Wowee February is here! The sun is finally starting to peek out which I love but along with that comes lots and lots of Spring projects :D. I just informed my husband I plan to paint my office this weekend- is there anything worse than painting? Maybe moving right? But the end result will be so worth it! I can’t wait!
So we did hit Maui a few weeks ago and had so much fun. The trip was WAY too short and we actually had one day of rain. We were all a bit bummed to find rain on vacation but then I reminded the kiddos that we would probably get super lucky and see stunning rainbows and low and behold– we got back to the hotel just in time to see this gorgeous rainbow and get about an hour of sun before dusk.
Which brings me to my word of the year. I forgot to do this in January’s post but does anyone else do this? The idea is to skip all the New Year’s resolutions and to pick just one word as a focus. That one word will represent what you hope God will do through you for the year to impact others in a positive way. There is a book called My One Word that elaborates a bit more on the concept.
Anyhoo- last year’s word was Joy and this year I finally settled on Grace. I have to admit I have no grace. I can be tactless, sarcastic, impatient, snappy… lol- what a pleasure right? My big girl’s middle name is Grace and it really suits her. She is kind, thoughtful, generous and such a sweet little soul. I learn so much from her every day and I decided this was an area in my life to work on this year. Just handling things with grace and treating others with grace and emulating a positive example for my little girls each day. (ahem… so far I have only had two not so graceful situations) so work in progress my friends!
What is your word this year? I’d love to hear it!
Other things I am loving right now– Staples book bins! Did you know they have these? If you ever stop by a Staples look for large bins full of books priced at $3.33 each. I usually find something interesting- fiction, lots of children’s books or I just recently grabbed this party planning book. You never know what you will find and they change out all the time.
I have been busting my tail at the gym the past few weeks trying to get ready for swimsuits– the season hits early in California. Those of you that use essential oils, I have to tell you that this PanAway is awesome stuff for sore achy muscles from the gym. I mix a few drops with epsom salts for a detox bath on occasion (drink lots of water!) and lately I have been putting it on sore spots straight. I am pretty sure I pinched a nerve or something in yoga and my shoulder has been hurting so this little magic oil has helped a ton. I carry it in my bag like a little old lady now to help with flare ups.
And one more little tip if you are an oil-y type. So I thought I was a genius with this but it is probably all over pinterest and 100 people thought of it before me (don’t burst my bubble if that is the case) but nail polish organizers are perfect for holding oils. You can get them in a smaller tabletop version or these wall mounted ones anywhere really– Target, Home Goods etc… look in bathroom storage sections.
I wanted this one from Pottery Barn Teen and was told a few months ago it was discontinued but apparently that was incorrect as it is up now for $25. My vision was to have this either on the inside of a cabinet in the bathroom or maybe on the wall in our master closet. The nice thing with the wall mounted is that you can label the front for oils for the kids or ones that need a carrier oil for use etc.. to help find things quickly.
I have the teal version in a desktop caddy and that holds a bunch of oils.
We have had a bit of sunshine lately in CA which has been wonderful. I am so ready for winter to be over! I sleep a ton more in winter and while we were in Hawaii and had the sun streaming through the window in morning, I was getting up so early and feeling so refreshed! When the sun does come out we drop everything and head out hiking- the kids absolutely love climbing rocks so here is my view for most weekends in the late Winter and early Spring. A little game of Tetris across the rocks to ensure feet don’t get wet 🙂
If you get a chance to sit down for a movie I have two recs for you– first I took the stinkers to see Paddington in theaters and they loved it. It was actually really cute – I ordered this hardcover book for my little one she keeps asking for Paddington books and they are hard to find at the library. So fun to introduce the kids to things I remember from childhood!
The second movie I watched on the airplane to Maui- it is for adults for sure and I will tell you right now if bad language offends you please don’t rent this movie. The language is terrible and while some parts of the movie I thought were tasteless, for the most part I found this movie really funny. It is called Bad Words and stars Jason Bateman and I think it might be at Redbox now. Jason Bateman is one of my crushes for his amazing dry wit and this movie is so perfect for him. I kept giggling and my husband was poking me constantly and finally on the way home he watched it too and was laughing his head off and getting stares from people around us. If you liked Horrible Bosses you will probably like this one too.
