Iowahippiechick

I was trying to do my top dropper post for “Top Dropper Day.”  But the Entrecard website was bogged down - it just wouldn’t load for me.  So, I guess my top dropper day will have to be tomorrow!

What I was reading from the web this week-

1. 8 ways to botch your retirement 
2. 8 ways to make a million bucks 
3. How to sell your stuff on eBay
4. How to increase sales on eBay by offering international shipping
5. An introduction to making money selling digital photos 
6. Make extra money without getting a second job
   

Can you tell that I’m interested in making a few extra bucks, these days?  Well I am - Because spring break is fast approaching and I’m taking a trip with my sister, my niece, and her girlfriend.  We are heading down to NOLA … and I can hardly wait for it!

(This will probably be one of our last girl trips for awhile - Because my niece will be graduating from high school this year and getting busy with college/friends/jobs/etc.) 

Potpourri-

1. Bidboxr … A beta auctions 2.0 site.
2. A Full Cup … Savings by the cup full - start saving money today.
3. The Caregivers Marketplace … Caring for a loved one isn’t easy, saving on the things they need is.
4. 70% off at Nike.com … For more information - check out this post at My Good Cents.
5. $20 off $20 or more stamp at Staples … For more information - check out this post at Money Saving Methods.
6. Share a secret for stain removal, and receive a free sample of Surf w/essential oils. Click here.

Have a wonderful day!

dawn @ iowahippiechick

1. Free digital photo’s to use for your blog, or any other use. - Click here.
2. A free $25 Walgreens giftcard for a new or transferred prescription with this coupon. (Good until 4/26/09.)
3. Suzanne Wells, The Ebay Coach, and author of “Stay-At-Home Mom’s Guide To Successful Ebay Selling”  is generously giving it away as a free ebook.  Click here to access the download from her website.  (The hardcopy sells for $9.95 at Amazon.)
4. A coupon good for either a free 20 oz. or a free 2 liter bottle of Diet Dr. Pepper- Click here.
5. A free 8.3 oz can of Red Bull and a free 12 oz can of Roaring Lion Energy Drink.  The offer is by Roaring Lion - they want you to do a side by side taste test comparison.  Click here to have them send you both drinks.
6. Free samples of Pink Lemonade and Berry Burst Metamucil - Click here.
7. This is from My Good Cents … It’s a coupon code (HALFOFF) that can be used at Oldnavy.com to receive50 % off of their clearance items.  Hurry up though - because it does expire February 2nd.
8. You can earn one free Swagbuck by entering the code (BeMine).  Find out more information - from My Good Cents.
9. Free Hallmark Valentine E-Cards ~
10. A free subscription to Diet & Nutrition magazine … just insert the promo code (INAUGO9) all in caps.  

Have fun checking them out - and have a terrific weekend!

dawn @ iowahippiechick

When you think about what kind of kids are going to grow up and become successful - Who do you see in your mind?

Is it the straight A honor student?
The captain of the sports team?
The “popular” kid at the school?

All those kids have the potential to be very successful.
(And I wish them all the very best!)                                                                                           Yet there is another kind of kid - I want you to see in your mind.
A picture of a kid who is different.
You can see him/or her… Can’t you?

Kids Who Are Different-

by DigbyWolfe

Here’s to the kids who are different.
The kids who don’t always get A’s.
The kids who have ears twice the size of their peers,
And noses that go on for days…
Here’s to the kids who are different.
The kids they call crazy or dumb.
The kids who don’t fit, with the guts and the grit.
Who dance to a different drum…
Here’s to the kid’s who are different.
The kids with the mischievous streak.
For when they have grown, as history’s shown.
It’s their difference that makes them unique.

This poem speaks volumes…

When you think about Albert Einstein or Bill Gates - Do you think they fit in?
And look at how successful they became…

Photo Credit: Cody

personal finance

Are you as sick of this COLD winter as I am?  I am so ready for spring - which got me remembering a lovely and warm summer memory. 

