Life Matter's

Remember Those Less Fortunate This Holiday Season

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:53:00 +0000

This holiday season I am very thankful to have a roof over my head, a car, good health and plenty to eat. These are some things many people don't have right now. So the holiday season is especially a tough time of the year for them.

I've personally been without before and have struggled, and it was one of the toughest times I've every had to go through. I remember the holidays were especially difficult during that time. Not only was it a hard time, but I was very depressed. So please remember this holiday season to think about those who may be struggling and help them in whatever way you can. Give to your local Salvation Army, homeless shelter or whatever charity it may be that you feel strongest about. These people need your help.

Vocal Point eStore Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:14:00 +0000

You can get Free Shipping with a $25 purchase, 15% off and Free Gift Wrap at the eStore featuring P&G brands!

Click here http://www.vocalpoint.com/eStoreHoliday

4 Reasons To Start A Blog

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:52:00 +0000

Blogging has become very popular. There are several reasons as to why you may start a blog, but here are my four top reasons.

To Express Your Thoughts and Opinions - Blogs provide a way for you to get your thoughts and opinions out. They can be a way of relieving some stress.
To Make Money - While you may not make a lot of money on your blog, some blogs can do quite well.
To Help People - Blogs can help people going through a similar situation or something you have experienced.
To Promote Something - Blogging is a great way to promote your products or ideas.

Grocery Shopping Made Easy

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:39:00 +0000

Plan - Plan your trips to the grocery store. Grocery shopping can be time consuming, so planning is very important. Plan a budget, sort your coupons (if you have any), see what's on sale, what do you need to buy, etc.

Make a list - There's nothing worse than having to make several trips to the grocery store because you forgot something. Also, there's less chance of impulse buying. Make a list best you can by isles. Front to back or back to front which ever is easiest and however your store is set up.

Keep a running total - As you shop add each item by rounding off to the nearest dollar such as $2.89 to $3.00. It's much easier to add that way. This also allows you to stay within your budget.

Don't shop during peak times - Peak times at the grocery store are between 5pm and 7pm Monday thru Saturday. Shop around those hours for quicker, more efficient and less stressful shopping.

Shop alone - Shopping alone allows for less distractions and more efficient shopping allowing you to get out of the store much quicker.

The Four Simple Concepts in Life

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:48:00 +0000

Simple Living - Wikipedia: Simple living encompasses a number of different voluntary practices to simplify one's lifestyle. These may include reducing one's possessions or increasing self-sufficiency, for example. Simple living may be characterized by individuals being satisfied with what they need rather than want.[1][2] Although asceticism generally promotes living simply and refraining from luxury and indulgence, not all proponents of simple living are ascetics.[3] Simple living is distinct from those living in forced poverty, as it is a voluntary lifestyle choice.

Adherents may choose simple living for a variety of personal reasons, such as spirituality, health, increase in 'quality time' for family and friends, personal taste, frugality, or reducing personal ecological footprint and stress. Simple living can also be a reaction to materialism and conspicuous consumption. Others cite socio-political goals aligned with the anti-consumerist movement, including conservation, degrowth, social justice, ethnic diversity and sustainable development.

Live Generously - Wikipedia: Generosity is the habit of giving freely without expecting anything in return. It can involve offering time, assets or talents to aid someone in need. Often equated with charity as a virtue, generosity is widely accepted in society as a desirable trait.

In times of natural disaster, relief efforts are frequently provided, voluntarily, by individuals or groups acting unilaterally in making gifts of time, resources, goods, money, etc.

Generosity is a guiding principle for many registered charities, foundations and non-profit organizations. Generosity can also be spending time, money, or labor, for others, without being rewarded in return.

Although the term generosity often goes hand-in-hand with charity, many people in the public's eye want recognition for their good deeds. Donations are needed to support organizations and committees, however, generosity should not be limited to times of great need such as natural disasters and extreme situations.

Generosity is not solely based on one's economic status, but instead, includes the individual's pure intentions of looking out for society's common good and giving from the heart. Generosity should reflect the individual's passion to help others. In Buddhism, generosity is one of the Ten Perfections and is the antidote to the self-chosen poison called greed.

