FRUGAL LIVING gifts and presents I LOVE TO MAKE

I love a chance to shine. Gift giving is a great time to use every ounce of creativity you may have. I have two little girl's birthdays and a wedding coming up in April. I am so excited. (even though we've just had a lay off.)

With Valentines day past and the end of the winter season clearence bins are overflowing from the dollar store to the grocery store. I can barely contain the joy!

I am an artist by nature, so I naturally will make cards with out a thought. You know though this is not a hard process with the right mind set. The computer is full of beautiful art clips and a little tracing and steady hands any one can create a card. Ribbon bits (on clearance of course) are a great alternative. Also use stuff you have around. Save the card board inserts that come in shirt packages and mailings. The white inserts are perfect card stock. Think chic, elegant when making a card. The more delicate and classy the design, the more impressive.

As for a child's card. Think BIG. They love oversized cards. Posterboard is cheap. Draw your best cake and decorate it with shiny stuff. Tin foil and old necklaces. Or print a picture of the newest cartoon charactors and cut it out and glue it to the card if you can't draw it. (although you'd be suprised how easily seasame street characters are duplicated)

Now the good stuff, Presents! Gift baskets are the easiest way to incorporate clearance items and present them in a expensive and classy way. The two girls I have to buy for are getting "Princess Packages". This idea hit me when I ran across fold up card board boxes at the dollar store with castles printed on them. Very pink and very pretty. (I have to mail my gifts). So I had these boxes. Now I just had to fill them. I couldn't believe my finds at the dollar tree that day (the store where everything is 1.00) Disney princess stuff everywhere. I got two of each of the kites, chalk, and two pens shaped like nail polish bottles and two wine glasses and a pack of puffy bath scrubbies and two white votive candles. With easter coming basket wrap is out so I always grab a few of those to keep on hand. Off to the clearance bins. Pink and red pretty things every where! I got a bottle of bubble bath shaped like champagne, some silver wrapped bath fizzies shaped like bon bons, bath caviear, a couple of shear cloth baggies with hearts printed on them, shiny heart and lip stickers. $20.00
My favorite part is putting the baskets together. I have tissue and wrapping paper bits from every holiday (I never through it out and I always reuse it) I cut up pink and red bits I have that are too small to wrap things with or too used. These go in the girl's box bottoms. I use alot to prop up the gifts. I fill the shear baggies with the nail polish pens and stickers. Arange the kites and chalk to fill in empty spaces. I Print off a picture of each of them and make a princess book mark. ( long rectangle bookmark glue the pic. of head and color a pink princess cone hat on) They each get a shear baggie filled with shiny quarters (the number of quarters coincides with thier age). Done!
Wedding basket. I have a metal bucket with a floral arrangment in it here. I can do with out it. I take out the flowers (saving in my craft basket), Spray paint the bucket white and sponge to give a worn, imperfect look to it. In goes all silver bits of tissue and wrapping paper shredded. I tie a fluffy bow of silver and white on to the champagne bubbles. That goes in the bucket first. The glasses go in next. I cut two circles of white netting out of an old curtain. Wrap the votives and tie with some black and silver ribbon. the wine glasses get stuffed with the white bath fluffies and bon bons and put in the bucket. Next the votives and bath caviar. The trick to basket making is the lay out. Fill all spaces you can with items make it look full. I wrap with a shear basket wrap and tie with the biggest and most professional bow my sister in law can make (she does those better than me) silver and black and white. This "Bubble bath for two" bucket is cheap and easy and looks like I paid a furtune to have a company deliver it just in time for the reception!


Ahhh, I love being cheap....

WHERE I UPPED THE TRAFFIC TO MY PAGE FREE

Making money on the internet can be tricky and I have found the information available to be repetative. One technique I find interesting and promising is setting up a blog and using advertisers to generate money. I the mean time you get to have a voice in the world through your blog. Very theroputic.
I know this post is out of the norm. The frugal living chapters are coming. I was thinking about ways to up my traffic and researching on it. If you are interested in making money online, then you probably know by now that setting up a blog is a great option, free and easy.

