That felt good!

Ok, so I have to first say...that all of my life...
I HAVE HATED MY HAIR!!!
Well, I have finally found a style that suits me and works.
I've had an angled bob for a little over two years and it seems to suit my face and work for me.
Well, last night instead of doing my usual "side-swept" bangs...
I decided to comb all my bangs forward and flip them under a bit like the above picture.
I wore my hair very similar to the picture above, except mine had a little more "poof"/volume to it, as I tease my roots up quite a bit.
I keep my back very short and stacked/layered and my front/sides are longer and angled.
So we are in the parking lot at Walgreens...
And this twenty-something girl walks past our car...we had all the windows up.
And she points at her hair and mouthes the words, "I LIKE YOUR HAIR!" and gives me the thumbs up signal.
LOL!
WOW!...I've gotten compliments right after a cut or style from friends or family.
And we all have to wonder if people who know us are just being nice.
But a total stranger?
It was so funny the way it happened.
I had to laugh and mouth back "Thank-you!"
But it sure made me feel darn good that a complete stranger liked my hairstyle, LOL!
I know...I'm a bit obsessed and vain about my hair.
But I've NEVER had good hair my whole life.
So when someone makes me feel good about it...
Well...
It's a big deal!
So...
Thank-you whoever you were!
You made my day! LOL!

Talking to the "right" people...

Sometimes in life, as I see so many relationships failing...and by relationships, I mean friendships, marriages, coworkers, etc...I think one of the biggest issues people are facing now...is...
Not talking to the "right" person.
When people argue, disagree, fight, get upset with each other...
There is a breakdown in communication.
And what do the majority of people do when this happens?
Do they talk to the person they're having a problem with?
(Their friend, their spouse, their coworker, etc.)
No.
They go spill the beans to someone else.
Everyone is anxious to go tell their buddy how "terrible" their friend treated them.
How "awful" their husband is.
How "bad" their wife is.
How "nasty" their coworker" is.
What does this accomplish?
Well, let's see...
It's gossip.
It's tearing down the other person.
It's spreading things about the other person that no one else needs to know except the person involved with them.
It distances you even more from the person.
It "accomplishes" NOTHING.
Nothing except BAD.
People will give you the line, "Pray for me _______" and they'll go into detail all about their relationships.
I really don't believe it's right to share all the details.
You can ask someone to pray for you without spilling the beans.
The person we REALLY need to be talking to when we're having relational issues is...
The Friend.
The Spouse.
The Coworker.
But the reason many people aren't talking to "the person", I believe, is that they really have no intention or desire to "fix" the relationship or the issues that are plaguing them.
They are enjoying complaining to other people.
They hope to gain sympathy.
They are looking for things from other people instead of the person they should be talking to in order to "fix" the realtionship.
I know when my husband and I have disagreements, I don't run and tell my friends, family, etc.
I don't think it's anyone's business.
And I don't think it's right.
No one needs to know what we're going through except God and us.
All that needs to take place is COMMUNICATION between US.
When we come together and talk, we can break down barriers, solve problems, and tackle our differences.
It is then that we grow even closer together and our love grows deeper for each other.
So...
Who are YOU talking to?

AWESOME savings this week!

I think I may have just had my BEST ever couponing and Register Reward shopping trip to date!!!
The other day I went in and did two separate transactions. I do this from time to time if I want to use my Register Rewards immediately on all my Walgreens coupon/sale items and get the savings instantly.
My first transaction wasn't too bad...there were some good deals with Register Rewards to be had on several.
My first tally was:
Spent: $15.81
Saved: $11.55
Ok...that's not "bad"...but it's not one of my best trips. BUT...it yielded A LOT of Register Rewards!
So...
I started my second transaction and came out like a kid in a candy store! I was so excited! The only thing that dampened my spirits was, I normally have such wonderful cashiers at our Walgreens. They are very helpful, kind, and patient. But I got one of my usuals the other day...and I'm trying to believe it was because she didn't feel well. She sounded awful...bad cold. So I'm trying to give her the benefit of the doubt...she's normally not that cranky. I think she was just having an off day. But I have to admit, she did make me feel like a pain in the neck because I had two transactions. :(
But anyway...back to the happy part!!!
My final tally was...
DRUMROLL PLEASE!!!
Spent: $1.89
Saved: $41.77
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!
Can you believe that!?!?!
Woooooooooooooooooo Hooooooooooooooooo!!!
Go me!!!