In Islam Quran states that whatever we give away generously, with the intention of pleasing God, He will replace it. God knows what is in the hearts of men. Say: “Truly, my Lord enlarges the provision for whom He wills of His slaves, and also restricts it) for him, and whatsoever you spend of anything (in God’s Cause), He will replace it. And He is the Best of providers.” (Quran 34:39)

The modern English word "generosity" derives from the Latin word generōsus, which means "of noble birth," which itself was passed down to English through the Old French word generous. The Latin stem gener– is the declensional stem of genus, meaning "kin," "clan," "race," or "stock," with the root Indo–European meaning of gen being "to beget." The same root gives us the words genesis, gentry, gender, genital, gentile, genealogy, and genius, among others.

Most recorded English uses of the word "generous" up to and during the Sixteenth Century reflect an aristocratic sense of being of noble lineage or high birth. To be generous was literally a way of complying to nobility." During the 17th Century, however, the meaning and use of the word began to change. Generosity came increasingly to identify not literal family heritage but a nobility of spirit thought to be associated with high birth— that is, with various admirable qualities that could now vary from person to person, depending not on family history but on whether a person actually possessed the qualities. In this way generosity increasingly came in the 17th Century to signify a variety of traits of character and action historically associated (whether accurately or not) with the ideals of actual nobility: gallantry, courage, strength, richness, gentleness, and fairness. In addition to describing these diverse human qualities, "generous" became a word during this period used to describe fertile land, the strength of animal breeds, abundant provisions of food, vibrancy of colors, the strength of liquor, and the potency of medicine.

Then, during the 18th Century, the meaning of "generosity" continued to evolve in directions denoting the more specific, contemporary meaning of munificence, open–handedness, and liberality in the giving of money and possessions to others. This more specific meaning came to dominate English usage by the 19th Century. Over the last five centuries in the English speaking world, "generosity" developed from being primarily the description of an ascribed status pertaining to the elite nobility to being an achieved mark of admirable personal quality and action capable of being exercised in theory by any person who had learned virtue and noble character (Smith 2009).

Care Deeply - The Free Dictionary: Feeling or showing care and compassion a caring attitude.

Speak Kindly - Wikipedia: Kindness is the act or the state of being kind —i.e. marked by goodness and charitable behaviour, mild disposition, pleasantness, tenderness and concern for others. It is known as a virtue, and recognized as a value in many cultures and religions (see ethics in religion).

Happiness Is A State Of Mind

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:40:00 +0000

Keeping our mind positive and happy is very important in life. Just like the quote by Abraham Lincoln says, "Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Take in the sheer beauty of each day. The birds, the flowers, the trees, the beautiful blue skies. Enjoy and live in each moment.

I personally am a person that struggles with staying positive. Staying positive does not come easy to me. I have to take things one day at a time and sometimes minute by minute. I try to catch myself thinking negative thoughts and replace those thoughts with positive ones. I have come to realize, even though it's still hard to obtain at times, that happiness is more a state of being.

It's especially important to keep a positive attitude in times of need. Because that's when we need to think clearly and level headed. Often times, in my past I let worry, fear and panic take over and because of that I lost nearly everything in my life. And it was only by thinking clearly and positive that I got my life back. I'm not saying that I still wouldn't have lost everything, but I certainly don't think my situation would have been as bad had I been thinking more positive.

So don't let the stinking thinking of negative thoughts rule you. Thinking positive is not easy, so your going to have to put the work in. If you need help on how to think more positive, here's a couple of links to get you started. eHow's How To Think Positive Thoughts and wikiHow's How To Be More Positive

Winterization Time

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:55:00 +0000

Fall weather, you know what that means. Next comes winter, so it's time to prepare and weatherize your home. Here are ten ideas to get you going.

Seal up all drafts with weather stripping...doors, windows, etc.
Change your furnace filters.
Turn down your water heater.
Run fans in reverse.
Turn down the thermostat.
Cover window with plastic.
Wear sweaters and sweatshirts.
Insulate your pipes.
Seal ducts.
Use or update to an energy efficient furnace.

