking dogs, tutoring kids, organizing food drives, or cleaning up after events. Think about what you're good at, and offer your services. For example, an organization I support just completed a new website. Since I'm a writer, I offered to proofread their site. Everyone has special talents--get creative about how you can use yours to help others. 

As for me? I love the idea of offering my help and funds to a small group of charities that are important to me, that run the gamut. Currently, I sponsor a Nicaraguan high school student's education through La Esperanza Granada, give as a member to the Women's Philanthropic Investment Group of Seattle in support of our work with women and children, donate to Semester at Sea so that deserving college students have a chance to study abroad, and other things here and there, as they come up.

I'm always curious about the types of causes that other people are passionate about. I'd love to hear about the charities you love in the comments, so type away!

You paid how much for your wedding dress?

Having a wedding can be one of the most expensive financial events of a young person's life. And, it seems like all you have to do is mention the W-word, and prices go through the roof. (Full disclosure, I have a wedding coordinating business, and I always think a day-of coordinator is money well spent). 

I'd always assumed that your wedding dress had a bigger markup than almost anything else, and turns out, it's true. Check out this awesome short video from NPR's Planet Money. Reporter Caitlin Kenney took her wedding dress and went on a mission...to find out how much markup she paid on her own dress. This video is short, informative, and fun. Check it out! 

Just ask!

Note: This blog post appeared on my guest blogging column on GirlPowerHour.com. 

Smart, savvy professionals know that you have to ask in order to get what you want. Whether it’s in the boardroom, at a networking event, or in your personal life, nobody is going to read your mind and just give you what you’re hoping for.

So why are we so shy when it comes to asking for things related to money? I’m talking about discounts, sales, bargaining, and returns. It’s time to speak up. You work hard for every last dollar you make, so why would you be so lax about letting it slip out of your hands?

Here are five places you can save some cash just by asking:

Pick up the phone and get to work!

Your TV and Internet service: Cable and Internet eat up a big portion of a lot of people’s monthly utility budgets. Luckily, unless you’re in a long-term contract, you can call your cable or Internet provider and ask for a discount. Tell them your bill is too expensive, and ask if they have any current promotions that can be applied to your account. I’ve saved upwards of $100/month doing this. Note that most deals are for three, six, or 12 months, and then a higher rate will kick in automatically. To avoid the shock of a large bill after the end of the promotional period, set yourself a reminder in your Outlook calendar to call them back a month prior and ask for another new deal.

Credit cards: If you’ve been a long-time customer of a credit card company or bank and always pay your bill on time, call and ask if they can offer you a better interest rate. A lower interest rate will save you actual dollars every month as you chip away at that pesky balance you’re carrying. If they can’t lower your interest rate, they may be able to give you a balance transfer offer to help you consolidate your debt at a lower rate.

Medical bills: Americans fork out a lot of cash paying for out-of-pocket medical expenses each year. This may be especially true if you have a high-deductible health plan, or are self-employed. Do a little research online about the true cost of procedures you’re having done, and then ask your doctor or dentist if the rate can be lowered at all. Additionally, many smaller medical offices may offer a discount for paying with cash instead of a credit card.

Fitness membership: If you’re currently paying a month-to-month gym membership or forking out the drop-in fee at your favorite yoga studio, ask the manager if they can offer you a lower monthly rate if you agree to a contract. Of course, only agree to a contract if you’ll actually use the membership enough to make it worth it.

Retail stores: Many big-box stores offer weekly coupons via email or in the Sunday newspaper. But, if you lose interest somewhere between clipping coupons and actually remembering to use them in the store, just ask instead. Now that more coupons are online, stores are getting more flexible about the rules for using coupons. Just ask, “Do you have any coupons available that would work on my purchase?” If they’re not able to type in the discount code at the register, just whip out your smart phone and see if you can find a digital coupon online.