Getting traffic is another can of worms. Once you are up and running and no longer "under construction", you can go here: http://www.selfseo.com. This will give you they free and paid ways to get listed in search engines like google and yahoo and so on. (It's free info)
You can also go to Technorati Profile to join for free and get listed on this directory of blogs.
Alot of time and hard work is also REQUIRED. You need to follow forums and post your link there. Do this with taste. Don't ruin your reputation before you start. Look for topics athat relate to your site. Include your link in your signature (if allowed). join forums that relate to your site. Mylot is a good one. Here you will earn for free as you post too. Be careful though it does seem that people get to know each other well fast here, so don't just go in gung ho and post and repost nonsense to get your link out there. Enjoy yourself and make friends.
Placing a "add a link button" is the latest advice I have gotten and you can get that free at brave net. I will try this too. I dunno about it though. I am picky about who i would want to list. I am tring to run an honest wholesome site so we will see.
So far this is the best advice I have found. don't give up, it will be a slow go and take your time at first to get the hits you need. As i stated earlier though, you will feel good about getting a voice out there in the mean time and doing some thing constructive. So boost your confidence and get your blog on!

MENTAL AND VERBAL ABUSE COUNTS TOO I didn't know it was happening to me.

A family is a place that every one should feel:

SAFE
LOVED
WORTHY
CAPABLE

This list is in no way complete. They just touch and encompass four of our basic human rights and needs.

I know that I had spent too many years in a marriage wishing to God that my husband would just hit me. Now I know to some who have not been mentally abused this sounds crazy. I did though, i did every time he yelled at the kids, punched the wall, spent all of the money, called me names. I wished he would come home drunk all of the time or hit me. These I felt, were real reasons to leave.

I left him years later. I had decided I needed to live for me. No longer could I write my life away as though all was written in stone. When the kids grew up I thought i could live then.
I had no idea how to leave, so i called a hotline for legal aid. After explaining my story the woman directed me to another hotline. It was for domestic violence. I dialed and thought I would be transfered to another legal department which offered help to women seeking divorce.
I felt that what I delt with was not "abuse" like this. That volunteer set up an appointment with ACCORD Corp. They are a domestic violence, amung other things, cooalition.
I went to the appoinment with the intentions of telling them how our case was not the normal abuse, that I just didn't know how to leave and needed advise on the whole ordeal and how to cope, where to go next.
As I sat in the waiting area, there was a chart. A circle which outlined the different kinds of abuse and how they all connect with exact examples. I cried as I realized the very thing I was sure would never happen to me, The very things I was there to argue were not abuse that counted "like that" happened to me and my family and I had not seen them.
I started attending classes. I did not want to go in there. I was sure I would not have anything to contribute to these meetings and I and my family would not "fit" in these conversations. I was quiet my first meeting. Women from apparently all wlks of life were there. Some because they were ordered if they wanted thier kids back and they really didn't want to be there either. Some were women who's husbands were well known and their family was respected here. I listened to all of thier stories hoping to here something familuar.

What I heard that first day was out of a woman who had been beaten so bad with a can of carrots that she could not even eat them or see them for that matter. I heard her and her two children's story and cried. At first it convinced me I do not belong here. How dare I complain. I knew then that I was not so bad off.

Then she said something that I will never forget, something that has gotten me through very rough times and givin me the determination to gain self respect for myself and for my children.

" I would take a beating any day over the mental and emotional abuse anyday."
This from a woman who was chained to a chair and left to die with her two small children in the house and only was here today because she managed to crawl to a window and wave to passer bys.
She said the beatings end. They start at a specific time and end. The mental tearing down of one's self has no definate beginning middle or end. It is ongoing and mind washing. Confusing to even the person on the look out for abusive behavior.
In an abusive relationship, the abuser may use varying tactics to gain power and control, including:
Children as pawns. Accuses you of bad parenting, threatens to take the children away, uses the children to relay messages, or threatens to report you to children's protective services.
Coercion and threats. Threatens to hurt other family members, pets, children or self.
Denial and blame. Denies that the abuse occurs and shifts responsibility for the abusive behavior onto you. This may leave you confused and unsure of yourself or make you feel like you're going crazy.
Economic abuse. Controls finances, refuses to share money, makes you account for money spent and doesn't want you to work outside the home. The abuser may also try to sabotage your work performance by forcing you to miss work or by calling you frequently at work.
Emotional abuse. Uses put-downs, insults, criticism or name-calling to make you feel bad about yourself.
Intimidation. Uses certain looks, actions or gestures to instill fear. The abuser may break things, destroy property, abuse pets or display weapons.
Isolation. Limits your contact with family and friends, requires you to get permission to leave the house, doesn't allow you to work or attend school, and controls your activities and social events. The abuser may ask where you've been, track your time and whereabouts, or check the odometer on your car.
Power. Makes all major decisions, defines the roles in your relationship, is in charge of the home and social life, and treats you like a servant or possession.

to read more click here http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/domestic-violence/WO00044

Do not ignore abusive comments. If it hurts you or your children it is wrong. Your home is your safe place in this world. The place you and your kids should feel loved not ever question thier importants or right to existance. Do not allow it. If it is happening. Make that call what can it hurt if you are wrong? What can it change if you are right? National Domestic Violence Crisis Line 1-800-799-7233.

