Starving Artist's Wife.Com

Weary and Discouraged....

2011-03-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

From what, do you ask?

My weight loss slump, a huge stomach from having so many children that I am terribly self conscious about. My muscles are just shot! Even losing weight and doing stomach exercises doesn't help it. Battling the question, "Do I go through another painful surgery and get a tummy tuck?"

Trying to get a business off the ground and feeling like I am going nowhere with it. It is not easy and I feel like giving up sometimes. But I am determined to carry on! After all, Rome wasn't built in a day or a couple of weeks! I have to keep reminding myself of that.

I just can't get out of this slump where I am struggling to stay on track with my Weight Watchers and exercise. It has been hard to stay with it. My appetite has been so bad lately and I cannot seem to get it under control! Ugh! But I am determined to carry on and make myself get out of this slump, getting past the 140 mark that I seem to be staying at. My goal weight is 134, so it is very frustrating.

I guess that I need to start counting my blessings, not worrying about these things so much. It is just hard when you have to look in the mirror, at the numbers on the scale or the "0" in the place where the money amount is supposed to be on your website's "dashboard".

The Lord can help me do that. I just have to pray that He will and He will answer my prayers.

Leave words of encouragement in the comments below. Or tell me about your struggles and maybe we can encourage one another.

Until next time....

My Weight Loss and Fitness Progress & Fibromyalgia

2011-02-28T11:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I am back to counting my points. I haven't been as good at keeping up the tracking but the new Points Plus calculator keeps track of all of my points. I have been faithful to keep up with calculating all that I am eating. I do want to get better at writing everything down. I am determined to do that!

I bought an exercise bike and rode it 5 out of 7 days last week! Thursday, I had to do the grocery shopping and Sunday is my day of rest, my day off! I am really enjoying the bike and do some calisthenics on top of that, as well as strengthening exercise, especially for my abdominals, that are all stretched out from having so many babies. I am determined to get them flatter. I have thought of having a tummy tuck because it is not working as well as I would like. I just am not sure if I want to go through all that pain to do it. Anyway, I am definitely exercising more than I was!! It gives me more energy and has helped some with my fibro pain. That I like.

I wasn't able to go to my meeting last week but I am hoping to get back there soon! It really does help me a lot, helps keep me accountable, as I have shared before.

I am determined that I am not going to look bad in a swimsuit this year! Hopefully, I can reach that goal.

On a side note, a friend of mine just found out that she has fibromyalgia. It really seems like people are being sent in my path, in order for me to minister to them, as one who knows what it is like to have this condition. I love to encourage, so this has been a true blessing to me. Fibro is not fun. But I try to keep a positive attitude by remembering that at least Fibromyalgia is not something that will kill me. It is a nuisance but not deadly. So many people that I know are not so fortunate.

If you have fibromyalgia, have any questions, or just want to vent, leave a comment below! I love to receive comments on my posts! Or if you are in the process of losing weight and want to share about, leave a comment below as well!

Getting Back in the Saddle Again! Time To Get Serious About WW!

2011-02-16T11:49:00.000-08:00

I know, I know... I said that I was going to start back up on WW about a month ago. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. I still wasn't tracking and I still wasn't exercising as I should. I was eating things that were NOT good for my diet and I just felt like throwing in the towel. No more! I am getting back in that saddle and going to my first Weight Watchers meeting, in about 3 months, tomorrow! I have come to rediscover that I really need those meetings to keep me accountable and on track! Not only that, but physically I will feel better too! So will you, if you are getting on that horse with me.

I have my oldest child's wedding to attend in May and I want to look my best for that and for the summer. I do not want to be so self-conscious about the way that I look. So I am going for it and giving myself that kick in the pants, finally.

If anyone would like to join me, please do! Feel free to leave a comment below!

For a while, this will be my journal of my weight loss and my journey to become fit! Hopefully, it will not only keep me on track doing so but also be an encouragement to some of you who read my blog. Or maybe you are just discovering my blog and this caught your eye and maybe even described what you are going through in your own life.

