Sea Hare

Sea Hare in the Pacific Ocean
Point Fermin Tide Pools
Cabrillo Beach

. . . And How!

My friend Tina has created a delicious blog:

"I Want To But How"

And it is a delight, not only because it is so pretty, but because there is so much to learn.  

I love Tina's salad in a jar video!

Doesn't this picture just make you want to jump in and swim among those cherry tomatoes?

YUM!

JanuARTy

My husband and I both went to an art workshop last night at Alegria's in Long Beach.  The workshop is the creation of Brushstrokes and Beverages (more info here) and was a lot of fun!  It's interesting to see how my boat is rushing through the waves and my husband's was calmly floating in the water.  We paint ourselves!

Ready for my Close Up

My succulents are ready for their close up.  I may have already posted some of these pictures, but I love how they look.  Try using one for your desktop picture.  It'll make you smile every time you see it.  Enjoy!

Air Out There

I had to leave the office during lunch to get some fresh air.  So, I headed over to the local park and parked myself on a swing to eat.

I love the old school look of this play area.  The rainbow dolphin is not quite Lisa Frank, but still very cute.

In the picture above, see if you can spot the bird.  (I'll post the answer shortly).

I am so grateful to this tree who provided shade and in whose branches birds sat to sing to me.  Coincidentally, or by design if you prefer to think of it that way, this tree is the exact type of tree that lines my street.  I sometimes feel so far from home when I am at work and it's good to know that aspects of my home are never too far away.  I feel protected and loved.

God is good!

Garden

Sam in the front yard with succulents.

These plants are so hardy, as you can see they need to be cleaned up a bit.




Meanwhile, this plant on the left has started to bloom!

I can't wait to see what it's going to look like once it's in full bloom; I imagine it will be beautiful!

Nests

Birds nests.

Someone is getting ready for Spring to get  here . . .

Budgeting for 2014

I've budgeted for 2014, using the envelope system.  My husband and I planned every penny and cent and included items such as an emergency fund, petcare, salon/barber along with the usual life insurance, mortgage, utilities, car expenses, etc.

It wasn't the easiest conversation to have and it took a while to create all these envelopes, but the peace of mind I feel knowing it's going to be a financially-balanced year in which I will practice self-control (no impulse trips to Michaels to purchase crafty items), is well worth the discomfort, time and effort.

More information on envelope systems can be found here.
We're using the monthly budget spreadsheet from here.

And yes, you read it correctly - Education is budgeted at $333 per month.  Is that for the boys?  No, it's for me.  I am going back to school to complete my CA Tier II Administrative Credential.  I asked the universe to send me back to school and it did!  Be careful what you wish for . . .

New Leaf

Are you turning over a new leaf in this new year?

Last year I resolved to be grateful and creative. I will continue in 2014, and will practice mindfulness.

Happy New Year!