–by Carla

Howdy and Happy New Year to ya! Sorry I’ve been a little MIA, but it’s been a little nuts around here. The worst of the worst came when my trusty old friend, Super Immunity, failed me. Yes, friends, I got sick. It is a phenomenon that happens only once in a blue moon, but it happened and it took me down hard. I mean, it’s not like I get to call in sick at my job or anything. Those two sweet little boys still need clean diapers, snazzy outfits and yummy food…several times each day. Rain or shine. Sick or not. I’m sort of like the U.S. Postal Service, you could say.

Quick recap since my last post: The holidays were amazing. It snowed on Christmas Eve…in Dallas! I’ve whipped up several batches of homemade chicken soup…it was a snap each time. I colored my own hair and didn’t turn it orange. I made homemade peppermint lip balm for the women in my family and close friends. It was so super fun and easy and very cost effective. $7.91 each. I also started making homemade sugar/lavender body scrub. I used to pay at least $20 for it, now it’s ready in minutes and so stinking inexpensive to make at home, it’s almost funny. Um, let’s see, Baby Boy got sick around the time I did…which really was no fun. Very strange things happened to my facebook page. There was a random charge on one of our credit cards which we got corrected. Ah…that’s about it. Actually, there’s tons more, but Baby Boy is about to break down and I’ve got to wrap things up here.

I’ve missed writing…and glad to be back in the groove! Have a great weekend.

by Katy

I saw a billboard today that promoted saving money by bringing your lunch to work.  Now, this is an easy way to save money, but it’s also so difficult.  Part of the reason?  It’s fun to go out to lunch with co-workers.  It’s the one hour during the day where you get to leave a cubicle or an office, get some fresh air, and if you live in a sunny part of the world, like I do, soak up some Vitamin D!  It’s also easy to just walk to a restaurant, plop down some money or even easier to swipe a card, and enjoy a big meal.  I also love not having to make a lunch either the night before or the morning of.  I want to get that extra 15 minutes of sleep and not make a sandwich or pack up my dinner from the night before.  So my question is…why and how do YOU do it?  I need help!  Anyone have any tips, inspirations, or easier, fun ways they bring their lunch to work?  Please send them my way so I can live up to one of my New Year’s resolutions.  Oh wait…I didn’t really make a list this year…so do I really have to do this?

By Katy

I went back to work on Monday.  Like most of you, I imagine, it was after a long holiday.  Unlike most of you, I wasn’t paid for my looonnnggg holiday, but to be honest, I’m 100% OK with that.  I probably had a much longer vacay than you did, and it really is just the life of a freelancer.  Plus, I knew I was coming back to work this week, and that just makes being on holiday that much sweeter.  I think last December, I wasn’t sure if I was going to have a job in January, so I’m very grateful this year!

Now, first day back at work felt like the first day of school.  Everyone’s excited to see each other.  I was a bit nervous, and I was wearing new clothes.  I also got to pick where I would sit.

What about you?  Did you start work this week after a holiday?  Did you get a lot accomplished?  Were you happy to be back?  How did it feel?  Is 2010 the year the economy picks up again?  Happy New Year, everyone!