Monday Motivation ~ Learning New Skills

Back at Monday and looking forward to what lies ahead this week. Anybody working on something new either on your job or for those who work from home? One good idea is learning new skills especially during a slow period.

To jazz things up on-the-job, check to see if the company offers training courses in an area that could enhance your skills. If you want to be more tech-savvy, look for courses about editing websites, or advance your knowledge with Powerpoint and Excel. As co-workers take vacations, you may be asked to take on some of their work. It sure would help their inbox when returning from a week long vacation.

Check around the internet for free online courses that you can take in your downtime at work right at the workstation. Make sure to ask your supervisor if it's OK and explain the connection of learning new skills. For those who work from home and the assignments have slowed, this is a good time to enhance your skills in an area you've wanted to explore, but didn't have time.

First day of Summer

Hello to all my blog readers and visitors. It's not only Hump Day Wednesday, but the first day of summer. Yep, the temps already feel like we're months into the season. What better way to kickoff the season than with this classic hit from Sly & The Family Stone.

The summer weekend getaways and vacation time from work are in the planning stages. I'm already thinking about the cool summer salads that will be enjoyed with slices of seasonal fruits on top that are sweet and nutritious in every bite like juicy Georgia peaches, cantaloupe, and strawberries.

By the way, its National Vanilla Milkshake Day. How about treating the kids and yourself to a milkshake at your favorite ice cream shop. Let's have hot fun all summer long!

Frugal Tip of the Day

Hello everybody, my to-do list is running full blast. How about yours? Let's see what terrific things are in store for Tuesday.

It sure is good news that prices at the pump have gone down around many states including Georgia. Who would have ever thought we'd be jumping for joy at lower gas prices still in the $3 dollar range. It's cool as every dollar saved at the pump keeps a little more money in the wallet.

So here's my Frugal Tip of the Day ->If you are now shaving off $5-10 dollars that used to go into the gas tank when you filled up, start saving that extra money for summer vacation travels you will take by car. Plus, we all know gas prices are fickle and could begin to rise again. Be ready for it by saving those extra dollars while gas is lower at the pumps now.

Frugal Fun Summer

As summer vacation plans take shape, checking the family budget will be a priority. A frugal summer is not be so bad and there are plenty of ways to enjoy the summertime. If a staycation is part of the planning, begin visiting websites in your city or town and check the events calendar. There are probably lots of summer festivals with local music bands and artists that just might be free. The kids may be able to pick up some extra cash by dog walking or sitting for the neighbors. Plus, cutting lawns is a good way to earn money.


Everyone deserves summer fun even on a tight budget. Gather the family and find ways to stretch the dollars. Here are 3 ideas off the top of my head:

--->Buy some kites and head to the park with a picnic basket for a day of family fun. Enjoy the sail of the kites as the wind takes them high in the sky.
--->Take a nature walk along a trail at the state park. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and carry a bottle of water with you when hiking the trail. If allowed, Fido would love to come along. Do some bird watching along the way.
--->Visit your city or community pool for a splash of fun on a hot summer afternoon.

Sketch Artist

BOOK A TRIP ->10 great places to sketch your vacation - USATODAY.com

Check out these spots to fill up the sketch pad with all the delights you discover. One of the places is Seattle and it would be cool to sketch (or at least try) the Space Needle. I like London and Venice too. Don't forget to pack your sketch pad and plenty of pencils;-)

Christmas Week

Hello readers and welcome to Monday and Christmas week. It's probably going to be a busy one for most of us. Anyone take the entire week off from work for vacation? I don't have children, but try to keep up with the local school schedule to see when the kids will be out on holiday break. I bet it's a fun time with college family members home until after the new year. I'm sure they are still unwinding from the final exams they took and passed before leaving school, right. Once they get that much-needed rest, leave a couple of items for them to-do to this week.

There will be long lines at many of our stops this week, keep cool and you will be the next one up in no time flat. I have lots on my to-do list so I'm hustling out of here soon taking along a to-go coffee from home, that's going to save some bucks. Have a great day as the countdown to Christmas begins. Don't you just love it!