Monday, May 24, 2010
Documentary through a child's eyes
My daughter loves to take pictures. So, when she asks to take some pictures, I somewhat reluctantly hand over my $400 camera while reminding her to be careful. Then, she comes back with shots of everything in my house, ranging from one of me typing at my laptop to ten different angles of my dog's head. She captures images of her feet, our couches and china hutch, along with some unique views from each downstairs room.
Now she's outside as I write, so I can only imagine that I'm going to have a plethora of tree and plant shots, along with hundreds of brightly colored water balloon pictures as well. She's shooting another one of our dog at the moment. What a sweet doggie we've had over these past seven years, who tenderly puts up with so much "love" from our three kids.
One thing that always surprises me when I hand off the camera to one of my kids is the interesting perspective that I gain after viewing their pics. They frequently love to take pictures of our family pictures. It's as if they realize the immeasurable value of capturing the moment. They too sense that life is short. Hence, the plethora of questions about life and death and heaven and quandaries like, "What hurts more, getting eaten by a crocodile or falling into hot lava?"
When we see a picture of a picture, we regain a sense of what's important. To view a picture of a picture of my kids reminds me of how quickly they're growing; it helps me to contemplate the fleetingness of this life. Aren't we all just a picture inside of a bigger picture? The kids seem to get that but sometimes we feel so self important, as if our tiny life makes the world go round.
I think it's because we lose a sense of the vastness around us. We forget to look up at the clouds... to search for a tyrannosaurus-rex or a unicorn. But, sometimes you have to look up in order to gain perspective. You have to take your eyes off of yourself and your current problems or hardships. Instead, we must gaze at the beauty around us and soak in our children's laughter, even when those actions contradict our feelings.
My daughter just said that she loves to look up in the sky to think of our kitty who is now in heaven. She misses him, so she photographs places of his memory to think of him. Just like her, we don't forget our losses or the trials, but we can choose to loosen their grip on our hearts. Instead of living like the dead, we can honor those who are left behind by enjoying the life that we have left to live. We can revel in the mystery of a new day because we are lucky enough to wake up with a fresh start.
So, what does this mean for today? It means that you and I need to get the most out of each morning, afternoon, and evening. We need to forgive, to love, to slow down, to breathe deeply, to take the 30 seconds during our walk to smell the double delight roses that we usually miss.
It means we need to love our kids more graciously as well. To overlook the little things, like their messes, their whiny tantrums, their grumpy faces, and their plethora of "oopses". You know, the 500 spilled cups of water, milk, and juice before 10am (if yours are anything like mine). It means we make the most of what we have right now, absorbing the blessings of today instead of wallowing in the hurts and frustrations of yesterday.
Share some of your fun photo stories here. Any budding photographers in your household? We'd love to hear from you. :)
Now she's outside as I write, so I can only imagine that I'm going to have a plethora of tree and plant shots, along with hundreds of brightly colored water balloon pictures as well. She's shooting another one of our dog at the moment. What a sweet doggie we've had over these past seven years, who tenderly puts up with so much "love" from our three kids.
One thing that always surprises me when I hand off the camera to one of my kids is the interesting perspective that I gain after viewing their pics. They frequently love to take pictures of our family pictures. It's as if they realize the immeasurable value of capturing the moment. They too sense that life is short. Hence, the plethora of questions about life and death and heaven and quandaries like, "What hurts more, getting eaten by a crocodile or falling into hot lava?"
When we see a picture of a picture, we regain a sense of what's important. To view a picture of a picture of my kids reminds me of how quickly they're growing; it helps me to contemplate the fleetingness of this life. Aren't we all just a picture inside of a bigger picture? The kids seem to get that but sometimes we feel so self important, as if our tiny life makes the world go round.
I think it's because we lose a sense of the vastness around us. We forget to look up at the clouds... to search for a tyrannosaurus-rex or a unicorn. But, sometimes you have to look up in order to gain perspective. You have to take your eyes off of yourself and your current problems or hardships. Instead, we must gaze at the beauty around us and soak in our children's laughter, even when those actions contradict our feelings.
