As I was strolling through the shopping mall with my children, I over heard 2 teens talking about some outfit they we're excited over. One teen was like "Oh girl, those shoes, ON FLEEK! ON FLEEK" I nearly choked on my chewing gum! The teens heads snapped around to look at me, in my full fledged, unflattering hyena giggling. It was the most ridiculous made-up "trendy" term I've heard in long time. My children staring at me, the teen girls glaring as they walked away, I managed to pull myself toge

It's tough times indeed. I just realized that it's Thursday, that is how actively busy with misery and stress I've been dealing with this week. Looking at the positives: My children are healthy and safe (my #1 priority and concern), my husband and I are healthy and safe, I have roof over my head, I have clothes on my back, and food to feed my family and myself. I know I'll get through my struggles just fine, it's just getting through that initial sting that comes with facing fresh issues you've

*Gentle* reminders throughout daily life give me a push to work harder here and to hopefully succeed. I would love to be able to pay my children's pediatrician copay without dreading it. I would like to buy more brand-name foods without feeling guilty for "splurging" because I really don't have the means to afford it. I would like to relax a lot better when on small vacations (which is kinda the point!) without thinking about money. This is something I've decided that I'm gonna work my butt off

I have decided years ago that I would eventually open a *small* bakery business. I have been baking since my high school days and have spent years tweaking my own cookie recipes and practicing decorating techniques. I decided that when my children are in high school and start their own lives to live their own dreams I would start living my dreams! I love baking but the kind of detail I put into decorating is very time consuming and requires a fair amount of attention. Hopefully as I develop my i

Today marks the first day I took initiative to make a change. I've struggled for years with self confidence and having pride in myself. I want to be happy. I want to help take away some of the deepest of financial burdens that make my family and I so stressed. Here's to *finally* stepping in a new direction! Here's to change. :-)