About 15 years ago …
On a warm & rainy evening - I was babysitting my sister’s three children, who were busy playing Ghostbusters with my two sons.
This was when my husband, two sons, and I, all lived close to the Cedar River and George Wyth State Park.
We absolutely loved living there!
It was like living in the country - but literally in the middle of town.
It was a really fun place for the 5 kids (age 3yrs to 8 yrs) to grow, learn, and play!
One of our favorite activities - was to go for bike rides or walks in George Wyth State Park.
On this particular rainy evening …
We decided to go for a drive in the park.
With the goal of trying to spot some deer, turtles, or maybe even a fox.
When we got to one of the parking lots with the boat docks - we couldn’t believe what we found!
There were literally hundreds of frogs hopping around on the wet pavement, in the rain.
It was so cool - and the kids went wild!
We spent a good hour playing in the rain & catching frogs.
It was a night all five of the kids will never forget!
And you know what?
Relatively speaking …
It didn’t cost a dime!

Don’t you love it when stuff like this happens?
When we create those important memories during an ordinary day!
Do you have a special-ordinary-day-memory that you could share?

Photo Credit: Cody

If your looking to declutter and simplify your books and DVD collection -

Why not make some quick cash out of the process?

Here are some online ways to do this:

• Ebay is my favorite way for selling children’s books. I have sold a significant number of them through Ebay over the last couple of years - and am always amazed at the amount I earn.

• Barnes and Noble is where I like to sell my adult fiction and nonfiction books. They have a $10 minimum buyback amount and they pay for the postage. It is so easy and hassle free - you can’t beat it!

• Cash4books, WeBuyYourBooks & ValoreBooks, are all places to check out too. (A lot of the times if one won’t take a book another one will!)

• Media Exchange 123 is a hassle free way to sell back old DVD’s & video games collecting dust. They pay for postage with a minimum number of items sold - just like Barnes and Noble. (I’ve used them twice and been pleased.)

Me personally - Sometimes I like the convenience of a couple of clicks/print off the postage paid label & it’s done.  Other times, I don’t mind putting in the time and energy to put up some Ebay auctions. 

But it’s always fun to make some money off our unused items!

personal finance

8 Things I’m Passionate About

1. God and my faith
2. My husband and sons.
3. My family and friends.
4. My animals.
5. My community.
6. Children
7. Reading
8. Lifelong learning

8 Things I say Often

1. Come here and give me a hug.
2. I love you so much.
3. God Bless you.
4. I’m sorry.
5. Yes.
6. No.
7. Maybe?
8. Call your mom.

8 Books I’ve Read Recently

1. Government in America … People, Politics, and Policy / By George C. Edwards III
2. A Quaker Book of Wisdom / By Robert Lawrence Smith
3. Vincent Van Gogh … A Life / By Philip Callow
4. Garden Bird Facts / By Marcus Schneck
5. Quaint Birdhouses You Can Paint and Decorate / By Dorothy Egan
6. Wildflowers and Weeds / by Booth Courtenay
7. Your First Quilt Book (or it should be!) / Carol Doak
8. The Bible … (I’m always working on this one)!

8 Things I Want To Do Before I Die

1. See my future grandchildren.
2. Hit my 50th wedding anniversary … or beyond.
3. Take my oldest son and his girlfriend/future wife to Italy.
4. Take my youngest son/future wife to London.
5. Take my husband to Hawaii.
6. Build at least a million dollars in assets.
7. Help our boys build their businesses.
8. Build a playground for our local Catholic elementary school.

