Sunday, April 28, 2013

Recycling Is Common Sense

I watched CBS Sunday Morning, as I always do on Sunday morning, and was struck by a story on recycling. Jeremy Irons has produced a documentary on the topic and I was appalled at the pictures of dump sites, one of which was in a river, which spilled into the ocean. He showed how those in India would just take their trash and dump it in the river, which then spills into the greater ocean; which not only pollutes and clogs the water, but kills ocean animals. I think everyone knows that they should recycle, but so few do. I think there are definitely more communities that lend themselves to recycling and make it easier; especially if the city offers curb side recycling pick-up. Because I live in an apartment, I don't have that luxury. We are given two large dumpsters, but neither are for recycling. So, If I want to recycle, I need to be organized and proactive. Which is what I plan on doing. 

I've perused the internet on ways to get started. My apartment kitchen is quite small, it's a galley style kitchen with just enough room for my dishwasher door to open all the way. Two people can stand in there, but three would be very tight. So, space isn't on our side, but there are only two of us in our apartment, so we can get by with less space. The key to recycling is getting organized and having some type of recycling center with labeled bins. Before putting anything into the bins, make sure you rinse and clean them off. This will save you time later having to clean up sticky residue from the bottom of the bin or floor. Let me back track, you'll need to find out what your city/town will accept for recycling. Since you live in an apartment and most likely don't get curbside pick up, you'll need to research your town's waste management and see if there is a drop off for recycled materials. Thankfully, a municipality roughly 10 minutes from me has a great set-up. You just drive up and empty each specific recycled item into the clearly labeled large bins. They will accept plastic, paper, cardboard and glass. I would recommend having a set day that you take the recycling to the drop off, that way you're not overwhelmed by having too much to take and won't be likely to get frustrated and give up. 

Recycling is great for the environment, but I know it's much easier to just throw everything in the trash. But imagine all of your trash just floating in the ocean. That image makes me sick and makes me want to do better. Yes, I'm embarrassed to say, I have not been recycling. I wish that recycling was taught in schools. That would be much more useful information versus calculus. As a former social worker, I never needed or used calculus. But, seriously, schools should have a class devoted to real life issues, such as balancing your checkbook, creating budgets, recycling and other basic life skills. I think that those classes would benefit everyone. For items that are not accepted, like furniture and tools, etc. You can check out a site called "Free Cycle". I recently had a bed donated to me, so we had to get rid of our "old" one. I joined free cycle and had 10 offers for it! It's a great "group" via yahoo, that allows you to donate, for free, any item and you can include a picture. The person wanting the item is responsible for picking it up, so it's a win-win. 

Recycling is common sense. There is no excuse for not recycling. Your trash doesn't just disappear when the trash man takes it from you. Sadly, most of the trash doesn't break down for years, if ever. Like Jeremy Irons said regarding his documentary, "this is curable". All of us can recycle. Recycling is a small step in doing your part for your community and the greater world. 

Friday, April 5, 2013

Frugal Friday: Living Within Your Means

We all know that we have to "live within our means". I mean, this is basic economics, as well as common sense. But, it can be easier said than done. We live in an expensive world, especially when you're in debt. It's hard to dig yourself out of the pit, when your old debt and new expenses collide. It can feel like a landslide when you take one step forward and the mailman delivers new bills to your door. But the truth is, this is life. Any of us that haven't won the lottery or live rent-free, has to learn the rules of living within your means. I truly believe that having a class in basic life skills, such as writing checks, balancing the checkbook, creating a home budget and learning frugal spending habits, would be much more beneficial in high school besides advanced algebra!

Unfortunately, I have been in debt since I graduated high school. I worked at a store that required you to get their credit card and charge it in order to get your store discount. The biggest purchase was a couch that I bought for me and two roommates, but, I didn't get it in writing and I was left with the bill when they both moved out a month later. I was going to college, which accrued my student loan debt and was barely making ends meet with my part-time job. I learned a lot during those early years of struggling. I can't say I would do things differently. We all have to go through struggle to learn from it. Unfortunately, my debt has followed me into adulthood. I'm not really a big shopper, I mean I think I own maybe 4 shoes! I don't care about clothes and don't have an expensive hobby, I just don't always have enough income to cover my fixed expenses.