My daughter just said that she loves to look up in the sky to think of our kitty who is now in heaven. She misses him, so she photographs places of his memory to think of him. Just like her, we don't forget our losses or the trials, but we can choose to loosen their grip on our hearts. Instead of living like the dead, we can honor those who are left behind by enjoying the life that we have left to live. We can revel in the mystery of a new day because we are lucky enough to wake up with a fresh start.
So, what does this mean for today? It means that you and I need to get the most out of each morning, afternoon, and evening. We need to forgive, to love, to slow down, to breathe deeply, to take the 30 seconds during our walk to smell the double delight roses that we usually miss.
It means we need to love our kids more graciously as well. To overlook the little things, like their messes, their whiny tantrums, their grumpy faces, and their plethora of "oopses". You know, the 500 spilled cups of water, milk, and juice before 10am (if yours are anything like mine). It means we make the most of what we have right now, absorbing the blessings of today instead of wallowing in the hurts and frustrations of yesterday.
Share some of your fun photo stories here. Any budding photographers in your household? We'd love to hear from you. :)
Labels: documentary, family, kids, moms, perspective
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Paige Hinrichs Photography
Get ready for summer with a family photo shoot. Head to UCR's Botanic Gardens or go to Lake Perris or Lake Elsinore for a great outdoor feel. You could even pose for some pics right there in your own backyard or playroom. Wherever you decide to go, Paige Hinrichs of Paige Hinrichs Photography (http://Paige-Photography.com) is right by your side full of creativity and enthusiasm. She shoots weddings, senior pictures, family sessions, athletic shots, and more. Her Riverside photography company increases in popularity each month and she looks forward to getting to know you and your family as well.
Paige is offering an opportunity for the readers of the Momarama to win a FREE 1 hour family photo shoot for up to 1 hour and a FREE 11x14 print of their choice. The contest starts today and ends on Monday, May 31st. The winner will be notified by Tuesday, June 15th.
There are four ways to enter her contest. First, leave a comment on her Facebook page: Paige Hinrichs Photography. Second, you can leave a comment on this blog, here at the Momarama. Third, you can post a comment on her company's blog: http://PaigePhotography.blogspot.com. Fourth, you can tweet her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/PaigeHinrichs.
Paige is a mom of three, so she understands moms and kids. Just like you, she wants to remember the sun in her daughter's hair as she runs at the beach. With so many beautiful moments in life, she recalls thinking, "Oh I wish I had a camera!" Not only does she desire to capture the right moment, but she also wants to do it in the best lighting and in the most comfortable setting for you and your family. She feels that some photographers lack the necessary emotional connection with their clients. Paige loves to get to know you personally and to photograph your family in an environment where everyone feels relaxed. Then she can capture the real smiles and the moments where the parent says, "That's the look, that's my girl."
Paige gives two tips for parents during a photo shoot. Both tips pertain to clothing. First, she says that parents should dress their kids in solid colors, rather than busy and distracting prints. Second, she advises parents to take caution with regards to their child's shoes. Paige says you should make sure to keep them simple so they don't steal the attention away from your child. You might consider putting your child in simple brown dress shoes rather than Spider-Man tennis shoes. You want people to notice your son's handsome smile not his shoes.
Paige Hinrichs Photography's sitting fees are reasonable. For local photo shoots, there is one flat sitting fee of $150 for a family of four. Each additional person costs only $25. And for a nominal fee, she will drive outside of the Riverside area. The fee includes the session time up to one hour, complete editing of all images, and a CD of ALL of the edited images. With Paige Hinrichs Photography, the client gets to choose his own printer for affordable prints. Though Paige does not usually sell the prints herself, she can provide referrals for your family's printing needs. For no additional fee, families can request that their pictures be shot in color, black and white, and/or sepia tone.