8 Songs I Can Listen To Over and Over

1. “It Feels Like Rain” by Aaron Neville.
2. “Sunrise” by Norah Jones.
3. “Have a Little Faith in Me” By John Hiatt.
4. “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” By Otis Redding.
5. “Ain’t no Sunshine When She’s Gone” By Bill Withers.
6. “Amazing Grace” By Ray Charles.
7. Anything by Credence Clearwater Revival
8. Anything by 38 Special

8 Things That Attract Me To My Friends

1. Loyalty
2. Intelligence
3. Ability to Laugh
4. Ability to Inspire
5. Compassion
6. Creativity
7. Belief In Something Bigger Than Themselves
8. No Gossip

8 Things I Learned In The Past Year

1. My son’s are my absolute heroes.
2. My husband is my best friend.
3. Some people seek drama and chaos to distract themselves from their own issues.
4. Even the elderly aren’t immune to divorce.
5. Faith in God really does pull you through the hard times.
6. I still miss my mom.
7. It’s never too late to start doing what’s right.
8. I can do whatever I set my mind too!

• New Crest White Strips Advanced Seal (no-slip whitening strips) Check it out here.
• Teasta Teas … Way cool, they let you request two different flavors for free, click here.  (I just did it myself, and it was $6.30 worth of tea/and shipping … for FREE!)
• Quaker Dark Chocolate Raspberry Almond True Delights - click here.
• Get your free Inauguration Sticker … Courtesy of  ColorOfChange.org.
• A free $2 off coupon for various St. Ives Skin & Body Care products … click here.
• A free 2-year subscription to Parents Magazine … click here.  (This is from StartSampling.com)
• Sign up for their mailing list, and receive a coupon for a free 4-pack of Hansen’s Organic Junior Water … click here.
• A whopping 75 free prints for new members to KodakGallery.com
• Stories By Everyone is giving away a free box of 6 photo valentine cards, when you use the code VALENTINE at the check out.  (Shipping is free, too!)
• An article by Suzanne Wells on “How to Get Unlimited Free Grocery Coupons.”
• Finally, here is an article that was on MSN MoneyCentral, titled “26 Fabulous Freebies. “
  

How fun …

Finally there are some interesting freebies available!

Have a terrific day!

dawn @ iowahippiechick

personal finance

Today, as I was making my way through my Google Reader, it appeared to me that everyone was talking about frugality.

There were those that despise frugality … and those that take it very, very, seriously.

(A lot of bloggers take it very, very, seriously!)

As usual, I fall somewhere in the middle.

A lot of my beliefs and personality traits - sort of led me down the frugality path.

Especially the whole reduce, reuse, and recycle motto … which I really believe in.

And probably the fact I work at home. 

Which allows me a bit of freedom in my daily schedule.

So if I want to hang out a load of laundry - I do it.

Or if I want to can some vegetables from my garden - I do it.

In fact, I really like doing that kind of stuff!

If I didn’t - more than likely I wouldn’t do them!

For me, it boils down to balance!

Life happens real quick …

(That chubby little baby, being driven in the toy John Deere tractor by Craig, is NOW our 24 year old son Dillon.)

(I look at the picture and it literally seems like it could have been taken last week.)

What really matters,is finding our own individual frugality comfort level.

The level that helps each of us maintain control over our own personal finances -

So we can have more CHOICE when it comes to our money!

Where do you fall on the FRUGALITY spectrum?

personal finance

Photo Credit: Me

Definitions of Thrift -

1. Wise economy in the management of money and other resources.
2. Caution with money.
3. Extreme care in spending money; reluctance to spend money unnecessarily.
4. Careful spending of money, or using of food or other resources, so that one can save or have some left in reserve; economy.

Did you know January 17th - January 24th is National Thrift Week? 

I actually didn’t.

My grandparents would be so proud him for writing on the topic of thriftiness!

(Especially Grandma Alice, who had thrift skills that surpassed Amy Dacyczyn of The Tightwad Gazette fame.)

Personally, I think thrift & frugal are terms that are starting to migrate over to the COOL side of our cultural spectrum. 

It’s definitely not so nerdy or square - to want to use one’s money wisely these days! 

About time - don’t you think? 