A Positive Attitude Is Important

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 23:54:00 +0000

A positive attitude is very important, especially if you are one who tends to be a negative person or depressed. Like myself for instance. I am Bipolar II so I have depressive episodes in which I tend to be negative. In those times, I take things minute by minute. I really have to think about every thought. I have to catch myself thinking negatively and turn it into a positive thought. That's one great way of thinking positively, but also surround yourself with positive people, read positive material and watch positive videos. And exercise also is a great negative attitude buster. This is one area I myself am lacking in. I hope to change that real soon.

I have found with Stumbleupon a list of positive websites that will be great in helping you to stay positive. You will find them listed at this Stumbleupon link. Remember to think about every thought and if it's negative, turn it into a positive thought.

Need Health, Dental or Prescription Assistance?

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 16:32:00 +0000

Are you in need of health care or dental care? Or perhaps you need prescription assistance? If so, then please visit my website, Resourcefully For You for links to health departments, dental assistance and prescription assistance. And hopefully, you can find the help that you need.

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:34:00 +0000

Finally, my Lilly has bloomed!

Need Finance, Budget or Credit Information?

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:15:00 +0000

Are you looking for finance, budget or credit information or help. Everyone needs help now and then. Check out my website that has some links that may be helpful to you. You can find them at Resourcefully For You

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:50:00 +0000

Did You Know You Can Get FREE Cell Phone Service If Eligible?

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:15:00 +0000

If you don't have a phone and in need of one and your income eligible, you can get free cell phone service with up to 250 free minutes per month. You may qualify if you participate in programs such as food stamps and medicaid. No contracts, no credit checks and no fees. SafeLink Wireless was created by TracFone Wireless, Inc. Eligibility guidelines vary by state. Click here to apply SafeLink Wireless

Sometimes, Bad Things Happen To Good People

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:58:00 +0000

Sometimes, bad things happen to good people. I've been there myself, and sadly, on more than one occasion. I lost my father whom I was very close to at the tender age of 16. Then, I lost my beloved mother on December 13, 2001. She suffered from emphysema and in addition had three heart attacks, diabetes, and severe allergies, so she suffered for several years before she passed away...I miss her so badly...still to this day, I have days that are tough because I miss her so much, but I try to hang on to the precious memories I have, and know that she isn't suffering anymore, and that I will see her again some day. As for me, I've dealt with depression, anxiety attacks, panic attacks, and migraines from the time I was a little girl. And I am Bipolar II. Because of those issues, along with "life"...pregnant at 17...the father I caught cheating not long before giving birth. And I've had to deal with financial struggles most of my adult life, and due to my bipolar have lost several jobs, attempted suicide three or so times (sadly I lost count), lost a live in relationship and a marriage, eventually gave up college, was evicted from my home in which I lost most all my belongings, including precious life long belongings, and lost not one, not two, but three cars, lost a home I once actually owned & there's more, but I'll stop there.

So just hang in there, take things one day at a time. Deal with each issue and problem one at a time. Prioritize the most important issues first...then work off that list. Just don't let yourself get to down or overwhelmed because that's when things can really snow ball and get worse. Get some counseling to help you through the most difficult times...there are pro-bono and sliding fee counselors out there....and the free clinics are a really great source, not just for medical, but DENTAL and counseling. Most counties offer sliding fee scale medical and dental programs too, if you don't qualify for the free clinics. Also, same with your debts...prioritize...organize and work on paying them down one at a time...file bankruptcy if you have to....I did.

For extra money...sign up with marketing companies and do demos, pr, product sampling, etc...they have jobs where you can work one day or three days in a row and pay anywhere from $12 to $24 an hour....try Advantage Sales & Marketing, NARMS or ICCDS. Apply for food stamps, apply for a free SafeLink Cell Phone, apply for heating/air assistance, be a frugally smart shopper... use coupons, rideshare...what ever you can to cut down expenses and save. Find a Goodwill & shop there inexpensively...they even have a store online. Also, join Freecycle in your area...they have a group that offers anything and everything free...first come, first serve. People post things they have available to give away...and you do the same.