To contact Paige for your photographic needs, email her at Paige@Dreamlandphotography.net. Or, call her at (951) 858-3096.
Paige is offering an opportunity for the readers of the Momarama to win a FREE 1 hour family photo shoot for up to 1 hour and a FREE 11x14 print of their choice. The contest starts today and ends on Monday, May 31st. The winner will be notified by Tuesday, June 15th.
There are four ways to enter her contest. First, leave a comment on her Facebook page: Paige Hinrichs Photography. Second, you can leave a comment on this blog, here at the Momarama. Third, you can post a comment on her company's blog: http://PaigePhotography.blogspot.com. Fourth, you can tweet her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/PaigeHinrichs.
Paige is a mom of three, so she understands moms and kids. Just like you, she wants to remember the sun in her daughter's hair as she runs at the beach. With so many beautiful moments in life, she recalls thinking, "Oh I wish I had a camera!" Not only does she desire to capture the right moment, but she also wants to do it in the best lighting and in the most comfortable setting for you and your family. She feels that some photographers lack the necessary emotional connection with their clients. Paige loves to get to know you personally and to photograph your family in an environment where everyone feels relaxed. Then she can capture the real smiles and the moments where the parent says, "That's the look, that's my girl."
Paige gives two tips for parents during a photo shoot. Both tips pertain to clothing. First, she says that parents should dress their kids in solid colors, rather than busy and distracting prints. Second, she advises parents to take caution with regards to their child's shoes. Paige says you should make sure to keep them simple so they don't steal the attention away from your child. You might consider putting your child in simple brown dress shoes rather than Spider-Man tennis shoes. You want people to notice your son's handsome smile not his shoes.
Paige Hinrichs Photography's sitting fees are reasonable. For local photo shoots, there is one flat sitting fee of $150 for a family of four. Each additional person costs only $25. And for a nominal fee, she will drive outside of the Riverside area. The fee includes the session time up to one hour, complete editing of all images, and a CD of ALL of the edited images. With Paige Hinrichs Photography, the client gets to choose his own printer for affordable prints. Though Paige does not usually sell the prints herself, she can provide referrals for your family's printing needs. For no additional fee, families can request that their pictures be shot in color, black and white, and/or sepia tone.
To contact Paige for your photographic needs, email her at Paige@Dreamlandphotography.net. Or, call her at (951) 858-3096.
Labels: Paige Hinrichs, photography
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Trust
Sometimes, you just have to trust God, even when it feels like you can't. There will even be times when religious leaders let you down. You will think you have their confidence and they will come up short in spite of your elevated faith in them. This is because the church is imperfect; it is a place full of grace, but simultaneously a station full of sinful human beings.
So, what do we do when we've been wronged? The simple answer is this: we follow Christ's example. We forgive, of course. Remember what Jesus said as He was being crucified up on the cross, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they are doing."
I mean, if He could extend mercy while people were in the process of murdering Him, we can do it in the midst of our less excruciating circumstances, right? Easier said than done, that's for sure. But, I'm so glad that my ultimate spiritual authority will never let me down. Jesus is always a sure thing; He's consistently the real deal.
So, when we tell Jesus that we're going to take up our cross and follow Him, we have to wrestle over some really hard issues about what that means. Are we going to remain faithful even when we feel let down, unprotected, and seriously challenged? What about when finances get tough or when a parent becomes ill? What about when a marriage gets messy? Or, when the relationship with your own kid becomes one of despair?
What about when people in your own church treat you like you did something against God's will even when you heard it from the Lord Himself? What happens when you're really real with someone and then she judges you for it? Have you ever felt like someone liked you more before you spilled the beans? It's like, they'd rather hear the answer, "I'm fine" to everything because it makes their life easier. Will you forgive and love during those times?
Even though these are hard questions, the answers are pretty simple. In 1 Corinthians, God tells us that we won't be tempted beyond what we can bear and that He will provide a way out from that temptation. Are you tempted to sin: to cheat, to cave into fear, to be anxious, to crouch up in anger, or to stew in jealousy? Turn it to Jesus, right away... so He can help you in the midst of your struggle. You can always be REAL with Him.
