Tales From A Woman Who Doesn't Know Everything...

The Best Places To Buy Stuff 'Round Here

2010-09-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

I've got secrets about where to get the best deals. I don't spend like I used to, but with the creativity I've put into finding what I need (ok, want sometimes), I still get a shopping fix here and there. ;) I will note now, if you are thrift store phobic then stop reading now. You wont like it... but I tell ya sometimes it feels good to slum.

Which brings me to store #1:

Goodwill Outlet (at the end of Casino Rd near Airport Rd- I know I saw one in Seattle once too...).

Oh my this store is something and I think I'm addicted. It's slightly embarrassing. It opened up maybe 6 or 7 months ago I believe, and it sells stuff BY THE POUND. Cheaply by the pound I might add. Now you have to be in treasure hunting mode or else don't waste your time- everything is dumped into giant bins and you have to dig through it (and I will say, some of the characters you come across there are slightly psychopathic- wonder if they think the same of me?) But when you find a pair of designer jeans for $0.75, you will know the high I speak of. So here are the things I recommend buying here:

1) Clothing. The stuff that goes to this store is the stuff that doesn't sell at the normal Goodwill. Think: Originally Stupidly Overpriced (you know you think this when you go to the normal thrift store anymore. Stuff's cheaper at Ross). I have found SOOOOOO much amazing clothing for myself, Jake (less for men unfortunately, far more stuff for women), and the kids.

2) Electronics. Oh you'll die when you see the prices on electronics. I should mention that my children have a tv in their room with a dvd player. I am not the sort of mom that hovers, and so unfortunately we have gone through a shit ton of dvd players. I'm serious. Like at least 10. Seriously. So anyways, dvd players are $2 or $3, they always have them. TV's are about $5 maybe (you wont find that flat screen- but trust me when I say for kids this is good. We put a $500 flat screen in the kids room. It now lives at the local dump. They're not sturdy enough for kids... like mine anyway). (Ahem- just remembered another funny little blog called Shit My Kids Ruined http://www.shitmykidsruined.com/)

3) Furniture? This is iffy, but you can sometimes find great things. I got what appeared to be a brand new highchair for $6. I like to repaint and do random art projects with my furniture, so better on a $5 table then a new one ;)

4) Books. Soft covers are like $0.25 and hard covers are like $0.35. I will give you all fair warning, don't try to buy books when they put out the new bins. People are insane, stand far away.

5) Toys. I promise your kids wont die if you buy them used toys- wipe them suckers down with some bleach water and let the kids go at it. I am picky, but plastic is plastic. If it's beat to shit or is missing pieces it's a no (to Eli's misfortune on occasion). I have found a light saber and a blaster that probably didn't cost $1 together- this was an hour after Eli was panicking in Target that I wouldn't buy him the $30 light saber in the toy section (it was the same EXACT one), all models of plastic noisy things that kids like and are normally at least $20 each, I just today got Eli this Robot that was OVER $100 last Christmas at Target (probably cost me $1- that bitch was heavy), we've gotten tonka trucks, train sets, etc etc etc.

(Found another cool blog with a story on "the bins"- read here: http://www.chic-steals.com/2010/04/goodwill-outlet-store-aka-bins.html)

It's not glamorous, but damn it's kinda fun.

Store #2:

Dollar Tree!!! (They're everywhere!)

I looooooove me some dollar tree! I shit you not, I go 2 or 3 times a week. If you've never been to dollar tree, you are spending too much on stuff you shouldn't be spending too much on. Now I'm not talking any old dollar plus store- I go into those occasionally, but I always return to dollar tree. Here are the things I regularly buy there:

1) Candles. They burn slow, they don't stink, whatev. I bought some at Ross the other day and lit them all, and the Ross candle was dead by the end of the night, but the Dollar Tree candle was burning strong! I will sometimes branch out and get candles elsewhere, but this is my go to place for stock candles.

2) Cleaning products. Oh hallelujah it is so much cheaper to buy cleaning products at the dollar store. I get basically everything there for cleaning minus garbage bags (you just really don't want to skimp on garbage bag quality).

3) If you have animals, they have animal stuffs- food, collars, toys etc etc.

4) Light bulbs, batteries, tools, that sort of thing. Superglue! I desperately needed superglue the other day and was about to buy it at Albertsons (God I hate Albertsons with a fiery passion, avoid shopping there if possible). It was $5 at Albertsons for a one pack, and next door at Dollar Tree it was $1 for a three pack.

5) Kitchen towels, utensils, foil, tupperware, etc etc.

6) Holiday things! Just spent $20 getting everything I need for Halloween. I will be back to stuff stockings during Christmas and buy all of my wrapping paper, tape, etc there.

Did I mention they have pregnancy tests? I've sure been through my share of those puppies. I'm going to start telling people we're Catholic.

And good golly you wouldn't guess what I saw there the other day? Go on guess.... warming lube! I was trying desperately to find a photo online to post here, but instead I found this review on yelp for dollar tree:

"What about warming lube? That shit costs more than cocaine if you go to Target or The Leather Den. You want to know how much it costs at Dollar Tree?

A FUCKING DOLLAR! I SWEAR TO GOD!"

Now a last note on Dollar Tree- I have thus far been a snob and not bought food there. I was speaking to the lovely sales girl yesterday though, and it turns out that because they are corporately owned and operated that everything has to follow protocol (not like some of these tiny dollar stores with expired food- barf). I may go out on a limb and see what I see for food next time I'm in- I did notice they had Oreos last time I was there... :)

Store #3:

Target. Ok gahhh, I've heard a bit about them supporting some anti-gay agenda. I am quite annoyed and hope they fix this problem quickly. I did some research during the last presidential election about which companies supported liberal politics and which supported conservative politics so I could buy accordingly, and I remember Target supporting liberals so this is like a punch in the face! I don't want to put my face down and pretend I didn't hear anything, but I do like Target :( Anywho, assuming you can stomach spending money there any longer, here are the things that are priced best at Target:

1) Paper Products: Toilet paper (I like Charmin Ultra Strong!), garbage bags, Target Brand diapers (they are as good as Huggies and better than Pampers imho), diaper wipes (only Huggies wipes for us- they're much thicker than any others). Paper towels if you must, but also remember it's not too hard to use a rag instead and save a bit of garbage. One cleaning product you might buy here over Dollar Tree is laundry soap (but still get your dryer sheets at Dollar Tree). I normally go for either Arm and Hammer concentrated or All Free and Clear. If you have infants, please stop wasting your money on Dreft and just get All Free and Clear. It has no dyes or perfumes in it. Problem solved.

2) Food. Not all food, only some foods. Soda (which I'm not allowed to have anymore, whine), and cereal are the first two that come to mind. Much less pricey here than the normal grocery store. Sometimes if they are out of a product, they'll give you another similar product for something like 50% off (they normally have the little red tags under them). What I do is I'll just do a quick scan down the aisles to see where the red tags are and take a looksee in case the alternative is something I'd like to purchase at half off. Don't ever buy dairy products here- terribly overpriced.

Store #4:

Fred Meyer. There's not a ton of raging deals here, but one close to my heart comes to mind.

1) Salmon. Cheapest place in the world almost ever to buy wild caught salmon. If you buy an entire fish and have them filet it, it's oftentimes $2.99 a pound. You wont find a better deal anywhere else.

Now Fred Meyer will try to suck you in with it's constant sales. These sales are rarely worth wasting your time. I will scan the additional 50% off housewares (if you need house paint, look at the shelf of mis-tints), but don't bother with their overpriced clothes most of the time. You can find kids clothes cheaper. Now *sometimes* they go take an additional 75% off, and this would be the time to dig around and see what you see. I'd say mostly don't waste your time with the overpriced furniture either, and good god don't buy picture frames here.

Store #5:

Ross. This is if you of course can handle the lines, the mess, and the screaming children. Some days I can, some days I can't. Try to use the bathroom before you get there- ick.

Things to buy at Ross:

1) Clothing and shoes and housewares. Obviously.

There's not much else to say about Ross, but something I will throw out there that I've just recently come across is that they have a good amount of organizational stuffs for super cheap! I got this thing that goes under my bed and stores my shoes (freeing up the entire upper shelf in my closet- hurray!), and these other doo dads that hang over your doors and have pockets (in my office I keep my scissors and tape and all that jazz in one of those guys). I never had looked through that stuff before, but I'm nesting with a vengeance and I'm glad I was able to find good prices on such things! They're quite a bit more at Target.

Store #6:

Pawn Exchange. This is a new one for me, but darnit if I haven't found some great deals on things that I've in the past spent ungodly amounts of money on. Namely:

1) Video game consoles, games, and controllers. I bought a Wii controller there a bit ago for $20, and the Wii controller I bought at Target a few weeks prior to that was something like $75 with the nun chuck. No seriously. Games are anywhere from $5 to $20, never more. The reason I've found this all out started the day I was going to light Game Stop on fire. Eff that place. Rapists, all of them. I literally bought a $60 game, and once it was beat a few weeks later I went to trade it in for something else. They gave me $10, and turned around and sold the used copy for $50. That's bullshit in my book.

Anyways, moving on:

2) Musical instruments. Self explanatory. They're in reasonable shape, you don't really need a brand spanking new guitar most of the time. We've gotten some good deals.

3) Tools. I have personally never bought a tool here, but if I needed an expensive type tool, here is where I would go.

4) Vacuums? I just bought a vacuum there for $30 that would've cost me $150 at Target new... works great.

As far as full on grocery shopping goes, I stick with Safeway for many reasons that aren't all price related. They're cheaper than some (Haggen, QFC), but they have competition in their price range as well. The ambiance is nice, the people aren't ghetto (cough Albertsons cough), I like the shopping carts, there's almost always a Starbucks inside... you get the idea. I used to make the random trip to Grocery Outlet (or Ghettoville as Carly and I used to call it about 10 years ago), but even they seem more pricey than they used to be.

I get the feeling I'm forgetting some good places... but this should start you off on your treasure hunting experience! Share any secrets you know in comments!!!

Things That Are Blue....

2010-09-15T18:43:00.001-07:00

So after having so much fun yesterday with ten steps photo project (and after my midwife and Jake getting on me to exercise more today), I decided that more "photo walks" may be in order (fun, exercise, etc etc). I googled around for some other ideas and one of the easier ones I came across was to pick a color, and go looking for things in that color. I asked Jake to give me a color before I left and he said blue. Sounded easy enough. Good goddess there are not a lot of blue things outdoors around here! Sure, I saw my share of blue cars and houses, but that didn't seem terribly interesting (though there is one blue house in here). I was almost assaulted by an angry squirrel along the way, and it took me about a two mile walk just to get the things below! Definitely worked my being observant, and I succeeded in sweating when I came across an angry hill....

So I know there's nothing blue in this photo... hear me out. I saw a very blue blackberry. I started thinking that was a giant cop out since I did a blackberry shot yesterday. Suddenly, I hear an angry animal sound... I look over and there is a squirrel in the blackberry bush talkin' s right to me. I took a handful of photos of him. I kept getting closer for a better shot, though it did occur to me that if I got too close he may get angry and attack my face (he never did stop making what I'm believing is the angry squirrel noise at me). The things I do for photography.

Ok, I know this hardly counts, but there's a blue blanket in the back of the car which you can barely see because of the glare. Go team blue.

I'm going to have to give myself a C for the day. Blue was a toughie. I think I saw more things that were burnt orange.

More on another day...

10 Steps- Take One!

2010-09-14T15:50:00.001-07:00

So my dear friend Jenny, who is a photographer her ownself, told me quite some time ago about this fun little photography project. I finally got to try it out today and had a good time doing it! Here's the gist- you grab your camera, you take ten steps, and you take a photo. My guess is this is supposed to make you more thoughtful about your surroundings and as a reminder that things aren't always what they seem. This is a bit complicated for me, firstly because I'm a bisy backson (read Tao of Pooh), secondly because I am far better at photographing human beings then items or landscape. I should also note that my new apartment doesn't have the most attractive grounds in the entire world and I didn't want to wander far, as I have more shit to do shortly (bisy backson syndrome).

I tried to stay true to the formula and go only ten steps and try to find something interesting (very complicated).
So without further adieu, here are the 10 steps shots I got today. (I took the project further and did an entire small walks worth of photos).

Very fun! Stay tuned for the next Ten Steps Session! Perhaps I'll wander somewhere more interesting ;)

How To Drive Like You Just Had A Lobotomy

2010-09-07T18:16:00.000-07:00

So it's occurred to me that probably half of the population with a driver's license should've never been given one in the first place. So if you and a friend are standing in the same room and you know how to drive, that means your friends a moron and shouldn't be on the road. If you're a good friend you should probably sneak into their wallet and steal their license. It's for their own good really. I couldn't possibly remember every instance where I felt like I was driving next to, in front of, or behind someone who just had a lobotomy, but there are certainly instances that crop up regularly. If you fall under any of these categories, you should probably carpool or call a cab.

How To Drive Like You Just Had A Lobotomy:

1. Drive in the wrong lane. Go 50 in the far left lane and 95 in the far right lane. It'll be rad and everyone will love you. Do it.

2. Tailgate. It's an awesome idea. Only 40% of car accidents are caused by tailgating, so you'll probably be ok. Not only that, but tailgating will probably cause you to get where you're going quicker! Good call!

3. Bobbing and weaving during RUSH HOUR deadlocked traffic. Once again, this will most likely get you where you're going way faster! You only have to swerve in front of 3 people almost causing many car pile ups to get one car length in front of me, and everyone will think you're a raging douchebag! Cool!

4. Be an overly passive driver. We all have that friend... ugh... you know who I'm talking about. She (yes I said she, eat it, 99% of these people are women), ahem, she drives like everyone on the road left the house today just to get into a car accident with her. You'll never make a left hand turn out of anywhere and it's probably going to take twice as long to get where ever you're going. You'll go 20 miles under the speed limit the whole time. Not only that, but because she's so frightened, she's more likely to get into a car accident. Have a good day out- remember to drive next time! (Sorry ladies, but 4 out of 5 of the women I know drive like this- I still think you're beautiful and rad, but please grow some balls).

Which brings me to....

5. Be an overly aggressive driver. Now this is the 99% male category plus me when I was like 16. Let's go 100mph over the speed limit and cut everyone off on the way! Let's do donuts on a one lane mountain road with no guard rail- what a rush! In fact... let's do donuts where ever we damn well please! How about compacted ice on a parking lot next to a busy road in the winter? Shit, forgot to take a left back there? Bring this bitch up over the lane divider, we're in a truck anyway!

6. Completely suck balls at merging. I'm throwing this in just for my sister Sarah, who complains about this constantly (though she's right and it's hilarious). When our father taught us both how to drive, one thing he taught us was you DON'T SLOW DOWN WHILE YOU'RE MERGING. That is unless you're literally about to slam into someone. We're getting on the freeway folks, we're going from 30 to 60- does slowing down sound like a great plan? And today my friends, I am going to teach you the proper way to merge because apparently no one knows except Sarah and I. Think of a zipper. The teeth intertwine from each side, one then one then one then one. One from the left, then one from the right, one from the left, then one from the right... if you're aren't paying attention and miss your zipper tooth, you have effed this business up. Merging. Figure it out or my sister is going to go postal on the freeway sometime soon and she may potentially run you into a wall. We all have those days.

7. Drive like you don't know what a parking lot is for. Now I'm not too brutal about this, if the lanes are god awful long and you need to cut over, by all means do so- just DON'T do it so quickly that you cut off someone that is actually following the grid lines. Don't go 50 mph through the fucking parking lot like some woman did today- she almost slammed into me and then gave ME a dirty look. Sorry I got in the way of you flying down the parking lot corridor, woops! Don't drive too slow in the parking lot either. We don't need to go five mph and I may purposefully rear end you if you don't move bitch, and get out my way. Try to line your car up with the parking lot grids when you do finally park. Good lord is there anything worse than being in a crammed parking lot and having to smoosh your car into a spot where the morons on both sides are going to parked on top of you? Fun fun fun! Now this one is going to be hard to explain in words maybe... if I'm pulling out of my spot and you want my spot, DO NOT pull right up on my business before I'm even out to ensure no one else takes said spot. Now I can't move without backing out further than necessary and I want to slam into your car a little bit on accident.

8. Flip off EVERYONE that pisses you off. Whew! Nothing like gettin' the ole blood pressure up, is there? And you know when you flip someone off, you automatically win and they know it.

Perhaps you think who am I to judge? Well this woman has never caused an accident in her life, and let's just say I'm not opposed to speeding and talking on my phone. I mean, I do have cat like reflexes and mad skills, but a lot of it is I try to avoid being retarded when I can. You can avoid being retarded too and we'll all live in an I-five utoptia!

Money Tips From an Artist Who's Not Starving

2010-03-16T23:45:00.000-07:00

I have so much inner dialogue in my head and I wonder why I don't write this shit down sometimes. I have ideas and thoughts and opinions that the world should know about! Cocky, huh? Well you be the judge I suppose. I moved out when I was 16 years old and lived with my best friend and her now husband in a tiny little....well shack might be an appropriate word... and I have been paying bills and spending money since about that time. 10 years about I'd say. There's plenty of people out there with more experience then me in money woes, but I feel like I've made a monster turn around in the last few years. It started with me making a large amount of money for a 20 something with no responsibilities. You get used to just over spending on garbage you don't need. Then it becomes a habit. Then it becomes an addiction. Fast forward to me pregnant with my first son at 21 and finally in line for some real responsibility. Day care and diapers will slap you upside the head with a quickness. I think I'm ready to buy a house- shoot I have enough money for it. The housing market is just going up up up up and if I don't buy now I'll never be able to buy, right? Fast forward some more- here we are with an $1800 a month mortgage, gas prices up at $4 something a gallon, I am making car payments on two cars totaling around $600 a month not counting gas and insurance, approximately $600 a month for daycare (which is NOTHING compared to most places), oh and guess what? I'm pregnant again. Pregnancy complication equals thousands of dollars in medical bills on top of everything else, now we're paying more like $1200 in daycare bills (which is still NOTHING for an infant and a two year old- I am ashamed of how I had to slum when it came to childcare), and all of my credit cards (approximately 10 I believe) are piling up more and more. Sure, they started with a 3% interest, but the first time I made that late payment, bam! 33% interest. So as you can see, we're drowning in debt. My entire life one of my largest stresses has been money- it doesn't matter if you have it or if you don't, it's stressful for most people. I went from the scenario I described above, to now being completely zen and peaceful about money. And I have plenty of it the majority of the time.

The turn around started with me having to file bankruptcy and foreclose on my home at 24 years old. That scares the shit out of a lot of people, but I wouldn't take it back for the world. It changed my life. I saw it as a new opportunity to turn my life around. Firstly, I hated my job. I was away from my kids constantly, and I was just another number to these people. I am far too glamorous and interesting to be just another number ;) I have ideas and thoughts and opinions, remember? And who doesn't? Everyone deserves to live the life they're supposed to, but we're held back by the fear of changing what's already going for us, even if it's not working. So it started with me not having anymore credit cards. Not any. Not a single f-ing one. And two years later I still don't have any credit cards, and I'd prefer to never have a credit card again for the rest of my life. When we're being practical and looking at things from the outside- credit cards are for EMERGENCIES. ONLY. You don't need a Macy's card. Or a Target Card. Or a Best Buy card, or a Walmart card, or ANYTHING like that at all. Can you use $5000 at Macy's in an emergency? No- the only thing you can do with that is spend way too much money on clothing you probably don't need. So Tip #1- Break up with your credit cards. You have to close them, because you know as well as I do that if you don't have your Macy's card on you, they'll just go right ahead and look it up for you, wont they friends? Now if you have a Visa for emergencies or whatever, ok, but you shouldn't be using credit cards on any sort of regular basis whatsoever.