Oh and one last little thought– I am considering taking the Frugal out of My Frugal Adventures. When the blog started way back in Feb of 2009 (Hey Happy Birthday to me!! 6 years old this month- whoo hoo!) the frugal was meant to be whimsical and fun. My adventures in saving money and living well and trying to balance it all really. But now several years later I am realizing frugal to others means cheap or even a tightwad and that isn’t at all what the spirit of the blog is about. I have been getting some comments on Facebook when I post certain things- “That isn’t frugal!” or recently “Frugal my foot!! Frugal people don’t go to Hawaii!”- especially when I post the bigger ticket items like Dyson or Blendtec or even our recent vacation. We DO spend money. I like really good things. I’d rather have one nice pair of shoes than 20 pairs of junky ones. I have no problem investing in things that count and we try to save in other areas to offset that. So anyway, I have been trying to come up with a way to swap out that frugal and replace it with something else that doesn’t limit the blog quite as much in people’s minds. So if anyone has ideas let me know! I will for sure round up a fun Happy Birthday gift basket of things for you as a thank you for sharing your brilliance!
And here is what you can expect to see in February from little old me:
**Easy and nutritious lunchbox ideas- stuff you will feel great packing and your kid’s will love
**Two winter kid’s crafts that can be done indoors with stuff you already have on hand
**A few recipes I can’t wait to share- including one inspired by Paddington
**Tips to help get the kids to sleep at night. Oh wouldn’t it be lovely to just read that last story, turn off the light and have them actually go to sleep? I gotcha covered.
So happy February to you and once again thank you so much for taking the time to check in, comment and like this blog! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support!
Debbie R. says
When I first read the line about removing Frugal, I thought, “Noooooo!”. But, when I read on I think it’s a great idea! Our family tries to live “frugally”, but that word means many different things to different people. We are like you – we feel we will forgo lots of things to save money, but spend on others that are important to us. We feel doing things as a family is just as important as saving money. We don’t want to teach our kids that money is evil and that we should never spend it. We want to teach them BALANCE and responsibility – what is truly important to you is OK to splurge on, find ways to save on the rest and live within your means. After thinking about it, here are some of what titles I think would fit that: Smart Living Adventures, Merry Mindful Adventures or Mindful Living Adventures (that is if you want to keep the “Adventures” part). Good luck with the name change and thanks for always giving us fantastic ideas!
Christina says
Thanks for your posts- I check in every day. As an English teacher I see nothing wrong with the term frugal here but I guess it may mean something different to others as mentioned. Synonyms are unwasteful, thrifty, and cautious and all that applies to your blog most of the time. I also feel like frugal adventures is established from your hard work over 6 years and the adventures part helps the frugal part be acceptable and fun. I like the name you already have and I look forward to all of your creative ideas and the ideas you discover and share with us:)
Maria says
I agree 100% with your point of view! Some things you can splurge on and others spend 🙂 I visited Disneyworld last thanksgiving and my family looked at me like I was crazy because i cut coupons and such. I explained, its because i do this why my hubby was able to take us on this vacation. Here are my ideas…
My family adventures
My blogging adventures
FYI, if you do a voting thing where your readers help you choose from, say 3 options I like Debbies idea Smart Living Adventures 🙂
Angela says
I don’t mind if you take out “frugal” as long as I can still find you! Thanks for sharing all your happenings. I enjoy hearing from someone from my same state & hope you are enjoying the rain this weekend. Blessings!
susan b says
Just fyi – the way I found your blog was by doing Google searches for
‘frugal blogs’. But perhaps I’m in the minority.
My Fabulous Adventures?
KimJ says
I just went online to a thesaurus website and found the word provident which is a nicer less negative sounding word then frugal. Though I did think frugal was fine too!
Michelle says
I love your blog Charlene! I always check in – you always have such great ideas. I agree that it’s because you are frugal that you can choose to buy nice things & do some great things. Maybe it should be My Frugal (and sometimes Fabulous) Adventures! : ) Keep it up!
Maureen says
Charlene, I am a 66 old grandmother that absolutely loves your website. I have used so many ideas of yours for doing crafts with my grandkids. You have saved me a ton of money on your tips for finding good toys on sale as well as clothes and food. In fact, I just ordered from Cents of Style for a Valentine present for my 29 year old daughter. It is fun to still give her something that doesn’t cost too much. Please keep up the good work. If you do change your name, please make sure that your followers know where to find you.