So, it’s time to be bold, be brave, speak up, and ask for great deals. Remember – companies love loyal customers, and if they help you find a great deal, you’re much more likely to return in the future, and tell your friends how great the experience was! 

Keeping it Simple

Although this blog is dedicated to money saving, budgeting, charitable giving, and the like, in the past I've snuck in a few posts about my day job -- copwriting. I did that mostly because I didn't have anywhere else to put that kind of information that I thought was really interesting.

However, I know that not everyone who reads this blog is on the edge of their seats waiting to hear about the exciting world of copywriting. So, I recently created a blog as part of my business website that offers more marketing/copywriting/business type content (as if I don't have enough social media channels to manage already).

So, keep coming back to Happily Ever Clever for all things personal finance, and if you want to read more about my business, please visit JenLyons.com.

I have a couple of new, fun Happily Ever Clever posts coming your way soon, so stay tuned!

Maybe there IS such thing as a free lunch..

Attention all blog readers! Here is a GREAT opportunity to get involved with Kiva.org with no money out of your pocket.

You may know about Kiva.org, the micro lending site. Here's how it works: Donors log in and pick an entrepreneur somewhere in the world that they'd like to support. Loans can be as small as $25. These loans go directly to the small business owner so that they can start, maintain, or grow their business. Many of these entrepreneurs are women in third-world countries who are working to support their families. 

Since 2008, Kiva has brokered more than $293 million in loans, with an amazing $98.91% repayment rate. Learn more about them here.

For a limited time, new Kiva users are given a $25 credit to spend supporting an entrepreneur of their choice, with nothing out of your pocket (although when the loan is repaid, it goes back to the financial backer of this promotion, not you). It's a great way to explore Kiva and see if you like what they're doing. If you do, you can continue to invest in other small business owners around the world!

I signed up this morning to support Petrona Madrigal, a woman in Nicaragua who sells grains and tortillas in her local community. Nicaragua holds a special place in my heart, as I used to live there. As Petrona grows her business, I'll get periodic reports on how it's going, and notification when my loan is repaid.

I'm really excited about this, and I hope you are too. Get involved today and let me know what you think!

Pushover, pushy, or somewhere in between?

This is the blog post I recently wrote for my monthly entry as a featured blogger on Girl Power Hour. In case you didn't read it on their site, here's my latest blog post! 

Picture this: you’ve just gotten home from grocery shopping. You’re unpacking your groceries and you notice that something you bought is way past its expiration date. Or, you’re looking over a receipt from happy hour last night, only to discover that you were overcharged. Maybe you’re checking out of the hotel at the end of a girls’ weekend, and at the front desk they try to charge you a different price than what you booked online.

What do you do? Do you ignore it, not wanting to make a scene? Or, do you point it out to the server, clerk, or manager?

Something similar happened to me last week. I was running late and trying to pull together a salad for my niece’s birthday party. I had gone to the store earlier that morning and bought all of the ingredients that I needed, including fresh basil. When I went to put the salad together, I discovered that not only was the basil past its prime – it was so moldy it was fuzzy!

I quickly threw together the other ingredients and swung back by the store on my way to the party. I calmly explained the situation to the woman at the customer service desk, and she was rude, condescending, and the words, “I’m sorry” never crossed her lips. Sigh. With no time to ask for a manager, I swapped out the basil and headed off to the party.

But, a few days later, I went on the store’s website and emailed the manager. I got a response this morning saying it had been elevated to someone higher up.

I don’t know exactly what I expect to come of this, but I do know one thing: I work hard for my money, and whether it’s $1, $10, or $100, I deserve quality products and respectful service.

So, next time you receive poor service, are overcharged, or find yourself with a sub-par product, speak up for yourself! Be calm, polite, straightforward, and assertive. Don’t be afraid to ask to speak for a supervisor. If you don’t receive the answer you’re looking for, simply take your business elsewhere in the future – money talks.