Well, here we go!!

Until next time......

Giving Myself That Kick in the Pants! Getting Back On That Weight Watchers Wagon!

2011-01-17T13:04:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving dinner and all the trimmings. Christmas season and all of its yummy delights! Pumpkin Pie....Christmas cookies...Apple pie with whipped topping...Christmas candy. Sabotage to a good diet! My diet!

Giving myself a kick in the pants, getting off that couch, away from the kitchen, and back onto that Weight Watchers wagon that works so well!

Have you gained back weight that you have lost? Do you want to look decent in a bathing suit? Join with me and lose those holidays pounds, as well as firm up that body! Anyone game? Anyone want to join in this challenge with me?

Don't need to be on Weight Watchers to come aboard. Although, it is an awesome program and it really works!

I have my daughter's wedding in May and summer is right around the corner after that! I want to look and feel better by then! Losing the weight not only gave me confidence, it gave me my life back and improved my health! I want to feel better again!

Starting right now, I am determined to get back to journaling my food intake, exercising more (both firming exercises and cardio... they really do go hand in hand), and sticking to my WW plan with the new Points Plus Program!

Ready to get real? I am!

Wordless Wednesday: My Best Friend and Me

2011-01-12T08:46:00.000-08:00

My Favorite Artist, Bob Langston!

2011-01-11T08:44:00.000-08:00

This is a photo of my husband Bob doing a surfboard painting demo at the annual Neptune Festival, 2010. The art show is here in Virginia Beach, VA where we live.

I know, I know...he is my husband. But I am his biggest fan!

Wordless Wednesday: My Cool & Talented Husband

2011-01-05T11:53:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday: Our Winter Wonderland

2010-12-29T08:26:00.000-08:00

Count Your Blessings: At Christmas & Throughout the Year

2010-12-22T07:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas this year has been pretty tight, money wise. It has been hard not to be discouraged because we cannot buy all that we would like to for our dear children. But God has shown me lately that we need to count our blessings. We may not have a lot of money or things but we have many blessings that the Lord has given us and we should be thankful.

When we count our blessings, we get our minds off of what we do not have and we begin to be more thankful for what we do have.

Every time in the past, when we have gone through trials and tribulations, when I start to count my blessings, my heart grows less heavy and my joy returns. I begin to not let things get me down and my joy is no longer dictated by my circumstances. This is the place that I want to be every day of my life. I know that God does not want me to worry or fear.

So today, count your blessings. Be thankful for all the wonderful things that you have. Do not keep your mind on what you do not.

Have a Merry Christmas and a prosperous, Happy New Year! I am now going on a Christmas break, enjoying my family, enjoying the beauty around me, and celebrating the One that Christmas is all about. Jesus is the greatest blessing of all!

What Is The True Meaning of Christmas?

2010-12-13T08:40:00.000-08:00

I love the holidays and the beauty that is all around me, with Christmas trees beautifully decorated and lit up for all to see. The beauty of a wreath on the door and the city all decked out with lights and decorations. Sometimes though, I start getting tired of all of the commercialism and the push to get all of the presents that one desires and I long to get back to the simplicity of what Christmas is all about.

Is it all about presents under the tree, spending all the money you have and then some to make sure that they are there? What is the true reason for this beautiful holiday?

No, the true meaning or reason for Christmas is PEACE. Peace that came from a Savior, Who left all of His riches as the King of Kings in heaven to come and save the world. He came down to earth as a little baby, laying in a manger, in a humble stable because there was no room at the inn. Later on, at age 33, He would go to the cross so that we could be forgiven and have eternal life with Him, if we just believe, repent, and follow Him.

Jesus is the true meaning of Christmas. He is the Prince of Peace, only true peace comes from Him. He is the Savior, the Lord of Lords.

Am I saying that giving presents is wrong? No, but it is wrong to forget who the true Gift is. No, it is not bad to give. I just do not want to get all wrapped up in the spending of money and worrying about not having enough presents for the kids, etc.

