30 Before 30 List

I found this idea on another blog and I really liked it.  Thank you for the inspiration, Anne! So, I set out to create my very own 30 before 30 list... because I'm just really "list-y" like that.  I'm one of those people that has a list for everything and get a big thrill out of checking something off.  Anyone with me?

I tried to be realistic with things that could conceivably be done in less than 3 years (due to be completed before August 2015), not necessarily lifelong goals or bucket list items (although some of them are). This list covers a wide range of things, from blogging to travel. I hope this list inspires you to set some goals and live more intentionally as well.

And without further ado...

30 Before 30

Culture

• See another Broadway show (even if playing off Broadway at the time)

• Phantom
• Newsies
• Annie
• Cinderella

• Attend a concert

• Celtic Woman
• Straight No Chaser (Christmas show)

• Go to the Symphony
• Play the piano in church and feel comfortable doing so
• Hold a conversation in Sign Language

Travel/Adventure

• Go Stand-up Paddleboarding
• Go on a cruise
• Visit another one of the extreme points of the contiguous 48 United States
• East (West Quoddy Head, Maine)
• West (Cape Alava, Washington)
• North (Northwest Angle, Minnesota)
• South (Key West, Florida) completed 12/26/2012)

Education

• Memorize my Scripture List
• Take a Photography class
• Take an Herbal Healing class
• Take a Traditional Cooking class
• Read one educational/devotional book and one just for fun book each month

Home/Family

• Buy a house
• Have a natural childbirth
• Get a cat

Create/Cultivate

• Make a complete quilt from start to finish
• Cater a special event or reception
• Make a slipcover for the chair and a half
• Catch up my scrapbook to present day (currently 4 years behind)
• Grow a successful garden
• Grind my own wheat to make flour
• Give the Recipe File a complete health makeover
• Volunteer at a non-profit
• Make a meal planning board

Blog

• Post a how-to video
• Host a giveaway
• Get my own domain name
• Have a guest blogger
• Custom design the blog

Travel Tips: Vacation Planning

(not sure where this pic came from - I've had it forever!)

The Hubby and I save our $$ all year so we can splurge a little on vacation... but I'm still a frugal girl at heart. So by "splurge" I mean carefully planning my vacation in such a way as to allow us to do what we most want to do for the least amount of $$ possible.

Step 1:  Prioritize

I'm not a fan of trips that are completely off the cuff with no forethought... I find those types of trips stressful, disorganized and very expensive (all those little expenses add up).  If you're one of those "fly by the seat of your pants" types, then you may want to skip the rest of this post and join me again on the next one.  However, if you're like me, then read on...

Beginners Scarf

Want an easy project you can work on while traveling or watching TV?  This scarf was incredibly easy to put together.  I finished it in about 2 hours while watching a movie with the Hubby.

The easy part about this scarf is that it only requires basic stitches (single crochet and half double crochet) and it uses a HUGE crochet hook. Also, you can make it as long or short as you wish. Not complicated.

A DIY Christmas: Creative Gift Baskets

The key with giving gift baskets is to know the recipient.  I've heard from several people that they hate getting gift baskets during the holidays because the baskets usually include items they don't particularly care for (hamburger sauce? really?).

If you're sure your gift recipient likes all the items in a prepackaged gift basket, then by all means, give the person the prepackaged gift basket.

But, if you're not sure, then I'd recommend putting a basket together yourself and include only items you know they would enjoy.  Gift baskets should not be a cop-out... they're an opportunity to show you care.

A DIY Christmas: Lotion Bar

Photo Credit

Looking for a frugal or practical DIY gift?  I love these homemade lotion bars, and the best part is they're completely natural and are easy on sensitive skin.

Some tips:  it costs a little more to buy the beeswax already in small pellet form, but it will save you a LOT of time and aggravation.  Don't ask me how I know...  I found that Amazon had the best prices for beeswax and cocoa butter, but you may also be able to find the materials needed at your local craft store (use a coupon if you can!).