Moving on. Tip #2- Being reasonable with your car situation. Do you need a $300 car payment? Probably not. I had a 2005 Toyota Corolla with a $309 a month car payment. I got rid of it during bankruptcy and now I drive a 2001 Kia Rio that I paid $1700 for in cash. I have no car payment and I still drive a newer car. Honestly if I have to compare the two side by side, the Toyota really wasn't that much more glamorous than the Kia. I mean, slightly, but not $309 a month for the next 5 years more. And if you think you'd rather have a payment because you can't come up with the two or three thousand to buy a reasonable car outright, then wait until tax return season and start saving. A couple grand isn't that much money and if you can't save it then you probably have a spending problem you need to look in the face. Also when purchasing your car, for the love of Pete make sure it has reasonable gas mileage. Oh sure it's cute, but really? 9 miles a gallon? You might as well be making the $309 a month car payment.

Tip #3- Know what you're paying for when it comes to car insurance. Full coverage? Do you know WHY you have full coverage and what it's all for? Do you really need that comp with a $500 deductible in case you break a windshield that would cost you $200 to replace? Hmmm. Personal Injury Protection (or PIP on your card) will cost you quite a bit more each month... if you have good medical insurance then my opinion is to skip it. If you're younger than 25 and you're paying each month for a rental car in case you get in an accident, then you might as well light that money on fire because you can't rent a car if you're under 25 (I found this out the hard way). My suggestions are liability, collision if you must, and uninsured motorist. I have been hit twice and both times the driver was uninsured.

Tip #4- Don't skimp on your cell plan. If you think you can bring it down and save some bucks, be aware. If you go over on your minutes you're going to wish you never changed your plan. And furthermore, if you have a cell phone there's really no need for a home phone. So there goes that bill. And even furthermore (this is new for me and I'm stoked!), if you have a smartphone (which you should, just get one) like my blackberry, your phone is your internet modem!!!! Yes yes yes!!! Stop paying comcast a gajillion dollars a month for net. With a blackberry you have to pay for the bb package anyway, and this includes being able to use your phone as a computer modem for the most part. You get the cord that tethers it to the internet and log in through the software that came with your phone (it'll walk you through it). Voila, there goes a $60 a month bill. You know you were paying for that cell phone net anyway.

Tip #5- If you have the internet (and I imagine you do if you're reading this), then you don't need cable television. You can go to www.Hulu.com and watch tons o stuff, you can download shows from ThePirateBay.com, you can tether your computer to your tv so it's not on small screen. You don't need cable. I thought I was going to die when I got rid of my cable, but I bought my kids three box sets of Spongebob and I watch History Channel shows on Hulu (just our personal faves). That'll save you anywhere from $40 to $150 a month. How many hours of tv were you watching anyway? ;)

There's more tips than that of course, but most people can put those into play pretty easily. I made the hard choice to leave my well paying job over a year ago, and we're living better now than we did then. It's quality. I see my kids a million percent more than I did then. I have time for building the businesses I actually want to work for. It's just better. Just to do some math here... by implementing JUST these things above and not counting anything else, our family has saved close to $1000 a month and that's not counting the credit card stuff because I can't even remember what ungodly amount we were spending each month on credit cards. We live in a rad house that we rent (I never thought I'd be so glad to rent until after I owned a house)and it's in better shape then the house we owned- we save $900 a month there. I'm home with my kids so I'm not paying the $1200 a month for daycare. That's $3100 a month we're saving and I'm home with my kids (I work for myself, but I make my own hours so I can work while my husband is home with the kids). Most of the people I know my age don't even make $3100 a month. So working for yourself, or staying home with your kids, or going back to school, or whatever your dream is- it's not unattainable with a little creativity and some smart decisions. Good luck.

I Quit My Job. Take That Corporate America : )

2008-10-07T11:34:00.001-07:00

Hello friends!!!!!

I am still a little shocked that I actually did this, but I put in my "two weeks" today (I'm actually working until the 29th). No, I'm not unemployed. I'm an artist now :D I actually have big plans. Big big plans. I think too big to be confined between the walls of a cubicle. I'm surprised I lasted this long. Firstly, I'll be spending a lot of time with my kids. I miss them from all the time I've wasted at work, and we're going to have so much fun together. We're going to have play time with Carly and Natalie, we're going to get a pass to the Children's Museum, we're going to read and play music and dance and go on walks!!!! I'm so excited.

I have been gifted an amazing DSLR camera (read- super awesome and professional like), and I'm going to start practicing and getting better at taking photos. I plan to eventually do maternity photos and possibly newborn photos for my clients!!

I'm going to keep growing my doula business and will soon start teaching childbirth education. Hopefully I'll have enough space in my new house to do it out of there.

I am FINALLY going to teach myself to learn to play my guitar. I love to sing (not something I share a lot) and I'm going to have time now to practice. I want to play quiet acoustic singer songwriter type music.

I am going to continue doing tarot readings. I hope to soon set up a website to filter clients through. I seem to keep busy doing this and now I wont feel rushed. I have a top secret plan for creating a tarot deck that I'll reveal soon. Stay posted!

I have a sewing machine that my sister gave me about two years ago that hasn't even come out of the box because I haven't had time for it. I'm going to figure it out and start making slings and whatever the hell I want to sell and to keep for myself or gift to my friends. Etsy here I come!!!

I'm going to cook for my husband and my family. We're going to eat well. Cooking has become such a big deal to me, and it makes me feel wrong when we have to eat processed foods or convenience foods. All of our food will be cooked with love and intention and we will all thrive and be happy because of it.

And I'm going to have time to market Jake's tree business. He's awesome at what he does and just needs clients! I have done that very thing for big business and I can make it happen for our business!!!

I feel like my life is starting. I have to say I'm really inspired by a lot of people in my life who follow their bliss. Carly being one- I thought she was insane when she quit this large company. I thought making good money at a corporation was the holy grail. Now I know why she didn't stay. People of our calibur can't be contained this way. It's like having a wild animal in a cage ;) I don't know my auntie to have ever done anything she didn't want to do. My dad is working towards his dreams of owning lots of property to build a commune :D My mother in law works for herself and doesn't have to answer to anyone (and she's a rockstar on top of that!). My awesome sister has all the drive and determination in the world (and while she's still working for the dark side, I know that fantastic things will happen to her in the future as well). I'm surrounded by people to be proud of and to look up to. I love you all!!! I appreciate every single one of you for helping through this hard time for my family. We've got nothing but fun and excitement coming our way now though!!!!

Peace and Love!!!!

New Birth Articles

2008-10-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

I have been taking new articles from some fabulous women I've met and I'd like to share them with you. They can be seen here:

Birth Articles

They are at my site www.holistic-doula.com

If you have articles you'd like to submit for the site, please email me at Dani@holistic-doula.com

Peace and Love!

Vision Board 9/22/2008

2008-09-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

It's not exactly Treasure Mapping time, but I'm feeling an urge to create a vision board of the things I'd like to occur in the next...oh six months or so. I think it's important to not only think out your goals, but to visualize them into existence. With so many happenings going on for me right now, this will be a good way to map out my thoughts and ideas.

So without further ado....

We will be moving in the next month or so. I am manifesting the perfect house for us (see details in the post below), and I am also manifesting all the money we need to move into that house.

I know this is totally random, but I have always really wanted a vw bus. I would rather have one instead of my car right now, and it seems practical. I don't think I'll ever drive a minivan, but I would like to have more kids- so it makes sense to have a car that'll hold more than two kids, right? Maybe I could even get one and convert it to bio-diesel? Or even better yet, maybe I can find someone selling one that is already bio-diesel?!

I want to continue being diligent about doing yoga (even after I leave my job to be home with my kids!) I've been doing it twice a week now. Once I'm home with my kids, I want to start them in on doing yoga with me. It's very refreshing and I feel exhilirated doing it :)

Once I'm home, I want to spend time working on crafts and hobbies. I've been so busy taking care of kids and working, that I haven't had any time for myself. That's about to change!!! I'm going to keep teaching myself to sew, and play guitar, and keep learning to cook (which I'm getting better and better at!), and garden, and anything my heart desires! I love crafty things! Maybe I'll even get a niche and set up an etsy shop.

I want Jake's business to become more and more successful, as well as his position within the company he's already at!!!!

Perhaps there'll be a part two to this...Hmm. But for now, so it is!!!!

Time to Manifest a House Again!

2008-09-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

Well folks, it's time to ramble on. I have experienced the contrast of living in the house I'm in, so now I can refine what it is that I want in a new house...

I need a house with at least two bedrooms and one bathroom. I really want something quaint and cottage like, with a woodsy secluded feel. Well insulated and double pane windows are a must! A fireplace would be lovely. Here's just a couple examples for you Universe:

I want a large kitchen with nice, easy to clean appliances (including a dishwasher!). There needs to be room for Jake and I to cook together, because that is one of our favorite past times!

I need a nice bathroom with an EASY TO CLEAN bathtub. Think cute and spa like. There needs to be a fan so it stays nice and dry :)

And we will also need a whimsical garden that I can frolick in with my children. We just love to frolick.

And it has to of course be in the right location with the right price!!!!

And so it is!

More Barack Love, Baby!

2008-09-05T16:33:00.001-07:00

Big Bird and Breastfeeding!

2008-08-07T13:03:00.000-07:00

You don't see a lot of shows depicting breastfeeding as the normal thing that it is. How cool!

The Joys of Babywearing

2008-08-02T16:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, kids get big so very fast. I look at my five month old little boy and know he wont be a baby much longer. I look at my two year old and wonder where the time went. I want to get as much of the love and snuggles that I can out of them, because frankly, none of us are getting any younger. One of the ways I've maximized our time together is I wear them. Yes, I wear my children. I still have a couple of other gadgets, a swing, a jump up....but they are more of a back up to babywearing for me, rather than my only resource for when I need to do the dishes, or vacuum, or do the laundry. They're also handy for going out and about; I have lost all need for a stroller for my littlest guy (and it's less expensive than one!)

I feel so good holding my sweet little one right up against me and knowing he's safe and happy while I go about my daily life. Babies long to be close to their mommy's and daddy's (and yes, daddy's should wear their babies too!). They enjoy the soothing, rhythmic movements of daily life.

It seems a bit tricky at first, but if you're the proud owner of a new sling and feel a bit confused, stick with it! I promise you'll practically be able to do it one handed in no time!!!

Here's some quick tips on slings:

1. Try to stay away from the "baby bjorn" type slings (this pertains to basically any sling you find at a Baby's R Us, a WalMart, or a Target at this point in time).

2. If you're looking at a sling that requires measurements, make sure you take them. There's nothing worse than a sling that's too big or two small and wrenching on your back. You wont be able to take that for very long. You're trying to make this easy on yourself, remember?

3. My personal rule is to find something with wide straps. The wider the straps, the more you can spread the weight of the baby across your back, therefore making it easier on your shoulders, back muscles, etc.

Here are the types of slings I recommend:

1. Wrap Sling.

Wrap slings seem highly cumbersome upon first glance. It takes a few tries to get the hang of it, but I assure you that these are among the most comfortable of slings. The weight is distributed appropriately, baby is snug, all are happy. Another plus of the wrap sling is you can wear your baby in many positions; facing inward, facing outward, on your back, on your hip, and across your front. I have successfully breastfed in a wrap sling as well.

2. Ring Sling

I have personally never used a ring sling myself, but I've heard fantastic things. They are attractive, they are easy to adjust, they have a wide strap for distributing weight.

3. Mei Tai

This is my personal favorite of all slings. You can throw it on quickly (the big one for me!), you can carry much heavier children than in the others mentioned so far, you can wear baby (or toddler!) on your front or back. You cannot wear them facing outward which is a deal breaker for some kids. The drawback for me on this one, is they generally have straps that I feel should be wider, and so prolonged use can cause your back to get a bit sore. I feel I can go probably two hours or so before I need a break, where as with a wrap for instance, I could probably go much longer. All in all, still my favorite.

This is a good mei tai with thick, comfortable straps. They unfortunately don't have much on Amazon:

http://www.mangobaby.com/

4. Pocket Sling

These are generally easy on, easy off slings. They come in great colors and designs, and they keep baby snug.

5. Ergo

The Ergo is a variation of a mei tai. It has snaps instead of straps, causing it to stay put more easily. You have to fiddle with the straps to get them to the length you want, but once you're set you're good to go. I haven't met a single person unhappy with their Ergo.

Now that you know what to look for, happy baby wearing!

Louise Hay is an absolute Angel!

2008-07-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

I swear everything that comes from this woman's mouth is magical. She's got a calming presence and true trust in the Universe. Enjoy!

Loving Yourself

And this is a great book by Louise that everyone should own:

Random Garden Volunteers...

2008-07-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

I have some random things in my garden and I have no clue what they are. Some may be just flowers, or weeds, or herbs, or whatever, but I am dying to know if they are useful in any way!!! If you recognize any of these, let me know! :D

What's Up on Planet Earth?

2008-07-25T16:02:00.000-07:00

I was referred to this website and it's fabulous! If you sign up, you get emails everytime Karen posts a new "Energy Alert". She also speaks about cob houses if that's something you're interested in...

You can find her newest Energy Alerts here.

Nibiru and 2012

2008-07-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

This is quite interesting. The music is a little cheesy, but the message is captivating. I don't necessarily buy into it, but I don't necessarily disagree with it either. I recall them saying on the news some time ago that there was what they called a planet X, and then I never heard of it again. That in itself makes me wonder why they would hide it from us...

New kids photos!

2008-07-19T23:40:00.000-07:00

Spreading the cuteness around!

I did that weird thing where I have half open eyes in this photo- but Asher looks so cute I couldn't not post it! ;)

Just for fun...

2008-07-10T18:25:00.000-07:00

Carly and I with henna at each of our respective mother blessings ;)

Grateful Grateful Grateful!

2008-07-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in so very long! My vibe is a bit low today, so I figured I'd try to make myself post about what I'm grateful for and bring it up a few notches!

I'm grateful for my new littlest guy- he's adorable and lovable! He's got chubby little arms and legs and the biggest smile. He makes me feel so happy.

photo by philmaland.com <-- he'd probably kill me if I didn't post that ;)

I'm grateful for my other little guy as well. He is strong and independent, but he also cares for every member of his family. When Asher cries, he puts his hand on his head and says bruh-er (brother). He gives out lots and lots of kisses these days too. And he's just recently taken to an awesome stuffed giraffe- he never cared for any particular toy before so it's super cute to me. Not to mention giraffes are my favorite animal ever and out of all his toys he chose a giraffe!

I'm grateful that it's summertime and it's nice and warm outside. I love having the doors open in my house and listening to music and letting all that beautiful sunshine come through my giant front room windows! Mmmmm.

I'm grateful that I have a house of my own that I can do to what I please. I love that I can paint the kitchen orange and paint a giant tree in Eli's playroom :D

I'm grateful for gardening! I love that I have a yard these days! It's so fun to plant your flowers and watch them grow. I love my honeysuckle that my good pal Xamara got for me- it's getting bigger and bigger and smells fabulous! And the colors are energizing and fun.

I'm grateful that we have friends around all week long coming and going and bringing us happiness throughout the day. They're around to help when we need it and they always raise the vibe.

I'm grateful for my well paying job that allows me to have the nice things I have in my life.

I am really grateful for google video :D I can listen to history channel stuff on my headset at work and it makes work much more pleasant.

Woohoo!

I had to edit to add I'm grateful for my new niece Lily! She's an angel and a blessing. :)

Having a Humane Childbirth Experience- Is It So Much To Ask?

2008-05-02T10:48:00.000-07:00

Studies have determined that women are strongly affected by their childbirth experience, even long after the event has passed. If you’re a mother, you probably remember everything about your birthing experience down to the smallest detail- regardless of whether it took place 2 weeks ago or twenty years ago. Why is it then that so many women are pushed through an unnatural birthing process? We end up being pumped full of drugs to speed labor up or take away pain being told that the side effects aren’t anything to worry about. Well the next thing you know, the baby’s heart rate has dropped and you find yourself on a table under bright lights being sliced open…what went wrong?
Childbirth doesn’t have to be like this. Educate yourself before it’s too late. Hire a doula to help you through your fears before your labor and to help advocate for you during your labor. Yes, cesareans are sometimes necessary (and can still be beautiful birthing experiences), but they are becoming an all too common way we’re forced to give birth. Take a stand and take back your birth experience ladies!

-Danielle Griffin
www.Holistic-Doula.com

Tarot Study Week One- The Fool

2008-04-29T14:55:00.000-07:00

I am hosting a study group for an online forum on tarot, and figured I'd post it here as well for anyone interested. If you'd like to receive a tarot reading from me, you can contact me at youmakelovinfun@comcast.net

It's tarot study group time. I'm going to go through the cards one by one each week and post their meanings (borrowing descriptions from learntarot.com). This will be based on a classic tarot deck, and I am going to specifically use the Rider Waite, however there are many decks that use the same pattern. If you do not use a classic deck, there will still be broad information in here you can use as well. I'll start each week with a post about tarot tips, and the second post will be a description about the card. I will post a third time with what the card means to me when I see it, and then we can discuss. I encourage you to post how you feel when you see the card and what you notice in the picture.

Cleansing and storing your cards-

Since this is our first week and there will be people who are learning for the first time, this week will be about cleansing and storing cards (already posted on Jenny's thread).

Once you have obtained a deck, whether you have purchased it or it was gifted to you, you should cleanse and store them properly. I like to use sage to cleanse my cards, but I feel that any incense will do. Use the burning sage or incense and run your cards through the smoke one by one while you cleanse them. This will remove any energy that had been a part of your cards so that you can fill them with your own energy.

Cards should be stored in a wooden box or in a silk wrap and kept near you while you sleep- under your pillow is sufficient. This is not always necessary, but when you first receive the cards it helps to fill them with your energy.

There are 78 tarot cards in total. 22 of these cards are major arcana cards. Major arcana cards signify a major life event and something that I believe is a destiny. 56 of the cards are Minor arcana cards (very similar to a deck of playing cards, and some people used to use playing cards to read the tarot). Minor arcana cards signify smaller life happenings and day to day life. We will start with learning the Major arcana.