I want to get back to the simplicity of being thankful, celebrating the One who brought me salvation, the One who gives me true peace, that only He can give. I want to celebrate the only Gift that will never be taken away.

Jesus is the Gift of Christmas.

Wordless Wednesday: My Football Boy

2010-12-08T10:30:00.000-08:00

Encouraging Quotes On Marriage

2010-12-07T08:44:00.000-08:00

I saw the following quotes on a friend's Facebook status a couple of days ago. I think they are very profound and wanted to share them with you. If you are having trouble in your marriage or are getting ready to be married, these quotes offer you a wise look into marriage and may encourage you in this very important union. Even if you have the best marriage in the world, like me, these are very good words to keep in mind.

"A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers."–Robert Quillen

"Marriage is not finding the right person, it is being the right
person." –Anonymous

Forgiveness is a very important virtue to have when you are in a marriage. I believe that this is one of the reasons why marriages do not work out in this day and age. One spouse harbors unforgiveness towards the other and it poisons the marriage. Even in a Christian marriage, this can occur. We are all human and we all make mistakes. We need to forgive one another and move forward. No one is immune.

We should forgive one another in the small things and the big ones. No sin is beyond forgiveness.

We also have to be willing to examine ourselves to make sure that we are being all that we can be in a marriage. Marriage is also about selflessness and the other person, putting our spouse's needs before our own.

Instead of pointing out the other one's faults, we need to look at ourselves and see if there is anything that we need to change. We need to be the "right" person. Remember, when you are pointing a finger, you have three more pointing back at you. It is not always the other person that needs to change.

My husband and I have been married for 22 years and we do our best to never go to bed angry or with an unforgiving attitude. Forgiveness has been a key ingredient in our marriage. We do not sweat the little things and we forgive one another even in the big things. Our marriage has been the stronger for it.

Instead of looking at my husband's faults, I pray for him. I also ask the Lord to show me where I need to change in my role as a wife to him. I want to always be the "right" person for him.

My Struggles With Having a Positive Self-Image

2010-12-06T11:17:00.000-08:00

What is true beauty? Is it really based on the outward appearance, or does it come from the person you are within? These are things that I have struggled with for many years, even in the past year or so after losing the weight on the Weight Watchers program. Even though I have lost the weight, I still struggle with feeling out of shape and not feeling attractive because of my stomach.

I was pregnant for most of the 90s, having 5 of my 6 children during those years. After having my 5th one, the doctor told me that my stomach muscles were so stretched out that it would take more than crunches to get it back down into shape. She was so right.

So, even though the weight is down, the stomach is still around. Do I want to have surgery? I just do not know. After seeing what pain Kate Gosselin went through after her surgery, I just do not know if I can handle it. Being a Christian and knowing that God looks at the heart and not the outward appearance, would it be vain of me to do so? These are the questions that plague me.

The world puts so much emphasis on being super thin, having the perfect body, with the perfect abs. Is that really what life is all about? Is that really what it takes to be truly "beautiful"? Is there really any such thing as the "perfect" body? Would having surgery to fix my "problem" area send the right message to my own 3 daughters?

Surgery or no surgery? I just don't know. It is quite a big and painful step!

For now, I will just meditate on what God thinks. All I know is this:

"For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16: 7b

For now, I will just keep up with the crunches.....

Letting Go Of Some Things

2010-12-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

Over a year ago, I ended my 9 years of homeschooling my kids. Even though in my heart I didn't want to, I knew that I needed to submit to my husband and let it all go. Even though I had stopped homeschooling, I have held on to some homeschooling books. Now I am letting go of some things that I will no longer be needing.....finally.

I have the following books that I am getting rid of. All of the prices include shipping and yes, I accept PayPal. I also accept money orders. So, go ahead and take a look at what I have and contact me if you want anything.

Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach, which is in great condition, for $18.50.

Four Square Writing Workbook for older students, which is in great condition, for $6.

