SRKindredSpirits

A Former Monk’s Financial Guide to Becoming a Little Bit Wealthy .... and Why That’s Okay Anyone that knows me, knows that I am not good with words... especially big words. I have trouble saying them, reading them and understanding them. I enjoy reading (and writing) as much as the next person, but when a book is written using big words, is hard to comprehend, or goes too deep, I zone out. Most financial books have me never finishing them. But not this one, - this one I got!  This book is good. I love the way the author provides easy to comprehend words, sound practical advice, and a down to earth, relate able, and compelling story.  The author makes a strong ethical case for striving to be "a little bit wealthy" by stepping off the treadmill of mindless consumerism (excessive unnecessary spending) and managing money more effectively to accumulate wealth over time. After all, it's up to us to take care of our financial health, which ultimately is a p

Our oldest daughter turned 18 this month!!! First off, I still can't believe that I'm old enough to have an 18 yr old kid.... but anyway, ever since she was twelve, we planned on taking a trip together, just me and her, to a place of her choosing when she turned eighteen - out of school, but before college and a full time job!  She chose New York, NY and w e had a great time! Back before she was born, my ex and I used to drive truck through New York every couple weeks, so I've been there, but up until now I had only experienced it by driving through, which is completely different than being right among the people, walking the sidewalks and taking the subways! There were some things I learned about New York, that was different than I expected. So here we go, in no particular order.... (it's gonna be random!)   You will spend a lot of time riding the subway.  It's not scary. It's fun and relaxing, especially if you like to people watch! It ende

After walking by some of these cute little guys in the store the other day, I decided they'd make the perfect dessert for our Memorial Day Cookout! Here's what you need: White or Yellow cake mix = Buns Brownie mix = Patties Fondant = Cheese Colored Icing = Lettuce, Tomoato, and Mustard White Sprinkles = Sesame Seeds Make white/yellow cake mix according to box. And pour into cupcake pans - make 2 dozen. I use my USA nonstick cupcake pans (These are the best pans ever!) Bake according to box or until a toothpick comes out clean. Take cupcakes out and let them cool for at least 20 minutes and cup in half horizontally. Prepare brownie mix according to the box. Bake preferrably in a 10 x 14 pan so that the brownie patties are thin. (I baked mine in a 9 x 13 pan and they were on the thick side.) After the brownies are done cooking, let them cool for 30 minutes. Once brownies are cooled, cut "patties" with a round cookie cutter or with the ri

So it finally happened.... It's official!!! I am the momma of a college student! Our oldest graduated high school two years early (you can see her graduation party here) and took some time off.... b ut as of today, she is enrolled and is studying for her Graphic Designs Degree! In case you can't tell, I'm one proud momma!

In today's time, we often overlook the importance of dressing up... just look around you the next time to go to the doctors office, grocery store, or even a church activity. I mean, I'm all for being comfortable, but people often take it too far. Think about it, most people dress like bedraggled slobs. Have you looked around? Men might be in T-shirts with coffee stains, holes, or in ratty, baggy jeans, ugly shorts, and showing off their britches. Women are wearing stretch leggins, sweats, halter tops, super short shorts, and, yes, underwear in public. If our clothes are a means of self-expression, we clearly loathe ourselves. How does it make you feel, when you see someone at the checkout with uncombed hair, baggy sweatpants, slippers, and an unpleasant smell? My guess is you probably don't think very highly of them. Let me insert here, if that's truly all someone can afford, I'm OK with that, but seriously, if you have money to get your nails don

I grew up in the 80s and 90's. I loved big hair, teal mustangs, pointed shoes, and ladies in skirt suits with shoulder pads.... when it came to my clothes and decorating my house. Everything had to match!  But here's the problem....  I could never get my house to look good.. it seamed something was always missing... or just not quite right. Over the years I've discovered a few things.... Teal cars are no longer cool, big hair doesn't work on everyone, comfortable shoes is better, shoulder pads are just yucky, and matching is way over rated. When it comes to your home, forget the matching - here's the secret to making your home look great! USE WHAT YOU LOVE Don't keep things you don't like. That means that stool you really don't like, or the ugly mug your Aunt Betty gave you, or the picture frame that's been in the family for years and you cant get rid of it, or someone will be upset.... let it go... if it doesn't bring

Behind the Laughter A Comedian's Tale of Tragedy and Hope By: Anthony Griffith and Dr. Brigitte Travis-Griffin with Mark Caro “I was living every comic’s dream…with a nightmare attached.” Anthony Griffith, a stand-up comic from Chicago’s South Side, has lived on the borderline of comedy and tragedy. At the very time his career as a stand-up comedian was taking off, and he had finally achieved his dream of appearing on The Tonight Show, he was also enduring an unimaginable personal nightmare: his two-year-old daughter, Brittany Nicole, was dying from cancer. While Anthony performed under bright lights, he struggled not to succumb to the darkness of losing a child. Behind the Laughter asks, When your world is falling apart, how do you keep going? It’s the story of how Anthony and his wife, Brigitte, learned to endure the most painful of times and emerge on the other side of the “zombie years.” Although, I have not had a child die from cancer, I could definitely relate