Expecting quality in exchange for your hard-earned dollars doesn’t make you a bitch; it makes you a savvy shopper.

My first blog post with GPH

A few weeks ago I announced that I'm now a featured blogger for Girl Power Hour, a local networking group.  My first blog post was published today. Check it out on the Girl Power Hour blog website here.

I also recommend following the RSS feed. The GPH blog has over 40 great female bloggers covering all kinds of topics from style to personal finance, and travel to exercise.

Thanks for reading!

Have you checked out Daily Worth?

A few months ago, I stumbled upon a GREAT women's personal finance website called DailyWorth. They summarize it best: "DailyWorth is a community of women who talk money. We deliver practical tips, empowering ideas, and the occasional kick in the pants... daily to your inbox."


They have over 200,000 subscribers, and it's easy to see why. What I love most about DailyWorth is that their advice is honest, approachable, practical, and personal. Sometimes it comes from personal finance experts, and other times they feature real-life profiles of women in different financial situations. I appreciate that they don't claim to know everything, and they really want women to take control of their financial destinies. My one caveat is that they occasionally send out sponsored emails, but they always make it known.

Check out their website and sign up for the emails here.

Also, if you're an entrepreneur, they have another email program called CreateWorth. I just signed up for this one, but I'll let you know how it is!

Coming Soon...

As a small business owner, I am always excited to learn more about other small businesses -- especially those created by women. I love hearing how they started, obstacles they've overcome, and what inspires them. Over the next few months, I'm going to be profiling female small business owners of all stripes -- from creative ventures to social services, bloggers and more.

Stay tuned for this interview series, coming soon!

Do you own a small business you'd like featured? Email me at happilyeverclever@gmail.com

I refuse to go to the grocery store...

Horrible photo, delicious muffins

Yesterday, the Mr. and I were out shopping. Well, errand-running that turned into a full-blown shopping trip (new pillows, tablecloth, napkins, etc at Macy's with one of their ridiculous holiday weekend coupons). I have been wanting a mini muffin pan for a while (my life is so exciting) and I finally found one at Cost Plus for $8.99. I love Cost Plus for many many reasons, but that's a whole 'nother post entirely.

Fast forward to today. After brunch with the girls, taking my dog for a long walk, cleaning the kitchen, and doing some work stuff, I really wanted to use my mini muffin pan, but I refused to go to the grocery store. 

I found some walnuts, oatmeal, eggs, and bananas that were turning brown and whipped up some delicious and semi-healthy banana walnut muffins with oatmeal and brown sugar streusel on top (Recipe can be found on Cooking Light). I love it when I can figure out something to make with ingredients I already have. It cuts down on unnecessary trips to the store, saving money on both gas and food!

Note that I used white flour, since I didn't have any wheat flour, and I'd recommend making extra streusel for the top, since what the recipe called for wasn't quite enough. And, if you are making mini muffins instead of regular, they only need to cook for about 10 minutes.

Now I'm on to organizing my closet. Productive little Sunday!

Exciting Blogging News!

First, Happy Valentine's Day to all of you!

Second, I'm VERY excited about a new chapter in my life as a blogger. I've recently been selected by Girl Power Hour to be a featured blogger on their site!

Girl Power Hour is a local Seattle (and now San Francisco) women's networking group that brings together professionals from all over the city for monthly networking, cocktail-ing, and educational opportunities. I have been to some of their events over the last few years, and they really bring together some of the city's best movers and shakers (and, as a small business owner, networking is KEY)!

I'll be blogging over at Girl Power Hour on the same topics as I do here -- personal finance, saving money, charitable giving, etc. -- even with the same name!

But don't worry, I'll still be blogging here as well. I'm hopeful that blogging with GPH will bring some more readers to this blog, and connect my business ventures with more potential clients.

Stay tuned in the next couple weeks as my first blog with Girl Power Hour comes out!