The Annotated Anne of Green Gables, which is in very good condition, for $20.

Smithsonian Books: Birds of the Mid-Atlantic, which is in great condition, for 12.50.

The ABC's and All Their Tricks, which is in great condition, for $6.

Are You Liberal? Conservative? Or Confused? by Richard Maybury, which is in very good condition, for $5.

Augustus Caesar's World By Genevieve Foster, which is in good condition with some shelf wear, for $12.

I have two books by Marshall and Manuel, The Light and the Glory and From Sea to Shining Sea. I would want $8 for both together or $5 each. These are in good condition.

I also have The Usborne Complete First Book of Nature, good condition with some shelf wear, for $5. I believe that this is out of print now but it is still a good resource.

Finally, I have the book, The Imperfect Homeschooler's Guide to Homeschooling, by Barbara Frank, for $8. It is in very good condition, just a little shelf wear.

If I find any more on my shelves, I will certainly let you all know! Thanks for taking a look at my post and have a great day!!

See my "Contact" page here on my blog to give me a holler if you are interested.

Wordless Wednesday: Bob's Groovy Art- Custom Painted Skateboards

2010-12-01T11:30:00.000-08:00

Winter Weather and Fibromyalgia: Not a Good Combo

2010-11-29T08:06:00.000-08:00

Cold air, dampness, and cold fronts coming through....all leading to the annoying pain of fibromyalgia. Oh, how I long for the warm days of spring and summer, when the pain of this chronic condition is easier to cope with. If you have fibromyalgia, you know what I am talking about. If it wasn't for Christmas time, I would not want winter to come at all.

But what can you do? We do not control the weather, only God does. So I just have to get up on my two feet and move forward, looking for ways to overlook the pain that I am suffering.

My husband thought that once I lost my weight, I would no longer be dealing with the aching muscles, fatigue, crankiness, sensitive skin, and joint pain. Oh how I wish that he was right. Lost all the weight but all of these excruciating symptoms are still there, especially in these cold days of winter.

On days like these, when I am down about my physical ailments, I look to laughter as my "best medicine". The following is a video that always makes me smile, even in those times when I do not feel like laughing. Hope that it brings a smile to your face, if you are having a day like me!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T08:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

The following is a quote from one of our founding fathers, Samuel Adams. This is the First Official Thanksgiving Proclamation:

It is therefore recommended... to set apart Thursday the eighteenth day of December next, for solemn thanksgiving and praise, that with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor.

Here are some encouraging Bible verses all about Thanksgiving:

Psalm 100:4: Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.

Colossians 2:6-7: So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him,rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Count your blessings today and every day, and you will have a heart overflowing with thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Should Be Every Day of the Year

2010-11-24T07:21:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is a time when we get together as a family and thank the Lord for all that He has given us, over a big, delicious meal of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy. But does Thanksgiving really have to be just once a year. Oh, I know that we cannot have a huge turkey meal every day, but isn't thanksgiving more that just having an awesome meal with our loved ones?

I am talking about the act of thanksgiving and not the holiday, of course. I am here to tell you that I want to be thankful for all that I have every day of the year. I want to be thankful for the good and find something to be thankful for over the "not-so-good" circumstances of life as well. Here are the things that I am thankful for, even in the aspects of my life that are not so pleasant.

I am thankful for my salvation that God has given me through His Son, Jesus. I am thankful for my handsome, wonderful husband, our awesome marriage, and my beautiful children. I am thankful for God's handiwork around me that I can take in with all of my senses. I am thankful for running water, electricity, heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. I am thankful for all of the gifts that the Lord has bestowed upon me over the years because He loves me and is good to me, in spite of me.

I am thankful for Weight Watchers and how it has helped me to lose the weight that I had gained after giving birth to 6 wonderful children.