It's important to look at your bills to see what you can decrease. Since I am home most of the time due to disability, there are things that I enjoy that I would hate to lose, such as my cable and internet. But, you can still keep cable, just decrease the movie channels and get basic, until you can afford a higher package. I've also taken up to coupon cutting, which some months are better than others, but looking for an item on sale and using a coupon with it, is how you really save money. I recently read an article on "Apartment Therapy" that said you should not spend more than 30% of your income on your rent, including utilities. I am well over that amount, I think it's really difficult to live within that range. By reading the comments on that article, I can see that most people are unable to live within that range. It's really hard to do so when you live in a city, where rent is astronomical. Not all of us can afford to own, which I've seen mortgages that are half of what I spend in rent. However, there are a lot of expenses with owning that you don't have with renting.

The best advice is to do your best living within your means. If you're over, look at your expenses and see what you can cut back on. Take up couponing; you don't have to be an extreme couponer, but if you can save even $10 on each grocery trip, that's money that can go towards your bills/debt. I love anything that has to do with organization. I especially love budgeting and bill paying. There's something very cathartic about paying your bills and balancing the checkbook. Well, it's cathartic when there's money left over! But do your best. The more you save today, the less debt you'll have tomorrow!

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Hooked on Smoothies



Recently, my mom returned a blender that I had given to her several years ago. In fact, it was a wedding gift, so it's over 11 years old! But hey, it works. I like that it's a glass blender and since she rarely used it, it's practically new. I actually never used it prior to giving it to her, but I started thinking how cool it would be to make smoothies, so she brought it back to me. I am definitely not a juicer kind of girl. I don't find them appealing, granted, I've never tasted one, but I'm just not a fan of drinking green stuff. Now I love my veggies and will eat them raw or cooked, however they're made, I just don't want to drink them.
My husband is also a fan of the smoothies I've been making. Who can't love them, I mix strawberries, bananas, soy creamer, soy milk and chocolate sauce. It's a hit! They are so refreshing and tasty, it tastes more like a dessert than anything. I'd like to think it's healthy, minus the chocolate sauce, but I'm sure it would taste just as great without the chocolate, maybe I'll try it sans the chocolate, some day.




Tuesday, March 5, 2013

#TVLineup is now on #TVFishBowl

I am now posting my nightly TV Lineup on the great blog, TVFishBowl! I am excited to include my nightly tv lineup on their site, that provides all the latest on TV and celebrity gossip, among other great topics.

I've included a link on the tabs at the top of the page that will direct you to the website. I hope you still come back here, but certainly, follow along there too! Happy Viewing!

                                                 tvladyavatar2_zps3ade8bbb

Sunday, March 3, 2013

3.3.13 #TVLineup

The Amazing Race, Once Upon a Time, All Star Celebrity Apprentice, Amish Mafia, Kourtney and Kim Take Miami, Oprah's Next Chapter: Wayans Brothers, Oprah's Master Class: Alicia Keys, Real Housewives of Atlanta, Shahs of Sunset, Watch What Happens Live, Gypsy Sisters, Welcome to Myrtle Manor, The Bible, Snapped, Jerseylicious, Big Rich Atlanta, Worst Cooks in America, Mob Wives, Girls, Enlightened, Shameless,

Once Upon a Time: The Queen is DeadGirls: It's Back
Mob Wives: LoveEnlightened: Agent of Change
Shameless: A Long Way From HomeWelcome to Myrtle Manor: Becky
All-Star Celebrity Apprentice Premiere

New Episodes of Shows I Don't Watch:

The Cleveland Show, The Simpsons, Dateline NBC, Red Widow, The Good Wife, The Mentalist, Bar Rescue, Storage Hunters, Wild West Alaska, Gator Boys, Finding Bigfoot, Vikings, Catch My Killer, On the Case with Paula Zahn, Wicked Tuna, Mudcats, I Survived...., I Solved a Murder, Iron Chef America, Cupcake Wars, You live in What?, Hawaii Life, A Bryk at a Time, The Vanilla Ice Project, House of Lies, Californication, The Walking Dead, Talking Dead, Car Lot Rescue

Friday, March 1, 2013

3.1.13 #TVLineup

Kitchen Nightmares, Shark Tank, 20/20, Say Yes to the Dress, Something Borrowed Something New, Auction Agent, House Hunters International, Funny or Die's Billy on the Street, Ex Wives of Rock

Shark Tank Season 4 Episode 18

New Episodes of Shows I Don't Watch:

Dateline NBC, Last Man Standing, Malibu Country, Nikita, Rock Center with Brian Williams, Touch, Yukon Men, Bering Sea Gold, WWE Smackdown, Belle's, Four Weddings, Ghost Adventures, America Unearthed, Who the Bleep, Alpha Dogs, Wild Justice, The Jenny McCarthy Show, Cock'd Gunns, Real Time with Bill Maher, Portlandia, Out There, Police Women of Dallas