Jesus also tells us in Philippians that we "...CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens (us)" (4:13). So, even when it's hard to do the right thing amidst difficult circumstances, it's not impossible. Think about it...we can actually grow during the tough times if we choose to lean on God.
John 15:5+6 say, "I am the vine and you are the branches; if a man remains in me and I in Him, he will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing." So, the key is to remain in Christ...at all times, but especially during the crazy times. If you feel tempted to give up because someone has given up on you or because you can't find your way in the midst of the darkness, well...don't! Don't despair! Don't give in! Keep the faith because you can be victorious with God's help!
Share how the Lord has gotten you through a tough time. Has your faith grown as a result of the challenge? Keep trusting and praying. Share your heart and I will pray for you as well! :)
So, what do we do when we've been wronged? The simple answer is this: we follow Christ's example. We forgive, of course. Remember what Jesus said as He was being crucified up on the cross, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they are doing."
I mean, if He could extend mercy while people were in the process of murdering Him, we can do it in the midst of our less excruciating circumstances, right? Easier said than done, that's for sure. But, I'm so glad that my ultimate spiritual authority will never let me down. Jesus is always a sure thing; He's consistently the real deal.
So, when we tell Jesus that we're going to take up our cross and follow Him, we have to wrestle over some really hard issues about what that means. Are we going to remain faithful even when we feel let down, unprotected, and seriously challenged? What about when finances get tough or when a parent becomes ill? What about when a marriage gets messy? Or, when the relationship with your own kid becomes one of despair?
What about when people in your own church treat you like you did something against God's will even when you heard it from the Lord Himself? What happens when you're really real with someone and then she judges you for it? Have you ever felt like someone liked you more before you spilled the beans? It's like, they'd rather hear the answer, "I'm fine" to everything because it makes their life easier. Will you forgive and love during those times?
Even though these are hard questions, the answers are pretty simple. In 1 Corinthians, God tells us that we won't be tempted beyond what we can bear and that He will provide a way out from that temptation. Are you tempted to sin: to cheat, to cave into fear, to be anxious, to crouch up in anger, or to stew in jealousy? Turn it to Jesus, right away... so He can help you in the midst of your struggle. You can always be REAL with Him.
Jesus also tells us in Philippians that we "...CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens (us)" (4:13). So, even when it's hard to do the right thing amidst difficult circumstances, it's not impossible. Think about it...we can actually grow during the tough times if we choose to lean on God.
John 15:5+6 say, "I am the vine and you are the branches; if a man remains in me and I in Him, he will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing." So, the key is to remain in Christ...at all times, but especially during the crazy times. If you feel tempted to give up because someone has given up on you or because you can't find your way in the midst of the darkness, well...don't! Don't despair! Don't give in! Keep the faith because you can be victorious with God's help!
Share how the Lord has gotten you through a tough time. Has your faith grown as a result of the challenge? Keep trusting and praying. Share your heart and I will pray for you as well! :)
Labels: belief, Christian, faith
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Quality Time With Our Kids!
Sometimes as parents, we forget to enjoy quality time with our kids. It's easy to miss out on the fun, the laughter, the sweet smiles, and the unsolicited bear-hugs because there are so many other things vying for our time. The arduous regimen of cleaning the house, clothing the kids, buying the groceries, paying the bills, and finishing homework sometime before 9pm can feel overwhelming. But, that's the very reason that we must spend some quality time with our kids somewhere in the middle of it all. Here are four ideas to get you started:
First, ask your kids silly questions. If yours are anything like mine, their responses alone will solicit some great connection-points, along with hearty laughter and some smiles as well. You could ask them the color of the wind, what the sun tastes like, or what they would add to marshmallow soup. You could also ponder what happens when a gummy bear loses its head. Both of my daughters said that the wind is white and that the sun tastes like fire. Subsequently, my middle daughter said she would add "marshmallows" to marshmallow soup, of course. And if a gummy bear lost its head, she commented, "It wouldn't be able to see." Silliness helps to create quality time because you look your kids in the eyes. You're speaking their language, silliness.