I am thankful that even though my son struggles with Aspergers Syndrome, he is healthy, smart, and greatly artistic. He has overcome great odds. Even though dealing with Aspergers as a parent is hard sometimes, I am thankful for this son of mine that God has so graciously given to me. He should not be labeled as a "special ed" student but as a "special" young man, that is not odd but just learns differently from other children. I always want him to know that he is special to God, my husband, and me and that the Lord has great things in store for him.

I am thankful that, even though marriage can be a struggle sometimes, our marriage has overcome great odds and has gotten so much stronger over the years. God has gotten us through some challenges and it is His blessing and strength that keeps us together. We love each other more now than we have ever loved one another before. For that, I am truly thankful.

Fibromyalgia has been a struggle for me for many years. I have those days when I just do not feel like getting out of bed because I ache all over. But I am thankful that I do not have anything worse than that, that I am pretty healthy over all. I can function and things could be much worse. My point in saying this is, we can be thankful even when things like this get in the way. I want to choose to be thankful, no matter what circumstances are going on in my life. We can choose to wallow in self pity or we can choose to move forward and thank God for every day that He blesses us with. That is how I want to be, even in the midst of dealing with something as painful as Fibromyalgia.

Finally, I am thankful that we have a roof over our heads and money in the bank. Even though we go through financial struggles, I am thankful to God that He always provides what we need, when we need it. The faithfulness of God is extraordinary, and for that I am so thankful.

What are you thankful for? Are you thankful even in the circumstances of your life that can bring you down? Leave a comment below! I would love to hear from you!

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Let's make every day a day of thanksgiving!

Wordless Wednesday: Our Wedding Day, 22 Years Ago

2010-11-17T09:00:00.001-08:00

What Is Encouragement?

2010-11-15T11:48:00.000-08:00

Well, I have thought long and hard for the past several days about my blog and whether or not the niche that I had chosen was the one that I should continue with. I really feel that I need to change and go in a different direction. My husband and a few close friends have told me in the past that I have always had the gift of encouragement, so I have decided to make encouragement the focus of this blog. So, what better way to start than to find out what exactly encouragement is.

Encouragement is the act of encouraging; the state of being encouraged; something that encourages. To encourage means to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope. It also means to hearten, spur on, and to give help to.

This is what I want to do for my readers. I want to encourage them in the journey of life, with my thoughts on life, sharing my past experiences with many types of trials and tribulations. To encourage with words of encouragement through Bible verses, inspiring quotes, and words of wisdom and motivation.

I would like to share with you what I think encouragement is, in action.

1. A hug, a pat on the back, saying thank you, doing something special for someone when they are struggling. Show someone in some way that you believe in them or have confidence in what they are doing. Letting them know that they are appreciated.

2. Letting someone that is struggling with an issue or circumstance in their life that you have been through the same thing, sharing with them how you got through it and that there is hope at the end of the tunnel.

3. Being an ear and a shoulder to cry on, just to give them someone to talk to. Sometimes people do not want to hear advice but want to just vent and let someone know what is bothering them.

4. A wife being a help meet to her husband, spurring him on in his calling, being supportive of his dreams and aspirations. Speaking words of encouragement to him, letting him know what a great job he is doing and how important he is to you.

I am sure that there are many more ways to encourage. These are a just a few that I thought of as I pondered on what I believe encouragement is.

What is encouragement to you? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts! Also, let me know what topics you would like to see on my blog, maybe something that you need encouragement in.

Until next time.....

Harris Teeter Super Double Coupon Week - Happening Now!

2010-11-04T09:12:00.000-07:00

I love Harris Teeter and I love their Super Double Coupons Week! I save so much money, getting a lot of freebies or cheapies (items 50 cents to buck!)! This week is one of those fantastic weeks! So, if you have a Harris Teeter near you, get out your coupons up to $1.98, and head on out! I plan to tomorrow morning!

Happy Saving!

Feel free to add a comment below to share your Harris Teeter shopping trip savings this week!

Wordless Wednesday: I Was Married to Frankenstein For A Day

2010-11-03T12:04:00.000-07:00

Last Chance to Download October Coupons!