Thursday, February 28, 2013

2.28.13 #TVLineup

American Idol, NBA on TNT, Watch What Happens Live, Kathy, Project Runway, Mary Mary, West End Salvage, House Hunters, House Hunters International, Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell, What Not to Wear



New Episodes of Shows I Don't Watch:

Community, Zero Hour, King of the Nerds, Auction Kings, Property Wars, Anger Management, Archer, Legit, BrandX with Russell Brand, The First 48, Impact Wrestling, Bellator MMA, Upload with Shaq, North Woods Law, Swamp People, Big Rig Bounty Hunters, Stan Lee's Superhumans, Frenemies, Ridiculousness, Failosophy, Comic Book Men, Freakshow, Immortalized

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

2.27.13 #TVLineup

American Idol, Survivor, The Middle, Modern Family, Suburgatory, Criminal Minds, The Americans, The Soup, Full Throttle Saloon, Top Chef, Watch What Happens Live, Hoarding: Buried Alive, My Strange Addiction, America's Supernanny, Kimora: House of Fab, House Hunters International, Restaurant Impossible

The Americans Episode 5

New Episodes of Shows I Don't Watch:

Whitney, Guys with Kids, The Neighbors, Nashville, Arrow, Supernatural, Law & Order: SVU, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Chicago Fire, Boston's Finest, Southland, Weed Country, psych, Duck Dynasty, Workaholics, Ghost Hunters, Stranded, Baggage Battles, Food Paradise, Dark Matters, Triggers: Weapons that Changed the World, Evil Twins, Dark Minds, Lords of War, Property Brothers, Washington Heights, Cousins on Call, Fix My Family

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

2.26.13 #TVLineup

Celebrity Wife Swap, The Taste, Go On, The New Normal, The Mindy Project, Storage Wars Texas, Our America with Lisa Ling, Millionaire Matchmaker, Watch What Happens Live, Dance Moms, Double Divas, The Face, Income Property, House Hunters International, Nikki & Sara Live, Snooki and JWoww,

Hart of Dixie: Where I Lead Me

New Episodes of Shows I Don't Watch:

Raising Hope, NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, Betty White's Off Their Rockers, Body of Proof, Hart of Dixie, Cult, New Girl, Golden Boy, Smash, Cougar Town, Dual Survival, White Collar, The Ultimate Fighter, Justified, Tosh.0, The Joe Schmo Show, Face Off, Robot Combat League, Real Husbands of Hollywood, Second Generations Wayans, Hardcore Pawn Chicago, The Lying Game, Pretty Little Liars, Bear Grylls' Wild Adventures, Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan, Reef Wranglers, Armed & Ready, Top Gear, Ultimate Soldier Challenge, Strip the City, Ultimate Warfare, My Dirty Little Secret, Redrum, Doomsday Preppers Bugged Out, Diggers, Murder.com, Casanova Killers, Bad Girls Club, Parade's End, Cesar Milan's Leader of the Pack

Monday, February 25, 2013

2.25.13 #TVLineup

The Biggest Loser, Antiques Roadshow, Market Warriors, The Carrie Diaries, The Following, Dallas, Monday Mornings, Burning Love, After Lately, Fashion Police, Bunheads, Vanderpump Rules, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Watch What Happens Live, Jerseylicious, House Hunters International, Teen Mom 2, Catfish: The TV Show Reunion, Black Ink Crew

Black Ink Crew: Ceaser

New Episodes of Shows I Don't Watch:

Bones, How I Met Your Mother, Rules of Engagement, The Bachelor 17, 90210, Castle, 2 Broke Girls, Mike & Molly, Deception, Fast N' Loud, The Devils Ride, WWE Monday Night Raw, Being Human, Lizard Lick Towing, Switched at Birth, 1 Girl 5 Gays, Rupaul's Drag Race, Top Gear, Bang Goes the Theory, Bizarre Foods America, American Pickers, Pawn Stars, True Crime with Aphrodite Jones, Alaska State Troopers, Inside Combat Rescue, Built for the Kill, Model Killers, Love It or List It, Diners Drive Ins and Dives, Love & Hip Hop, LaLa's Full Court Life

Sunday, February 24, 2013

A Few Favorite Looks from the #Oscars

I absolutely love award season, with the Oscars being my favorite. Here are a few of my favorite looks from previous years.