Second, get out the ice cream scoop and plan a family sundae-creation-contest. You could make an ice-cream lava volcano, a t-rex mountain, or a princess castle. The ideas are limitless. Make sure you allow the kids to load up their sundaes with everything from assorted chocolate candies, gummy worms, sprinkles, and hot-fudge syrup. And don't forget the whipped cream and cherries as well. Remember that yours must outdo theirs; it's gotta be the tallest and best decorated sundae of them all. It will be messy. You'll probably even waste some of the sweet treats; but, you'll giggle, snort, and even enjoy some quality time with your kiddos. No rules, just fun!
Third, create an adventurous night outdoors. Get out the fire-pit and make some s'mores. My kids love it when I let my marshmallow catch on fire. Let it burn baby! They think I'm so rebellious. I know the carbon's not good for me, but it's how I love 'em. After a bonfire, lay out some blankets under the stars and put their science knowledge to use. It's amazing what the kids are teaching me these days. Last night, while staring up at the Big Dipper, they informed me that it is part of the Great Bear constellation (also known as Ursa Major), which they had learned from watching Zula Patrol. Go PBS! :)
Fourth, just chill out on the couch and flip through some of the kids' books or video games. Make yourself appear super cozy and say things out loud, like "Wow, this place sounds amazing" or "I never knew about that crazy move before." In a matter of seconds or minutes, your kids will join you on the couch, asking you to read or play their game with them.
They'll devour the content because you think it's cool. And they'll know that you value them because you value their stuff. Even the toughest nut wants quality time with his parent. He might act like he doesn't want to join you, but the proof is in the pudding. See what he does when you slow down and check out his gear. Enjoy ten to fifteen minutes in your kids' world asking them what their favorite part of the book or game is. Probe about the connections between the book or game and their actual lives. Ask, "So, is there anyone at your school who acts like this character?"
Getting personal with your kids isn't really that hard. It does require some down-time and a relaxed attitude though. If you're stressing over the messes and the unfinished food on their plate, they won't feel compelled to kick back and chill with you. So, take a break from the chaos and connect with your kiddos. Let them know that you love them by spending some quality time together.
Let me know how it goes. Share some of your own thoughts here as well. We'd love to hear from you. :)
First, ask your kids silly questions. If yours are anything like mine, their responses alone will solicit some great connection-points, along with hearty laughter and some smiles as well. You could ask them the color of the wind, what the sun tastes like, or what they would add to marshmallow soup. You could also ponder what happens when a gummy bear loses its head. Both of my daughters said that the wind is white and that the sun tastes like fire. Subsequently, my middle daughter said she would add "marshmallows" to marshmallow soup, of course. And if a gummy bear lost its head, she commented, "It wouldn't be able to see." Silliness helps to create quality time because you look your kids in the eyes. You're speaking their language, silliness.
Second, get out the ice cream scoop and plan a family sundae-creation-contest. You could make an ice-cream lava volcano, a t-rex mountain, or a princess castle. The ideas are limitless. Make sure you allow the kids to load up their sundaes with everything from assorted chocolate candies, gummy worms, sprinkles, and hot-fudge syrup. And don't forget the whipped cream and cherries as well. Remember that yours must outdo theirs; it's gotta be the tallest and best decorated sundae of them all. It will be messy. You'll probably even waste some of the sweet treats; but, you'll giggle, snort, and even enjoy some quality time with your kiddos. No rules, just fun!