2010-10-31T11:06:00.000-07:00

As an avid couponer, I save a lot of money! So I know how important it is to get coupons while they are there for the grabbing! This is just a friendly reminder to you fellow couponers, that today is the last day to print out October's coupons.

Happy Couponing! Tomorrow is November 1st, so there are new coupons to be printed tomorrow!

Until next time.....

An Artist's Wife Life

2010-10-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

What is it like being married to an artist? Let me give you a glimpse into my world as an artist's wife....

Being married to an artist is never dull. Just today, he was Frankenstein, the caricature artist. He has also been a pirate, Spock (Mr. not Dr.), and Prince Charming, among other identities. He just doesn't dress up like them but takes on the character of these people (or creatures in some cases). He is also very silly at home and keeps me in stitches a lot! Our kids are thankful to have a silly and awesome daddy, that acts a lot like a kid himself. But doesn't that keep us young? He has definitely rubbed off on me over the years, as well.

Being married to an artist can have its difficult moments, like when clients think that artists exist on air and don't need to eat real food. We have had times of lack and times of plenty. But even when it has its difficulties, we have a lot of love in our family. We keep on praying and we keep on living.

There is nothing more pleasing to me as an artist's wife than to see the smile on the faces of those my husband has drawn caricatures of or created artwork for when they first see the finished creation. He really brings joy to them and that makes me love him even more. He is such a blessing to me and to others.

Finally, being married to an artist can be messy. Paint on my plates that he has used as pallets, on his clothes that I wash daily, and on the artist himself. Many times he has come home from working on a painting with paint on his clothing, arms, legs, fingers, and sometimes even his face. But how worth the mess when he has that work of art completed, when I see how awesome it has come out to be.

I love being an artist's wife and I wouldn't trade my life for any other. Most of all, I love being married to the man that I wed back on that beautiful spring day in 1988.

It's the artist's wife life for me. Until next time.....

Wordless Wednesday: 80s Party Girl

2010-10-27T07:35:00.001-07:00

Great Post on the Importance of Setting Up a Cleaning Schedule

2010-10-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

As I have been saying for the past several weeks, I am not a fan of housekeeping, even though currently I am a "housewife" and stay at home mom. It is just a drudgery and boring to me. I know it has to be done, so I started a journey (or you could call it a "quest") a few weeks ago, trying to find ways to become a better homemaker and to make housework more fun.

I currently receive many email newsletters in my inbox from some great blogs that I have subscribed to. When I went to read my newsletter from Coupon Geek, I saw the following article that inspired me in my quest to becoming a better housewife and to make things more manageable in my home. I hope that it inspires you as much as it inspired me! I had written out a cleaning schedule on paper but have not gotten to the point of putting it in a Word document and printing it out. Thank you, Coupon Geek, for the inspiration to get myself going on this very important task! I plan to get in there myself and start implementing a cleaning schedule for my own household. I get overwhelmed myself, if there are too many tasks in front of me in one day!

Creating Good Habits: Creating a Weekly Cleaning Schedule

Enjoy! Soon, I will be sharing about Fly Lady, another great resource that ladies everywhere use to help with a cleaning schedule that is not so overwhelming.

Until next time......

Scam or Not A Scam? That Is The Question When It Comes To Work-At-Home Opportunities

2010-10-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, I started a journey to find a work-at-home opportunity that is best for me. So far, I have really felt that I am to help my husband with his online print store (coming soon to his Facebook Fan Page, Bob's Groovy Art). After that takes off, I plan on starting my own venture, making affordable, casual beach jewelry, selling it online and at craft shows. That is where my true desire lies. However, I feel the need to continue to bring you informative articles on work-at-home businesses that are legitimate, as well as articles on resources that will lead you in the right direction. Today, I will be sharing some articles on how to tell if a work-at-home opportunity is a scam or legitimate. Hope that these articles help you in determining whether something is a scam or not.