Being thrifty, helps Craig and I to have better control over our money. 

Which then allows us, a lot more choice and freedom in what we do with our money. 

It really works for us!

Here are some interesting articles on the frugal and thrift movement -

1. Thrift is Hip  By Marie T. Sullivan, Chicago Daily Observer, June 07, 2008

2. Let’s Make It Cool to Save By Michelle Singletary, The Washington Post, Sunday, May 11, 2008

3. Thrift Is the New FashionBy Daniel Gross | NEWSWEEK Published Oct 25, 2008

Isn’t encouraging thrift a terrific idea?

dawn @ iowahippiechick

personal finance

It’s always amazed me that my husband Craig, son Dillon, and son Cody - don’t like meatloaf!

I grew up with meatloaf as a weekly staple in my mom’s dinner rotation …

I always LOVED it!

I don’t know what is wrong with my guys? 

They don’t know what they are missing!

Mom’s Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaves:

(not my mom’s … it’s just the name of the recipe)

Ingredients

9 slices bacon

3/4 lb lean ground beef

3/4 lb ground portk

3/4 lb ground veal

1 egg

1/4 cup chili sauce

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup frozen chopped onions

2 tsp crushed garlic

1 packet (1 oz) beefy onion soup mix

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Poke holes in the bottom of 3 (5 x 3 inch) disposable foil loaf pans.  Line each pan with 3 slices of bacon lengthwise, set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, ground veal, egg, and chili sauce, mix well. Add rolled oats, onions, garlic, and soup mix, mix well.  Spoon meat mixture evenly among bacon-lined pans and smooth the tops.
3. Place pans on a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet.  Bake 35 - 40 minutes, or until an instant thermometer inserted in the center of the loaves registers 160 degrees F.
4. Slice and serve hot or prepare to freeze.  If freezing, cool on a wire rack for 20 - 25 minutes.  Place each meat-loaf and pan in another foil pan and cover loosely with aluminum foil.  Cool completely in refrigerator.  Once cooled, remove the foil and wrap each loaf in pan tightly with plastic wrap.  Over wrap with aluminum foil. Label and freeze.  Makes 6 servings (3 loaves)

I found this recipe in the January 2009 issue of Redbook magazine. 

It is from Sandra Lee’s new cookbook Money Saving Meals.

I’m not sure who she is … but her meatloaf recipe is what Craig, Dillon, Cody, and I are having for dinner tomorrow night!  Maybe this one will finally win them over!

Have a terrific week!

dawn @ iowahippiechick

1. Zen Habits has an awesome freebie, in the form of a free Ebook titled, Thriving on Less - Simplifying in a Tough Economy.  Click here to preview the table of contents and access the download page.
2. There’s a choice with this freebie from Quaker Oats.  You may pick either Quakes Rice Snacks or Quaker Mini Delights.  Click here to make your yummy decision.
3. Sign up to receive the Eat Better America e-newsletter and receive a free booklet with $10 in coupon savings, helpful tips, and healthy recipes.
4. Rachel Ray Nutrish Dog food sample … click here.
5. Orville Redenbacher’s Natural microwave popcorn sample … click here.
6. A free subscription to Art in America magazine … click here.

Shifting gears - I need to do some personal updating:

I’ll start with my health.  I had my surgery this past Monday morning and it went very well.  My surgeon removed the cyst and organs without any leaks, nicks, or tears.  Which will be very helpful if the pathology comes back not so good!  By Tuesday afternoon I was on my way home to recuperate - our insurance will only pay for 23 hours of hospital stay. We also received 7 and 1/2 inches of snow that night - as well as hitting all time record temperature lows.  COLD, COLD, COLD!  It did take me a couple of days to bounce back from the anesthetic - but I am feeling a lot better today.  A big thanks to all my blogging friends who sent prayers and well wishes my way … I appreciate it so much!