Third, create an adventurous night outdoors. Get out the fire-pit and make some s'mores. My kids love it when I let my marshmallow catch on fire. Let it burn baby! They think I'm so rebellious. I know the carbon's not good for me, but it's how I love 'em. After a bonfire, lay out some blankets under the stars and put their science knowledge to use. It's amazing what the kids are teaching me these days. Last night, while staring up at the Big Dipper, they informed me that it is part of the Great Bear constellation (also known as Ursa Major), which they had learned from watching Zula Patrol. Go PBS! :)
Fourth, just chill out on the couch and flip through some of the kids' books or video games. Make yourself appear super cozy and say things out loud, like "Wow, this place sounds amazing" or "I never knew about that crazy move before." In a matter of seconds or minutes, your kids will join you on the couch, asking you to read or play their game with them.
They'll devour the content because you think it's cool. And they'll know that you value them because you value their stuff. Even the toughest nut wants quality time with his parent. He might act like he doesn't want to join you, but the proof is in the pudding. See what he does when you slow down and check out his gear. Enjoy ten to fifteen minutes in your kids' world asking them what their favorite part of the book or game is. Probe about the connections between the book or game and their actual lives. Ask, "So, is there anyone at your school who acts like this character?"
Getting personal with your kids isn't really that hard. It does require some down-time and a relaxed attitude though. If you're stressing over the messes and the unfinished food on their plate, they won't feel compelled to kick back and chill with you. So, take a break from the chaos and connect with your kiddos. Let them know that you love them by spending some quality time together.
Let me know how it goes. Share some of your own thoughts here as well. We'd love to hear from you. :)
Labels: family, kids, parents, quality time
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Some Spending Money for Vacay
So, here we are in May...already. Can you believe it? That means that summer vacation is quickly approaching. If your family is anything like mine, you love to spend money on vacation. But, because of all of our other monthly expenses, from the kids' spring clothes to gear for all the extra-curriculars, we haven't had the chance to save a bunch of spending money for our upcoming vacation. So, here's how to tackle this dilemma.
First, you need some motivation. Picture your family sipping tasty frapps near the beach. Later, you sit with that new book you bought at that fun bookstore near the timeshare resort in a lounge-chair by the pool. Your kids pine for ice cream each day to battle the hot summer sun; you don't want to pass up Golden Spoon or Coldstone either. So, go ahead and upgrade to the large cup because you've got the cash in hand. Those amazing dinners to Sammy's Woodfire Pizza and Olive Garden should motivate you as well.
So, let's get saving. Here are four ideas to get you started on your family's plan:
First, take your recycled items to a nearby recycling center. Instead of dumping the plastics and cardboard into the blue bin in your own side-yard (that you pay for), go and get some green for them instead. It's easy to get lazy with those soda or water bottles from the car since you just want to toss them right there at the gas station. But, hang on to them for a few more weeks or months and let your cash-pile increase.
Second, peruse your garage for some stuff you no longer want or need. If you have enough junk for a garage sale, then slot out an upcoming weekend and get planning. Depending on your collection habits, this could easily net you between $200-$500. If it's not a family heirloom and you haven't used it within the past one or two years, you're probably ready to sell it to someone else. That old dresser that's collected dust for the past six months might just be ready to move into a neighbor's house as well. Why keep it if you don't use it and you could get some mula for your vacay?
If you're just not in to the garage sale thing, then find five to ten bigger items and list them on Craigslist.org or PennysaverUSA.com. If you have a digital camera or a camera phone, just take a few quick shots of each item and slap them up on the web for some great results. You can even barter with other locals for some needed vacation gear. For example, your kids may no longer need the full set of Barney DVDs, so you could trade it for someone's lightly used snorkeling gear instead.
Third, stop spending so much money. Seriously, put a $20 bill in a marked envelope for the next four to six weeks and there you've got an extra $80-$120. Instead of drinking those lattes and frapps over the next month or two, think of how you'll enjoy them even more during your upcoming vacay. You could even postpone a few movie dates or some lunches out; just buy those tix and gift cards ahead of time and add them to your white "VACATION" envelope.