Melissa says
I love your word of the year. This is my third year choosing one. This year it’s “joy” which I want to find more of (or let it find me). Last year it was “laughter.” The year before it was “yes”–I simply wanted to say “yes” to more things… “Mom, can we play with playdough?” Yes. “Can we finger paint?” Yes. Not saying that I said yes to everything, but I found myself saying no too many times just because I didn’t want to deal with “it” (whatever “it” was–the mess, the having to leave the house, the giving up what I wanted to do). It was pure selfishness on my part so spending a year practicing saying yes was great. Good luck with “grace.” I might have to consider that one in the future.
dodi says
No matter what the name is your blog is wonderful! My suggestions: my penny-wise adventures…my fabulous and sometimes frugal adventures…my savvy adventures. 🙂
Holly says
thrify? providential? pennywise??? Tough call: frugal is such a fitting word. I say, do what YOU want and keep the word; forget all the naysayers. They obviously don’t get it.
follower says
There will always be people who will try to find something not positive about everything. Your blog title and blog has been used by God to help many people. It has brought you where you are today. I dont think you should be swayed because of a few people who dont see the value of your time and life. Thank you for all that you do on this blog to help many.
Prov 16:2
Charlene says
Thanks Dodi!
Charlene says
Wow thank you so much follower! 🙂
Charlene says
Oh I love the idea of yes 🙂 I say no way too much too Melissa!
Charlene says
Maureen– thank you so much! I am so glad you find My Frugal Adventures useful 🙂
Charlene says
Michelle- I love fabulous too 🙂 Great word.
Charlene says
Wow thanks for going to that trouble Kim!
Charlene says
Ha ha! Well that is a great point to keep the name Susan.
Charlene says
We sure are Angela– enjoying wearing our rainboots finally 😀
Charlene says
Good call Maria. And exacting– a little effort to shave a few hundred of the grocery bill means you get to spend that on something else that is important to your family. 🙂
Tatyana says
How about
“Living Adventurous and Happy”
“Happy Living Adventures”
“Adventures All the Way”
“My Californian Adventures”
“My Happy Place Adventures” 🙂
Is sounds like it’s going to be an exciting month on your blog 🙂
Have a great week!
Charlene says
Yes Christina that was totally my thought too when I started MFA. I do kind of like My Thrifty Adventures although it isn’t much of a change is it?
Charlene says
Thanks for the great ideas Debbie! Balanced is exactly right… we just went through our 2014 spending and really the only thing that was a bit high was the kid’s activities budget 🙂 But that isn’t an area we want to cut back on– soccer games, ballet recitals, going to shows and games together- important stuff.
Faith says
I love your name. I say only change it if YOU want to make it different. No matter what other word you choose, someone will see a different meaning than you intend so it may not matter after all. I’m pretty sure I have checked your blog daily (sometimes several times a day) for at least the last 5 years, if not more, and have loved all of your posts and deals so I’ll follow you wherever you end up. I also love that you’re a fellow Northern Californian so I actually know which stores you are talking about! 🙂
caitlyn says
Congrats on 6 years for your blog! You are one of my favorite reads. I agree with your perspective on saving in certain areas in order spend a little more on others. BTW – I really enjoy these Behind the Screen posts!
Melissa S says
I’ve been following you since you probably started. Yes, you do post some things that are more expensive, but it is when they are listed at a great price. I’ve seen many, many other blogs do the same and some of them are real ‘tightwads’;). I would rather spend more on quality then buy cheap over and over again. Your name is you. Please do not change it. I think it does help a lot of people find you. I would hate for others to not find you because of some ignorant people making ignorant comments. People will always try to tear others down. Brush them off and keep going. It happens to two other bigger blogs often. You just need to keep up doing the best that you can. You can’t make everyone happy so don’t stress yourself out trying. You’ve made the majority of us happy. Don’t let the minority’s ignorance hurt you. You are doing what God is intending for you:)
Ednelle says
Hi Charlene,
I remember you talking about going to Hawaii. I know a missed some days here and there in checking your blog but didn’t realize I totally missed any posts of your Hawaii trip. I’ve never been to Hawaii but have heard how wonderful it is, if you don’t mind, share your pictures and/or your vacation with us. I would love to get ideas, hopefully we’ll be able to vacation there within the next few years!
