New Year, New Possibilities!

As the remnants of 2011 wash away let’s take a moment to reflect on everything we have learned through the trials of the year so that we can make a brighter 2012.  I have several goals this year for different areas of my life.

Personally, I want to continue on my health trend of making healthier food choices, staying physically active and continuing to enjoy the side effects of the two by losing more weight :)   I am going to try to make at least six home and personal use products from scratch with all natural ingredients.  Since I have finished my bachelor’s degree I will continue my studies and start my master’s program.

Financially I have made a promise to myself to try and not purchase anything unless I know without a doubt that it is made in America!  I am planting my first garden with the intention of using as little resources as possible and still getting a large return on investment.

I want to carve out a monthly date night with my son, sans cell phones, iPods and any other technologically geared devices.  We will not talk about responsibilities, mistakes or anything serious that weighs us down mentally.  I will encourage talk about new interests, goals, spiritual growth and support his creative, funny personality every chance I get.

Spiritually I have a desire to reach a person in my life that is purposefully trying to push me away for fear of letting go to a God that is unknown to them.  I also want to increase the amount of provision boxes I give away to those that need help.  And in an effort to help those families help themselves, I want to be available to help teach them how to be more frugal and provide more for their families using less resources.

My blogging goals lead me to uncharted territory outside of my comfort zone.  I am starting my ebook this month.  Stay tuned for details :)   And I will be posting a single mom devotional, recipe, and frugal living post weekly for my loyal readers.

What goals are you planning for in 2012?

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New Year, New Possibilities!

First of all, to my regular readers, friends and family who have supported my blog and ministry, thank you for your patience as I have had a rough two months.  In my ‘normal’ life I go to school, homeschool my son, and work full time at Christmas-including overtime.  On top of all of this, my father suffered with cirrhosis for just over a year and passed away on December 10, 2010.  It has been a rough couple of weeks emotionally and I expect it will take some time to get back to normal.  I know he is in God’s hands and not suffering anymore.  He was truly loved and will be missed beyond words.  For better or worse, he is a large part of the reason I am the person I am today and have been able to accomplish what I’m blessed to get done.  In a fitting memorial, I will graduate from college this year and it will be the one thing he wanted most for me to do.

I am excited to see God working in my life in good times and bad.  The Bargain Blessings Pantry was blessed beyond overflowing in spite of my personal trials.  With God’s help, and a few sisters in Christ, we were able to donate 10 HUGE boxes to families for Christmas dinner.  Contents included:

1.  Men’s Nivea Hair & Body Wash, Right Guard deodorant, Schick razor

2.  Women’s Nivea Body Wash, Suave deodorant, Schick razor

3.  Colgate Anitcavity toothpaste

4.  Gain dish liquid

5.  Four Yakisoba noodles

6.  Mahatma rice bag

7.  Martha White cornbread mix in a pouch

8.  Green Giant green beans

9.  VanCamp’s Pork n Beans Family Size Can

10.  Del Monte tomatoes

11.  McCormick brown gravy pouch

12.  Betty Crocker instant potato pouch

13.  Country Crock butter

14.  Orville Redenbacher popcorn

15.  Hamburger Helper

16.  Swiss Miss Cocoa

17.  Puffs Plus Tissue

18.  Peter Pan Peanut Butter

19.  Hallmark Tissue Wrapping Paper

Already this year I have several exciting plans for articles and new series for the blog.  The Bargain Blessings Pantry is going to get some free PR in the BIG paper.  And personally, I am moving to a new apartment in a new suburb.  I am joining my first CSA, learning how to can and preserve and the fourteen year old is going back to school so no more homeschool planning and grading!!!!!!!  One of the best remnants of 2010 is I am 35 pounds lighter :)   So, let’s be thankful for our friends and families we love, be grateful we get to share another day with them, and enjoy the simple things in life-like saving money shopping! :)