Fourth, if you have a job where you're able to get overtime or increased pay, go ahead and work like a dog over the next month and use that fat paycheck for the following month's relaxation on the beach. If your pay is based on a fixed salary, you could always beg your boss for a bonus, but that might make you appear desperate.
As an alternative, look into some side jobs. If you're a techy gal, offer some computer consulting online. Or, maybe you're a teacher and you could offer some private tutoring during the evenings for some neighborhood kids. Music lessons anyone? What about sewing a few baby blankets with all that extra fabric in your closet? eBay buyers would love you for it. Just remember to think creatively!
And if your kids want to save some money for vacay, they could offer to watch a neighbor's dog or cat while they're away on an earlier vacation. Or, they could offer to babysit, mow someone's lawn, or provide other types of housework.
Saving now means some fun spending later. So, get going. Carpe diem and let me know how it works out. Plus, share some of your own ideas for how to save for an upcoming vacation. We'd love to hear from you. :)
First, you need some motivation. Picture your family sipping tasty frapps near the beach. Later, you sit with that new book you bought at that fun bookstore near the timeshare resort in a lounge-chair by the pool. Your kids pine for ice cream each day to battle the hot summer sun; you don't want to pass up Golden Spoon or Coldstone either. So, go ahead and upgrade to the large cup because you've got the cash in hand. Those amazing dinners to Sammy's Woodfire Pizza and Olive Garden should motivate you as well.
So, let's get saving. Here are four ideas to get you started on your family's plan:
First, take your recycled items to a nearby recycling center. Instead of dumping the plastics and cardboard into the blue bin in your own side-yard (that you pay for), go and get some green for them instead. It's easy to get lazy with those soda or water bottles from the car since you just want to toss them right there at the gas station. But, hang on to them for a few more weeks or months and let your cash-pile increase.
Second, peruse your garage for some stuff you no longer want or need. If you have enough junk for a garage sale, then slot out an upcoming weekend and get planning. Depending on your collection habits, this could easily net you between $200-$500. If it's not a family heirloom and you haven't used it within the past one or two years, you're probably ready to sell it to someone else. That old dresser that's collected dust for the past six months might just be ready to move into a neighbor's house as well. Why keep it if you don't use it and you could get some mula for your vacay?
If you're just not in to the garage sale thing, then find five to ten bigger items and list them on Craigslist.org or PennysaverUSA.com. If you have a digital camera or a camera phone, just take a few quick shots of each item and slap them up on the web for some great results. You can even barter with other locals for some needed vacation gear. For example, your kids may no longer need the full set of Barney DVDs, so you could trade it for someone's lightly used snorkeling gear instead.
Third, stop spending so much money. Seriously, put a $20 bill in a marked envelope for the next four to six weeks and there you've got an extra $80-$120. Instead of drinking those lattes and frapps over the next month or two, think of how you'll enjoy them even more during your upcoming vacay. You could even postpone a few movie dates or some lunches out; just buy those tix and gift cards ahead of time and add them to your white "VACATION" envelope.
Fourth, if you have a job where you're able to get overtime or increased pay, go ahead and work like a dog over the next month and use that fat paycheck for the following month's relaxation on the beach. If your pay is based on a fixed salary, you could always beg your boss for a bonus, but that might make you appear desperate.
As an alternative, look into some side jobs. If you're a techy gal, offer some computer consulting online. Or, maybe you're a teacher and you could offer some private tutoring during the evenings for some neighborhood kids. Music lessons anyone? What about sewing a few baby blankets with all that extra fabric in your closet? eBay buyers would love you for it. Just remember to think creatively!
And if your kids want to save some money for vacay, they could offer to watch a neighbor's dog or cat while they're away on an earlier vacation. Or, they could offer to babysit, mow someone's lawn, or provide other types of housework.
Saving now means some fun spending later. So, get going. Carpe diem and let me know how it works out. Plus, share some of your own ideas for how to save for an upcoming vacation. We'd love to hear from you. :)
Labels: parents, summer, vacation