Perhaps off topic, definitely right on

My apologies that this blog posting is a little off topic, but I had to post this somewhere, and this seemed as good a place as any. As you probably know, I'm a freelance copywriter. I write everything from ad campaigns to emails, sales trainings to magazine articles. I write for an agency in Seattle and one of my colleagues posted a link to a really cool blog called "Letters of Note." The owner of this blog posts letters, postcards, and telegrams from famous and/or notorious people in history.

The particular link she sent was a letter that David Ogilvy wrote to a colleague in 1955. Ogilvy would become founder of Ogilvy & Mather, one of America's most storied advertising agencies. Sidenote: Even if you aren't a big advertising/marketing/copywriting nerd like me, you have at least heard Ogilvy's name mentioned a million times on Mad Men. 


There's something about the way he describes the writing process...and the way that it starts out organized, strategic, and methodical, and devolves (or evolves!) into something instinctive, passionate, urgent, and emotional.

Take a couple minutes to read his letter here: I am a lousy copywriter

WPIG of Seattle

Earlier this month, I wrote about volunteering and giving back. I love volunteering, and I've recently joined the Women's Philanthropic Investment Group (WPIG), a group of talented, capable, and generally bad-ass women. I'm so proud to be part of this organization. Every two years, we pick an organization to support both financially and with volunteer hours. Every organization we choose has to meet the qualification of taking women and children from places of need to self sufficiency. Our 2011 partner was Ryther, a truly amazing Seattle organization that provides support to some of our region's most vulnerable children.

Additionally, each year, we do a fun event called PIGture Perfect, an art show and auction. Our most recent event was a few months ago, and we raised over $29,000. And, we got the amazing video made that introduces you to our organization. Please take a couple minutes to watch this video and learn more about WPIG.


WPIG of Seattle 2011 Pigture Perfect from Campfire Creative on Vimeo.

If you want to know more about WPIG, friend us on Facebook here. Or follow us on Twitter @wpigseattle. (Can you tell I chair WPIG's marketing committee?)

While Working at 11:30 p.m....

It's 11:30 p.m. on a snowy Tuesday night. I can't sleep and have so much work to finish up this week, I need to get some of it done! Sometimes, being a small business owner feels a lot like this:

Trader Joe's: How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

I first started stopping at Trader Joe's when I lived in San Diego. The Pacific Beach Trader Joe's is HUGE (especially in relation to the Queen Anne one in Seattle...shoebox!). Trader Joe's has so much going for it - great wine, affordable food, tasty appetizers, great quick meal options, and much more.

But, there are a few "room for improvement" areas at Trader Joe's, meaning that, unfortunately, you always have to go to two stores if you're doing massive grocery shopping to get everything you need.

Over the years, I've introduced many people to the wonderful world of Trader Joe's, so here is my unofficial, highly biased guide to shopping at Trader Joe's:

Snag It:

• Frozen appetizers: pick up frozen pot stickers, mini-tacos, spinach dip, edamame, and shrimp to have in the freezer for when you need something to take to a party, or you have last minute guests.
• Fresh pizza dough: for about two bucks, you can find fresh, ready-to-toss pizza dough in a couple different flavors (whole wheat, herb, sourdough).
• Wine: it's well known that TJ's has a huge selection of wine at really great prices.
• Frozen rice: I love brown rice, but it takes forever to make. TJ's frozen rice comes with three packets that you throw in the microwave for three minutes. 
• Vegetarian items: you'll find that garden burgers, veggie sausage patties, and the like are significantly cheaper than the grocery store. 
• Cheese: whether it's shredded cheese, nicer cheeses for making a cheese plate, or string cheese to put in lunches, there's always a good selection and it's affordable (no Tillamook cheese though). 
• The List Goes On... in the interest of brevity, also buy these items at TJ's instead of somewhere else (just trust me!) frozen berries, oatmeal, fresh/refrigerated pasta, frozen waffles, yogurt, nuts, dried fruit, protein powder, imported beer, easy lunch items, frozen crab cakes)

Skip It:

• Fresh produce: it's more expensive than at other grocery stores, and sometimes it comes packaged oddly (for example, you can't buy one zucchini, but you can buy six in one package!)
• Fresh herbs:Trader Joe's never has fresh cilantro, and they don't have as large of an herb section as other stores.
• Bread: I'm just generally not impressed with the selection. 
• Canned goods: The selection is pretty limited, and you'll find better prices at larger stores. 