BEGINNING
SPONTANEITY
FAITH
APPARENT FOLLY

beginning
entering a new phase
striking out on a new path
expanding horizons
starting something new
beginning an adventure
going on a journey
heading into the unknown

being spontaneous
living in the moment
letting go of expectations
doing the unexpected
acting on impulse
feeling uninhibited
surprising someone
feeling carefree

having faith
trusting the flow
staying open
letting go of worry and fear
feeling protected and loved
living in joy
recapturing innocence
believing

embracing folly
accepting your choices
taking the "foolish" path
pursuing a pipe dream
being true to yourself
taking a "crazy" chance
trusting your heart's desire

As Card 0, the Fool lies at the beginning of the major arcana, but also somewhat apart from the other cards. In medieval courts, the court jester was someone who was not expected to follow the same rules as others. He could observe and then poke fun. This makes the Fool unpredictable and full of surprises. He reminds us of the unlimited potential and spontaneity inherent in every moment. There is a sense with this card that anything goes - nothing is certain or regular. The Fool adds the new and unfamiliar to a situation.

The Fool also represents the complete faith that life is good and worthy of trust. Some might call the Fool too innocent, but his innocence sustains him and brings him joy. In readings, the Fool can signal a new beginning or change of direction - one that will guide you onto a path of adventure, wonder and personal growth. He also reminds you to keep your faith and trust your natural responses. If you are facing a decision or moment of doubt, the Fool tells you to believe in yourself and follow your heart no matter how crazy or foolish your impulses may seem.

We are all going to interpret the cards a little bit differently, and that's ok. There are some basic interpretations when you read the tarot (these are the things you can look up), however this knowledge is not exactly necessary in my opinion. I think a feeling you get from a card or a vision is going to mean so much more than what you can look up in a reference book. Sometimes the interpretation from the reference book doesn't resonate with you, and in that case I would always go with how you feel about it. I highly suggest only reading for yourself if you're a beginner until you feel more comfortable reading for others. It took me 8 years to get to a point where I felt ok reading for other people.

When I see the fool, I see a young (or young hearted) person that is excited to begin life's journey. Maybe a little ignorant at times, but with a very pure heart. In the image, you see a young person standing on the edge of a cliff...I feel like that person is unafraid standing so close to a cliff. Not uptight. The sun is shining bright yellow...it is very joyful. The querant seems very carefree.

This is what I get from just *looking* at the card. If the card was in relation to other cards, I may see something else (we'll get into reading multiple cards together later though).

What do you see in the fool?

Goods From the Woods

2008-04-21T05:48:00.000-07:00

My uncle Brad has an awesome new business:

Goods From The Woods

He's amazing at what he does and I encourage you to check it out!

Summer's closing in on us! Calendar of awesome events!

2008-04-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

4/18/08 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival (Mount Vernon) Come support my local economy! ;)

5/23-5/26 Northwest Folk Life Festival (Seattle Center)

8/7-8/10 Flowmotion Summer Meltdown Festival(Darrington)

8/21-9/1 Evergreen State Fair (Monroe)

8/30-9/1 Bumbershoot (Seattle Center)

I haven't seen any spectacular concerts coming up...Jack Johnson is coming to the Gorge on 8/22 which may be a worthwhile trip. Yes is coming on 8/15 as well. I will come back and post if there are any other concerts worth mentioning.

Happy Summer Time!

I still love this guy!

2008-04-09T18:25:00.001-07:00

I really hope he ends up putting an album out.

New Little Guy Photos!

2008-03-19T17:47:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of updated photos. We've been sick for about a week (can you believe that? Right after Asher was born!), but we're all starting to feel really good and happy now. The sun has been out the last few days and it has been very uplifting. I'm getting excited for Easter- It's going to be Eli's first Easter really because we didn't do anything last year. I made him a giant basket and we have dye for eggs! Woohoo! I'll have to get some photos of that because it's sure to be messy fun ;)

Asher Dean: A Doula's Beautiful Cesarean Birth

2008-03-03T04:18:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday the 27th, I went and saw my midwife for my weekly appointment. I was 7 days past due and thought I would have gone into labor at that point. I still felt pretty good though, and knew it was getting closer. When I got to the office, I saw my secondary midwife, and one of the students. They wanted to check my cervix to see if I had made progress from the previous week where I had been 2 cm dilated, 50% effaced, and Asher was at -1 station. When she checked me, she informed me there had been no progress from that point. I was ok with that, although a bit surprised. I had been losing bloody show for about a week (I'd never heard of anyone losing show for more than a few days) and I had been having pretty decent crampy contractions. She told me that my primary midwife wanted to do a Foley Catheter induction if I hadn't made any progress. I had never actually heard of a Foley Catheter induction (to my surprise, being that I am a doula myself). I talked it over with her. She was aware that I wanted to be as non invasive with this labor as possible, and I wanted to know the details. With a Foley Catheter, they insert a balloon into your cervix and inflate it to about 4 cm. You walk around and the pressure of the catheter causes you to begin dilating until you're a four, at which point the balloon will fall out. If it didn't work, there were no negative implications so I agreed to it. My primary midwife had to be called into the office to do the procedure. It was actually not nearly as uncomfortable as I imagined it would be. She told me that she actually hadn't had a ton of success kick starting labor with the Foley, but had heard other midwives that swear by it. I started getting crampy immediately. I had left the office with the orders to walk as much as I could so that the pressure would cause dilation. I was also told that it shouldn't be in more than six hours, and if I hadn't dilated to four after six hours to remove it. I called my partner Jake to let him know what was happening (he had stayed home with Eli- our first son- during my appointment). I drove to Home Depot to walk around and pick up a few things. I had burnt the vacuum filter earlier that day and knew if I wasn't able to finish vacuuming I'd probably be horribly embarrassed when everyone got to my house for the birth. I was having regular contractions while walking around. When I got home, I tried to wander around the house and stay upright. I watched American Idol and tried not to pay attention to my contractions. After a few hours, I was getting upset the balloon hadn't come out yet, so I went on a walk to the Red Apple about half a mile from our house and back. My contractions were getting much crampier and I was pleased. Still the balloon hadn't come out, so I took a shower and decided I would have a quick nap. Jake told me he'd wake me up at midnight and we'd see what was going on. I was supposed to take the catheter out at 11:30. At midnight I woke up and it came right out!!! My contractions weren't as regular though, and I didn't want labor to go away. Jake's best friend Tommy was sleeping in one of the rooms to keep an eye on Eli (I wasn't ready to send him away yet), so Jake and I took a walk to the river. There was a nice cool breeze and we had a really good time walking together. Contractions were crampy while we walked, but once we were back and I was sitting or lying down, they weren't as intense. I was very surprised at how easily I made it to four cm this time around, because with Eli I had horrible back labor and it took a long time and a lot of very hard contractions to get to a four. I decided then (probably 1:30 am or so?) that regardless of whether or not the contractions peter out, I needed to try and sleep because I was sure to have a full day ahead of me. I fell asleep immediately. I remember waking up to a couple contractions, and Jake swears I moaned a couple of times in the night. I slept all night though. Woke up at around 7 am the next day, Feb 28th. I wasn't feeling regular contractions and I was slightly irritated. I called my midwife and left her a message saying that the balloon came out, I was having contractions, but they weren't regular and so I wasn't getting too excited about it. I wanted Jake and Eli to sleep, so once again, I got up and walked to Red Apple to get myself a coffee and back. As soon as I started walking, my contractions got regular again. Jake and Eli were up once I got back (which was surprising to me! Jake will normally sleep as late as possible. I knew he was very excited and antsy about our new son making his arrival soon though!). Eli played around the house, Jake cleaned, and I tried to busy myself with this and that. I didn't want to sit too much because I didn't want contractions to space out. I let my doula (Megan- also my business partner) know what was happening. It was a bit funny and ironic, because she had told me the week prior that Thursday was the only day I wasn't allowed to go into labor since she wouldn't have a sitter that day! I received a call back from my midwife in the late morning/early afternoon. I told her my contractions were coming back, but they weren't horribly strong yet. She told me she wanted me to call her at 2pm regardless of what was happening, to update her. She also highly suggested I have someone come get Eli at that time. One of my best girlfriends, Xamara, came and picked him up (she got pulled over on the way to our house!) I talked to my doula at 12:30 or so in the afternoon- right after Eli was picked up. I told her we were still doing well on our own. She listened to me moan through a couple contractions. She thought that she ought to head over at that point since it's a little bit of a drive. She arrived right before 2 pm. When she got to our house, I was having a contraction in the kitchen and smelling lemon dishwasher soap (I've been in love with the smell of lemon dishwasher soap this entire pregnancy)!! We chatted between contractions and tried to keep the vibe light hearted. The sun was shining through my windows and I was in a fabulous head space to be in labor. I called my midwife back at 2, as promised. I had told her the contractions were more intense, but I felt I was really dealing with them well. She listened to me vocalize through a pretty powerful contraction and told me that she and the students would be over at 3:30. I told her I still felt I was doing well if they wanted to wait longer. She had a chat with my doula, and they thought I was making good progress and that we should get the team together. Megan and I spent time together during contractions talking and just all around trying not to focus fully on the sensations. When the team arrived, I was checked. I was 5 cm dilated and 100% effaced. She continued checking me through another contraction, and I went from a 5 to a 6. I was very enthused to hear this! I knew I was doing hard work, but it felt completely doable! My midwife suggested that Jake, Megan, and I take a walk. I was ok taking the walk, but knew it would be a bit interesting. We live in a business district, and it was a sunny afternoon- and here I am moaning through contractions! We walked about forty five minutes or so. I tried to walk through contractions, but it didn't work for long. Megan was very amused at all of the cars that leered while I was contracting in the middle of everything! Once we got back to the house, I decided I wanted to take a shower and just have Jake in the room. I think this was probably my favorite part of the labor. I stood in the warm shower, and I had Jake bring his guitar in. He played guitar and I sang while the sun was shining through the bathroom window. It was very beautiful. We sang Elderly Woman Behind a Counter in a Small Town, Mr. Jones, and Lola. The water then started getting cold and I had to get out. I was bummed the water was giving up because I was really enjoying that time with Jake and it made my contractions seem like they weren't even happening. She checked me again soon after that and said I was more than a 7, but not quite an 8 (this was around 5 pm or so). I felt like this was going so easily! The only issue we were having was that my cervix was still posterior. I labored in the living room with the midwives, Jake, and Megan. I still tried to keep the mood light and joke in between contractions. It was around 8pm now. The contractions began getting more and more difficult to cope through. I was really getting to a point where I wanted things to speed up. When I was checked again (time is now foggy), I was still about a 7. Because my cervix wasn't coming forward, Asher's head wasn't putting even pressure on it causing it to dilate further. My midwife held my cervix forward during a few contractions (Yowza!), but it wouldn't stay put. My water still hadn't broken, and I was thinking that it would be a good idea to help it along. I had been a 7-8 for a couple hours by then, and transition contractions were kicking my butt. When she broke my water, it absolutely gushed out. It was clear, no meconium staining. Contractions were the most intense I had ever felt. I wanted to go upstairs and labor with just Jake. We went up and turned on the labor music I had downloaded to our computer. I labored on my left side for quite some time. It made the contractions space out a bit, but they were even stronger. I was becoming very tired, and I fell asleep between a few contractions. It was hard, because once the contraction hit, it would wake me up and I didn't have enough time to get on top of it. I was alternating the ways I tried to cope to see what worked. I banged on the bed frame with my hand while I counted, I tried thinking of Eli and the cute things he says, nothing was working just right. I then realized that if I pushed *just a little bit* during my contractions, that it eased the pain slightly. Everyone had made it upstairs by then. I asked if it was ok to push just a little bit. I was told to go ahead, but don't push much if it's not time- and that I'd know when it was time. After a bit, I was checked again and I was still a 7. I was very irritated and disappointed. I had worked through these extreme contractions for hours, and nothing was happening. I remember thinking that transition was supposed to be the shortest part, and I was angry. I needed to get off of my left side. I went downstairs and got into the shower. I was hitting the shower wall rhythmically during contractions. Jake was in the shower with me. I kept telling Jake I couldn't do it and I didn't want to do it any longer. Jake was very strong for me, because I know it was hard for him to watch me while I was in pain like that. He told me I wasn't giving up and I had to keep going. He knew that I would be angry with him if I felt he let me give up to easily. It took me a little bit to get into the right head space and stop disagreeing with him, but I reached deep down and found every last piece of energy I had inside of me. I began to fill the bath tub with water. I thought this would be my secret weapon and allow me to get in some good contractions but still be able to relax slightly between them. There was not a ton of hot water left, so Jake began boiling pots and pots of hot water. He kept the water pretty warm for me and I am very grateful. I needed it.. I lowered my noises which had gotten very loud and screamy. They weren't helping me cope and I knew I needed to change that. I oohed and rolled my head from left to right, right to left, during contractions. I know it probably looked like they weren't too intense from the outside, but I have honestly never felt anything so all consuming before in my life. I did this for some time, but I'm not certain how long. When I was checked again, I was STILL a 7. This was around 11:30. I had been at a seven and having transition contractions for about 6 1/2 hours. My midwife said that although I could feel my contractions, they weren't affecting my cervix while I was contracting (based on what she felt during a check). She said that she felt we should transfer to the hospital for Pitocin. I was disappointed, but agreeable. I couldn't handle transition contractions unmedicated any longer, not to mention they weren't doing much of anything to my cervix. We grabbed everything and quickly left. The hospital was very close to our house, so we were there within a few minutes. We had called to tell them we were coming. They were very friendly to us when we got there. We were expecting a battle since I am a home birth vbac transfer. I told them to please have the anesthesiologist come to the room asap. I had to sign consent forms and give insurance information when we first got there. The nurses were working quickly to get a heploc inserted into my hand. Dr. Paul came in after we had been there maybe ten minutes or so (he was German? maybe and his last name was hard to pronounce, so everyone called him Dr. Paul). I asked him to give me an epidural quickly. He said something along the lines of wanting to give me a full spinal block for cesarean. I told him I was planning a vbac and wasn't needing a spinal block at this time, just an epidural. He sort of mentioned that since this is the second time I've stalled out in labor that I'd probably end up with a c- section anyway. It was a bit insensitive of him, although I understand where he was coming from. I explained to him the importance of my trying for a vbac, and we would decide at a later time if a c-section was necessary. He complied and gave me my epidural. When the OB Dr. Tan arrived, he had come on the assumption that we were here for surgery. I told him that I needed pitocin and I wanted to labor longer. He tried to talk me into a c-section, at which point I began my spiel again about the importance of a vaginal birth to me. He didn't seem very interested at first, and began to explain the reasons I ought to have a c-section right away. I finally talked him into letting me labor. I asked everyone to leave the room so Jake and I could talk. He had had a very hard time accepting the hospital transfer and then c-section with Eli, and I wanted to make sure he was holding up well. During that time, Dr. Tan came back and spoke with us. He said that he only wanted to let us labor for a couple of hours, and then if there was no cervical change, do a cesarean. I did not consent to that, but sort of told him to check back in a couple hours and we'd talk. I told him I felt I needed pitocin. He said that my contractions were two minutes apart and pitocin wouldn't be necessary. I told him they were two minutes apart, but they weren't strong enough and I did indeed need pitcon (I later joked with Megan that I never thought I'd be begging an OB for pitocin!) He said he'd like to check my cervix. His "check" took about half a second and he told me I was only a 6. I know for a fact that he didn't actually check my cervix. I have a posterior cervix and he had small hands. He didn't have to reach to grab it or anything, and even if it wasn't posterior, he couldn't have possibly measured it in the time he gave himself. He left the room. About fifteen minutes later, he returned. It was weird, it's like he thought about the things I had said to him and changed his mind or something. He said to me that he'd like to let me labor without pit for a couple of hours and measure the intensity of my contractions (thank you! That's what I was asking all along!) He said if they did not seem intense enough, that he would give me pitocin around 4 am. Sounded very fair. I fell asleep (sort of) in the next couple of hours. I don't know if it was the nerves or being in transition, but I was shaking like a leaf since before we had even gotten to the hospital. I prayed and I changed positions as best I could with an epidural. I chatted with Megan in between cat naps. Jake went home to get some things and to blow out candles (we had run out in a hurry!). He got back during my nap. I was woken up at 4 am by our new nurse who was fabulous- I believe her name was Lori. She was up to date from Dr. Tan and wanted to check me. She said I was a 6-7 and that we'd start pit. I was only allowed to have 8 somethings of pitocin ( I don't recall the measurement), but that normally they can do up to 30 on people that aren't vbacs. I tried to nap more and keep changing positions after they gave me the pit. The contractions were very hard and pushed on my ribs which made them quite sore. The Dr. came back in at 6 am to check me. He truly checked me this time because he had to reach a bit for my cervix and it took longer than a millisecond. He said I was still a 6-7 and he felt it was time for a cesarean. I sobbed and sobbed. Dr. Tan became very genuine then. He looked truly upset that I was so distressed over this. He told me he doesn't like to see his patients cry, and that he's sorry that this is happening. I think we really connected at that point, and I was glad that if I needed a c-section, that he would be doing it. Not only that, but I'm hoping that our experience together will help him understand his patients that desire vaginal births a little better. I think most patients are probably not as outspoken as me about my wants. There are so many people that don't even realize that they have a say. Then I spoke with the nurses who knew how badly I wanted a vaginal birth. Through sobs I told them about my fears from my previous cesarean. I told them about how the curtain had been up against my face and I have some claustrophobia and it frightened me. I told them about how, also because of claustrophobia, that the thought of having my arms strapped down scared me. I told them about how I can't do oxygen masks for the same reason and to use tubes instead if that was ok. I remembered how my mouth went dry immediately when I got into the OR and I wasn't allowed to have anything to drink...and I told them how a nurse that time snuck me a wet washcloth to suck on and could someone please do that for me? I also told them about how my anesthesia didn't take with my first cesarean and I could feel them cutting into me. Not only that, but everyone in the room was chatting amongst themselves and not talking to me to keep me calm and as happy as someone could be in that situation. The nurses all listened and really cared and absorbed what I said. So did the Dr. So did the Anesthesiologist. I told them about how I'd like to play music in the OR and how I'd really like for my doula, as well as Jake to come in. Their protocol is to only allow one person in the room, but they made an exception for me and allowed Megan as well. They prepped me and we went to surgery around 7:45. They knew how frightened I was, and they didn't make Jake and Megan sit outside while they got me anesthesia situated like they generally do. Dr. Paul (the Anesthesiologist) was very warm and caring and talked to me while he gave me more meds. He also mentioned that he could get in trouble for allowing them in the room while he was doing this, but it was ok because he wanted me to be comfortable. I was shaking very hard but trying to keep my head clear and allow it to be a beautiful birth anyway. I could feel the cold run down my spine every time he gave me another shot of something. He kept pinching my stomach. I went from completely feeling it, to feeling absolutely nothing. I got very anxious after each shot because of the feeling I got in my feet and legs. I didn't mind being numb that much, but there is a strange warm feeling with each injection that's a bit unsettling. Megan and Jake sat on either side of me and Megan set my birth necklace on my chest and I said a blessing. The Doctors put in my Janis Joplin cd and turned it up when I asked them to. When they cut into me, I was crying and telling Megan I couldn't feel it! I had felt everything with Eli's cesarean. When I was having a hard time concentrating and not getting anxious, I began singing to Janis. Megan sang with me. Jake looked into my eyes and held my hand. The Dr's explained what was happening and were talking with us, rather than amongst themselves. They told me we were almost there and that he was a big one! They told me how handsome he looked before he was out enough for me to see. I had to breathe through the tugging when they pulled him out. I told Jake and Megan that I was focusing on how interesting the sensations are and thinking about them as just interesting sensations that most people wont get to experience in their lives. When he was out, they let Jake cut the umbilical cord. They showed him to me over the curtain and Megan took a picture. Jake was able to sit behind me and hold him briefly, before he and Asher had to leave to recovery. I gave him kisses and told him I loved him and how beautiful he was. Jake had to leave with him while they sewed me up. I cried and told Megan how happy I was that she was there to experience that with me. She cried too. I kept asking if I was ok because I had a feeling something was a bit wrong. Everyone kept telling me I was doing fine. I did find out later that I had lost quite a bit of blood. They had to give me medication to keep me from bleeding further. They took a good long time sewing me up and did a fabulous job. I would say just about everyone in the room when we were finished came and either gave me a hug, or held my hand and told me what a great job I did and how beautiful Asher is. It was a very healing experience from my first cesarean birth. It's not exactly the birth I was dreaming of, but given the circumstances, I don't think it could have gone any better. Asher immediately knew how to nurse, and is an extremely content and handsome little boy. I now know that it's not the way you give birth that really matters, it's the way you feel about your birth that matters in the long run. It's a very humbling and eye opening lesson learned by this doula.