I also need to do some blog housekeeping - in regards to Carnivals and Awards:

1. Advice for Women from Women ~ A carnival that included my post … A Frugal Living Reflection.  Click here to check out all the terrific posts.
2. Colloquium’s ~ Carnival of Family Life included my post … I”ve Been Thinking About What Suze Orman Said.  Click here to check out all the inspiring posts.
   

JT Locke from The Frugal Housewife nominated me for The Lemonade Award.

Thanks so much for the link love and recognition JT - I really appreciate it!!! 

Check out her website … it is absolutely AWESOME!

Kelly from 30somethingandsearching nominated me for the I Love Your Blog Award.

Thanks so much for the link love and recognition Kelly ~ I appreciate it so much! 

Please check out Kelly’s blog … it’s so much fun and a terrific read!

Have a terrific weekend - And Stay Warm!

dawn @ iowahippiechick

personal finance

• Protect Your System ~ Have it inspected by a professional.  A furnace that works correctly will be much more efficient.  (Remember to ask the service professional for advice on maintaining your system.)  Don’t forget to change the furnace filter regularly to ensure proper air flow.
• Turn Down The Heat ~ For every degree you lower your heat … you will lower your heating bill by up to 5%.
• Program The Temperature ~ Using a programmable thermostat will make adjusting the temperature settings automatic.  (So it’s easier to lower it when you are away during the day, or asleep at night.)
• Save Hot Water Energy ~  Turn the temperature on the hot water heater down to 120 degrees.  This can help you save up to 10% on water heating costs.  If your unit is located in a cool area … you need to think about installing an insulating jacket.  Maybe insulating the first few feet of pipe that transport the hot water from the heater as well.
• Insulate, Insulate, Insulate ~  Go around your home and find the drafty spots where cold air can enter … which usually are doors and windows.  Install weather stripping and door sweeps if necessary.  Some other areas that can cause problems are locks, outlets, air conditioning units, and recessed light fixtures.  The Energy Star program has a free guide to home insulation.  Click here for more information.
• Shop Around ~ If you happen to use fuel oil … compare prices to find the lowest rate.
• Take a Tax Credit ~ In 2009 homeowners who add certain energy efficient measures can take a tax credit of up to $500.  For more information click here.

personal finance

I didn’t realize that little tidbit of historical financial gossip … but it’s true.  Back in 1656 Rembrandt van Rijn filed bankruptcy.  He was 50 years old, and had accumulated more debt than he could possibly repay.  His house, and many of his paintings, were sold at auction to offset some of the debt.

Phineas Taylor Barnum once filed bankruptcy as well.  It was due to losses in unwise business ventures in 1871.  He eventually went on to successfully create “The Greatest Show on Earth Circus.  Later merging it with James A. Bailey’s circus … creating the well known Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Samuel Langhorne Clemens (Mark Twain) filed bankruptcy in 1894.  Which discharged all his debts.  But he was determined to pay back all he owed.  He went on a lecture circuit in America and Europe - eventually earning enough to pay back the debt.

And the bankruptcy list goes on:

1. Henry John Heinz
2. Oscar Wilde
3. Milton Snavely Hershey
4. Henry Ford
5. Mickey Rooney
6. Debbie Reynolds
7. Johnny Unitas
8. Jerry Lee Lewis
9. Burt Reynolds
10. Sherman Hemsley
11. Marjorie Margolies Mezvinsky
12. Wayne Newton
13. Kim Basinger
14. MC Hammer
15. Walt Disney
16. Larry King
17. Donald Trump
18. Mike Tyson
19. Sammy Kershaw
20. (I excerpted this information from the Laura Margulies & Associates LLC website.)