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/life/top-10-work-at-home-scams-2385789/
This is an article that I read recently in Woman's Day Magazine, the October 1st issue. I was able to find it online to share with you.

http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/how-to-know-if-a-work-at-home-opportunity-is-a-scam-785160.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_5245219_spot-work-home-opportunity-scams.html

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/147611/the_top_10_worst_work_at_home_scams.html?cat=35

http://workathomemoms.about.com/od/workathomescams/a/spotascam.htm

http://undress4success.com/work-at-home-scam-busting-21-signs-of-a-rip-off/

In the not so distant future, I will be sharing articles with tips on how to market your work-at-home business. Starting one is only the beginning, of course.

Until next time......

My Keys to a Successful Marriage

2010-10-19T07:06:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about what to write about for my next blog post for the past few days. I kept thinking about how my marriage has been so good and how my husband and I have managed to stay together for 22 years. I feel like I have always been married to Bob and can't remember a day without him. So then, I started thinking about what it is that keeps our marriage going strong, in the good times and the bad (the good has far outweighed the bad). There have been times when I thought that our marriage wouldn't survive, but our love has always bounced back and become stronger (and deeper) through those difficulties.

So, what would I say, are the keys to a strong marriage? Here are my top keys to having an awesome marriage.

1. Having a strong relationship with the Lord would be my number one reason for our marriage lasting as long as it has. He restored our marriage in a time when it was so close to being over and nothing else could heal it. We were so close to divorce but then Jesus came into our hearts and strengthened our love for one another. He did a great work on our hearts. I am forever grateful to our great and awesome God!

2. My husband and I are best friends. Seeing each other in that light can make a marriage stronger. You should be able to tell your husband anything and visa versa. Communication is key. Romance and intimacy are important things but friendship makes for a longer lasting relationship.

3. We don't go to bed angry. At least we try not to. We always try to work things out before our heads hit the pillow. I can't say that we are successful in doing this all of the time but we are most of the time. I can say that we do not have disagreements that often, but when we do, we try to adhere to this Biblical principle. The Bible says, "Do not let the sun go down on your wrath".

4. We do not sweat the little stuff. Do not let little quirks or faults get you going at each others' throats. Pray!

5. Keep that fire burning, if you know what I mean! Like I said before, romance and intimacy are important. We are still hot for one another after all of these years, keeping the romance alive! We do all that is humanly possible, to look good for one another. I actually went on Weight Watchers to lose the "baby" weight, for my husband and for myself ( I have a WW blog all about my journey and successes on this wonderful program!). I make sure that I have my makeup and hair just right for him, just the way that he likes it, etc. The same goes for him too..... well, minus the makeup part.

6. We always forgive one another and we always ask forgiveness when we hurt one another. Holding grudges does not keep a marriage together!

7. Put the others' needs over our own. We try to die to ourselves and serve one another. Selfishness will not keep a marriage together either.

8. We spend quality time together. We have a "date night" every Friday. We go out to supper and a movie at times. But most of the time, we watch a movie together at home. Quality time is so important. We love to be in each others' company. There is no one that I would rather spend time with!

So, these are my top 8 keys to a marriage that will stand the test of time. We have had 22 wonderful years together, so it must be working!

Until next time......

My Housekeeping Quest: How to Make Housework More Fun

2010-10-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

Have you gotten tired of the day in and day out tasks of housekeeping? I think that the one thing that I do not like about housework is that it can be tedious and boring. So, on my quest to becoming a better housewife, I decided to research ways to make homemaking chores more fun and make the time doing them go by faster. In the past I have listened to fast paced music to make chores like vacuuming and doing the dishes more enjoyable. I have had great success with this one. But I asked myself if there were other ways out there to make it more enjoyable as well. So, I researched and found the following links to articles that give other ways to make housework more fun. Hope that they help you, if you are going along on this quest with me!

How Housework Can Be Fun

How to Make Housework Fun

How To Make Housework Fun

How to Make Housework Fun

How to Make Housework More Fun...Or At Least Bearable
(This one will bring a laugh to your day as well. I especially love the last way....eat some chocolate!)