Julia Roberts is a huge favorite!
http://www.celebuzz.com/photos/best-oscar-fashion-of-all-time/julia-roberts-oscars-2001/full-size/


I love the simplicity of Hilary Swank's dress, conservative in the front, but ultra sexy when she turns around. 
http://www.celebritydresses100.com/hilary-swank-navy-blue-backless-evening-prom-gown-celebrity-dress-knock-off-oscars-2005.html





Michelle Williams rarely goes wrong. Yellow is such a fresh color to wear and she wore it well. 

Renee Zellweger always wears some of the best gowns, both current and couture. 

http://www.people.com/people/gallery/0,,1020156_1030176_826370,00.html

I love Kate Winslet, she can do no wrong in my book. 

http://showstalker.net/kate-winslet-wins-oscar-best-actress

I can't wait to see who wows us tonight!

Oscar for the Oscars

2.24.13 #TVLineup

The Oscars, Amazing Race 22, Oprah's Lifeclass, Snapped, Worst Cooks in America, Mob Wives, Girls, Enlightened, Shameless

The Oscars 2013 Red CarpetThe Oscars 2013
Enlightened: No DoubtShameless: Cascading Failures
Mob Wives: CarlaGirls: Video Games


New Episodes of Shows I Don't Watch:

Silver Rush, Bar Rescue, Storage Hunters, Gator Boys, Finding Bigfoot, Ax Men, Catch My Killer, On the Case with Paula Zahn, Wicked Tuna, Mudcats, I Solved a Murder, Hawaii Life, Chopped, Iron Chef America, A Bryk at a Time, The Walking Dead, Talking Dead, House of Lies, Californication, Car Lot Rescue

Saturday, February 23, 2013

2.23.13 #TVLineup

48 Hours, Vanity Fair's Hollywood, Argo: Inside Story, Graham Norton Show, Oddities, Odd Folks Home, The Suze Orman Show, Joan and Melissa: Joan Knows Best?, 2013 Independent Spirit Awards

2013 Film Independent Spirit Awards

New Episodes of Shows I Don't Watch:

Cops, American Ninja Warrior, UFC on FX, Flipping Boston, Unfaithful: Stories of Betrayal, Blackboard Wars, Ripper Street, Pit Boss, Mankind Decoded, Deadly Sins, Scorned, The Incredible Dr. Pol, My Ghost Story: Caught on Camera, Renovation, Realities, Bronson Pinchot Project, My Big Redneck Vacation, Swamp Pawn, Showtime Boxing, Southie Rules

Friday, February 22, 2013

2.22.13 #TVLineup

Kitchen Nightmares, Undercover Boss, Shark Tank, Fashion Police, Say Yes to the Dress, Something Borrowed Something New, House Hunters, House Hunters International, Best Week Ever, Funny or Die's Billy on the Street, Ex Wives of Rock

Billy on the Street: P!NKShark Tank Season 4 Episode 17

New Episodes of Shows I Don't Watch:

Dateline NBC, Last Man Standing, Malibu Country, 20/20, Nikita, CSI: NY, Touch, Blue Bloods, Rock Center with Brian Williams, Gold Rush, Yukon Men, WWE Smackdown, Merlin, Belle's, Fatal Attractions, Ghost Adventures, Ancient Aliens, America Unearthed, Who the Bleep..., Alpha Dogs, Alaska Fish Wars, Jenny McCarthy Show, Cock'd Gunns, Portlandia, Out There, Four Weddings

Thursday, February 21, 2013

2.21.13 #TVLineup

American Idol, Parks and Recreation, Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, Kathy, What Not to Wear, Project Runway, Mary Mary, West End Salvage, House Hunters, House Hunters International, Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell

Parks and Recreation: Leslie and Ben; Correspondents' Lunch


New Episodes of Shows I Don;t Watch:

The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, Community, Zero Hour, The Vampire Diaries, Beauty and the Beast, 1600 Penn, Person of Interest, Elementary, King of the Nerds, Auction Kings, Property Wars, Suits, Anger Management, Archer, Legit, Totally Biased, BrandX with Russell Brand, The First 48, Impact Wrestling, Bellator MMA, Impractical Jokers, Mysteries at the Museum, Swamp People, Big Rig Bounty Hunters, Frenemies, Ridiculousness, Comic Book Men, Freakshow, Immortalized

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

2.20.13 #TVLineup

American Idol, Survivor, The Middle, Modern Family, Suburgatory, Criminal Minds, The Americans, The Soup, Full Throttle Saloon, Top Chef, Hoarding: Buried Alive, My Strange Addiction, America's Supernanny, Kimora: House of Fab, Big Rich Atlanta, House Hunters, House Hunters International, Restaurant: Impossible