  Interesting list, I think.

personal finance

1. SoyJoy all natural fruit and soy bar … Click here to request your free sample.
2. Teacher or parent free stuff resources.  Including everything from a free 2008 Sun Earth Day kit … to KoKo’s Kid Club.  Click here for more information.
3. Two free customized greeting cards … Check it out here.
4. Receive a coupon good for a free bottle of Healthy Balance Juice … Read the details here.
5. Sign up here … to receive a variety pack of Ziploc Brand Big Bags.  (Limited to the first 5,000 people that sign up.)
6. Free coupon codes and discounts for over 15,000 online stores … Right here.
7. A free sample candle from the Toasty Candle Company … Click here & scroll down a bit to sign up.
8. Sign up for a rewards membership to Dave & Buster’s and receive $10 in free game play.
9. Try Total Cranberry Crunch Cereal for free … Click here.
10. Free Organic Yogi Tea samples … Sign up here to receive some.
11. Free download of Michael Moore’s “Slacker Uprising” Movie.  Click here to sign up.
12. Suze Orman’s 2009 Action Plan free book download.  Click here.

Finally some fun freebies are available again! 

I’m trying something new this year …

I’m going to keep a running list of all the freebies I receive in 2009. 

It should be interesting to see the completed list on December 31st!

Have a wonderful weekend,

dawn @ iowahippiechick

personal finance

And so it begins again … Our local weather forecaster is predicting another 4 inches of snow falling sometime after midnight.  It has also been quite cold.  With this morning’s temperature coming in at a -14 (with the windchill factor.)  Not exactly the type of weather to have problems on the rode!

Here are some safe driving tips to keep us out of trouble:

1. Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition.
2. Check your vehicle’s tires for proper air pressure and that the tread is at least 1/16″ deep.
3. Plan ahead … Check forecasts and weather conditions before venturing out!
4. Let others know your expected arrival time.
5. Travel at a safe distance behind other vehicles.
6. Only travel at a rate of speed that is acceptable for the road conditions.
7. Stock your vehicle with blankets, clothing, water, food, a shovel, and flashlight.
8. Keep your cell phone charged and with you in case you need it.
9. Should your vehicle get stuck, do not continuously run your vehicle.  Only run it long enough to keep warm.
10. Ensure that the exhaust pipe is free from show to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Can you think of any other good safe driving tips?

Have a terrific day … and please drive safely!!!

dawn

We burn a lot of candles in our house.  (Craig likes the ambiance - for me it’s the fragrance.)  Because a burning candle  is such a common sight  for us, we sometimes get a little lax in our fire safety habits.  And over the holidays - we had a little mishap to prove that point. Thankfully not a fire, just spilled wax on our living room carpet.  (Candles are lovely, but must be used with care!)

For a refresher on fire safety & candles … please read the following list from the National Candle Association:

1. Always keep a burning candle within sight.  Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep.
2. Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire.  Place candles away from drapes, bedding, flammable decorations, etc.
3. Keep candles our of the reach of children and pets.  Don’t place lighted candles where they might be knocked over by children or pets.
4. Trim candlewicks to 1/4 inch each time before burning.  Long or crooked wicks cause uneven burning and dripping.
5. Always use a candle holder specifically designed for candle use.  Use heat-resistant holders, large enough to contain melted wax.  Be sure the candle holder is placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface.  this prevents possible heat damage to underlying surfaces and prevents glass containers from cracking or breaking.
6. Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings, matches and debris at all times.  Always follow the “use and safety” instructions carefully.  Do not burn a candle longer than recommended.
7. Keep burning candles away from drafts, vents, ceiling fans and air currents.  This helps prevent rapid, uneven burning, flair-ups and sooting.  Drafts can blow lightweight curtains or papers into the flames.
8. Always burn candles in a well-ventilated room.  Dont’ burn too many candles in a small room or in  a “tight” home where air exchange is limited.
9. Don’t burn a candle all the way down.  Extinguish the flame if it comes too close to the holder or container.  For a margin of safety, discontinue burning a candle when 2 inches of wax remains or 1/2 inch if in a container.
10. Never touch or move a burning candle when the wax is liquid.
11. Never use a knife or sharp object to remove wax drippings from a glass holder.  It might scratch, weaken, or cause the glass to break.
12. Place burning candles at least three inches apart.  This ensures they won’t melt one another, or cause flares.
13. Use a snuffer to extinguish a candle.  It prevents hot wax splatters.
14. Never extinguish candles with water.  The water can cause the hot wax to splatter and may break glass.
15. Be very careful if using candles during a power outage.  Flash-lights are safer sources of light.
16. Make sure a candle is completely extinguished and the wick is no longer glowing before leaving the room.
17. Extinguish a candle if it flickers repeatedly, smokes, or the flame becomes too high.  Let it cool, trim the wick, check for drafts.
18. Never use a candle as a night light.