I have a website that has TONS of resource links, to include: finding free clinics, dental programs, counseling, jobs, utility assistance, rental assistance, etc., etc. Resourcefully For You ... Be sure to check it out...you can find links to all the ideas I posted above and more. Just take advantage of any and all the assistance out there. I didn't mean to write this much, but I'd rather take my time and be as thorough and helpful as I can to one person, than giving 10 people a quick line of jibber jabber. Good luck to you, and again...one day, one issue at a time. And I don't know if your religious or not, but it really does help to pray and trust in God.

Pets Can Be Good For Mild To Moderate Depression

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:44:00 +0000

Look at this face. How can it not make you feel better? Pets love you unconditionally. They provide you constant companionship and that in turn combats lonliness often felt with depression. Having your pet cuddle up next to you is physically comforting and having them look up at you lovingly with those big eyes makes you feel happy. You can leave if even for just a half hour and when you come back, it's as if you've been gone for days. They jump excitingly all over you, bark and lick you making you feel important and wanted.

Having a pet can take the focus off the your problems, as your having to focus on taking care of your pet, feeding, watering, playing and walking your dog. And speaking of walking your dog, it get's you out of your house and moving phyically. Having a pet forces you to take care of another life.

So all in all, dogs can provide:

Unconditional love and affection
Redirect your focus, thoughts and mind
Increases physical activity
Reduces feelings of worthlessness and reduces isolation

Dogs aren't for everyone though, so don't rush right out and buy one. Some people have never owned a dog, they didn't grow up with one and don't know what it's like to have companionship and care for a dog. Only get one if you are a dog lover. And if you are a dog lover, then you will love how they make you feel. Do you love dogs? Does your dog help you through times of blue moods?

Empathy, Encouragement, and Useful Information

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 15:27:00 +0000

Looking for someone or someplace to share your concerns or your problems. Looking for understanding, support or suggestions. If your looking to open up about your worries (no need to reveal your true identity). Get (and give) empathy, encouragement, and useful information. Have someone to talk to when you feel alone. Then Aidpage may be the perfect place for you, as those are the three motto's of Aidpage.

They were there for me during one of the darkest times of my life. They gave me encouragment, support and information that helped me stay strong, as well as to stay focused until I could get back on my feet. You can share as little or as much about yourself and your situation as you like with no pressure. I personally still have a page there, titled Resourceful Soul which may provide some helpful information to you also. I found Aidpage to be very helpful in my time of need and they may just be what you need to.

Looking For Government Assistance?

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 22:02:00 +0000

Are you in need of government assistance. Perhaps you need disability assistance, energy assistance, housing or some other type of assistance? Just visit Benefits.gov and answer questions to find out which government benefits you may be eligible to receive.

Are You Struggling With The High Cost Of Your Electric Bill This Summer?

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:04:00 +0000

Are you struggling with the high costs of your electricity bill due to the cooling of your home this summer? Many of us simply can not afford the high cost of cooling our homes in the summer. In this case, LIHEAP may help.

Have you applied for LIHEAP? The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low income households, primarily in meeting their immediate home energy needs. You can read the eligibility criteria to see if you may qualify. For more information about where to apply for LIHEAP click here.

Dealing With Life's Problems

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:43:00 +0000

Here are four great websites to help give you the tools to deal with life's problems.

Stress: How to Cope Better With Life's Challenges
How to Cope Better With Life's Challenges
7 Ways to Deal With Problems and Stress
How to Deal with Problems in Life

3 Reasons To Create A Budget

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:02:00 +0000

Creating a budget can help you save money. By creating a budget you can start saving money. Even if you start saving small it adds up. Treat your savings just like a bill. Pay yourself monthly.
Creating a budget can give you security. Knowing where all your money is going and saving at the same time can give you great comfort and security, especially if something should happen to you or your spouses job down the line.
Creating a budget can be a wakeup call. Having a budget can show you where all your money going, what is being spent and where, so if money is being wasted you'll know where it's going. This helps to stop overspending.