Eli

2008-02-27T10:43:00.001-08:00

Here are some newer photos of Eli- I haven't sent any out in awhile. I may be biased, but I think he's horribly handsome :D

Eli and Mommy at the Zoo!

2008-02-27T08:46:00.000-08:00

Eli and I went to the zoo on Valentine's Day. There weren't many animals out, but we had a good time walking around :) He really liked the ducks and squirrels hahahah! We could've found those around home ;)

I love this guy!

2008-02-20T08:57:00.000-08:00

It's maybe a little known fact that I am a big fat American Idol lover. Yes I'm a nerd. Deep down really. I normally just like to watch the show and haven't actually liked an artist so much that I would buy their album at a later date. The tides may be changing!!! Jason Castro is a shy dreadlocked boy with a guitar- Who doesn't love that? I didn't even know I liked this song until now ; )

Yes We Can

2008-02-02T21:19:00.000-08:00

http://www.dipdive.com/

Epidural Anesthesia- Worth the Risk?

2008-01-30T16:19:00.000-08:00

So you’re pregnant! It seems that one of the first things that a woman thinks about upon finding out she is pregnant is the pain of childbirth. It’s the first thing that popped into my mind when I found out I was pregnant with my first son. It seems that it is brushed aside quite easily though, once we remind ourselves that we have the option of epidural anesthesia. It’s safe, and everyone gets one, right? Wrong. If you find yourself considering an epidural, please make sure you are fully aware of all risks and side effects associated with it before committing to the decision of having one.

An epidural is a drug cocktail of opioids that is administered into the ‘epidural space’ which is a part of the spine. It causes a loss of sensation and a loss of pain by blocking the nerves near the spinal cord.

Quick Facts:

 Women who receive an epidural are more likely to experience a longer labor, increasing the likelihood of them receiving pitocin to augment labor.

 Pitocin highly increases the risk of the baby showing signs of distress (depressed fetal heart tones, decreased oxygen, etc) as well as possible mal-presentation, which can lead to a cesarean birth.

 Epidurals increase the risk of a posterior baby not rotating (due to the mother being confined to the bed and unable to labor in different positions), which increases the risk of cesarean section.

 The mother will almost certainly be given a bladder catheter which can cause bladder infection.

 There is the possibility that your epidural will have ‘block failure’ leading to no pain relief whatsoever (statistics state this is a 1/20 chance).

 When it comes time to push, the mother cannot feel the ‘urge’ that she would feel naturally, increasing the risk of vacuum and/or forceps extraction, as well as cesarean section.

 There can be loss of function of the sympathetic nervous system, which can cause respiratory paralysis in the mother (which would also cause lack of oxygen to the baby).

 Epidural has been known to cause cardiac arrest (although quite rare).

 Opioids in the epidural cross the placenta and get to the baby causing it to be drowsy and disassociated following birth. This can severely disrupt the breastfeeding relationship.

All women go into motherhood with the best of intentions, and yet I see so many that do not research their childbirth. An unmedicated childbirth is an amazing and beautiful thing. It’s a rite of passage and something you will truly never forget- and not only that, it’s completely doable!!!! Women have been giving birth since the beginning of time! During an unmedicated childbirth, your body releases endorphins, which is nature’s pain killer. Your brain will also releases a chemical called oxytocin (the love hormone). The release of oxytocin causes your uterus to contract, and it also initiates the bonding process with your baby. The baby being more alert after birth will help to cement the breastfeeding relationship more quickly which helps with bonding. Oxytocin and endorphin production are blocked when you receive medication.

On the flip side of things, there is a time and a place for epidural anesthesia in my opinion. I believe if a laboring mother is at a point where she is exhausted from a very long and drawn out labor, an epidural may be what she needs in having a successful vaginal birth. There are exceptions to everything of course. I encourage you all to do the research yourself and see what you come up with.

If you wish to have an unmedicated childbirth, consider taking action ahead of time! Consider hiring a midwife in a birth center or for a home birth. You drastically reduce your chances of asking for anesthesia if there’s none around! Hiring a doula will also reduce your chances of epidural in any situation. According to Childbirth.Org, having a doula will reduce your risk of requesting an epidural by 60%. I also strongly encourage childbirth education classes where you can learn coping techniques for your birth.

Above all, have a beautiful birth and make it exactly what you want it to be.

See more birth articles.

Danielle Griffin
Holistic Doula Services
www.holistic-doula.com

More Maternity Photos!

2008-01-28T12:26:00.000-08:00

There was a second photographer at the shoot I had last weekend (was it last weekend? Hmmm). She got some really cute shots also that I wanted to share. Her site is located here:

Maternity Photography- Sindea Horste

Maternity Photos!

2008-01-25T11:36:00.001-08:00

I had my Maternity Photography done this last weekend and wanted to share!!!!

Baby is due in less than four weeks. I am very excited. :D

This is the guy that did our family photos last May. He's just getting better all the time!!!!

Check out his site if you're interested in photos (and you're in WA):

Maternity Photography

CephaloPelvic Disproportion: AKA Will my baby fit through my pelvis?

2007-11-10T06:16:00.000-08:00

I wanted to write about this because I am a bit shocked as to how many women I've met whose physicians have told them they have cephalopelvic disproportion, OR they think they can't push a baby through their pelvic bones and out of their vagina because they themselves are of a small size. Let's start by clarifying- Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD): A baby having a head too large to fit through the mothers pelvis- therefore causing her to need a cesarian. CPD does exist, but it is far more rare than people think.

Let's start with some common misconceptions.

Miconception:

If one of my babies was delivered via cesarian birth due to CPD, all of my babies will be CPD.

Truth:

While it may be possible that CPD is due to an abnormally shaped pelvis which can make it difficult to ever be able to push a baby out (rare indeed-and still wont necessarily mean you have CPD), most reasons a woman is diagnosed with CPD is 1. A very large baby that is having a hard time coming through the pelvic bones, and 2. stalled labor (which can be normal for SO many reasons and still turn into a CPD c/s).

Now, the truth of the matter is simply this: Every baby will have his/her own birth. Every baby is going to be a different size and have a different sized head. Every baby will mold differently while coming through the birth canal. I think it's a little known fact (I could be wrong- but I didn't know in the beginning with my first son!), that a babies head is made up of five plates rather than one bony structure. The plates overlap one another while the baby is being pushed through the birth canal, and UNTIL labor is happening, there is not really a true way to tell if your baby will fit or not (which it most likely will- even sometimes if you've been told otherwise).

Misconception:

If you are a small woman, you will have a harder time pushing a baby out and are more likely going to have CPD.

Truth:

Au contraire, my good friends. I have a fantastic example of this (and actually the inspiration for writing this article).

I had a doula client that was a very small woman. She is probably a good 4'10". She seemed sure that she could push out her baby, and yet others were questioning her ability. People were saying things such as- "you're so small, don't you need a c section?" Shame shame- not only are these people undermining this womans ability to give birth, but they are planting seeds of doubt within her that could cause her to question herself. Women generally (and when I say generally I mean really MOST of the time)grow a baby that will be capable of being born to their mothers. It's really a great design...

Anywho, I wanted to note that this woman called me in labor one morning. She didn't realize she was in labor and sounded like she was calling to let me know that something weird was happening (but she wasn't convinced). I told her to contact her midwife to go in and have her fluids tested (I was under the impression her water broke). She had an appointment with her m/w within a couple of hours. (Just fyi- she said her contractions were 20 seconds long and 10 minutes apart- she's a first time mother and I assumed we'd have a baby late in the evening or early in the morning. You know what they say about assuming...).

I figured I would call her around five in the evening if she hadn't called me back needing me. I realized I had a voicemail at around three. The baby was born after 1 (she had arrived to see if the fluid was really fluid at noon!) This very tiny first time mother's baby practically fell out! And people doubted her ;)

The point is your size does not matter one bit for the most part. A small woman CAN give birth vaginally.

On an end note, I'd like to post a clip written by ICAN (international cesarian awareness network), and published by Midwifery Today:

Women have commonly been denied trials of labor if their first cesarean section was performed for failure to progress or cephalopelvic disproportion, the most common indications for primary cesarean. In a 1987 study published in the American Journal of Public Health, the largest percentage of women attempting VBAC had cephalopelvic disproportion or failure to progress cited as the primary indication for their initial cesarean. Of these women, 65 percent--almost two thirds--went on to have normal births; many of the babies were much larger than the baby for which the original cesarean section had been performed.
-ICAN Clarion, Sept. 1997

Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 1 Issue 50, Dec 10, 1999)
To subscribe to the E-News write: enews@midwiferytoday.com
For all other matters contact Midwifery Today:
PO Box 2672-940, Eugene OR 97402
541-344-7438, midwifery@aol.com, Midwifery Today

Keep those babies coming ladies!

Blessings.

For your reading pleasure...

2007-11-07T14:42:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

Please be aware that my amazing (and psychic) auntie has started a new blog called the Metaphysical Life.

She is one of the smartest people I know, and her blog is definitely worth the read. Not to mention, if you email her she'll answer your metaphysical questions! Love it!

http://themetaphysicallife.blogspot.com/

Halloween Party Photos

2007-10-22T20:39:00.000-07:00

Carly had a Halloween party this last Saturday and we had a fantastic time. I mostly was being not drunk due to the fact that I am pregnant, but watching others can be comical. Other than watching Jake and my ex bicker slightly throughout the evening (and who can blame them? ;) it was a success. Well, it turns out that I feel compelled to post drunken photos now of my favorite people because I'm ultra nice like that! Enjoy ;)

3D Ultrasound of Asher

2007-10-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

Alright-

I never could get the video to work, but here's a 3D image of our new baby Asher :)

This is taken at 22 weeks gestation (out of a total 40 weeks so he's still a bit skinny but cute nevertheless).

And just so I'm not leavin out the big guy- here's a newer photo of him as well. He's cute too ya know.

Tarot

2007-10-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

I wanted to note that I have recently begun reading tarot for others. I have been reading tarot for 8 years now- taught to me by my fantastic auntie who is a giant inspiration.

Here's what some people have said about my readings recently:

"Her readings are FANTASTIC! Everyone should get one."

"My reading was wonderful! Very helpful. Thank you."

"Dani, you totally rock!"

"I got mine and I just read it!! I adore it, it's absolutely PERFECT!!! It touched on all the things I've been thinking about lately and was completely reassuring!! Thank you so much, Dani!"

Needless to say I'm pretty pleased with the feedback I've gotten.

If you find yourself interested in a reading, please email Tarot-Goddess@hotmail.com
I am doing it on a donations basis, but there is a suggested minimum donation of $25.

Blessings everyone! I hope you're all doing well!

Doula Plug on Komo 1000 news radio!

2007-10-20T06:30:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

Things have been going so well. I have been working on building up my doula and birth photography business, and it seems to be taking off much faster than I could have imagined! I have partnered with a fantastic doula Megan Miles ( http://www.violetlanebirth.com ) and we seem to be making things happen together rather quickly! I have received numerous requests for doula work, and I have built some great relationships with local midwives which will prove handy in the future.

One of the most exciting things that has happened recently, is I received a call from a reporter from Komo. He had seen an ad I had placed on craigslist for a doula event that Megan and I are hosting quarterly at the Skagit Valley Co Op, and he wanted to interview me about it. Very exciting! I emailed Penny Simkin to share my excitement (she is the doula of all doulas ;) and she told me that I had managed to do something the doulas in Seattle have not been able to do, get media publicity. Go me! :D On top of everything else, they plugged my website http://www.holistic-doula.com . Keep sending good vibes and blessings friends! It seems to be working!

19 1/2 week Ultrasound of Asher!

2007-09-28T11:10:00.000-07:00

I have a 3D video, but can't seem to make it stick here (will try again later). Here is a 2D photo (less fun, I know, but I'll fiddle with the video later ;)

Fantastic Family Photos!

2007-09-26T11:41:00.000-07:00

It's a bit late to be posting this, but a bit ago we FINALLY got some family photos done. I have befriended a great photographer who is awesome with kids and could make the most unhappy baby smile ;)

Of course, my baby is extremely happy and adorable, so all the more easy for him. Here are some pics.

That kid has good looking parents ;)

If you find yourself in the western washington with cute kids, or even pregnant, here's his site:

http://www.philmaland.com/

He will be doing my maternity photography in a few months, which I will then post here :D

I should also mention he's basically giving it away- you wont find another photographer this good at his prices. Anywho- Love y'all!

My New Website!!!!

2007-09-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

Please check out my new website-

www.holistic-doula.com !!!!

That is all :)

If You Should Need a Cesarian Section

2007-09-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

I wrote this a little while ago for a woman that was interested in what she could do to make her c-section more memorable with the help of a doula- or what the point of having a doula at a planned c section. She didn't want to have a c section, but unfortunately her child was breech and they'd done everything they could to turn her, with no avail. It's very difficult to find a physician willing to deliver a breech vaginally.

I hope this can help women who are having a c section against their want. I had to have one after 60 hours of laboring naturally at a birth center. I wish at that time I would have known more of this. I suggest even if you are not planning a cesarian birth to read this.

Here is a list of some things that can make cesarian birth more comfortable/ special. These things can be done by your partner, but I highly suggest having a doula. I think a lot of people forget that this is a birth for the father also, and when the father is expected to do all of the leg work, he can maybe feel like it's less about him and more about mother and baby (which are of course very important!)

*A doula can tell you what to expect during a cesarian birth, which can be invaluable. As someone who didn’t know anything about cesarians, I was deathly afraid of everything that happened to me because I didn’t know what was normal. Being in the know can make you more comfortable with what’s happening.

*Almost always they will let you play music in the operating room (this is something that I was completely unaware of until recently. I don’t think that they will offer it to you unless you ask. Perhaps you can play a song that you’ve sang to your baby during your pregnancy!)

*You can bring in some essential oils for aromatherapy during surgery. Peppermint oil is great for nausea, which is a common occurrence during cesarian.

*They will generally allow you to take picture of the surgery if you wish. If you are unsure, I would recommend doing it anyway. You can always throw pictures away, but you can never get the moment back.

*You can have your partner or a doula describe what’s happening during the surgery if you’re comfortable with that. It’s sometimes nice to know right when the baby is being born, and that they can see the babies head, and what color the hair is, etc.

*Once the baby is born, they will take he/she over to a side table to do their normal routines. It’s nice to have someone go over to the table with the baby and talk to him/her and let the baby know- we love you, welcome to the world, you’re beautiful, etc (don’t forget pictures!!!) The issue that arises when the father goes to do this (which isn’t a bad idea), is that the mother is left alone for part of the sewing up process. Cesarians are not comfortable, and it’s good to have someone doing your focus/breathing exercises during this (as well as throughout) surgery.

*A doula can advocate for you, and remind the staff that you’d like the father to hold the baby while the repair work is being done. She can also remind the staff that you would like to hold the baby as soon as humanly possible. They should be able to get the baby to you as soon as you’re out of surgery.

*A doula can also help you with breastfeeding if you’re a new mother. It can be trickier than it seems.

Please feel free to post any questions you may have :)

Frugality!

2007-09-05T09:54:00.001-07:00

For those who are not yet aware, Carly and I are going to begin our Frugality Challenge again!!!!! We started last Wednesday (posting late- oops!) and are cycling from Monday through Sundays (so obviously this weeks post is a short week). We have been particularly bad since buying houses. The shame. I went from getting to a place where I had only about a grand in debt left…to, well, getting to a place where I have much more debt than that. No need to give out specifics…let’s just say it’s not very good. And not only that, but scares me how much I have accrued in only a 7 month period or so. I also began getting into the teachings of the Law of Attraction and my original thought around that and money, was that if I’m trying to be frugal I am no allowing money into my life. Well I was sincerely wrong. Looking back, when I was paying attention to my money and not spending frivolously, I felt GOOD about money. When I spend like a maniac and buy anything I feel I deserve, nothing is sacred. Nothing is valuable. Everything is taken for granted. The other thing that happened when I was frugal, was that I received incredible amounts of unexpected money- weekly!!! I constantly received unexpected money- large amounts also (feel free to look in the back logs of my blog to confirm). I have a GOOD feeling about money and money came to me. Or I can spend spend spend, feel guilty, feel bad about money, be afraid I don’t have enough money, and then guess what happens? Overdraft fees, unexpected bills (huge huge huge bills), constant money guilt and stress. Being frugal isn’t about denying yourself the things you truly want. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It’s about giving yourself the things you really want. It’s about appreciating the amazing things you have in your life and being GRATEFUL. Constant shopping is an addiction. I really believe that. Like any addiction- you get to shopping and your dopamine levels rise. You feel high. But then you feel guilt later (I imagine that’s the same with other addicts). No more! I am not a slave to a shopping addiction.

So moving forward, here is my spending from Wednesday August 29th until Sunday September 2nd:

Wednesday:

Chips (I have been addicted to chips during this pregnancy- odd since I don’t generally eat chips!)- .98

Taco Bell (also a pregnancy fave)- $2.05

Thursday:

Taco Bell- $2.30

Friday:

Starbucks (oops)- $5.55
Juice- $1.30

Saturday:

Safeway- $29.10

Sunday:

Coca Cola and Ice cream at the corner store (always more expensive- blah)- $9.44

Total for the partial week: $50.72

I think I can do better this week because I don’t really need groceries…stay posted ; )

I'm a Doula!!!

2007-08-29T15:26:00.000-07:00

I lied- I finished an article to post today!!!

Well, I finally did it. I finally signed up for my doula courses and finished them. I am a doula. I have wanted to be a part of childbirth since I was 12 years old. It’s my passion and my calling. I still have a long road to travel down, but I think I have taken a pretty good first step.