I love a lot of things about Trader Joe's, including the fact that the employees are always friendly, they have a lot of organic choices, and that they don't have any gimmicky sales or little plastic membership cards I have to keep on my keychain. 

Oh, and there are a bunch of Trader Joe's Cookbooks that are on my wish list. Love it! 

Shopping for a Good Cause!

Because of all the design work I do on invitations and other party materials in my other endeavor (Vivid City Marketing & Events), I was contacted by a good friend to pitch in on another project, Hope for Jess. It's an Etsy site in honor of Jessica Oldwyn. Jess is a friend of a friend (who I actually had the pleasure of meeting a couple weekends ago) who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2010.

Jess is an inspiring young woman who has grace, perseverance, and an amazingly positive attitude. Because of this, her friends have donated money, time, and materials to set up an Etsy shop to help raise money to cover some of Jess' mounting medical costs.

Etsy banner, designed by me

And what's the best part? They are selling prints and unstretched giclee canvas prints that are Jess' own creation, called "Hope".

The prints are available in their Etsy Shop. Learn more about Jess and her journey on the Etsy site, and on her blog, which is a really great read.

Traveling in 2012

It's no secret that I LOVE to travel. And, over the last couple years I've gotten the Mr. pretty hooked too (Turks & Caicos and Italy will do that to a person!). We love to take one big trip a year, and then sprinkle in some smaller trips - San Diego, road trips, lying on the beach in Kauai, etc - in between.

2011 took us (sometimes together and sometimes separate) to many interesting places: Mexico and Chile (for work), Vancouver BC, Lake Chelan, St. Louis, San Diego (twice), Port Townsend, Kauai, and Italy. Phew!

Now I'm looking at a wide-open 2012 and wondering where we should go next. I love to have a big trip on the horizon so that we can start planning (and saving!) with plenty of time. But I'm not sure where! Luckily, I came across the New York Times' list of 45 Places to Go in 2012. Head over to their website for the full descriptions, but here's a list of all 45. I've commented on places I've already been (to make me feel accomplished!) and noted those that I'm dying to visit. Places I've visited are in italics, dream destinations are in bold.

1. Panama - yes please! Central America is my fave part of the world.
2. Helsinki, Finland
3. Myanmar - my brother got to visit, and I'm jealous!
4. London - check! One of my favorite cities.
5. Oakland, California - check!
6. Tokyo, Japan - check! Well, I've been to Japan, but not Tokyo.
7. Tanzania - big check! Going on a safari was a big dream, accomplished in 2003.
8. Chilean Patagonia
9. Lhasa, Tibet
10. Havana, Cuba - check! I'm eternally grateful to Semester at Sea for getting to visit Cuba.
11. Moscow
12. Glasgow
13. Puebla, Mexico
14. San Diego - major check. Lived there for 4 years.
15. Halong Bay, Vietnam - semi-check. Been to Vietnam, but not Halong Bay. I've heard it's beautiful.
16. Florence, Italy - check. Love.
17. St. Vincent
18. Moganshan, China
19. Birmingham, England
20. Space
21. Kerala, India - semi-check, again.
22. Paraty, Brazil - semi-check.
23. Koh Rong, Cambodia - I would love a trip to Cambodia. Southeast Asia is amazing.
24. Vienna
25. Chattanooga, Tennesee
26. Dakhla, Morocco - Oh, Morocco, you've been calling me for years.
27. Maldives - this is my rich-person fantasy.
28. Malacca, Malaysia
29. The Algarve, Portugal
30. Lake Tahoe - check
31. Wales
32. Antarctica
33. Uganda
34. Ukraine
35. Samana Peninsula, Dominican Republic - unspoiled beaches and sunny weather? Count me in.
36. Dubrovnik, Croatia - TOP of my list! Can I super-bold this?
37. Chiloe Island, Chile
38. Jordan
39. Crans-Montana, Switzerland
40. Montpellier, France
41. Nosara, Costa Rica - been to CR, not Nosara
42. South Korea
43. Lodz, Poland
44. Dalarna, Sweden
45. Portovenere, Italy