5 Things that are Refreshing for your Life

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Wed, 04 May 2011 16:18:00 +0000

Sometimes we are just bored and need to be refreshed. Other times we need to examine our life and to reflect. We may need a new sense of direction and purpose. What ever your reason I have listed 5 Things that are Refreshing for whatever your purpose may be.

Focus on things that matter. You may have a tendacy to want to do it all. To obsess about getting things done and going overboard. What you need to do is just focus on the things that really matter and stop stressing so much about the things that don't.

Bring simplicity to your life. Are you living for today? Are you living in the moment or are you stressing out over your next project or appointment? Sometimes it's not about the end result of the project but rather the process of getting there. Don't take things for granted live for today, live in the moment. Declutter your life.

Take time for meditation and relaxation. Take time out for meditation and relaxation, even if it's only 10 minutes a day. Take the time to relax and just be. Do nothing and think about nothing.

Be grateful. Count your blessings, again be in the moment and appreciate each moment for what it is.
Make time for what you love because you never know if you will be here tomorrow.

Start a Journal. Write down your ideas, dreams and wishes. Just write your inner most thoughts. Get them down on paper. Journaling provides creativity, reflection, more solid memories, self examination and spirituality.

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:15:00 +0000

Wordless Wednesday

"Matte"

Want to Start Couponing?

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:47:00 +0000

Have you gotten into the Extreme Couponing phenomenon. Perhaps now is the time to do so, especially with the new show Extreme Couponing on TLC Wednesday at 9 pm. Now you can find tons of other websites out there with Extreme Couponing information. I think it's great. Even if you don't want to become an Extreme Couponer it's to your advantage to become a sometime couponer. What have you got to lose, nothing. All you'll do is save, save, save. Another great website all about couponing is The Krazy Coupon Lady She has great information on couponing. Or learn realistic couponing and not Extreme Couponing at Couponing 101 And here's a Beginner's Guide to Couponing from About.com You can also read some great articles about Extreme Couponing at BlogHer.

Now that I've given you some great informative how-to couponing websites to start with, let me list some great coupon websites.

Smartsource
Redplum
Coupons.com
Coupon Cravings
CoolSavings.com
Coupon Database

Mae Minerals 10 Small Samples of your choice only $12

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:58:00 +0000

Mae Minerals 10 Small Samples of your choice only $12 Choose shade selections during checkout. A $20 value! http://www.shopmaeminerals.com/rep/store/KimberlyAndrews.html

Why Mae Minerals™?

When you get down to it, there are a lot of small mineral makeup companies whose products contain the exact same ingredients as the ones in our products.

So what makes Mae Minerals™ the better choice?

Most of our minerals are formulated using our own recipes that we've developed over the last 5 years. The rest are custom blended using bases from several reputable suppliers. All of our shades are unique to Mae Minerals™ and we are constantly adding new shades.

Mae Minerals™ is 100% natural mineral makeup. Mae Minerals™ does not use fillers such as Bismuth Oxychloride (see ingredients) or other ingredients such as dyes and carmine (crushed beetles-eww!).

We offer very affordable prices, superior customer service and fast shipping.

Inexpensive mineral makeup samples are available to try and we also have great Monthly Specials to help save you money.

Free samples included in every order.

7 Ideas to Tackle Spring Cleaning

noreply@blogger.com (~Kimberly Andrews) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:18:00 +0000

We would all love to have a clean house. We have good intentions every Spring, but then we get overwhelmed and the cleaning just doesn't get done, matter of fact, it barely got started. Do you feel overwhelmed or just don't know where to start? Here are 7 ideas to help you tackle your Spring cleaning this year.

Set aside time for cleaning. Select an amount of time to spend on one room and set it aside.
Create a checklist.
Tackle one room at a time. This will make it easier for you and you won't feel overwhelmed.
Create a plan like grouping tasks together such as vacuuming. Don't vacuum floors then move on to something else. Vacuum floors, ceilings, window seals, vents and etc. all at the same time.
Gather supplies.
Wear rubber gloves to help protect your hands and to keep them from drying out.
Deal with clutter. If you haven't used something in a year, then you probably don't need it. Make four bins, keep, toss, donate sell and sort your clutter into these categories.