FRUGAL LIVING How I decorate cheap home interiors/decorating

With all of the TV shows on remodeling and decorating it's hard not to get bitten by the already hungry "redecorating bug". It's even harder to resist the temptation to spend alot in doing so.
I find adopting an ecclectic or country/ antique decor theme is the most forgivable. You hav more leeway as far as the look and condition of you display pieces. Perfection is not a quality of these themes. So worn and dented items are often an asset to my home.
The first thing you need to do to help keep this job cheap is change the way you use department stores and catalogues. These are just idea referances for me. I guess I kinda look at merchants as idea givers, not as though these things I see are really for sale. Kinda the way you'd look at someone elses home.
Once you decide what you'd like to do whether it's a vase "so" high to fill that spot on the mantle or another shelf to hang on the wall.
Now think where you can get that for free. Is there something simular in the garage, outside or even in another room. If so great! Otherwise you should think if you can make it. If you are looking for a shelf, do you have scrap wood around? Does it have to be a shelf how about an old dresser or even a sewing machine table. think about alternatives.
The next places to look for your piece should be word of mouth. Tell your friends and family what your on the look out for. Maybe someone will offer it up for free or cheap! Then check used stores, garbage (I actually keep a schedual of when big garbage pick up is in mine, and better neighborhoods around) People are wastfull and through out great stuff, wait till night and go back if you are embarassed. I prefer to do it during the day, it's less embarassing to me if i can say hey are you throwing that out?, do you mind if i take it? Don't forget garage sales and the classified adds.
The key is to be patient, do not give in. You will ultimately find a deal.
While at these places I always am on the look out for floral arrangements with my home's color scheme. They are easily taken apart and rearranged to look fresh. Also picking wild flowers and entwining grapevines, bendy young tree limbs and roots into wreaths is so easy. (I can't believe what a department store can charge for these!)

This is my favorite. All of my pictures are "Home and Garden Interior's". I am a hostess junkie. Not really I am a FREE junkie. These pictures were all of my free hostess gifts. Or close to free. I asked my cunsultant if i could save my hostess points from party to party. I held about two a year. I used them as excuses to "get together" with friends. I had coffee and whatever box cake/ brownie mix was on hand out. The key here is to NOT BUY ANYTHING.
I don't care how cute it is, it costs too much! These party products are always way over priced.

Well the trick to any frugal life is to be patient. You will find the deal your looking for, mine has not been "luck" as some friends have said. It is holding out for free or near to it. Good luck and post your ideas or let us know if you are in need of something (maybe we can help).

here are some links to find free and cheap home interiors:
www.freecyclefinder.org
www.madebig.com

FRUGAL LIVING I LOVE FREE STUFF

A huge number of people find it difficult to make ends meet today. I am a pennypincher. It is what tickles me the most. Finding that deal, stretching that dollar and most of all making or getting something I NEED for free.

I know there are several hundred sites out there on living cheap and dollar stretching, somehow they always seem to just miss the mark for me.

I am not interested simply in saving a few dollars on a purchase or making a few things for the house out of purchased items. I am talking about supplimenting serious money spenditures with thrifty techniques.

There are a few ideas that may seem too extreme to you to actually impliment in your life, but keep in mind that all of these techniques have originated from my or other's real life experiences.

First things first, throw away your embarassment.
Whenever you, your family or home need ANYTHING from now on, your first thought should be where can I get that for free or can I make it. If it's not possible, the next thing to consider should be where can I get that used. Now if that's not possible, you can see what store has it on sale.
If all of those places aren't workable now you ask yourself, DO WE NEED IT. Some times this is the case, ok fine, now you may purchase it new and full priced.

Your new favorite go to resources for purchases should be as follows:
THE LIBRARY (how too books and do it yourself also see homesteading/how people made stuff back when)
THE INTERNET (same as library how too's)
THE GOODWILL and every other used store within driving distance.
THE DOLLAR STORES
ALL DISCONTINUED AND CLEARANCE BINS at every store you walk into!
GARAGE SALES
BIG GARBAGE DAY PICK UP (yes you can, go to another neighborhood if need be)
http://www.freecyclefinder.org/ (this is a site with local exchanges people list stuff they are giving away!)

