5 Ways to Live More Richly Without Spending Alot of Money.

Since my birthday on the 17th of this month, I've been thinking about writing this entry.


In honor of me turning 26, here's somethings I've (sometimes painfully) learn the hard) way about living more fully:

1.  Start taking note on what ingredients/foods you eat. I've written about this before, but I started to cut all forms of corn syrup outta our diets. While I am not super strict about this, I actually read ingredient labels now. I feel better physically. Plus I probably actually have been saving money--frozen entrees and fake "cheese" flavoring snack crackers are expensive! Also keep a little dish of Kosher salt on your stove...it makes you feel rich, I promise you!
2. Don't be afraid to shop at stores like TJ Maxx/N-Rack. I bought myself an amazing pair of Not Your Daughter's jeans at N-Rack for the same price as I would have for jeans at Old Navy or Gap. The only thing is these jeans fit and will last a lot longer than any ON denim. PLUS even though we tell ourselves "brands don't matter," I swear name brand clothing just fits better and also last longer.  Be aware to always try on clothing as jeans are likely in these stores because they are irregular size etc. I also LOVE J Crew Factory Outlet. They have an online store.
3. Stop caring. Not really sure how to put this one, but I'll do my best. Start taking care of yourself. Stop taking care of others. I mean, yes, take care of your elderly parents, but at the same time you can't really begin to help others until you help/heal yourself. (Plus stop caring about how people view you. They probably see you as butt-head. How can you change their perception?)
4. Adopt a dog. At the risk of sounding crazy, adopting Joey was probably one of the most fulfilling things I've ever done. Joey is a puppy mill survivor, so watching him pee outside and play with a ball...was a first for him. For a good year, there was so many "firsts" for him. His first bath, his first good quality dog food meal, his first bedtime snuggles. Training him was really fun, too. When you adopt a dog from a shelter/rescue, something magical happens. 
5. Take a community education class. I took up ASL because I am hard-of-hearing. I really look forward to Thursday nights and seeing the people in my class. The best thing is we're all adults in a learning environment--so you're most likely to be each other cheerleaders.