My courses were through Seattle Midwifery School. (FYI- if you shop Amazon.com, please use this link and a portion of your purchase will be donated to SMS www.seattlemidwifery.org/retail_books.htm)

I was taught by the one and only Penny Simkin. If you don’t know this name, you should. She is famous in my book. A pioneer for women striving to give birth naturally. She has written at least 15 books that I am aware of, as well as co-authored I believe at least 8. She INVENTED the birthing bar, and has attended hundreds of births. Check out her website here:

http://www.pennysimkin.com/

Not only was Penny there, but so was Carrie Kenner who is the founder of Big Belly Services. She is an amazing doula that also teaches Birthing From Within courses (something I’d like to do in the future). If you find yourself pregnant in Seattle and needing childbirth education courses, this is highly recommended-

http://www.bigbellyservices.com/

For those not in the know, a birth doula is a woman that assists women through childbirth, emotionally, and physically. We can offer advice during pregnancy, as well as give further information regarding medical procedures during birth if asked. We can help you in finding the distraction techniques that work best for you during labor, be it massage, acupressure, aromatherapy, breathing, etc etc etc. We know how different positions that can possibly speed up/ slow down labor and can help with that. Doulas on average reduce your risk of cesarian birth by 50%, laboring time by 25%, epidural requests by 60%, oxytocin use by 40% (oxytocin = pitocin. Used to induce labor among other things), as well as reduce your risk of a forceps delivery by 40%. That’s pretty damn amazing.

If you have any questions about doulas, or if you need help finding a doula in your area, please feel free to send me a little message and I’m more than willing to help : )

Please stay tuned!!!

2007-08-29T14:14:00.001-07:00

I will be blogging again. I know I've been on hiatus, but I do enjoy blogging even if I'm the only one that reads it :D

Many new things to speak about. Among them:

I am now a doula

I am pregnant again (14 weeks today)

Eli is still awesome and cute

and I will be doing a once a week frugality check in again. I've gotten a little out of hand...shame shame.

Oh! Also, Jake has started a business. Lots and lots in the last 6 months or whatever it's been!!!!!!

More details starting tomorrow!

Confessions of a bottom feeder- When frugality becomes a survival skill

2007-03-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

I came across this article by Anita Sands some time ago. I've been meaning to post it because it is highly interesting. I am not in this boat myself currently, but I have been and I'm sure there are others out there that are/ or have been themselves. Or maybe would like to be? Sounds like a comfortable simple life to me ;) This woman is in California, so some parts are specific to that, but it can be molded to your territory. You can find the article at this site:
http://www.frugalfun.com/bottomfeeder.html

Here we go:

Confessions of a Bottom Feeder, Part 1: When Frugality Becomes a Survival Skill

Anita Sands shows how to REALLY live on nothing while still eating well and getting adequate health care.

by Anita Sands

>[Editor's NoteThis is a very different look at frugality from anything else on the site--and it's not about fun, but about living healthily for the very lowest possible cost. What we have here is a how-to for living a decent, healthy life on the edge--when you are so poor that any good meal might feel like a blessing. I present this as a public service for those who are beyond marginalized, in the hope that at least one person gets a higher quality of life on the margin. Twenty years ago when I was dirt poor, I used some of these and some similar tricks.

If you are comfortably middle-class, you may be offended by this article--you don't have to read it (try one of my own articles on Frugal Fun, including excerpts from The Penny-Pinching Hedonist: How to Live Like Royalty with a Peasant's Pocketbook).

Some of the tips are specific to the Los Angeles area; however, most of those can be reproduced in other places.

Also, I have taken out some parts, which I felt were illegal, unethical, or just too long--though it's still extremely long. The complete article is on Anita's own site (see URL at the end). Disclaimer: This is article is not intended as medical advice, or any other expert advice. I present it as one person's opinion and take no responsibility for the contents. I welcome comments, and if they are significant, I will both send them to Anita and put them up as well, with a link from the article. e-mail to shel@frugalfun.com

--Shel Horowitz[End Editor's Note]

Many modern city dwellers survive perfectly well without a 'regular job.' We live like millionaires but would be hard put to tell you what our true career is. We survive on air. And no, we are not the crazy homeless you see rooting in trashcans. We live in picturesque, old homes with huge, jungley gardens. Not all are rented homes; many are owned, bought with land contracts (monthly payments to old owner) or those new poverty-sector Fannie Mae loans with a low downpayment and no proof of earnings or good credit, only proof of high, past rent paid by showing canceled checks.

How do we afford homes when we don't have 'regular' jobs? Well, I didn't say we don't WORK. We are well-paid for freelance work as artists, healers, mystics, organic gardeners or party caterers. We just never work 40-hour-a-week jobs hoeing other people's row--not unless we love the work; then we happily put in 80 hours.

Job-free people are easy to spot. We drive to mountain and beach on week-days--in old cars it's true--but with a proud smile because we're glad to be in the .0005% of the populace of the planet who own cars. We brake for trashcans in alleys and garage sales, because that's how we furnish our homes. We know that your second-hand, leftover stuff is as good as our firsthand. So we earned our nickname. We are bottom feeders.

Bottom feeders don't make a good living but we have a great life! We have the dollars for rent and utility money and the leftover change is for brown rice and tofu. We're into quality abundance in things other than cash: Gardens, sun, creativity, art... All we need is just enough income to get by. Often, we 'get by' with the help of our friends. Friends sleep on our couches and kick in rent and food. And in hard times, friends lend us their couches and we do the kicking in.

BFers don't have savings accounts; we have 'mattress money.' We don't have regular jobs; we have cottage industries, home businesses. True, we don't make as much as you do in your highly paid drone work, but look on the bright side, our money's all our own. We don't have FICA deductions, pension fund, Social Security deductions and we don't pay taxes. We don't have costly HMO's but not to worry. We don't have high blood pressure either.

We may be forgoing Social Security and Medicare coverage at the end of our lives because we expect--as Clinton predicts, that there will be no Social Security or Medicare by then. Not for you, not for anyone. BFers don't count on Uncle Sam or on pensions. We have learned secret techniques of Surviving on a Nickel that give creativity, earnings and bliss, and bliss is such a super vitamin that we expect to live forever.

Bottom feeders enjoy sunny days at home doing textured wall-painting or digging carrot rows in the yard, or sweating in their ateliers as much as you yuppies enjoy your caffe lattes, Beamers, IRA's and airless, gleaming, monochrome condo-sealed tombs scented with all the formaldehyde in those spanking new plywood boards.

What are the secrets of this mysterious tribe who listens for their own drumbeat and happily live at the bottom of the food chain? What are their methods of achieving a viable lifestyle in Post-Reagan times using advanced Trickle-Down theory?

BFers are often outdoors. They are a fresh-air lot. They have suntans, smile a lot and have no visible means of support. You'll find them unloading a picnic basket in the parking lot at a public park on a week-day. They carry thrift store tennis rackets, drive old Volvos, VWs or 4 cylinder Japanese cars from the early 80's. Look in the picnic hamper. It's full of SALAD. Bottom feeders are frequently vegetarian, recognizing that cows must know how much good protein is in greens, hence they have ruddy complexions and never NEED medical coverage. Their cuts and gashes actually heal without stitches, as they have amazing immune systems.

WHAT, NO HMO? How do we do it? Hey, the answer to this is a no brainer. Don't get sick. Bottom feeders stay on the absolute healthfood diet of the planet! No bologna, beef, eggs, gland meats for us. In our picnic basket there's a choice of bogus egg salad sandwich, Caesar salad, or raw fruit, depending on who's giving away what at the grocery or the menu at the temple where we feast.

HOW BOTTOM FEEDERS EAT:
There is the totally vegetarian feed bag, filled with loss-leader items from super markets and free, giveaway produce that the healthfood store gives us at closing time. There is the bounty from our own organic gardens or from the communal garden. There are free meals at Sikh and Hari Krishna temples. There is the bounty of all God's trees overhanging alleys and last, every small non-chain market will box up and give you their wilted vegies if they're certain you'll come at the end of the day. Those that won't will see the hardier of us leaning over their Dumpsters, picking.

We combine a small amount of vegetarian proteins with full amino acid foods either in the meal or in the next meal. Broccoli oddly enough can be a protein if you add a little complementary protein like hummus or dairy so we sprinkle or drizzle bean dip or butter on top. Raw juices, green and gold salads are full of macro-nutrients but it takes sunflower seeds to turn vegies into a rib-sticking protein meal.

With rent so high, some days there is no money for FOOD. When that happens, Bottom feeders don't fret. They eat what's on the shelf. Canned beans are great with a shot of hickory barbecue sauce. A solid poor-day tip given me by one of my nickel-pinching Caesars is to always keep whole grain flour in the freezer. Add water from boiled vegies, yeast, good oil or butter and let that dough rise into crusty bread. Or rub the wheat with water to make Seitan (wheat steak) or take soybeans and make tofu.

OTHER FOODS FOR PENNY-FREE DAYS: Keep track of all the fruit trees in the neighborhood. The true scoop on fruit tree alley scavenging is that it is 100% legal if it overhangs a fence. When I first became a Bottom Feeder, having four fatherless children, I learned to pick lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit from my own California garden and juice it. I learned to not throw away the peels; they were the best part. I parboiled them, scraped interior pith off with a sharp spoon, getting rid of all the white rind, then boiled the outer skins with its own juice and a ton of sugar to make marmalade, which I kept in the fridge in jars and gave away at Xmas.

ALLEYS ARE USER FRIENDLY-Apricots, nectarines, peaches, grow all over the city. The most prized treasure on trees is avocados. Avocados are friendly fruit. The ripe ones fall on the ground, making themselves available. There is one drawback to poaching in alleys: cops. Police will harass you if they see you, but not to worry; if they don't see you, they can't harass you. So be as invisible as you can. Ask your neighbors if they want their pets walked. (Charge 4$ an hour to do it.) Drive pooch to a suburban neighborhood. Park car on the street and walk your neighbor's dog into an alley with overhanging trees. Carry a long prong tipped stick (nail in stick is fine) and some plastic bags. The aggregate visual effect is of a neat citizen walking a dog. You actually seem to live on that street. No cop asks a dog walker for ID. No dog? Do it alone. If police wonder what's up, say sweetly, I was jogging and I saw this lovely fruit. Give them your 'aunt's' address nearby. Booking a misdemeanor takes too much paperwork, too many forms, also, other cops would laugh these cops out of the jail for booking someone who was just picking fruit as it is, technically, legal.

Afraid of the hassle? Then go to the healthfood store at closing time, tell the owner that you distribute food to the poor. (You must actually do it, too, or your word's no good. Never fritz with your word. It's the most important thing BFers have--next to pluck and chutzpah.) If you promise to show up daily at the same time, invariably, you will get the store's 'garbage concession.'

If you're a stickler for realism, there's real garbage. Many BFers "Dumpster Dive," just as the homeless have always done. Supermarkets throw enormous amounts of food, cosmetics, medicine, plants into those Dumpsters. I met Marty, an 80 year old Dumpster diver, who gets inside the bins, tosses the treasures out into boxes. He fills his van with food from the supers and potted plants, cosmetics and notions from drugstores and gives regular garage sales--he makes thousands of tax-free untraceable dollars on a week-end. He also has a regular route of delivery customers, Bottom Feeders all. Frizzy hair Bob gives it to single mothers with kids. I know because I was on his route and often he'd take me to watch.

FOOD RESURRECTION TRICKS:

BREAD-Put on your glasses. If there's any mold, anywhere, dump it. The spores are all the way through the loaf.

BERRIES-Float berries on water, save and use floaters only. Out of these, toss ones with any visible mold onto compost pile. Put sugar on your fresh washed berries to preserve them in fridge until needed. The sinkers have lost their oxygen, are no good for eating but don't let the sinkers go down the drain. Gather them together, plant them. You'll get dozens of vines and berries for years afterwards out of a handful of rotten berries.

CARROTS: Soak overnight in a sink of cold water, turnips, beets, ditto.

WILTED SALAD- Cut across bottom of leaves, soak for several hours.

Dry before you bag it, by shaking, toweling, draining.

FRUITS- When you dive or get rejects from markets, you get fruit with tiny rotten spots. You must gauge how long it will last with that nick and if it's not long, "push" the fruit to the tenants and kids. If you're smart, you will do fruit salad the second it gets into the house. Wash, clean, peel, cut up, and sprig with mint so it looks appetizing and kids will add it to yogurt. If kids are not kitchen-friendly, the food-respectful parent will 'push' what just came in by serving it up in a festive fashion. Plop a dish on their lap in front of the TV or where they're doing homework. Parents will never, ever tell their kids this is or charity from markets. Their egos cannot handle it. They want to be the same as other kids and you should respect their feelings.

GREEN POTATOES- Plant them. They're no good for anything else. The green ones will give you arthritic joints. Potatoes develop a poison when they turn green. Sprouting potatoes are fine to use, just cut the sprouted tips off with a piece of potato behind it, and plant those. Only eat the remaining, gouged up spud.

While upper class DDs and BFer's don't go after it, restaurants throw huge amounts of food into the trashcan. Just for an experiment, go behind a cafe at 11 p.m. and check. You'll find complete meals, well wrapped.

Except for riding shotgun with Frizzy Bob, I have no recent experience DDing. However, when I was a young single mother with four children to feed, I used to drop by the trashbin of elegant Fred's Bakery in Beverlywood and reheat "day's end" (not day-old) corn rye in my oven. Bread never tasted better.

But DDs and BFers are elitists and care about their feelings more than they desire a free meal. diving is a little rough on self image. A BFer concerned about waste might visit the back alley kitchen door of a small cafe and ask the cook when the kitchen closes, and if he could come back with plastic jugs, and distribute the leftovers to the poor and homeless. He will not ask for the food for himself because he'd get bummed out. But he'll eat probably eat part of it himself, later. My friend Jeffrey goes nightly to the Hare Krishna restaurant, Govinda's, and is given gallon milk jugs or huge plastic bags full of curried dal, rice and yogurt raita, which he distributes to his friends or freezes.

A BFer will go to the bakery, determine when the baker throws away the day-old unsold bread and promise to pick it up to distribute to the homeless. Merchants are food-artisans, and always glad to NOT have to throw precious delights in the trash; they welcome the appearance of a 'distributor.' I know because I was the unofficial 'distributor' for my 3HO (Sikh) healthfood store. I was given forty to fifty pounds of food a day. They knew that the four kids and I couldn't consume that quantity, and that I was distributing to the poor .

Some days there would be a dozen huge yogurts, five dozen half-gallons of milk, massive bags of rice and lentils with rat bites, pounds of wilted greens--I'd cut the stems, stick them in water--they'd puff right back up. Carrots get a deep bath overnight and they are crunchy as new.

Always ask the store manager for throwaway stuff for your poor people's route. If the manager says no, come back another day when he's not on duty. (How do you find out? ASK!) Ask for the dented cottage cheese. It's the single item most often discarded.

Another trick of the collecting trade---that weekly Farmer's Market the yuppies attend has a lot of unsold produce at sundown. Where do you think it goes? Back to the truck farms? No way! If you help the farmer load his truck, he'll comp you. To him, it's nothing. He has eggplants coming out of his ears. If you tell him you know of some poor families or a halfway house or orphanage and roll up a truck, he'll give you enough to set up your own stand the next day--but don't be tempted. Cops harass street vendors. Instead, visit poor pals' homes where you'll win brownie stripes contributing farm-grown vegies.

Need fresh food the other 6 days of the week? No problem. The Farmers market moves to a different borough of the city each day. Or try Supers. All small, non-chain grocery stores have rats. If you ask the employees, you can get dog and cat kibble, flour, rice---true, sometimes there are tiny teeth marks on the bag, or actual rat droppings inside, but they're easy enough to pick out.

Sometimes, you have a dollar, a quarter, a dime and a nickel. In this case, you have to know what foods are the SUPER CHEAP GOURMET HIGH ENERGY/NUTRITION TREATS: GREENS: Collards are .33c a bunch at barrio stores and at Iranian markets. They cost .89c in ritzy emporiums. The butcher always gives me a piece of pig fat for free. Fry this, discard oil and put those "chitlins" in your greens. When you've got cash, get smoked ham hocks. Cut them up, store in freezer, take a few chunks to boil with the greens. Add a little sugar and chile pepper and you'll sing Baptist hymns.

TOP RAMEN: Buy the .33c cup of shrimp ramen. In the produce section, get a few broccoli florets, spinach leaves, and a carrot. Chop your vegies, boil, pour water over ramen, let sit a minute. Add chile sesame oil, seaweed, onion, slice of raw ginger, seaweed, an egg if you've got one. Really so delicious, often I can't wait for poverty to eat it, so I eat them with bucks in my pocket. The super tasty dried shrimp make this my favorite flavor. I used to give ramen to the homeless until I learned they ate it raw like chips! True, it's not healthfood, but it makes me EAT the greens that ARE.

HOLIDAY FOODS: If you get blue on holidays without that turkey or ham, indulge your inner child and have the ham! You can get it by doing shopping for five or six old people. Supermarkets give hams away if you buy enough groceries to qualify so it pays to make lots of geriatric pals in your neighborhood. Get their shopping list and their cash in front. Tell them they'll get an exact to the penny itemization. First, collect coupons on all the peripherals people want, vegies, cereal, soup, oil, sugar, etc. Give the discount to the geriatrics, too. Now, get the food section from the newspapers on trash night. See which market is giving the ham or turkey away free for a fifty dollar purchase. Holidays they do this. One wants $100 but there's always a market that will give premiums for $50. Go there, shop in groupings, keeping items separate in basket. Then, arrange the foods on the checkout stand so that each geriatric's groceries are scanned together in a group, as you'll be showing this receipt to the geriatric later when you give him or her the change and just showing them their circled items. If you're an angel, you'll divide the ham and share it with the geriatrics!

COFFEE- All supermarket coffee mills have a little drawer

full of grinds that will be thrown away. Ask the manager, he'll let you have it for free. Find plastic bags in the produce section. Often you'll find bags where someone ground a little coffee, then stopped. This ground coffee will be thrown away, so repackage in plastic produce bag and tuck it in your pocket.

DENTED CANS- Some markets mark them down with a black marker.

GARDEN DIVING:
In really hard times, there are weeds growing in front yards. Take a careful look at what you find that is SURPRISINGLY TASTY:

1.) PURSLANE grows everywhere. It's a fat, flat, low-sprawling leafy little octopus like weed with leaves like jade plant, fleshy stems, loaded with Omega oils that heal the heart. Mexican maids used to bring it into my San Miguel de Allende kitchen in spring as if it were God's gift to man. The way they cooked it, it was. Steam for a minute, add fresh-made garlicky tomato sauce. Scramble in one egg at last minute, if your aorta is not a problem.

2.) DANDELIONS; eat the smallest, tenderest green leaves in your salad. Bigger leaves get juiced.

3. OUR VINES HAVE MORE THAN TENDER GRAPES: Parboil the delicate new leaves of grape vines 'til soft, fill with rice, roll and steam. Unusually tasty!

4.) CACTUS: The tender green baby leaves are de-fanged with a knife, then sliced in ribbons, parboiled, served with raw chopped onion, tomato and cilantro. A delicacy in Mexican cafes. Later in summer, the tuna fruit is grasped with newspapers, bagged, gas-flame toasted at home to remove needles, peeled, sliced. Plant the seeds!