The Americans Episode 4

New Episodes of Shows I Don't Watch:

Whitney, Guys with Kids, The Neighbors, Arrow, 20/20, Supernatural, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,  CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Chicago Fire, Southland, Weed Country, Necessary Roughness, Auction Hunters, Savage Family Diggers, Workaholics, Ghost Hunters, Ghost Mine, Black Gold, Money Barn, Baggage Battles, Food Paradise, Dark Matters, Triggers: Weapons that Changed the World, Stalked, Dangerous Persuasions, Lords of War, Property Brothers, Washington Heights, Making Mr. Right, The BRIT Awards 2013, Cousins on Call, The Moment, Fix My Family

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

2.19.13 #TVLineup

The Taste,  Frontline, Go On, The New Normal, The Mindy Project, Smash, Storage Wars Texas, Our America with Lisa Ling, The Millionaire Matchmaker, Dance Moms, Double Divas, The Face, Income Property, House Hunters, House Hunters International, Snooki and JWoww, Nikki & Sara



New Episodes of Shows I Don't Watch:

Raising Hope, NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, Betty White's Off Their Rockers, The Bachelor 17, Body of Proof, Hart of Dixie, Cult, New Girl, Vegas, Cougar Town, Dual Survival, Yukon Men, White Collar, The Ultimate Fighter, Justified, Tosh.0, The Joe Schmo Show, Face Off, Total Blackout, Real Husbands of Hollywood, Hardcore Pawn Chicago, Bear Grylls' Wild Adventures, Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan, Reef Wranglers, Wild Appalachia, Top Gear, Ultimate Soldier Challenge, Strip the City, Ultimate Warfare, My Dirty Little Secret, Redrum, Doomsday Preppers, Diggers, Monstresses, Bad Girls Club, Pretty Little Liars, After Newtown: Guns in America, The Lying Game, Second Generation Wayans

Monday, February 18, 2013

2.18.13 #TVLineup

Biggest Loser, Antiques Roadshow, Market Warriors, The Carrie Diaries, The Following, Dallas, Monday Mornings, Kourtney and Kim Take Miami, Oprah's Favorite After the Oscars Moments, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Vanderpump Rules, Bunheads, Jerseylicious, House Hunters, House Hunters International, Teen Mom 2, Catfish: The TV Show, Black Ink Crew, La La's Full Court Life,

The Carrie Diaries: EndgameBlack Ink Crew: Walter
Bunheads: It's Not a MintThe Following: The Siege
The Biggest Loser: Work TogetherDallas: Trial and Error
La La's Full Court Life PremiereMonday Mornings: Who's Sorry Now?

New Episodes of Shows I Don't Watch:

Bones, How I Met Your Mother, Rules of Engagement, Bachelor 17, Castle, 90210, Deception, 2 Broke Girls, Mike & Molly, Hawaii Five-0, Fast N' Loud, WWE Monday Night Raw, Chasing the Saturdays, Being Human, Lost Girl, Lizard Lick Towing, RuPaul's Drag Race, Switched at Birth, Top Gear, Bang Goes the Theory, The Cake Boss, Bizarre Foods America, Hotel Impossible, American Pickers, Pawn Stars, True Crime with Aphrodite Jones, Model Killers, Love It or List It, Diners Drive Ins or Dives, Love and Hip Hop, Continuum

Sunday, February 17, 2013

2.17.13 #TVLineup

The Amazing Race 22, Once Upon a Time, Masterpiece: Downton Abbey, Kourtney and Kim Take Miami, E! Entertainment Specials: Sean Kingston/ Fame in the Family, Shahs of Sunset: Reunion Part 1, Real Housewives of Atlanta, Watch What Happens Live, Gypsy Sisters, Snapped, Worst Cooks in America, Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell, Mob Wives, Girls, Enlightened, Shameless

Once Upon a Time: ManhattanMob Wives: Renee
Girls: BoysShameless: The Sins of My Caretaker
Enlightened: All I Ever WantedDownton Abbey, Season 3: Episode Seven

New Episodes of Shows I Don't Watch:

The Cleveland Show, The Simpsons, Bob's Burgers, Family Guy, American Dad!, Revenge, The Good Wife, The Mentalist, 2013 All Star Game NBA, Chasing the Saturdays, Bar Rescue, Storage Hunters, Gator Boys, Finding Bigfoot, Ax Men, Catch My Killer, On the Case with Paula Zahn, I Solved a Murder, House of Lies, Californication, Chopped, The Walking Dead, Talking Dead, Hawaii Life, Car Lot Rescue