Christams Shopping.

After reviewing the GRANDe lists my siblings sent for what they want for Xmas. I decided to just give them cash! That way, I stick to my budget and that could help fund whatever they want. What I've realised is that when I go out shopping I spend more than I need to either by buying more stuff for them or including myself in the list LOL. I always go all out during Christmas and celebrations but this year will be low key. In fact, I was going to do the whole black friday but decided against it this morning. I checked out the ads and no store has what I need at a :reasonable price: for me. I need a blender (will just watch out for sales during the yr), toaster (Target will have for $3 yay!) and vacuum cleaner (will continue using my broom- hey, it works :p).

Things I'm thinking about reducing in my budget as of NOW are travelling and getting my hair done (I'll learn to take care of it myself HOPEfully) Ohhhhhhh, and definitely dining out. I have the urge for Shawarma today but I'll surpress it because I have the power to LOL. I have alot of food in the house I can cook for real. I've also cut out movies - I do redbox from time to time. Most of the time, I usually get a free code *wink*. I've also cut out shopping. I really don't need any more clothes, shoes or accessories. Hello simple living. What do you think you can cut back to meet your financial goals? Think about it and make up your mind to stick with it :)

Happy Holidays :)

Letters Put Together

I'm going to see this documentary this weekend and I'm so excited. Check it out



It got me thinking about our words. Letters put together to become words are probably one of the most powerful tools on earth. I was watching Oprah last night as soon as I got back from a church program while chowing down a delicious cold cut sub with red wine vinegarette sauce and jalopenos, it was too yummy, I had it for breakfast too this morning. Oh, I digress!

So I was watching the later half of Oprah last night and Debby Boone came on and was talking about how her stepmom DELIGHTED in her children. They chatted about making an effort to smile when you came in contact with someone and just delight in them, be positive with them, leave a mark somehow so they feel loved instead of critisizing everything they do.

If you hang around someone who critisizes you a lot, tell them how you feel, if it doesn't change things then maybe, you need to get new company. A little critism is ok, it's good infact but all the time???

Watch your words and actions towards others. I know I need to watch mine for sure!!!

Who can ever stop us?

Love this :)

Say You're One Of Them!

So yesterday I had to unplug all my distractions - tv, cell phone and internet and go back to the basics -- reading!!! I remember back home when it rained so hard, NEPA took light and we had nothing to do except jisting with ourselves or reading :). I like going to the bookstore from time to time to feast my eyes and I end up buying loads of books each and every single time. I put them in my collection and smile but never get around to reading some, can you imagine?

Anyhoo, I got a hold of http://www.amazon.com/Say-Youre-Them-Uwem-Akpan/dp/0316113786 Say You're One of Them from our very own Nigerian native, Uwem Akpan! - It was a book recommended by Oprah and is a collection of a few different stories from different parts of Africa. I'm in the first story, which is set in Nairobi,Kenya - so sad; impoverished children telling it like it is through their eyes. I almost started crying reading it. I don't wanna give the story away and I'm not done yet but this book is a MUST READ :)