Let's be frugal!

Last night, I read several amazing articles about saving money, living frugally, and one particular family who put 100% down on their house, when they bought it. I was amazed and in awe. How cool would it be to do that?! So, I am going to put myself on the line and change my and my husband's lifestyles so that one day, we can acheive that sort of dream!

Today's blog won't have too many pictures, but I will share a few from Fort George!

I am fascinated with the steps in old forts. I think each set is unique and awesome!

That's all the photos for today, but I want to leave you all with some great tips for keeping on your toes, both personally and financially!

1. Keep a Weekly, Monthly, and Annual Goal sheet.
2. Set personal and financial goals.
3. Set realistic goals. (I want a million dollars is not realistic!)
4. Have a set day of the week (I find payday works best) for checking on your goals.
5. Keep a progress log. For example, if you want to lose weight, document your current weight loss, or if you want to save money, keep a record of how much you save. I find that looking at my accomplishments helps me to keep pushing toward my goal!
6. Be involved with others who have similar goals! Nothing better than being cheered on by your friends, family, and people who believe in you.
7. Prioritize your money. Build a budget to prioritize your finances. And stick to it!
Figure out if there are any expenses you can drop (i.e. do you really need cable?)
8. Find extra ways to make money. Part-time jobs, online businesses - there is a lot of money to be had out there.
9. Set aside time for yourself. Make sure you allot yourself time to just be alone. Read, write in a journal - do something that relaxes you!
10. Don't give up!

Your goals are attainable if you work hard and stick to it. I hope you all are as inspired as I when I decided to do this for myself. :) Have a great Tuesday everyone!

<3 Dawn

Boats, Trains and the RMV

I was out today with my Mom. What was suppose to be a simple trip to pay off some tickets and renew her registration turned into and all day frustration fest. I have come to the conclusion That the RMV is hell. I hate that place so much and it would seem they do everything humanly possible to make simple tasks into the most complicated issues. I should think that it would be a little more streamlined then it is. I short it was miserable. 

I was grumpy this morning because of lack of sleep and decent coffee which was unpleasant for my mother, I'm sure. We had breakfast at Binky's which is normally a treat but this morning it was sub-par, it was probably just my disposition. Who knows. Here is a sign they have on their wall.

This I must say fit my mood perfectly and I had to giggle. I did not take any pictures at the RMV because they would have been boring and seriously who wants to document their trip to a place of such discontentment? After we finished up with all that junk we drove around a bit and eventually ended up at the Cape Cod Canal which was lovely as always. There were a few boats out and a huge barge that came through which was cool.

After the canal we stopped at the train bridge which was neat. My mom said that she had never seen it come down, but as we were leaving a train came through! It was awesome and super loud!

 I will leave you with some picture of the sunset I caught the other night after some stormy days!

 Peace out!

~Traci

And here comes the thunder...

It was stormy here last night for about 20 minutes. That is precisely the type of storm I like. Summer has hit us here on the east coast with a bang with three 90+ degree days in a row it was simply oppressive. I always love summer when it is not summer since I don't deal with the humidity well at all. Here are some pictures I took yesterday of the storm rolling in. 

The clouds were looking pretty cool and after the storm came and went there was a rainbow! I missed that photo since I was driving, but it was huge! 

That's really all I have for today. I know I have been slacking on my posts, but hopefully this week will be better!

~Traci

Go green for Summer!

Everyone always talks about having a "green thumb," which, of course, means that someone has a knack for gardening and/or taking care of plants. But the phrase has never ever been applied to me. Every plant I have ever owned, I've killed. Not purposely, mind you, but because I am absent-minded and I tend to forget about them. So I no longer receive plants as gifts, which is great! However, I do thoroughly enjoy observing and photographing other people's green thumb-ness. :)

I think that flowers and gardens in general are largely underappreciated. I am looking forward to hitting some great gardens over the next few weeks and posting my findings to all of you. Have a fantastic Friday and a great weekend!

<3 Dawn

Camden, a pretty little town on the water

On Sunday, hubby & I went on our weekly trip to a new place and we picked Camden, Maine. It was a beautiful day, too! The sky was bright, the water cool, and it was the perfect day to take a long walk with my hubby.

I love this quote. Words to live by. :) Have a great day everyone!

<3 Dawn