My family’s budget was tight in the summer of 2013.  We had no travel plans.  With my children home from school, I strove to make our days feel like a vacation even though we stayed in our community. Beach days and pool time became tiresome.  We turned our daily routines of shopping, touring, playing at parks …

Recently I dusted off my resume. I had almost forgotten where my qualifications and past history had gone to rest. It was over a year and a half since I even looked at employment opportunities. I am still not looking for a new job, not exactly… Instead I have been applying to graduate school. My …

Not every family has a garden. My lack of knowledge, labor and time has prevented me from starting one. I love the idea of raising livestock in my backyard but I live in a homeowners’ association that does not allow it. Despite those setbacks, eating fresh, local foods is very important to me. Teaching my …

Where do you purchase your office supplies now? Do you know how you will buy them in the future? This week, the Staples supply chain announced it is acquiring Office Depot stores for $6.3 billion. Soon the “easy button” will be displayed in nearly every big city’s retail region. But will shopping be easier for …

Small business owners can apply the same New Years Resolutions of losing weight, saving money and reducing stress to their businesses.  The principles only change slightly to be more related to the venture.  If you’re a business owner, you can: 1. Trim down assets, 2. Review variables to be more secure, and 3.Plan for stress …

Over the weekend, I was watching “Bee Movie” with my oldest daughter. This animated film is about an ordinary bee who is trying to determine his long-term career choice. Barry B. Benson, the star bee (voiced by Jerry Seinfeld), struggles with being a follower among his hive. He cannot fathom doing the same job for …