5: ESCARGOT: California variety same as French small variety. These were actually brought here from Europe. No need to check garden for SNAROL. If the escargot found any, he'd be slimy tread to the sky, stone cold dead. HOW TO FIND: Spray garden well night before. Hour before dawn, collect les petits slimeballs. Feed snails cornmeal for a few days, locked in a box, jar or cage. Rinse them clean, drop in salted, simmering water for l0 min. Discard gritty strip, where it's attached to the shell. Heat butter, parsley, drop in snail fillets. Turn off fire, add crushed garlic, raw lemon. Garnish with minced parsley. Serve on toast. Ooo La La! Nature writer Chris Nygeres says they're better than those available in French cafes. Would you believe it? I'm drooling for stuff I wouldn't touch in their habitat without canvas gloves!

BEGGING:
No escargot drool response? Starving and broke? The last resort is begging. Go to a supermarket parking lot in a neighborhood very far from your home or you won't be able to handle it emotionally. Dress in really ragged, bleached tatters. Have a child with you. Rent the kid as emotional duress is too intense on the child if it actually is yours. Sign should read, Homeless, On the Street, Cold, (adjust to season) Require money for transit to Fresno, Oregon, or for Landlord or groceries. (pick only one.) If they give you a can of something you would never eat, beef tamales, do not say "I'm sorry, we're vegetarian, we can't eat that, we'd welcome money." Don't you dare say you're vegetarian as your glaring poverty will give vegies a bad name. Take the can and give it to someone who eats meat. You never look a donation in the teeth!

Another, safer, more hilarious way to get food is GYPSY SCROUNGING FOR FOOD IN STYLE: Dress up and hit the big hotels; every banquet room has food in it; join the crowd at parties. Drive around posh suburban areas on Saturday and Sunday at 1 PM for daytime parties or 7 PM to 8 for nighttime . You'll see parking valets. Park your own car, walk into the party, eat your fill, socialize. Network. Great in Hollywood, where writers can meet producers, agents, directors. Go to Gallery Row. Spot a party? Crash it. Cheese, wine and crackers are the 3 main food groups!

HOW NOT TO BE HUNGRY: When the food supply's small, or dangerous to procure, the trick is-- don't do anything stupid that will make you get unduly hungry. Besides too much cold air or exercise, the prime cause of hunger is eating carbs and sugars; Avoid them entirely. They not only don't stick to the ribs, the insulin reaction to them creates bigtime hunger.

Dense carbs, fruit excepted, have no nutrition. Stick to macro- nutrient-dense vegies, high protein whole grains, not high starch, and of course, proteins. Only eat fruits if you know that you have a rib-sticking meal ready, an hour later.

The magic herb that kills hunger in the body and raises blood sugar is licorice or fennel. It grows wild all over the city. Chew any part, the reaction is instant. All hunger departs--and for the oddest, longest time.

SKINNY FAT FOODS: Most skid row free meals serve white rice, a killer carb. It seems like a thin food but it's all starch and will make you eat like a horse an hour later. All Hari Krishna or Sikh temples have a daily 'lungar'...(odd it should rhyme with hunger) comprised of rice and chapati, unfortunately, all super-starchy carbs. You can eat hand-out food but avoid the rice and wheat foods; instead, load up on garbanzos, beans (black or kidney are preferable to starchy pinto). Take all the lentils you can get, and eat them cold the rest of the day and night. Welcome vegetable and dairy products. Carbs will fast-flame but then you go into low blood sugar and you start to feel blue and will forget what delirious pleasure it is to be a Bottom Feeder.

KEEPING HEALTHY

GETTING HEALED FOR FREE:
Many bottom feeders are holistic healers, knowledgeable about New Age diets. We often cook vegetarian delights for parties, or give massages, making good money, as clients are used to paying $120 an hour and we can lowball the competition and do it for $60 (and get twice the clients). We counsel on Power Diets, diagnose weak organs from the iris of the eye then suggest (and sell for retail) herbs we buy wholesale from those Mormon herb farms in Utah. (Look up Nature's Sunshine in Spanish Fork Utah). We generally stay healthy because we take those herbs ourselves. But my secret, bottom feeder way of staying tip top and getting FREE massage treatments is that I teach an esoteric system, Primal Scream massage. I was instructed on Primal Scream Emotional Release work by Dyan Cannon, when I party-read palms at her Malibu home. She inspired me to read the works of Art Janov, then get primaled at a center run by his students. They didn't do massage, but I was into it. I accidentally stumbled on the fact that simultaneous massage and sad music could produce primals too. I came up with an unusual Rolfing massage therapy involving digging in neural nexus and muscle bundles around the heart, shoulders and neck where repressed pain lodges, having really sad music on, like Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings, thusly drawing emotions out of the supine client. So I wouldn't need a shrink's license, I called it TANTRUM YOGA. My clients were encouraged to remember painful memories and if not talk---then scream about them. It's full of convolutions and naturally, all the yuppie-puppies wanted to study with me. The catch: my students have to practice on my sore old bod. P.S. I have nothing left to scream about these days but I mime that part to get a good rub on my aching bones.

DENTAL CARE

TEETH HURTING? Free dentistry is easy. UCLA and SC both have dental schools and need guinea pigs. Call them up and you'll soon be under a student's drill. Whoopee. Most dentists will let you paint their house, clean their gardens, babysit or paint paintings for a trade. So, when you're diving and pass a dentist's office, leave a letter. Dear Doc, wanna trade for fillings? Here are snaps of my paintings. (resume, etc.)

AVOIDING CAVITIES: Forget toothpaste. The Fluoride is so toxic it takes your immune system 24 hours to recover. Mix salt and baking powder in a jar. Dip brush in, brush under the gumline where pyorrhea starts. Use a soft, thick brush, working it into the gums, trying to make your gums bleed. Change brushes daily, letting them dry between use. When gums no longer bleed when you do this, you've cured the bacteria problem---for a moment.

Brush teeth immediately upon waking, brush tongue, and brush back of tongue to provoke a gag ,which coughs up mucus. Rinse with cold water (prevents gum disease) after every meal. Floss once a day. You may never need a dentist.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES:

You think they'll never happen but they do and when you need those sudden stitches, there's no time for comparison shopping, so do that now and be ready.

Recently, my son got his hand whizzed around the pulley system of a car. The tendons to one finger on top of hand were severed. He realized he would never work again as an electrician if tendon ligature wasn't done. I had to make a lot of phone calls to E.R.s in a very panicky ten minute period. Daniel Freeman Hospital, where his pal had driven him, wanted $2,000 in front to even call the hand surgeon in. County General SC wanted $l00 in front but averred the kid would wait five hours in the waiting room before a scalpel was lifted due to the average day's haul of bulletholes. Harbor General already had a hand surgeon there 24 hours a day. No bullets down there so they're never very busy and when the kid sailed in, the doc immediately did the necessary tendon ligature on a local without thinking of money and when it was all over, they asked for only $50. If he doesn't pay within five days time, however, they say they'll dun him for a hefty $1500. They say they're very cheap if you're a fast pay as most people stiff 'em. So, in the LA area, HARBOR GENERAL HOSPITAL in Torrance takes the cake. It's really worth it to do the homework ahead of the disaster. Know exactly which freeway you have to zip over to get to such a heavenly place. (Harbor Freeway south to Carson, turn right.) [Editor's Note: Many communities also have free clinics, or municipal hospitals. Also, many private hospitals are required by law, under the Hill-Burton Act, to provide free care to indigents if they receive certain federal funding [End Editor's Note]

HEALERS- Holistic healers are bon marche and terrific. Giveaway mags at local healthfood stores have tons of ads. Healthfood stores collect business cards in scrap books, will show to customers. Call Santa Teresita Hospital in Duarte and see Marjorie Ward, the world's best. $45 first visit. She could make Mother Teresa so healthy she'd tapdance.

Cupboard pics

2007-03-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

Ok Carly-

What's your take? I think we're going to plan on stenciling....

Manifesting abundance and bliss

2007-03-19T12:02:00.000-07:00

I am going to take some time and really manifest the things that I want and that will make me happy. Part of me feels like I should wait until treasure mapping time, but then I realized, I can manifest all the time and I'm not technically "treasure mapping" a visual right now, so it's ok ;)

Firstly, I am GOING to be a midwife within the next 4-5 years. I will make it happen. If I'm going to live a life where I have to work the majority of my waking hours, it WILL be something important and worthwhile, and it WILL be something I enjoy doing. I am starting by taking childbirth support classes in June. :D I'm very excited about this, it is a big step for me. More on this late.

Secondly, I am going to work to build the equity in my home with remodels. My house is a diamond in the rough. Once I'm through, it will be an absolutely stunning piece of property. I do not plan on selling, but I would like to refi, and here's why.

I've decided that once I refinance, I am going to withdraw about 60k. With that money, I am going to buy a couple acres or so (probably in the middle of nowhere- and all the better really). This land will at first be for recreation, but I have a couple of other ideas for it. I would like to build my hobbit houses. Tons of them. I don't know yet what I'm going to do with them, but I want to have them there. Seems like it would just be good to have a secluded property available to me and my family should we ever need it. Please see this amazing website:

http://www.simondale.net/house/index.htm

Perhaps I can contact these people and get blueprints. These are amazing. It think they say it'll be about 9-10k American to build these dwellings. How awesome!!!!

They can be there when dad wants to retire, if we want to just get away, or (and here's the conspiracy theorist in me) if anything 'happens' where you need to get somewhere safe.

My other thought is, there is a place called the Farm in TN where they have midwives at almost a resort for lack of a better word. You can travel there to give birth and just stay until you have your baby, Ooooooor if you live nearby, you can just travel there once you go into labor. Perhaps my hobbit houses can be simliar?

We have an amazing midwifery school here in WA and I'm sure I could find other aspiring midwives that would be wanting to go in on this as well. I'm more thinking out loud than anything right now...

FYI-

Just got off the phone with my old midwife. She's going to need an assistant/doula in about a year. I'm on the list. I'm going to call them in June after my doula training and make it happen. I already know that they love me. Hurray!!!!!

What the hell is wrong with my pics?

2007-03-16T11:54:00.000-07:00

Can someone tell me why my pics don't show up? Let's try this again!!

How cute is my baby, you ask?

2007-03-16T10:50:00.000-07:00

Just for those of you who weren't aware ;)

I'm Grateful!

2007-03-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. I've had a gloomy couple of days, so I decided today would be a good day to remember why I'm grateful! I'll bet I can come up with 10 things if I think hard ; )

1. I finally bought a house! Yay!

2. I also finally signed up for my doula training courses (childbirth support!!) Yay #2!

3. Jake comes home from being out of town today.

4. Jake doesn't have to go out of town for his job anymore! :D

5. One of my best good friends Xamara is coming over to see my new house today.

6. I had an amazing lunch break with my friends at work.

7. My baby is learning to walk and he is quite possibly the cutest thing in the world.

8. I have great friends.

9. I got a job interview yesterday for what seems like a really awesome job!

10. I just got some really good books in the mail :)

I do feel better.

Eek! Let's try this again!

2007-03-14T08:53:00.000-07:00

Hopefully these photos work! For some reason, my last post wouldn't let me edit! Not sure what's up with that!

House part II- The Livingroom

2007-03-13T10:56:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! Here's the livingroom. It's honestly really lacking a few things. I need to get a large black entertainment center (need- hahaha. It's what I picture anyway!), I could also use a nice large maroon and tan rug and curtains. I will also be painting that room what they call 'bamboo'. It's basically tan. It'll look good ; ) Not sure what color curtains yet....

Here's a pic of the weird brick facade thingy on the floor of the fireplace- not sure what they were thinking. I'm going to replace that with something else...maybe stones? That could be cool.

And here's one of the cool vents I've got throughout the house (gas heat- who knew? I've never lived anywhere where that was available before...)

So this room will have new paint, new curtains, a rug, new entertainment center (at some point), and a new floor by the fireplace. The windows are single pane...I'd like to replace them with double pane so they're more heat efficient, but I just know I'd have to get them special made since it's such an old style and size. I love it though!!!!

There's also a blank wall behind the couch that really needs something... I really don't know what though :( Maybe I'll find two large hangings that compliment eachother (that odd light fixture is in the middle- will replace it with a different fixture). Oooh! I almost forgot- the two sconces above the fireplace will be replaced also. They're really not that bad, but the one is missing it's shade...not sure what happened there. I'm guessing the previous owners broke it or something...

I adopted a puppy!

2007-03-11T19:47:00.002-07:00

I meant to post this a few weeks ago when we got her, but we got a new puppy (right after posting about how you should adopt a pet- and I honestly didn't even think about that when I got her. How's that for manifesting?) Just wanted to share a couple quick pics. She's a rott/australian shepphard. About 11 weeks old now. We are having a helluva time potty training her, but she does really well with other commands. We've named her Willow and she's super sweet. The only thing I don't really love about her (and Carly, I hadn't gotten up the guts to tell yout his yet) but she hates (hates isn't quite the right word...) cats and small dogs. She LOVES to play with big dogs and keeps up with them quite well, but I've seen her pin a couple of cats against the wall and she tries to eat my sister's dog. This may become a dilemma because I'm with my sis and Carly a lot- and they both have very small dogs. Not to mention, I should be bringing my dog hating cat home soon, but that's another story.

Anywho, here she is!

My new house part I- The Office

2007-03-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

Hello All!!! A quick update on the new house. I have some photos of the office to post. The rest of the house is prettt messy still, and less put together than this room. This, of course, is not the FINAL FINAL product. I will paint eventually... I know it would've made more sense to paint first, but we couldn't afford it at the time and I didn't want to stare at blank walls (who does?) It wouldn't let me stick the photos where I wanted them, it just lumped them together-sorry about that. I'm thinking about painting the walls red...any thoughts? Maybe bamboo instead? I love the weird old closet- it makes a lot more sense than I originally thought it did (now that I have clothes in it!!).

I think there are hard woods under the carpet- but I actually don't hate this carpet...so for now, I think we just need to paint the walls and get some curtains.

: )

Good Search!!!

2007-03-09T14:19:00.000-08:00

So sorry I've been too busy to post lately- I just moved into my new house!! Will post photos possibly this weekend. Just wanted to note, I've come across a search engine:

http://www.goodsearch.com/Default.aspx

It donates one cent everytime you use it to your favorite charity on the list. I chose NoCirc (see my fave links! www.nocirc.com). I encourage you to do the same!!!!

Dr. Dani's top 10 ways to beat depression and anxiety!

2007-02-21T06:57:00.000-08:00

I have no idea what inspired me to post this blog this morning. I was just sitting there and thinking of all of the ways to make life a little more cheery. It seems to me that there has been a giant surge in the use of anti depressants. I honestly believe that *most* depression can be treated naturally. Now, I do realize there are those cases out there where anti depressants are more of a necessity, so I don't mean to offend. As someone who has dealt with some chronic depression in the past, and someone who deals with some minor seasonal depression now, these are the things that have helped me (when anti depressants DID NOT).

1. B vitamins. This is crucial. The B vitamins are for your mental health. When you are deficient, you will suffer. B1 (thiamine) turns glucose into fuel. If you lack B1, you will suffer with fatigue- which can turn to depression. B3 (niacin)- a defeciency of B3 can cause Pellegra which produces psychosis and dementia. It can also cause extreme anxiety. B5 (pantothenic acid) assists in the uptake of amino acids to the brain. A lack of this vitamin will cause severe depression. B6 (pyrodoxine) is needed to process seratonin (the chemical that produces the 'happy feeling'), melatonin (the chemical that assists in sleeping), and dopamine (essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system). B12- This one is near and dear to me. Being a vegetarian makes it much harder for me to get enough B12 and so it is basically necessary for me to take a supplement (which I haven't been doing lately and now I'm extremely bitchy- I'm off to the drug store at lunch!). B12 deficiency causes pernicious anemia. The symptoms are mood swings, paranoia, dizziness, irritability, hallucinations, dementia, mania, appetite loss, heart palpatations, shortness of breath, and tingling extremeties. This is a VERY important vitamin.

In addition to your important B vitamins- I would also advise an uptake in vitamin C, Iron, Zinc, Potassium, Calcium, and Manganese.

2. Drink MORE WATER!!! I think the majority of the population is dehydrated. Dehydration can cause fatigue, decreased brain activity (your brain is 85% water), and it can also cause severe headaches. The one thing that throws me into depression easily is fatigue. I am the sort of person that wants to be going going going. When I am fatigued, I feel absolutely useless.

Being dehydrated increases your level of fear and anxiety.

People often mistake being 'hungry' when they are actually 'thirsty'. When you are thirsty- your body is craving water. People tend to overeat when they are dehydrated which can cause you to be overweight. People who are overweight have a higher chance of dealing with depression.

I would say a good rule is if you're not going #1 six times a day, you should probably drink some more water.

3. Listen to uplifting music! When you are in a funk, listening to sad music is just going allow you to wallow in your sorrow. Which brings me to...

4. Dance! Dancing around your living room in your pjs is just going to make you laugh at yourself. You can't be sad then ; )

5. Get plenty of exercise. Taken from MayoClinic:

"Research suggests that it may take at least 30 minutes of exercise a day for at least three to five days a week to significantly improve symptoms of depression. However, smaller amounts of activity — as little as 10 to 15 minutes at a time — have been shown to improve mood in the short term. "So, small bouts of exercise may be a great way to get started if it's initially too difficult to do more," Dr. Vickers-Douglas says.
Just how exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety isn't fully understood. Researchers believe that exercise prompts changes in both mind and body.
Some evidence suggests that exercise postively affects the levels of certain mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain. Exercise may also boost feel-good endorphins, release tension in muscles, help you sleep better and reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It also increases body temperature, which may have calming effects. All of these changes in your mind and body can improve such symptoms as sadness, anxiety, irritability, stress, fatigue, anger, self-doubt and hopelessness."

When I was dealing with horribly severe anxiety, exercize helped me tremendously. I got to the point where I was becoming agoraphobic (wouldn't leave the house unless absolutely necessary), and I was also struggling with falling asleep at night. I would lay in bed and have tremors and anxiety attacks until I would eventually pass out from sheer exhaustion, only to have to wake up a couple hours later for work. This is no way to live people!!! When I began my exercise routine (which I should get back on top of!), I slowly began to fall asleep more easily. That with the help of valerian root tea got me back on track.

6. BELIEVE in the power of positive thinking. It is a very real, and very powerful thing. YOU can make things happen and change your life, and knowing you have that control is very uplifting. You need to change the way you're looking at your current situation and change the way you're processing your thoughts. Let's have a couple of examples:

During my extreme anxiety, I was always afraid I was going to have an anxiety attack, and I was afraid they were never going to go away. These thoughts crossed my mind many times throughout a day. Everytime I was thinking these thoughts, I was just confirming that they were indeed going to happen. I suffered for 4-5 years because of this. Towards the end, I got to the point where I just REFUSED to live like that any longer. I started telling myself, I DO NOT SUFFER FROM ANXIETY ANY MORE. I WILL NOT SUFFER FROM ANXIETY ANY MORE. I told myself that it was all in my head, and that everything is ok (because it was, and it is!). By replacing my fear of anxiety with the affirmation that I do not suffer from anxiety, I banished my attacks. I have not suffered in about 2 years now. It is gone.