I had a pretty decent trip to Meijer this week too.
I came away with FOUR FREE bags of Kitten Chow which I'm planning to donate to the Harbor Humane Society where we got Oreo from! Woohoo!
My final tally there was:
Spent: $53.47
Saved: $47.77
Not bad...

D.I.R.T.

We had one of the best messages at church yesterday. It would be too much to cover in one post. But I think one of the things that stood out most to me was...

D.I.R.T.

Don't

Ignore

Relational

Tensions

I think that is one of the biggest ways that relationships fail. Be it friendships, marriage, in the workplace, anywhere.
When we ignore the friction, problems, or tension that may be going on...no matter how big...or how small that is when the problems arise. The enemy LOVES to weasel his way into our relationships with even the smallest of things and we may think "Oh, it's no big deal". But Pastor Sam pointed out in his series "Knock Knock" how even though we as christians may have closed the door to the "big things" that may make us stumble as christians...the things everyone considers "BAD"...there are little "doggie doors" in our big closed door...where little things can creep in. Maybe it's those little things we struggle with like little white lies, or having inappropriate thoughts, or tearing people down, whatever it is! It's these little things...that aren't BIG things that other people may see. But if we're not careful, they can creep into our relationships and cause big problems. Pastor used this illustration...he brought in this cute little puppy dog...all cute and innocent...but if we don't get rid of these little "problem areas"...it can turn into big old mean vicious Kujo of a dog! When we ignore these little things in our relationships, we grow further and further apart. We argue more. Tempers flare. We distance ourself from each other. Friendships...marriages...workplace...etc.
We can't ignore these relational tensions..."D.I.R.T." When we ignore them, relationships fall apart.

I loved the scriptures he used:

Philippians 3:2 (New International Version)

2Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh.


Galatians 5:19-23 (New International Version)

19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

We need to guard ourself against what's trying to sneak in our "doggie door"...and as Pastor said, "If it means turning your head and quoting a scripture"...whatever! We have to guard our hearts and tackle those relational issues.

D.I.R.T.

Don't

Ignore
Relational

Tentions

Hey guys...

I just wanted to say...

That I think you are three of the most handsome guys out there, and...

I love you three with my whole heart!

Mwah!!!

xoxoxoxo

Yay me!

I have to say...I'm quite proud of myself for sticking to this diet/exercise thing this time. Been doing it for about four weeks now and I haven't bitten anyone's head off yet! LOL! Diets usually make me soooo cranky! But I think that I've been just counting calories, sticking with portion control, and allowing myself to eat "some" of the things I love...but just a "serving size"...I think that's what's keeping me focused and on task this time. And exercise...I'm trying! Treadmill, ab scissor, ab roller...I'm workin' on it! I think this is one of my better attempts at weight loss. I've lost 4.5 pounds so far! I'd love to get another 5 off...but we'll see! I am really trying hard. I bought two new pair of skinny jeans...that is my motivation. Nothing more gross than a muffin top with skinny jeans! LOL! I'll be sure to post pics if/when I get to my goal! Woohoo!

New spring clothes for the mommy!

I have to start off by saying, I don't buy clothing all throughout the year as many people do. Some women pick things up here and there all year long. I don't do that too much. Occasionally I'll see something on sale and grab it...but not too often. I tend to be one of the people who shops like, twice a year...spring and fall...and then I'm done with it. So some people may think I spend a lot at once...but really, I don't. I'm shopping for an entire season or two.
So...last week, I did my spring shopping. And being the bargain shopper I am...I REFUSE to pay full price for ANYTHING...clothing included. I'm also the kind of person, I find something I like...I'll buy one in every color, LOL! I had actually boycotted Old Navy a couple years ago due to a bad experience I had with a return and the manager there...but I've come around and given them another chance. I'm so glad I have because they have some really cute things and great deals. The only think I dislike, is that their clothing runs small and it makes me feel like a cow when I have to buy a larger size, LOL! So anyway...here were some of my deals:
Old Navy:
Spent: $88.00
Saved: $87.00
I got some incredible deals there. I ended up scoring four new camis, a bomber jacket, three gauze blouses, and two button down blouses!

JCPenney has always been a favorite place of mine to shop for clothing. Here I scored two pair of skinny jeans (scarey, but I'm killing myself to get into them), two pair of capris, a cute white blouse, and a slim fitting tee.
Spent: $80.06
Saved: $116.06




Kohls was another place I kindof "boycotted" for a while due to some seriously bad service. But once again I've come around, and I'm glad. They have some really cute clothes for reasonable prices. There, I got two spring/fall coats.
Spent: $69.96
Saved: $99.00

Like I said...sounds like a lot of money at once...but I only shop a couple times a year. In the end I got over $500.00 worth of clothes for right around $200.00. Can't beat that! Not in my book!

