Co-spiration #5: My Word, My Year

I read this post by Casey and it got me thinking about my word for 2013.

She has a word that sort of sets the theme for the new year.

3 months in.

I've posted several times about this season of change I've been feeling in my life.

I changed my hair, my availability.

I think this season of change I've been feeling is helping my transition into evolution for 2013.

So that's it.  My word is
evolve.

Evolve is defined in the dictionary as
1. To develop or achieve gradually
2. To work something out

That's what I see myself doing this year.  You see, I have this thing I do.  You may do it, too.  You know where you just dive head first into everything you do expecting it to be an immediate success story to put in your back pocket.  I'm learning that I need to be patient particularly with myself.

Right after getting engaged.

I have lots of hopes and dreams that I wish to evolve this year.
My wish is for this blog to grow.  My heart is to show women how to be strong and independent and modern while still focusing on the core of what makes a woman a wife.
There are difficulties that I don't share on this blog (yet) that I pray get worked out this year.

I see this year being a year like none other.
That season of change is becoming something more, something major.

13 has always been my lucky number.
I've literally worn it on every jersey (basketball, softball, soccer) from 4th grade through college.
I just know 2013 is going to be a good year.

The old married couple.

What's your word for the new year?

So Called 31

I started reading this book, My So Called Life as a Proverbs 31 Wife, after hearing about it on instagram.  In case you're interested in joining me, it's only $2.51 on Kindle right now!

I'm not sure I've shared my hopes for this blog, but if I had a mission statement this would be it:

My desire is to illustrate and foster individuality and independence in today's modern woman while, at the same time, demonstrating the significance of being a loving wife/mother.

(I'm not yet a mother, but when that time comes my hope is this.)

Let me explain...by modern and individual I mean strong, purposeful, fashionable, and confident.  By independent I don't mean "without man."  I mean self-made, resourceful, and reliable.  Today's world stresses that women don't need a man (and I agree with the world), but woman was created for man.  Therefore, be a woman.  Be a strong, independent, modern woman, but be lovable and caring and supportive all the same.

So, with this vision in mind, it is not possible for me to sit back and read this book without sharing what I am reading and how I am reflecting with all of you.  I encourage you to read it and share with me your own thoughts and feelings.  If you have read it, please, feel free to share.  As I continue through the book, I'm sure it will spark topics for future posts.  

I can totally relate to the author.  The first time I heard all the "stipulations" for a Proverbs 31 woman, I was pretty defensive.  Why didn't men have a laundry list of things to do?  Why women?

I thought what I might do is break down the Proverbs 31 Woman scripture into a few verses at a time and reflect on my own experience trying to live this lifestyle while adding in anecdotes from the author as well. At some point, I thought it would be really fun to host a P31Challenge Link-up.  Note (obviously) the challenge would not be my own, but the author's challenge.  I just thought it would be nice to have a support group of women all trying to embark on the same journey.  Let me know if any of you are interested in that.

"Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?

She is more precious than rubies.

Her husband can trust her,

and she will greatly enrich his life.

She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life."

Proverbs 31:10-12

I have to admit, first and foremost, that like Horn, I started trying to do this despite.  It was almost like I read this as a challenge and people expected me to fail.  I don't know about you, but I hate failure.  I like to be good at everything I do and if I'm going to be a wife, I want to be a good one!  So since everyone knew I couldn't do it (in my head apparently), I decided to do it despite everyone!

When I first read this, I had no problem with it.  I agree, I am as precious as rubies.  My husband can trust me.  I will be good to him.  Then there is this part: all the days of her life.  I realized there are some times when I'm cranky or tired or ill or for no reason at all and I take it out on him.  Even if my original source of frustration had nothing to do with him, he was/is the target of my emotion.  Do you do that, too?  So I decided that I was going to be more intentional with my interactions with my hubby.

Now, I know I fail at this on a daily basis, but I try so hard to bring him good, not harm, all the days of my life.  Honey, if you're reading this, I do try.  Guys, it can be so hard to take a deep breath and overlook the boxers on the bathroom floor or the Coke can on the end table.  However, I have to say, those are such stupid things to argue about!  It's so much easier to overlook them than to waste time fighting about them.  And we won't even talk about all the aggrivating things I do.  He overlooks most those on a daily basis as well.  So, this much he deserves.  (According to Proverbs, he deserves it all...)  

Do you aim to bring your man good, not harm, all the days of your life?  Do you struggle with it?

I'm not saying I sit and plot ways to bring him harm, but sometimes I do it on accident!

Do you enrich his life?  Can he trust you?  Because, lady, you ARE more precious than a ruby.

There are several great resources tied in with this book such as the great blog Sarah Horn updates regularly with great recipes and inspiring posts, the P31 Challenge that you can take (perfection not required), and a Pinterest P31 Scavenger Hunt!

Post-Christmas Strategy

I hit up Kohl's after Christmas.  Kohl's is one store that rocks a frugalista's world.  Not only do they have everything, but they have great prices on everything.  Then, on top of that, they have regular sales, coupons, and extra discounts on their merchandise.

So, I came across the candles and started looking at the prices and making my selections.  Then, out of curiosity, I rang them through the price check.  Everything on clearance was an additional 25% off!

Kohl's rocks my world because not only do they have great deals on their clothing and merchandise, but you can always find a coupon code.  They send about two coupons via snail mail a month as well.

Lesson #1: When shopping a sale, don't be afraid to check and see if there are any additional discounts.  Most of the time there is an additional percentage off or a significant slash in price.

Lesson #2: When shopping for items in a particular size, know that most stores will order your size and have it shipped to your house for free.  You still receive the benefits of the sale even though they don't have your size available in store.

Lesson #3:  Always, always, always look for a coupon code.  Do NOT be ashamed of saving every hard earned dollar you can.  A fantastic app for this is Coupon Sherpa.  Coupon Sherpa lists many retailers and all of their current promotions/coupons.  You just pull it up on your phone and the cashier can scan the bar code right off your phone.

Lesson #4: Don't be afraid of asking about a discount for military/teachers/students/etc.  If you think you could get a discount for it, ask.  Many times companies don't have a standard discount for teachers, but upon my asking, the manager gives me 10% off.

So, let me break down for you what I spent and how I did it:

With the 70% off and then an additional 25% off all clearance, not a single candle cost more than $8.39.  Some of these candles originally cost more than $30!!

Not only were the candles super cheap, but with Coupon Sherpa, I got another 15% off my entire purchase which pretty much meant I got one of the candles for free because it saved me $5.48.

I ended up with 2 woodwick Yankee candles, a Yankee jar, a Jennifer Lopez 3 wick candle, and a Jennifer Lopez decorative candle.  All for $33.08.  Normally they would have cost me $150.04.
That's a savings of $116.96!!

By the way, did you notice that one of those candles was originally $39.99 and I paid just $5.99 for it?