Charlene says
Hi Ednelle- I didn’t want to bore everyone to pieces talking about our trip but I did write a post here:
http://myfrugaladventures.com/2015/01/things-to-do-in-maui-with-kids/
I know as a frugal blogger I am not supposed to encourage credit card use but we have one that we use for major purchases. We pay it off immediately so we never have any fees or late payments and we had actually accumulated 3 free nights at the Hyatt. The regular price is $300 per night so that was a big savings 🙂
Melissa B. says
Frankly Feeling Fun might be a good name! Living frankly and frugally but still having fun! I completely get what you’re trying to say and do, and I truly appreciate all you do! I get called snobby and wasteful when I insist on paying a little more for something. How is it saving money if you have to keep replacing something? You can still spend money to SAVE money! Thank you for all you do!
Debbie says
Your website is awesome just the way it is! I also like the finer things in life and know where & when to be frugal. Your site is fantastic – a perfect mix of recipes, great deals for quality items, ideas for kids & family, etc, etc. I look forward to checking out your new posts each day. Thank you for all the time & effort you put into it – I know its a labor of love!
Cherali says
As I’ve read the comments and come to value your blog so highly over the last 6 years the suggestion that comes to mind would be something to the affect of: My Valued Adventures or Fabulous Frugal Adventures. I too love what you do, no matter what you call it 🙂
Charlene says
Thank you so much Debbie!
Charlene says
Cherali- thank you so much! Six years– crazy how time flies!
Kelly @ RedefinedMom.com says
What about Adventures in Life or Living the Daily Adventure…I think you do such an amazing job of trying new things ALL THE TIME and then sharing those with your fans/readers. Embrace change, friend. It’s good to evolve.
Susi says
I have really enjoyed your blog over the past few years and think that your wanting to consider another name for your blog after getting some feedback from people fits in with your “Grace” theme. You are handling this with grace and whatever you decide to ultimately do will be totally fine with your faithful followers! 🙂
– Artful Adventures
– Inspiring Adventures
– My Creative Adventures, Spending Time and Money Thoughtfully (or Purposefully?)
– Life’s an Adventure, Live it Thoughtfully, Purposefully, Creatively
Good Luck and thank you for being such an inspiration to us all, on so many different levels!
Jessica V. says
Hi Charlene- I look the new format of your posts. I like the informational topics and splashing in the deal savings for things worth noting.
A suggestion for your blog name- “My Blessed Adventures”. I think living life and enjoying valuable things is important. Anything we can do, whether saving money or investing into memories is a blessed adventure! 🙂
hally says
great blogs, love them. Why change name to satisfy a few individuals? there will always be complains in regards to any name chosen. So what if reader don’t like the name? those individuals are not forced to read the blog. If reading and finding useful, why complain? ignore those don’t apply and move on.
name is what the owner (Charlene) feel like it’s being called. It may be “frugal” to Charlene, yet may not to reader ^_^
thank you for your time. I know it does take a lot of time to find deals and post on site (I use to do the same), now I just read and don’t really post anymore. too time consuming, thus, I really appreciate all you do and name of the site is indifferent to me.
thank you again!
Charlene says
Cute I like that Jessica 🙂
Charlene says
Great ideas Susi- thank you!
Charlene says
Ha ha! Show off Redefined lady 😀 You are already done with your transition!
Gina says
I love this site! You always have great ideas and great deals! One pair of great shoes certainly beats 20 or 30 cheap ones!
How about “My Balanced Life”?
Thanks for all you do!
Charlene says
Thank you so much Gina– great suggestion!
piper says
hey…I’m a little late on reading this one! love “seeing” behind the scenes! love grace as your word! I am considering hope!! 🙂
I like the suggestions people above made: my blessed adventures, my balanced life, my savvy adventures…this blog is so much more than money saving, but it does save you money and I think that is how a lot of people originally find you, ya know?! but its crazy that you are getting criticized for not being frugal enough! ha!
anyhoot…good luck! thanx for keeping this up for 6 years…has been a huge blessing to me and many of my friends!
Charlene says
Thanks so much Piper!