Lazy Lazy Lazy...

I have gotten seriously lazy with my money-saving/coupon postings lately. Well, no...not totally lazy...just been incredibly busy. I think I'm going to continue to share my success...but just not post all the actual deals themself. If you would like to find the actual deals I scout out...check out all the blogs I have listed on the lower right of my blog. They are an amazing help to me as I scout out all the best deals!
Here are some of my recent trips to Meijer:

May 4, 2010

Spent: $54.28

Saved: $42.50

Not too shabby...I almost made my goal of saving as much as I spend. I am finding it harder and harder to meet this goal with groceries. Food is SO expensive!

May 11, 2010

Spent: $35.11

Saved: $32.92

This was a good trip. Nearly met my goal. I didn't buy a lot...but stayed right within the range I like to as far as saving/spending.

I pretty much ALWAYS have good trips to Walgreens. It's hard not to...unless it's not close to free...I don't shop! LOL!

May 2, 2010

Spent: $21.04

Saved: $42.06

LOVE these kinds of savings!

May 9, 2010

Spent: $29.67

Saved: $26.34

This one yielded A LOT of Register Rewards to use on my next trip...so even though it doesn't look like I saved a ton up front...I got LOADS of Register Rewards.

May 11, 2010

Spent: $1.87

Saved: $9.00

NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT! LOL!

Tulip Time/KinderParade '10...cont.

This was a crazy busy week for us. It's Tulip Time here in Holland. There are three parades during Tulip Time. The opening parade "VolksParade", the children's parade "KinderParade", and the musical finale "MuziekParade". Evan's middle school band plays at the VolksParade and the KinderParade. Next year in high school he will also play in the MuziekParade. But two is enough for now! Wow were we busy! It rained on Tuesday morning, VolksParade day, but then cleared up for the parade...but was still chilly. I forgot my camera for that parade! I couldn't believe it! I know...bad mommy! But I remembered it for the KinderParade on Wednesday and I got lots of pictures! I'm only sharing a few on the blog...takes forever to load! LOL! To view all of them, feel free to check out my facebook page! Here's Jamie, Nate and I enjoying the parade.

Daddy and Nate waiting for the parade to begin.

Cityside Middle School band...there's Evie playing his trumpet! They plated Bon Jovi..."Livin' on a prayer"...LOL! They did AWESOME! I'm always amazed at the talent of these middle school kids!

This was the first year our middle school had a color guard. The girls did a really nice job!

Here comes Cityside!

Costumed Dutch Dancers carrying the parade banner.

Holland High School band marching in their wooden shoes. They do some fancy footwork while they march..."klompen" around in their wooden shoes! They play Tip Toe Through The Tulips each year...tradition. :)

Each of the elementary schools has a Dutch theme that they march with props. Here were the May poles.

More of the kiddos marching.

I have no clue what these guys were, LOL! "Men In Black"??? But they were nice enough to pose for pictures for everyone and very friendly as they mimed. LOL!

We had a really nice time...lovely weather...yummy fair food...and fun for all! Until next year...Tip Toe Through The Tulips With Me!!! ♪

Tulip Time '10

Saturday we made it to downtown Holland for Tulip Time. I don't think, in all the years we've gone, that we've ever gone on a Saturday. Now...I know why. CRAZY BUSY! Holy moly. Parked seven blocks away from the park!

We had fun though. The boys and I tolerate crowds pretty well...the hubs...not so much. He didn't join us that day.

We walked through Centennial Park and enjoyed the tulips. They had a craft fair going on as well...which made it even MORE crowded.

The boys humored me and let me take their pictures. We watched the Dutch Dancers. Not the boys' favorite thing. Nate says, "It's the same thing every year." Ev says, "Nothing changes." But I still like to see it every year.

The boys enjoyed some of the festival food. Nate got a hotdog, Ev got a corndog, and they shared some cheese fries. They took a funnel cake to the park to eat while we watched the dancing. I, being on a diet, endured the torture of all the heavenly smells of fair food. I was good. I only had a couple nibbles of their goodies!

We are praying for no rain. At least on Wednesday and Thursday...as those are the two parades Evan is marching in with the band.

Will try to post some pics of the parade soon! Happy Tulip Time!