Jesse Barnes paints about a simpler time.  A time when families, small towns, and families were part of the American fabric.  I hope you see some paintings that you would enjoy!  For more info:

http://www.squidoo.com/jesse-barnes-missouri-artist

Image by 401K via Flickr

Almost every blog and financial guru tells you if you want to save money and get ahead financially, you must find a way to live beneath your means.  What does that mean to you?  To me, that means spending no more each month than you make.  Sounds easy!  But it is way to easy to use your credit card for one or two things each month until you owe 5-10 thousand dollars.

Want to start living beneath your means?  Check out this article

http://www.squidoo.com/five-ways-to-live-below-your-means

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http://www.squidoo.com/best-christmas-toys-for-1-a-year-old

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Image via Wikipedia

Do you have a loved one that is an avid golfer?  Do you know next to nothing about golf or what to get your favorite golfer?  Don’t worry!  Follow these great ideas for the perfect gift for golfers.

I got these wonderful ideas from my husband who has been an avid golfer for over 42 years.  There are gifts on this list for every price range!  Just click on this link to get great ideas:  http://www.squidoo.com/gifts-for-a-golfer

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http://www.squidoo.com/christmas-gift-ideas-for-12-to-14-year-olds

This short article is guaranteed to give your some ideas that every kid might enjoy for Christmas!  Take a minute and check this article out!

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Our Christmas family tradition is to only spend $25.00 on a present.  That can be challenging and fun.  For a lot of suggestions go to:

http://www.squidoo.com/christmas-gifts-under-2500

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Christmas gifts

Do you love to give gifts?  Do you have a hard time deciding on what everyone would truly enjoy?  Check out this article on great gifts for everyone.  It has suggestions for the hardest to buy for a guy or gal.  Do all your Christmas shopping online and have the best Christmas ever!

Check out http://www.squidoo.com/christmas-gifts-to-please-everyone

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Image via Wikipedia

Are you weary of all the toys that are being pushed on commercials and in ads?

I wrote this article on the top toys of all time and they are things one finds around the house that can spark one’s imaginations.  Things like Duct tape and scotch tape–bubble wrap etc.  Take a minute to read this article and go back to a simpler time.  You might even find some ideas for your kids!

http://www.squidoo.com/top-all-time-toys

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http://www.squidoo.com/keurig-k-cup-home-brewer

http://www.best-reviewer.com/best-review-top-3-best-coffee-makers-2011.htm#.Ts_2fPKSeWZ

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If you are from another country, I hope that you set aside some time to think about the things or people in your life that you are grateful for. I was lucky enough to be born into a family that loved each other and loved me! I praise God for that fact. As I have grown older, I know that that isn’t always the case.
My parents were both married before they met each other and their spouses died. Then they met and fell in love. Dad had to leave for World War II and when he came home on leave, they were married.
When he got home from the war, I was born. We were a typical 50′s family. I treasure those memories.I met Dan at college in my freshman year. He made me laugh. After 42 years of marriage, he still makes me laugh. We were both teachers, and managed to work most of our careers in the same school district and in the same school. We have been able to share our work and some of the same friends and interests. Dan has been a stabling influence in my life and I value his wisdom.I was blessed with two really great children–Kyle and Kaycee. They both are gifted athletically and love people. The only hard thing is that my daughter did not sleep as an infant and she has a hard time sleeping even now. Both my son and I can sleep at the drop of a hat.

I grew up in a time when girls grew up, got married, had children and was a great mom and homemaker. That didn’t come naturally to me! But my kids made it easy to be a mom–I wasn’t naturally gifted in that area. I am grateful everyday for my children who have grown up to be responsible, caring adults.I come from a very faithful, Christian family. As far back as I can trace, my family has been a praying family. I am grateful to have that kind of tradition. To believe that there is no purpose for life, that we are just accidents of nature, is so foreign to me. My faith gives me a purpose to live and interact positively with others.

Friends make Life worthwhile

I have been blessed to have such good friends. Friends from college, friends from work, great neighbors and wonderful, giving, inspiring friends from my church. I give thanks to God for giving me great friends.