What locations are on the top of your list?

Digital Coupons

I really admire couponers (except when they're in the checkout line in front of me), but I don't have the patience for it, for myriad reasons: our printer is perpetually out of paper, we don't get the newspaper, whenever I cut out coupons I promtly leave them at home (along with my grocery list), and I don't buy that much name brand or junk food, which is what coupons tend to be for, in my opinion.

But, yesterday I was doing some research on new dinner ideas. The Mr. and I are getting a little tired of the same dishes we make over and over again. I found some great recipes on Cooking Light. While I was browsing, I swung by my local grocery store's website (Fred Meyer).

I discovered that, once logging in with your rewards card number, you can download digital manufacturer's coupons automatically to your rewards card! So, I spent 5 minutes or so comparing my list with what which coupons were on sale, loaded them to my card, and headed out to the store.

My biggest win: Crest toothpaste was on sale at 2 for $3.00. I bought one ($1.50), plus my digital coupon for $.75 off, and I got my big tube of toothpaste for just $.75!

Another big win? No coupons to cut, no slowing down the line, no leaving them on the table at home. I saved $8 with only 5 minutes of work. Not bad!

Oh, and I'm testing out these three recipes. I'll let you know how they turn out: Barley and Beef Soup, Asian Green Bean Salad, and  Southwestern Chicken Pasta Salad.

Giving Back: Volunteering and Money

I've always been a big fan of volunteering, probably starting as a kid with my church. Since then, I've done a lot of volunteer projects, both short- and long-term. I've built houses in Mexico, moved to Nicaragua to teach school in a rural village with La Esperanza Granada, spent almost 4 years tutoring in an after school program with YTP Seattle, am a volunteer advisor at University of Washington's Kappa Alpha Theta house, and am a member of the Seattle Women's Philanthropic Investment Group (WPIG).

But, perhaps since I volunteer so much, I've sort of done that in lieu of donating cold hard cash to my favorite organizations. An organization can have all the volunteers in the world, but without money, they'll be out of business in no time.

Perhaps I'm a little leery of how organizations spend donated money, or I feel more connected when I'm the one actually doing the pavement. But either way, the bottom line is that I haven't been good about ponying up some cash on anything more than a sporadic, infrequent basis.

I think now's the time. I'm going to chat with the Mr. today and come up with a monthly amount that we're comfortable donating, and let him pick where he'd like half of it donated, and I'll pick where the other half goes. (Too bad I didn't think of this plan in time to apply it towards our 2011 taxes, but oh well!)

What do you think, readers? Volunteering or donating money? Certain organizations? I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this one.

A New Year's Resolution

Sigh. I'm not really a huge proponent of New Year's resolutions, but this year I'm making one that will hopefully be productive and not impossible--updating my blogs more regularly.

It's been since August that I've posted on this blog. I have plenty of things to write about, I just get carried away with regular life-- holidays, getting my business off the ground, catching up with friends and family, and traveling for the Mr.'s crazy work schedule.

My other blog (shameless plug: vividcity.blogspot.com) is painfully in need of some attention as well.

I'm not going to set a specific goal, like blogging 3 times a week, but instead, I'm just going to push myself to blog whenever I feel inspired.

What do you think about resolutions? Did you make any?