Let's use a depression example:

Perhaps your significant other has left you. This is a big one for everyone, so I thought it would be a good example. It's bound to at best upset you, at worst send you into a depression. Change is so hard sometimes, but you need to look at it in a positive light (even something as 'negative' and hard as a significant other leaving). As cliche as it sounds, I really enjoy the saying 'everything happens for a reason'. You have to believe this with unwaivering faith. Everything does happen for a reason, and I'm sure your s.o. left because your soul mate is right around the corner. What if you missed him/her because you were in the wrong relationship??!!! See how easy that was? ; )

Affirmations are always good as well. Pick a mantra and repeat it over and over. Perhaps (for this example):

* I enjoy being independent and having the freedom to always do what I want to do.

Isn't that a great positive spin?? And better yet, it's true!

7. Keep a gratitude journal. This is sort of an add on to #6...
Enter in your journal every night 10 reasons why you are blessed and grateful. This will remind you of the good things you're not focusing on when you're looking at the things that are making you sad.

8. Get out in the sun!!! Try to get outside and go to the beach, walk to the park, go hiking, go boating, go camping... Anything to get some fresh air and some sunlight. If it's winter, try skiing, snowboarding, snow shoe-ing (how the hell do you spell that???), intertubing, ice skating... Being outdoors even during cloud cover still gives you the benefits of being in the sun. This often times also goes hand in hand with #5.

9. Spend some time with a good friend. Do something fun, even if you don't think you feel like it. Try to find something that wont allow you to focus on anything upsetting. My votes are going for pie at a hole in the wall restaurant and having a good chat, go out dancing (this covers #3, #4, #5!), go to a great concert, see if there are any listings for local theatre (I mean live theatre, not movie theatre- which I don't suggest personally), go get tattoos!!!!, treat yourself to a spa facial or massage (or both!).

10. If you feel the need, try out a good herbal supplement for depression/anxiety before going head-first into using anti depressants. I highly suggest 5-HTP (which I had a Dr. confirm as 100% safe, and I found 100% effective), St. John's Wart (never worked for me, but some people swear by it), melatonin supplements (aid in falling asleep and also a mood elevator- try not to take right before work!), Valerian root extract (Valium was patterned after valerian root...just a little fun fact for the day!)

I hope this is beneficial for someone. Depression and anxiety can literally ruin your life, so don't let it any longer! I feel for people on anti depressants thinking that it is going to cure them. I've never seen a single person cured by anti depressants (or honestly even helped much), and that's because they're not a cure. They don't attack the root cause of your depression. Find the root cause and fix it!

Your life is worth enjoying!

I'm here for support if anyone needs it. It's good to know sometimes that someone has gone through what you're going through, and they made it to the light at the end of the tunnel.

Much love to everyone!

I am DONE with PETA

2007-02-16T09:45:00.000-08:00

I will start by saying that none of this changes my stance on veg*nism. I am still a very passionate vegetarian. I have just learned that PETA has been euthanizing their excess shelter animals and throwing them away in garbage bags. Apparently since 1998, 90% of the animals that have come in to the shelter have been killed.

As an animal rights activist, I am literally sickened at learning of these events. PETA is the face of animal rights, and they are two faced, hypocritical bastards.

Taken from this website:

http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/535593.html

"A PETA spokeswoman, Kathy Guillermo, said PETA never wanted to get into the business of euthanizing animals. But she said the group couldn't ignore the horrible conditions in animal shelters around Norfolk and in northeastern North Carolina. The group now euthanizes thousands of animals a year.
"Euthanasia is a better alternative to sitting in a stinking pound," Guillermo said."

I disagree with their logic. If they had such an abundance of animals, they needed to do a better job having them adopted rather than killing them. How is it that there are great organizations like www.paws.com that can take in all of these animals and not kill any? They advertise and they run specials and they do EVERYTHING they can to get their animals adopted.

I am so horribly horribly saddened and appalled. PETA will never receive my support again.

Taken from this webpage:

http://www.petakillsanimals.com/petaTrial.cfm

"One Norfolk television station aired a heartbreaking interview with the manager of the supermarket whose dumpster became an impromptu pet cemetery. "They just slung the doors [open] and started throwing dogs ... beautiful cats. I saw a [dead] beagle last week that was pregnant ... last week it was 23 or 24 dogs ... it's happened to us nine times ... they drove straight from there, straight here, and disposed of the dogs in 30 seconds."

Please consider getting your next pet from a no kill animal shelter.

Ahem- Drum Roll Please!

2007-02-12T09:21:00.000-08:00

Hello all! I realize I haven't posted anything exciting in quite some time and it's because....

WE BOUGHT A HOUSE! That manifesting thing worked out to my advantage. I was just planning on renting a house originally!!! Then I thought about it and I thought about it....I wanted to own a house. Then I can do to it what I please dammit!

Here are a few photos of the front of my new house:

I will eventually paint the outside a nice sagey green and probably get a natural wood looking door with some stained glass...

We're also going to be doing some hardcore landscaping in the front and back yard this summer. I will post photos as I go : )

Here's the rustic fireplace and hardwoods with built in sconces and awesome windows (the whole house is just full of light!). You can see a slight glimpse of our decent sized porch out of the right window. Unfortunately I think we will need to rebuild the porch sometime...It's sturdy enough for now, but it doesn't have a ton of life left in it.

This is the window right as you walk in the front door. There's a pretty cool old school looking chandelier there and awesome built ins. Time to get some fancy show off wine glasses : )

I don't have any photos I can post of the kitchen the bedrooms or the back yard unfortunately. I forgot my digital when I went and saw it again (we don't move in until March), so I bought a throw away camera and my scanner is packed already.

The back yard is going to be a huge amount of work, but it'll be so much fun. It needs a fence and landscaping badly. There's a veggie garden built in, but I don't like the layout so I'm going to rip it out. There's also a clothes line *cemented* into the ground. That'll be a fun one to remove. I get the feeling we'll be replanting new grass at some point...

The two downstairs bedrooms are modest in size, probably 10x10. The upstairs bedroom has vaulted ceilings and is probably 10x20. Giant windows in all the bedrooms!

The kitchen is probably as old as the rest of the house...eep! Because it's so expensive to put in new cabinetry, for now we are going to paint the cabinets dark green and put on knobs shaped like leaves. That'll be good. There is a big window above the kitchen sink with shelving built off to the sides that will be perfect for plants. I'm excited!

Stay posted for pics of our progress. It'll probably be at least a good month before I can post anything good, but I'll be back!!!

Also- it's my baby's 1st birthday soon! Just an early warning. there will be photos by May ;)

Love ya'll!

Frugal Check in 2/5-2/11

2007-02-12T08:47:00.000-08:00

Not too bad this week I don't think! Super busy today (when am I not super busy?), so a quick log-

Starbucks- $9.01

Half Price Books (this is where it gets a bit bad..)- $31.39 (That was allll Jake btw).

Quiznos (lunch with Brandi!)- $8.79 (they are so much more expensive than Subway!)

Corner store for some V8 splash juice- $5.58

Total- $54.77

Not bad! I'm stayin on the wagon this time too. I haven't bought starbucks much at all the last week or so. Yay! Wish me luck!

Really late frugal check in!

2007-02-09T06:30:00.000-08:00

I suck lately guys! I can't stay on top of posting and I haven't been super frugal. For the week of 1/29- 2/4, here is my spending (not so hot, fyi).

Safeway- $48.88

Thrift store shopping (found a juiceman juicer!!!)- $14.20

Starbucks- $20.54 (I am vowing right now to cut back again, however. I've been completely binging on coffee, and you know what they say about too much of a good thing. It's starting to not be as yummy as it normally is.)

Lunch at Grazi with Ruthie!- $14.24

Lunch a different day at Thai Rama with Leigh (ohhhh, that sounds really good right now...)- $7.78 (I had a coupon!)

And to top all of that off- Binging at Ross!!!- $111 I don't know what came over me. Oh wait, yes I do. I took Sarah's boyfriend Abe, and he's one to talk you into buying stuff ; ) I did really awesome for the amount I spent though! I got a new down comforter, 2 sets of sheets, a stainless steel garbage can with a lid for the bathroom (our old bathroom garbage can didn't have a lid, and they really ought to), a shower caddy (we REALLY needed one), a giant purple candle, and these really pretty cards with faeries on them.

Total- $216.64 Holy Poop!

Frugal Check In / Week 1/22- 1/28

2007-02-01T07:12:00.000-08:00

I am so horribly late this week!!! I've been house hunting among other things and haven't had much time to get online. So- a quick run down! Last week:

Groceries: $80.90

Starbucks: $36.41 (holy poop!)

I bought this book called 'Law of Attraction: The Basic Teachings of Abraham'. I was excited about this because it was regarding the Law of Attraction, but the way they wrote it was creepy to me. They are channelling this guy named 'Abraham' and he's teaching them about loa. I quit reading it because it wasn't for me. Not so sure how I feel about channelling...Anyways, because I was originally so excited about the book, I bought it full price (gasp!). I would normally go to half price books, but no. So, book: $18.46.

Had a hankerin to go thrift store shopping...Goodwill: $28

And lastly, I stopped by Rite Aid and picked up a couple little make up thingys I was needing (I was completely out of gloss, and that certainly will not do): $10.79

Not a great week for me....$174.56 (ugh).

However, because of the catching up we've been doing, we have paid off I believe 5 credit cards : D Heck yes sistah. One more cc to go. I'm almost done. And then we'll pay off the older car.

I know I've had my weeks that were perhaps less than frugal, but just tracking it has helped me so much with staying on top of my bills. I'm embarrassed to admit this, but I used to over draft constantly and had to go to (I can't believe I'm saying this) money tree on occassion to stay on top of things. Not anymore people. It's as simple as REALLY tracking your spending. Even this week at $174. It's still not as bad as it used to be. I never tracked, but I assume I could easily spend $500 a week. : ( That's ridiculous. And cutting back on my horrible shopping addiction has allowed me to focus on things that are more important. I go on walks with Eli, I listen to music a lot lately and dance, I try to organize the house (which for some reason is equally fulfilling as shopping- not sure why???).

I know when I note this week on Monday, it's not going to be amazing either (I needed a few extras I wouldn't normally buy on your average week), but I am going to be extra focused next week.

Hurray!

Eek! Where did the Frugal Dani go???

2007-01-24T07:07:00.000-08:00

I'm still here. Less frugal then before perhaps. It's been a crazy couple of weeks. I realize I skipped a week, and I apologize. Here is the breakdown of last week (unfortunately not by day, because I didn't have time to keep everything very nice and tidy).

I got a starbucks about 5 times last week. I have downgraded from a venti to a grande. Total- $19.52

I NEEDED to go grocery shopping. I've really been putting it off lately. It's actually good. You'd be surprised how much food you have in your house that you forgot existed. I was trying not to spend too much on groceries for awhile there. Two separate stores... Total: $80.90 (please note that probably about $30 of that is organic formula. Why oh why does it cost so much to eat food that isn't covered in pesticides or pumped with hormones?)

I made a stop by the corner store for an ice cream sandwich for Jake and a juice or something similar. Total: $5.58

There's an amazing little children's consignment shop by my house called Mimi's kids. I love the gal that owns it, and I like to go in every once in awhile and give her a bit of business. She has the BEST prices. I've seen her selling Medela Pump In Style breast pumps for $30. These things are normally $350 brand new! Anywho, I went in and spent about $21.69. It was snowing and I wanted to find some snow pants so Eli could go outside and wallow around. (It didn't last as long as I hoped). I also got this awesome little baby pop up tent thing for going to the beach!!!

There were a couple days I got a little breakfast in the cafe at work. Total: $3.

Final total for the week: $130.69. I suppose that's not as bad as I thought....it's also not amazing though. Hmmmm. I will focus more for next week.

: D

Carly

2007-01-11T13:58:00.000-08:00

I can't seem to edit my last post, and I really wanted to include a photo of Carly (I hope she doesn't kill me). Don't be jealous. Ok...be jealous. >:)

Quick Hello!

2007-01-11T13:51:00.000-08:00

I'm sad to report that I am on frugal hiatus for last week. Carly was here on vacation (is it vacation if you actually live here???), and we decided that if we tracked our spending than we perhaps wouldn't have had as much fun as was necessary. It was such a breath of fresh air to have her around. I always assumed when I was younger that EVERYONE has a best friend as I do. This is not true, come to find out, and I now realize and accept how completely blessed I am to have her in my life. Carly is not just any best friend, she is THE best friend. She is the yen to my yang. I am uplifted from just having seen her for the short week she was back. She will be back again in April at the latest, and I cannot wait.

So any old way, I will finish my gushing (to Carly's displeasure, I'm sure!), just to note that there are magical happenings afoot! I'm not going to go into details right now, but this blog will be getting more and more interesting in the months to come I am guessing. It's a new world.

Love and blessing to everyone!

Manifesting a Home Part II

2007-01-08T06:49:00.000-08:00

It's getting down to it now. We are going to move no later than the first of March. I am really going to focus my energy on what we need so that it will pop up for us.
On top of what I requested previously, we would also like these things:

1. We are looking for something with two semi separate living spaces. Sarah and Abe need a living space, and Jake, Eli, and I need a living space. Maybe a split level? We want the downstairs to have a rec room, bath room, and hopefully a bedroom. Upstairs can have the master bedroom with attached bath, second bedroom, kitchen, and living room (maybe even a third bath...?).

2. Closer to work to lessen commute. I think if I can remove even the smallest amount of stress out of my commute, it would be a good thing. It also has to be a neighborhood everyone is happy living in though.

3. W/S/G paid. : )

4. Fully fenced back yard so Sarah's dog can roam free.

5. A good landlord! This is crucial. Someone who isn't going to stress me out and drive me nuts.

You know, I think that's everything that is a NEED other than something that is within our price range. Now that all is noted, I am going to go find our house!

Resolutions!

2007-01-02T12:46:00.000-08:00

I don't generally do resolutions, but there's a few things I'd like to focus on this year. With having a sweet baby last year, I didn't focus much on anything else. It honestly felt like the year passed and I didn't do anything aside from having Eli (which is no small feat, don't get me wrong!). So here's my list:

1. I am going to be more outdoorsy. This is my number one goal. I am a prissy city girl and I feel like everyone knows it and is secretly laughing at me behind my prissy back! I am a little bit, honestly, but I'm going to get past it. It's hard in the winter due to the insane amounts of rain, but as soon as it goes away, I'm outdoors darnit! I'm going to start gardening a bit and I'm going to hike and swim and camp and before the end of the year I should be able to roll around in the mud with the best of 'em!!!!

2. The cliche I'm going to lose a few pounds. Thought #2 was a good place for it ; )

3. Carly is going to teach me how to knit I decided. I get so excited when I look at all of her patterns and I want to make stuff!

4. I have a little sewing machine I got for Christmas and I'm going to make baby slings like a crazy woman! Tons of people are having babies right now and I think everyone MUST HAVE a baby sling.

5. I am going to be greener. I already started, but I'm going to get more militant about it. We are moving closer to our places of employment soon, so that will cut back on gas usage. I'm thinking I might be green and outdoorsy enough soon to maybe think about a composting pile. That'll save garbage. I've been pretty intense with my recylcing lately and will keep that up. I just recently started cloth diapering and I'm going to try desperately to keep that up (Eli pees so much and you have to change them a lot more often! In the name of being green though!). We don't use paper towels anymore. It really wasn't a hard transition and I can't believe we didn't do it before. You can create a lot of waste with just paper towels! Sheesh! We are using canvas shopping bags now instead of plastic (we try our darndist anyway!).

Just a little tidbit about that- I read somewhere (this isn't an exact quote, but I'm pretty sure it's close to right anyway!) that plastic bags and disposable diapers are the #1 and #2 things in land fills. Food for thought.

And 6. I want to play guitar more. Well, at all really. I say more as if I've been doing it. I have two guitars and I love the idea but I'm a lazy bum when it comes to practicing. I'm one of those people that expects to be a rock star the first day and is discouraged when that doesn't come to pass ; )

Wish me luck guys!

Frugal Check in #4

2007-01-02T10:16:00.000-08:00

I did amazing last week!!! I think I may have beat Carly again : )

I went to QFC to pick up some creamer for coffee, some vegetarian corn dogs (mmm!) and some food for baby. $20.27 (Those corn dogs are expensive! Like $5 for 4, but I love them.)

I stopped by Walmart (hissss...I always end up there even though I make a point not too). I got some groceries for the house. $$18.15

I had to go one morning and get another can of formula for Eli at Haggen. $19.99

Grand total last week: $58.41

Woohoo!!!!

It may also be good to note that I paid off two credit cards this week as well. It can be fun being frugal.

Ooooh! Forgot to mention- a couple of things happened last week that could have caused me to lose (the universe still loves me though!)
1.) I ordered pizza. I wanted it so bad. Vegetarian pizza with a garlic cream sauce. It was calling my name. When the pizza got to my house, it was the wrong pizza. I was already in a bad mood and all a girl wanted was some pizza. I called and made my bad mood known (I do kind of feel bad about that...), but! FREE PIZZA! Savings: about $20

2.) I went out to eat with a girlfriend from work another day to Taco Del Mar ( I was in an eating out mood this week!). I was so proud of myself for doing such a good job, that I thought I could just treat myself to a lunch. I get there... I order my food... I get in my wallet... I have two taco del mar punchy card thingys, with a total of 10 punches. Free taco del mar! Savings: $8

3.) Sis, Abe, Jake, and I went to Red Robin to have a veggie burger on New Year's Eve. I had a gift card so it was also free. Savings: about $20

Total Savings: about $48. That's almost as much as I spent!

Frugal Check In #3...I think...

2006-12-27T06:06:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!!! I will post about my frugality today, but I didn't keep amazing track of everything because of how hectic last week was. (I do *promise promise promise* to jump back on the frugal band wagon this week and post better from now on). I'm pulling up my bank statement and my cash receipts right now so I don't forget anything...

Honestly, I think I did alright last week because I bought all of the things I needed for our Holiday party the week before. Wahahahahah!!

Yup, just as I suspected. Nothing on my debit card. Heck yes. I will mention that I did in fact buy coffee like 4 times last week, but it was ALL on starbucks gift cards. I know to some, gift cards seem impersonal, but if you want to get me a starbucks gift card I will love you to the moon and back. Jake's sweet little brother and his gf gave us a $50 gift card. That's love right there.

We did buy a couple of last minute gifts last Friday and Saturday. We spent $63 at the craft store and bought gifts for three family members. I know at some point we also went to the corner store and got some iced tea and a coke. That is ~ $3.50. That's it. I did pretty good last week (thanks to my starbucks gift card mostly). I guess I should mention that I had to return something to Fred Meyers and used that money to get the last minute dinner party things that I needed, so that helped also. And on a side note, I got a random $50 in checks in the mail last week. The universe still loves me. :)

Carly- I beat ya this week on spending! You beat me on the difference between random checks and spending though. Total spending: $66.50. Total random checks in the mail: $50. Total gift cards received (not so much random since it's the holidays): $86. Difference (not counting gift cards): -$16.50. Not too shabby my friends.