dawn @ iowahippiechick

Not too long ago - I had the Suze Orman television program on. (Even though I  probably shouldn’t have, because I was doing some paperwork that actually required some focus.) 

Back to Suze … she was talking with a woman who was retirement age. Who was also having difficulty keeping up with her financial responsibilities due to a lot of medical expenses.  She continued speaking that she did have grown children who were doing very well - financially speaking.  But she still wasn’t comfortable communicating with them about her dilemma.  Suze and the woman continued their conversation a bit more - which led to Suze revealing something I had never really heard a financial guru say before.  Suze said that if a child is doing well financially - it is their financial responsibility to help out a parent in need.

I FREAKIN LOVE THAT~

I agree with her 100 %.  If a child is struggling - that’s a different story.  But if a child is doing well - It seems to me it’s their duty to financially take care of their parent. ( I know that Craig and I will also be physically caring for my dad - soon.) 

It really wasn’t so long ago, that caring for aging parents was the norm for families.  Maybe all this global economic nonsense will start bringing families closer together again!   That’s my rant - What do you think???

dawn( a.k.a iowahippiechick)
personal finance

A Frugal Living Reflection …

“I have three precious things which I hold fast and prize.  The first is gentleness, the second is frugality, the third is humility, which keeps me from putting myself before others.  Be gentle and you can be bold; be frugal and you can be liberal; avoid putting yourself before others and you can become a leader before men.”  - Lao Tzu.

I find it quite interesting - that a piece of philosophy from so long ago is still so relevant.  I really like this … kind of a neat theme for living in 2009.

What do you think about it? 

Do you agree with the father of Taoism? 

Or not? 

Leave a comment with your thoughts!

Have a terrific day!

dawn @ iowahippiechick

personal finance

Don’t you just love a fresh start?  Or a new beginning?  Especially after the bummer-of-a-year that 2008 turned out to be …

Here are some really good articles and blog posts -

To keep your 2009 New Year’s motivation inspired:

1. An article by MSN Money’s own MP Dunleavey - called How Our Money Secrets Can Cost Us. (She totally hooked me with her first line … It’s time to come clean!)
   
2. I’m kind of new to the Marc and Angel Hack Life blog.  (Which features practical tips for leading a productive life.)  But already I am ridiculously impressed!  It’s a blog that everybody should be reading daily in 2009 - I’m not kidding!  Start with this post called Be Who You Were Born To Be.
3. Have you heard of The One Dollar Diet Project?  (I hadn’t until I saw them on Fox and Friends one morning.)  Basically it’s about two social justice teachers who decided to eat on a dollar a day.  This is a pretty cool blog, because it speaks to us on so many levels!  Click on the link to be inspired … I dare you!
4. I love books.  Always have and always will! Shaefer’s Blog had an interesting post where he listed his top 10 all-time favorite books.  Can you guess what the number one pick was???  Check out the blog to see!
5. Meet the family of 7 who live on $44K a year -  debt-free!  These people are awe inspiring in their money management skills.  Click here to read their story.
6. It never ceases to amaze me, the wealth of inspirational information, available FOR FREE  on the web!
   

I hope you had a good New Year’s Eve …

And I wish you a healthy and prosperous 2009!!

dawn @ iowahippiechick