$$ Saving tip (#1)

We've all had that one idea, the moment where the lightbulb goes on, and we say to ourselves, "Why didn't I think of that before?!" Lucky for me, I have a blog and can share my genius (okay, just average) thoughts with you.
I'm not one of those women you'd see on "Extreme Couponing". I don't steal packets from McDonald's to refill my ketchup bottle or buy ten years of toilet paper in bulk from Costco. (BTW, it is proven that buying paper products like that is not saving any money) It may be cool for you, but it's not my cup of tea.
My ideas are simple and you'll probably say to yourself the same thing, "Why didn't I think of that?!"
Anyone out there use the Pledge Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair? We keep one on the back of the couch. My husband thought it would be a good idea to share his seat with the dog. Now he sneaks up there in the middle of the night. (The dog, not my husband) And we're at the end of shedding season. Needless to say, it gets full rather quickly. The label says, "Dispose the sweeper when full and no longer picks up hair". Emphasis on "dispose". Of course I'm going to throw it out when it no longer picks up hair, but why would I toss it just because it is full?! That is $5.75 down the drain. I think I read on the box something to the effect of "do not try to open". But while vacuuming gobs of dog hair off the floor this evening, I decided to stick the nozzle detachment into the fabric sweep and voila! it's empty again!
Simple, money saving, obvious. Why didn't I think of it before?!

Picnic lunch

Oh, that life could be so simple.

American Plastic Toy Picnic Table

Why, hello there!

It's been a long time. Five hundred and thirty-seven (537) days to be exact. That is one year, five months and 21 days. Obviously we haven't just fallen off the face of the planet. It's just that Facebook is my primary means of communicating with friends and family. Ya'll are the only ones who read my blog anyway.
So, why now? Since I got my iPhone, I've been taking more photos of my time in Japan. It's also become easier for me to share my experiences and thoughts online. I have Rockmelt which has connected me to Facebook even more. I use Camera+ to share my photos online. I also have a new obsession with tiltshift photography.
Japan is a place that most of my American friends and family haven't visited. It is a uniquely different society and I'm fascinated by it, so I want to share my love of this country with you.

Now, this blog is shifting focus. I don't plan on writing long posts about my day, or every little thing our family is doing. Although I will make those posts occasionally. My goal is to make it a little less personal. While I don't have a problem with writing some private things on Facebook, I just don't want to do it here. Don't be surprised with any changes I (hopefully am motivated to) make in the next few days and months. This is only the first step. If you have any suggestions or requests, please share. Any blog title suggestions would be welcome too. The current is a place holder.

Until next time, matta ne.