What's New?

Whoa! Pardon the sudden disappearance - I went on a bit of a hiatus from the computer. Emails went without response, my reader account went unread, podcasts went without downloading... it was a nice little break from the digital screen, but I started to miss it. Here's what I did in my time away...

Paid off my last remaining bit of debt (that's right folks, I'm debt free! woohoo!)
Relaxed and indulged in some laziness (and Real Housewives of NYC)
Started reading Eckhart Tolle (very interesting, soul inspiring stuff)
Saw HIM (and killer opener Dommin) at the House of Blues
Made grilled portabello tacos (there's a recipe post to come...)
Got a new Droid phone; I've officially joined the 21st Century
Saw John B at Phoenix Landing
Discovered this cool blog after ogling photos of the blogger's gorgeous farmhouse
Listened to the new She and Him album in its entirety (and you can too! it's free at NPR)

I've been feeling this shift within myself lately, a change of focus, I suppose, without really knowing what the next direction is. Since having paid off the last of my debt I have a new-found interest in saving up and really prioritizing where my paychecks go. I've always considered myself a fairly thrifty person, but even my own spending patterns can be erratic and impulsive (and I don't think I'm alone here). I also have a hard time accepting the idea that you can spend less and still get the same level of quality for what you invest in (yes, Virginia, you do get what you pay for). However, I also know that having a good nest egg and developing habits that leave us feeling empowered by money (not filled with a sense that it controls us, that we cannot be secure without having just a little bit more, or that it defines who we are) are critical to having control over our own financial future and a freedom that can't be taken away.

So I'm embarking on a new path - one where living fabulously and fulfillingly coexist with living on a budget and not fretting away hard earned dinero. It might mean a new look and feel for this site - I hope you're excited! I sure am.

For those of us with a case of the Mondays...

Five super fast and easy ways to feel better - right now.

1. Take a 10 minute movement break - walk a brisk lap around your office building/block/apartment complex, do some neck rolls and shoulder shrugs, bend over and touch your toes (or your knees or shins, don't go beyond what feels like a nice warming stretch), then do an easy arm stretch or two on each side.

2. Drink a tall glass of water, but not too fast - for extra credit, squeeze in some fresh alkalizing (read: PH correcting) lemon juice.

3. Quickly write down 5 things you're grateful for... go!

4. Holding on to that feeling of gratitude, close your eyes and take 5 deep, slow breaths.

5. Now, take a minute to re-focus on your day. What have you accomplished so far? What 3 other items from your list of to-dos are your top priorities for completing today? Write them down. What were you working on before your feel-good break? It's time to finish that task and jump right into item #1 on your new priority list.

There you have it folks. No, it does not work if you just read the steps, so go ahead and give it a try! You'll be refreshed, relaxed, and refocused in no time.

Rainy Day

It's the weekend kids! I've been very busy with work lately so I'm going to be productive this weekend in hopes of making next week a little less stressful. Since it's rainy and cold in Boston today it seemed the perfect time to gush over these plush tea cups. Really, how cute are these?

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The Oscars

The Oscar frenzy has started to wind down but I've just begun checking out the paparazzi shots from the big night. Did you watch the awards? I think it's great that Sandra Bullock not only won the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in The Blind Side, but also the Razzie for Worst Actress for her role in the movie All About Steve. She even went to the Razzie award show on Saturday to accept the dis-honor and handed out copies of her stinker of a film too. Who doesn't like their leading lady to have a sense of humor about themselves? The shiny frock she sported to Sunday's event was a favorite of mine, along with these numbers worn by Cameron Diaz and Rachel McAdams.

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Lazy Sunday: Grocery Shopping

It seems to be on nearly every American's weekend to do list, a task some of us love while others loath - grocery shopping. My boyfriend falls into the later category, but lucky for him I'm an enthusiastic member of the former. While I tend towards the European grocery shopping model (buying my fresh foods throughout the week) there's something about toting home a trunk-load of tastiness and the sight of a fridge bursting with variety and flavor that can't be denied. This week I've got special motivation for my regular Sunday trip to Stop & Shop and I am positively giddy with excitement - my brand new blender will arrive tomorrow! This is no ordinary counter ornament kids, it's a 64 ounce Ohio-made VitaMix industrial strength food pulverizer! Stay tuned for my personal review to find out whether or not this kitchen crusher lives up to its reputation....

Weekend Wishes

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The sun came out today after a cool, cloudy week, and this weekend's supposed to be especially nice. What do you have planned? I'm checking out a new restaurant on Saturday (where these yummy photos are from) and off to yoga on Sunday before snuggling in to watch the Academy Awards. Some park wandering, library browsing, and glasses shopping may be in the works too...

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Desert Inspiration

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I've always had a thing for the American Southwest, and lately I've been longing for the dry warmth and beautiful views of the desert. If this picture from Zion National Park isn't enough to tempt you, just think about all of the yummy southwestern flavors (fresh corn, spicy peppers... cold margaritas) and electric sunsets over the cacti covered horizon.

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