Busy busy busy busy!

2006-12-23T12:40:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Very sorry I haven't updated you on my frugalness among other things. We are much too busy right now for me to sit and do too much on the computer. I will note that I haven't been very frugal at all!! I had to buy Christmas dinner for 15 people and finish up on gifts. I probably spent $300 for last week and another $300 this week. That's my best guess. I am still getting random checks in the mail though. Oh yeah, and we're about to win powerball ; )
I don't normally buy tix, but sis says that it's at like 60 mil right now. If I win, all of my family and good friends can quit their jobs and we can start a commune. More about that later, after I win our 60 mil.

I mostly wanted to post some new pics of my little mister for All to see. I know that my Carly misses him, and everyone should really just take time to bask in his glory.

I am grateful and I am blessed/ Part 1: December

2006-12-12T10:36:00.000-08:00

So I've decided that it is very important to acknowledge The Good Things in your life. It's easy to not take the time to focus on the blessing that have been bestowed upon you, and rather, to pay attention to the stress and grief, and Things To Do in your life. I myself do not take time to write down what I'm grateful for. Carly once got me a gratitude journal, and I think I wrote in it once. I'm of the impression now that if you show the Universe that you are happy with the things she has given you, that maybe she'll send more happy things your way ; ) In either direction, if you are taking time to focus on happy things, that is time not spent dwelling on unhappy things, and that is always good. So, let's start! This month, I am grateful for:

*My beautiful son. Awwww. He is so smart and learns new tricks every day! ; ) He likes to pat me on the shoulder when I hold him and he looks up at me with big baby eyes when he nurses. He's too cute. Here is a photo of him painting for the very first time at Emma's 2nd birthday party this last Sunday:

*Random money in the mail. I've decided this is going to happen more often and the universe agrees. So far this month, I've gotten a random $96.30 in the mail (on three different occassions combined). Jake didn't realize you could get random money in the mail. Hee hee. (FYI- people aren't just shoving cash in my mail box- althought that would be pretty awesome. These are random refund checks and the such).

*Jake. I am going to start being nicer to him too, that's how much I am grateful for him. I still need to lose 15 lbs to be prebaby weight, but he's never said anything. He always tells me I'm beautiful. And he takes out the garbage. And he let me open a Yule gift early... it was really great makeup from Benefit. He remembered the things that I was pining over when we were there a couple months before, and he went back and bought them. And he's cute. See:

Be still my heart.

*The perfect Yule tree (I'm having a hard time saying Yule instead of Christmas. I know it's all the same traditions, but it belonged to Yule first dammit. And I'm going to say Yule. Or is it Yuletide? Hm.) Anywho, we got the perfect tree. It is the perfect height and it is the perfect bushiness.<-- Is that even a word?

*The perfect father time ornament for the perfect Yuletide tree. After walking around Fred Meyer in despair, thinking I would never find the perfect tree ornament, there he was in all of his father time glory. Yessss.

*Sarah and Abraham (Trippy, isn't it?) They are fabulous. I would lose my mind without them.

*Coffee. Everyday I am grateful for coffee. Everyday, coffee is there for me. To pick me up when I'm down. To put a smile on my face. Mmmm. I'll have some now.

More next month!

Frugal check in- Week 2

2006-12-11T10:24:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. I was horrible last week : ( Carly is going to blow me out of the water. Well, not as horrible as I could have been, but definately not what I would call frugal I guess. We are hosting Christmas at our house this year, and I want everything to be perfect. I have been trying to get all of the gifts together for everyone and make the house cute and festive. I certainly could have done a lot worse....

Anywho, here's the basic breakdown (not to the cent, I forgot to keep all of my receipts).

Monday: A gal on mothering sent me a gift card for $25 to Sur La Table. Hurray! That's basically money in the bank ; ) Except, I went over a couple bucks...so,
Monday = $2.13

Tuesday: I bought my dear sweet Carly a gift (this shouldn't count! He he he > : ) I got part of it too though. We now each have super cute twin goddess necklaces! It was of the utmost importance that I buy them, so I don't feel too bad. My Carly deserved a gift. On a much sadder note, Tuesday I bought myself a starbucks. Oh the shame.
Tuesday = $19

Wednesday: $0!!! Heck yes.

Thursday: $0 (I'm on a roll.)

Friday: (Notice the downhill snowball starting on Friday...) Grocery shopping for everyone in my household: $90 (Not too awful for basically 5 people and I haven't really grocery shopped in a couple weeks. Please note also that I have to buy formula about once a week at $20 each or so).
Ordered a movie online/ The Secret $4.95 ( http://whatisthesecret.tv/-- worth the $5! It doesn't matter that I wasn't the most frugal this week because money is on it's way!)
Friday= $95

Saturday: I bought myself Starbucks yet again on Saturday. I am shameless apparently. I did, however, buy a grande instead of a venti. At least there is some kind of conscious effort happening here...
Also Saturday, Jake went to Haggen to pick up more groceries. We needed coffee syrup and things to make banana bread for my sweet Emma's 2nd birthday! I don't know how this happened, but it was $21.50. I had a strong urge Sunday night to go to the thrift store (at least it wasn't the mall?). I bought three pair of fabulous shoes (I can never find three pair of shoes at the mall that I like, much less the thrift store!), and one bread machine (this will save money in the future, right???). $20 there.
Saturday total: $45.51

Sunday: (Please forgive me...) Sunday morning we went to Emma baby's 2nd birthday. All was well during that time and we had fun. We decided afterward to get our Yule/Christmas Tree! How exciting, right? Yes, but pricey. Hmmm. We stopped at the thrift store and got a tree stand and what we thought were strands of lights (all of my lights died last year and I'm not going to twist everyone of those bastards off trying to figure out which one broke it!). That and Jake decided to buy every episode of Starwars on video tape (wha?). You can't stop that boy when he thinks he wants something. I can't complain because he basically lets me have anything I want and doesn't ask for much. So every Starwars movie on vhs it is, even though I doubt they'll get any use. Total at Value Village: $20.31. Then we went and met sis and Abe to get our Christmas tree at Fred Meyer. I fell in love with a really cool Father Time/ Green Man/ Santa Claus type ornament. Ornament was $7. Our part of the tree was $12.5. FM total: $19.50. We get home and remove the lights from the lovely plastic bag that VV puts them in. These are icicle lights. These will not do. Back out to K-mart (what a trip that was! I haven't been to K-mart in at least ten years...). Kmart- we get 450 white lights for $16.99. We also get more bulbs, we did not have enough. 18 bulbs for something like $9. They didn't have a nice mix of the colors I wanted, so my lovely sis mixed and matched a box for me and I was the lookout. ; ) On our way back , I was thirsty for something bad. Had to get Jake something too. That was about $6 or so. So...I need about ten minutes to total up Sunday (hahaha).
Sunday= $72.73 (oh my)

Total spending for the week: $234.37

Frugal? Not so much.

On another note, however, I am also in the process of decluttering my house. During this adventure, I have sold quite a few things on my works 'for sale' page. I think I probably made about $20 last week or so. Not amazing, but better than no money. I am going to post our crappy Subaru Justy later tonight on Craig's List too. We should get about $1100 for it, it's a sought after car (Don't ask me why because I haven't a clue. I bought it on a fluke, not because it's a collector's car- hee hee).

So anyway, not a frugal week. I will try harder next week. : )

Manifesting a Home....

2006-12-05T13:28:00.000-08:00

Ok, so my dad always tells me that you have to manifest the things you want for yourself and that your focus determines your reality. Anyone that knows him is probably laughing right now, because that is basically his catch phrase. : )

I want to move soon. I keep almost jumping the gun, but I know everything will turn out better if we wait a bit. I'm thinking probably April or so. That will be just in time for Eli's first birthday! Anywho, I am now going to begin manifesting my home. If I start now, I think certainly by April it should happen. I would love to buy a house, but that's basically a joke in this area. You never know what might happen though...maybe something will come up? Either way, even if I have to rent, I'm going to find something I LIKE and WANT to live in. I'm tired of moving all the damn time because I can't find a place to be.

Here is a short list (haha) of the things I'd like my home to have/be -(keep in mind that some of these may be a little extreme, but a girl can wish, right???):

1.) They MUST take one cat, and one small dog. I have an Abyssinian cat that I absolutely adore, and he's been with my dad the last couple of years. I want my cat back!

(He looks very much like this guy, but grey. Fyi- if you want a cat- think about an abyssinian. By far the coolest most loyal cat I've ever had. His name is Oscar in case you were wondering.)

2.) 3 bedrooms, 2 baths.

3.) One of the baths should have a clawfoot bathtub, like this one (not a neccessity, but I'm having fun!):

4.) Room for a garden where I can grow red peppers, and herbs, and dahlias, and lots of other things! ( I would also like a smallish blackberry bush existing there already on that note...)

5.) Huge windows so I can have lots of sunshine and happy plants indoors.

6.) Rustic looking hardwood floors (I want them to be kind of older looking with some cool knots in them. I don't wants pefectly polished, fake looking wood floors).

7.) We must have at least one ceiling fan. Not because it's hot (it's not anywhere near hot in my book), but because my child LOVES to stare at ceiling fans. He will watch a ceiling fan for days in sheer awe.

8.) I would really love an awesome tree outside in the yard. We have a cool tree out back right now that I like to look at, and I don't want to lose that when we move.

This is it for now, but I will probably post a part two at some point : )

Frugal Check In #1

2006-12-04T06:49:00.000-08:00

Alright- so this wasn't an entire week (remember, I started Wednesday!), but I feel like I did a great job for me!! I started out by removing all of the plastic out of my wallet (including both debit cards) and I also removed my checkbook from my purse (I'm one of those people that thinks if you have checks, you obviously have money. Shame, shame on me for that). I carried only cash, and I feel like I used very little of it. I'm almost positive Carly is going to put me to shame, but regardless I am still pretty proud of myself! Here's the break down:

Wednesday:

QFC:
Coffee creamer (saved me from buying starbucks)
Stamps (An essential really. Although, Carly informs me that if you do online banking, you save $50 a year in stamps).
Total: $10.15

Sunday: (notice no spending on my part between Thurs and Sat. Amazing!)

Starbucks (note: I have no drip coffee pot at my house and was going to die without coffee)
One drip coffee (very cheap- I did not get a venti flavored mocha!!)
Total: $1.47

Walmart (please forgive me- I do hate walmart, but their organic baby formula is half the price as anywhere else. And fyi, I don't formula feed exclusively- and certainly not by choice).

Organic Baby Formula
Free range eggs
Pepperjack cheese
Total: $20.62

Total since Wednesday: $32.34

Now, Carly and I have gone back and forth a few times, because we're not sure whether or not to track or significant others spending (please post a comment if you have a thought on this...)
I think it would be good to make sure that they're not eating up all of the money themselves, but I don't know if there's anyway for me to know how much money Jake is actually spending. I highly doubt he would bring me receipts for everything. From what I know this is Jakes spending:

Saturday:

Smoke shop:
Can of tobacco- this is equal to ten packs of cigarettes (much cheaper than a pack of smokes in the long run, however not as frugal or healthy as not smoking altogether.)
Total: $17.98

Chevron:
Soda
Raspberry iced tea
Total: ?? Maybe $3?

That puts Jake's total at $20.98. That puts our combined total at $53.32 in 5 days. That doesn't sound as good :(

Believe it or not, that's actually amazing for us. Especially being that we both had pay days on Friday.

And just to note, so far in the last five days (not counting today, Monday), I have saved between $20 and $34 from not buying Starbucks. That is counting that I bought a drip on Sunday, and I did deduct that amount. Go me.

On another note, Jake would have spent $60 on 10 packs of cigarettes, and spent $17.98, so that saves $42.02. We wont see that extra cash flow until about next week though.

So with coffee and cigarettes this week, we ended up saving a ballpark total of between $62 and $76. Wild!!!!!
My oh my, how vices will suck the money right out of you!

Stay posted next week and we'll see if we can do even better!

(If you have any great frugal ideas that pertain to me, please feel free to post them in comments.)

Working on Frugality

2006-11-30T09:14:00.000-08:00

My name is Dani, and I am a horrible shopoholic/ spender. It's the one thing I hate most about myself, and it's more embarrassing then you might imagine. I just need to get it out there so I can hold myself accountable. I was speaking with my best friend Carly via text message earlier, and she was telling me about her plan to spend hardly anything in the next few months. This is what I need to do. We've decided to challenge eachother for the least amount of money spent (this will be slightly easier for me now that I've basically finished Christmas shopping > : )

We are going to count every dime that we spend aside from bills and gas. We will count groceries, as they can be downsized.

I will log on and post my spendings from the previous week on Mondays. Next week will only have the spendings from today until Sunday (since I'm just starting this now).

This means- No more Starbucks. No more Christmas shopping (or minimal anyway- I still need to get my brother a couple things). No more Macy's. No more eating out for breakfast and lunch at work.

I am going to be removing my debit cards, credit cards, AND even my checkbook from my purse. I will give myself a limited amount of cash each week. This is a bit scary. Wish me luck!!!!

And because that last post didn't capture the cuteness that is my baby:

2006-11-28T13:04:00.000-08:00

Eat your heart out.

; )

Carly- This is for you!!!

2006-11-28T12:57:00.000-08:00

Alright- this is not the greatest picture of my sweet chub, *but* you can kind of see his first tooth. It is impossible to get a picture of this child while he's not moving, so the chances of me getting another photo of his tooth are slim to none. If you look very closely, on the bottom left hand side (his right, your left), you can see a little white speck. HIS FIRST TOOTH!!!! And now, he actually has a second tooth coming in next to that one. TWO TEETH! It's amazing. Not only did I make a human being, but he has teeth. : )

Tarot Card for the Week

2006-11-28T10:57:00.000-08:00

Five of Wands!

This card is taken from the Benedetti Tarot.

The card represents the critical factor for the issue at hand. Five of Wands (Strife): An intense struggle motivated purely by the love of competition. A state of seeming chaos driven by endless small disputes and complications. A hotly contested race, debate, game, or other challenge. A stressful situation that brings out the best in the participants.

This sounds like my life in general these days. Chaotic to say the least. We have a busy household and it seems like there are never ending errands lately (on top of taking care of a teething cherub!). Well hey, at least it'll bring out the best in me, right?

Belief-O-Matic Quiz!

2006-11-28T10:23:00.000-08:00

I forget how this happened originally, but I've stumbled across the 'Belief-O-Matic' quiz a few times. I have taken it every time I've come across it, and everytime it is the same. It was actually pretty eye opening to me, and I've forwarded it to many people in the past. If you've never taken this quiz, I highly suggest it!!! You will be asked a series of questions based on your 'religious' or 'spiritual' beliefs, and ranked by which religions fit your descriptions accordingly.

Here are my results:

Your Results:
The top score on the list below represents the faith that Belief-O-Matic, in its less than infinite wisdom, thinks most closely matches your beliefs. However, even a score of 100% does not mean that your views are all shared by this faith, or vice versa.Belief-O-Matic then lists another 26 faiths in order of how much they have in common with your professed beliefs. The higher a faith appears on this list, the more closely it aligns with your thinking.

1. Neo-Pagan (100%)
2. New Age (87%)
3. Mahayana Buddhism (80%)
4. Unitarian Universalism (80%)
5. Jainism (76%)
6. Hinduism (74%)
7. Liberal Quakers (69%)
8. Theravada Buddhism (66%)
9. New Thought (65%)
10. Sikhism (65%)
11. Scientology (64%)
12. Reform Judaism (59%)
13. Bahá'í Faith (49%)
14. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (49%)
15. Orthodox Quaker (47%)
16. Taoism (45%)
17. Secular Humanism (43%)
18. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (41%)
19. Orthodox Judaism (39%)
20. Islam (29%)
21. Seventh Day Adventist (19%)
22. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (18%)
23. Nontheist (18%)
24. Jehovah's Witness (16%)
25. Eastern Orthodox (16%)
26. Roman Catholic (16%)
27. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (14%)

I think that's relatively right on, other than the 64% Scientologist. I kinda think they're a cult and they scare me.

Here's what they have to say about neo pagans (me):

Neo-Pagans are a community of faiths bringing ancient Pagan and magickal traditions to the modern age--including mostly Wicca but also Druidism, Asatru, Shamanism, neo-Native American, and more. Neo-Pagan is an umbrella term for various and diverse beliefs with many elements in common. Some Neo-Pagans find no incongruence practicing Neo-Paganism along with adherence to another faith, such as Christianity or Judaism.
•
Belief in DeitySome believe in a Supreme Being. Many believe in God and Goddess--a duality. Many believe there are countless spirit beings, gods and goddesses, in the cosmos and within all of nature--God is all and within all; all are one God. The Great Mother Earth, or Mother Nature, is highly worshipped. Divinity is immanent and may become manifest within anyone at any time through various methods.
•
IncarnationsNo human incarnations are worshipped in particular, as all of nature and the universe are considered embodiments of God and Goddess, or of gods and goddesses, worthy of respect, reverence, or worship.
•
Origin of Universe and LifeGenerally, there is no conflict between observations revealed through science and Neo-Pagan beliefs on origins of the physical universe and of man. Many believe in a supreme intelligence that created a duality of God/Goddess who then created a spirit world of gods and goddesses as well as all of the universe and nature.
•
After DeathMany believe in reincarnation after some rest and recovery in the "Otherworld." There is generally no concept of hell as a place of punishment, but some believe wrongdoing can trap the soul in state of suffering after death. Some (Wicca) believe the soul joins their dead ancestors who watch over and protect their family. Some believe that life energy continues in some, if unknown, form. Some believe in various spiritual resting places. Many say we don't or can't know what happens after death.
•
Why Evil?"Evil" is imbalance. Most believe there is no evil but rather that people sometimes make mistakes. Wrongdoing results when we forget we are one with the universal spirit.
•
SalvationThe concept of "salvation" is essentially irrelevant; rather the belief that people can attain spiritual balance and harmony with each other and nature. The path includes group ceremonies, dances, songs/chants, prayers, meditation, trance, altered states of consciousness, the metaphysical, magic, invoking or evoking deities or spirits, Tantric practices. Intercessors are commonly used: psychics, seers, shamans, tarot, Oui-Ja board. Ethical choices are influenced by a belief that one is rewarded or punished within this or after this lifetime for one's choices and an ethical code to do no harm.
•
Undeserved SufferingMost do not believe in Satan or any spirit being as the cause of suffering. Some believe in a karma-like principle, that choosing to live a life of wrongdoing and pain will naturally result in suffering in this or later lifetimes. Many view suffering as a result of spiritual imbalance in one's life or on the planet or in the universe. The focus is generally on healing suffering rather than answering definitively why it exists.
•
Contemporary IssuesAbortion is not condemned, as there is no official doctrine; beliefs about abortion range the full spectrum. Views on divorce, homosexuality, and gender equality are generally very supportive of human differences, equality, and personal choice. Many believe that involvement in community action, especially regarding environmental concerns, is integral to the belief in human interdependence and worship of the Earth Mother.

The link to beliefnet is under my fave links. Feel free to take the quiz and post your results in comments! Who knows- maybe you'll have a revelation.