Always consider making whatever you may need. You would be suprised at what you can accomplish with what you have and what friends may have that they no longer use. Think about the settlers, where did they get "it" or how did they make "it". I've made a bed, shelves, a tv stand, lotion, a gate, geez, the list goes on. (I will be listing my how too's here too)

Start thinking of your dollars in product form. For example I use a pack of hot dogs. (I can get a cheap pack of 8 hot dogs for a dollar which could be dinner if need be). So when I am not sure if I should buy something I think how many dinners could this amount of money be? Then I decide if I should really buy it.

This series of Frugal Living will continue HOWEVER, keeping true to the site's main goal, if anyone needs ANYTHING, please continue to contact me or post it in the comments. The same procedure should be taken by anyone willing to offer up help contact me with what you can do.

I do hope to publish the very most helpful information for my readers, so also feel free to list any resources you may have as far as referance sites for needy people... and us penny pinchers too! Be sure to look for the new listing of links covering cheap and frugal living!

I USE BRAVENET ALL THE TIME

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What it is, is a free online store. It's all yours! Your products/ services, your design and all yours! Free.
I am so excited, i do crafts for example, and here i can set up (am setting up) my own store for my favorite price! (FREE)
You could empty out your basement and attic!
along with this web site, you can use this site to help you understand what to do: (this is also free.)

Check out all the great FREE tools and services that Bravenet offers. Amazing!

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I NEEDED TO KNOW Is MY Teen Drinking?

Drug and alcohol rehab center for Teens

If drugs or alcohol is part of your teenager’s life, it means your teen become addicted, on a physical or an emotional level. Any one of addiction is a lifelong condition.

An addict is defined as a person who is not capable to live a normal life without using drugs or alcohol. He or she has a permanent desiring for a certain drug. All phases of his or her societal life are disrupted because of this problem.

A person who drinks, alcohol is a pleasurable complement to social activities. According to a survey in economic terms, the cost of problems raised by alcohol is just about $185 billion per year, and in other words the actual costs cannot be calculated.

Alcoholism is also known as alcohol dependence. Alcoholism is an illness that consist of four symptoms:
· Craving: A strong need, or compulsion, to drink.
· Loss of control: The inability to limit one’s drinking on any given occasion.
· Physical dependence: symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety
· Tolerance: The need to drink larger amounts of alcohol in order to get high.

Alcohol abuse is defined as an outline of drinking that consequence in one or more of the following situations within a 12-month period:

· Failure to fulfill most important work, school, or home tasks
· Drinking in condition that are physically hazardous, such as while driving a car
· Having habitual alcohol-related legal problems, such as being arrested

There are many types of addict treatment programs. Treatment is generally depends upon a number of factors. It is not necessary that a treatment that may work for one person will work for another. A healing program needs to be matched to the patient's problems.

Different types of treatment programs are:-

Agonist Maintenance Treatment
Short-Term Residential Treatment
Long-Term Residential Treatment
Medical Detoxification
Narcotic Antagonist Treatment
Outpatient Drug-Free Treatment

Detox- some teenagers will need to go through Detox course. In Detoxification we remove drug and alcohol from the patient’s body.

There are manly two types of therapy programs-
Cognitive Therapy
Behavior Therapy

Some other types of therapy are also used to help patients.
· Group therapy session’s patient comprehend they are not alone. It also helps teens to develop their social and communication skills.
· Individual sessions with a Substance Abuse Counselor
· Family sessions
· Experiential Therapies
· Relapse Prevention workshops
· Health and Nutrition programs

For help go to following:

http://www.abundantlifeacademy.info

http://www.abundantlifeacademy.us/

http://www.troubledteensguide.com

Abundant Life Academy is a Christian boarding school providing the spiritual reality that today’s troubled teen lacks. Website(s) is on the cutting edge of academics, spiritual growth, and leadership training. It presents a full package, filled with power, performance, and promise. It is the alternative to the traditional boarding school, the therapeutic boarding school, and the emotional boarding school.Our services are devoted to the parent who is overwhelmed and in need of immediate assistance (coaching) in order to locate the perfect troubled teen school or program for their child.

About Author

About Author: Harry Johnson
For listings please visit http://www.abundantlifeacademy.info for Adolescent Therapy. You can also visit http://www.abundantlifeacademy.us/ for Teens Boarding Schools. And http://www.troubledteensguide.com for Options for Troubled Teens




Source: ArticleTrader.com