So there you go! Enjoy the articles and hopefully, they will give you some great ideas on how to make housework more fun in your own life!

What ideas will you implement in your own daily housework? Leave a comment below and let me know!

Or, leave a comment if you have any other ways to make housework more fun. I would love to hear from you!

Now, onward on my quest I shall go.....

Wordless Wednesday: Fish Magnets for Sale

2010-10-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

How The 80s Party Girl Met Her Zany Artist Surfer Dude

2010-10-09T07:12:00.000-07:00

Recently, reading other bloggers' stories about how they met their husbands has inspired me to write my own true to life story about the very topic. So here is the tale of how I met my handsome husband.....in a nutshell.

80s Party Girl meets Zany Artist Surfer Dude at a college Halloween party in 1987. Not love at first sight and it was a very brief encounter. Maybe she would have fallen in love at first sight, if she could have seen his face through all of the Indian war paint that he had on. She did notice that he had the most beautiful green eyes!

During Christmas time in the same year, Zany Artist Surfer Dude draws 80s Party Girl's caricature at a local mall. Major attraction that time! No Indian war paint either.

New Year's Eve, 80s Party Girl helps Zany Artist Surfer Dude move into a new apartment. Volunteered because she thought that he was so gorgeous! Her co worker ended up to be her man's new roommate- what are the odds?

Zany Artist Surfer Dude asks 80s Party Girl to be his girlfriend that very night. She says yes!

February comes and Zany Artist Surfer Dude proposes to 80s Party Girl at a bonfire party. No one believes them, at first. She says yes!

Zany Artist Surfer Dude asks 80s Party Girl's father for her hand in marriage the next evening. Dad says yes. May 1988, they tie the knot! Yes, this all happened in a 5 month period!

The 80s Party Girl does hang up her title and becomes a Hip Domestic Chick instead. Responsible but tries to stay cool! Zany Artist Surfer Dude is pretty much still that but you can add mature and responsible to that mix!

22 years of marriage and six kids later, still going strong!

And that is how it all happened...in a nutshell.

Wordless Wednesday: 80s Party Girl & Surfer Artist Dude

2010-10-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

My Battle With Menorrhagia

2010-09-30T11:23:00.001-07:00

Back in March of this year, I woke up one morning to find myself in a pool of blood. I had been dealing with many months of heavy menstrual bleeding and it had been getting progressively worse. It had gotten so serious that one time I had to come home from work to change my clothes! That morning, I thought for sure that I was dying and had to get to the emergency room. Fortunately, it was before my husband was to go to work and he was able to take me into the hospital. The emergency room doctor told me that I had a pollup on my cervix and because of my bleeding episode, I was also suffering from anemia. I was relieved to hear that I was not dying! That morning, I was referred to a local OB/GYN for an appointment.

My visit to the OB/GYN a week or two later revealed that it was not the pollup that was causing the bleeding, it was Menorrhagia, another name for heavy menstrual bleeding. According to the doctor, I had the choice of 3 ways to treat it. I could go on the pill, have an injection every 3 months, or have a procedure called Endometrial Ablation. The one that I chose really changed my life and helped me! I chose to have the endometrial ablation. In this procedure they remove the lining of your uterus and this stops menstrual bleeding altogether for 80% of patients. 20% have a period but it is extremely light. I fell somewhere in the 20%. I do have a menstrual period but it only lasts for 1 to 2 days (instead of 5 to 6) and it is very light spotting, with no cramps! I do still have the mood swings but it does not last as long, which is good news for my husband. Poor guy does not have to put up with a cranky or weepy wife for as long! I no longer have to worry about the embarrassment that this condition caused in my life either!

If you suffer from heavy menstrual periods, you can check out the following websites for information about this condition and how to treat it:

LighterPeriod.Com

Mayo Clinic

All About Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
This one includes information about Endometrial Ablation.

You do not have to suffer with heavy menstrual periods! Get relief and you will be so glad that you did!

Until next time......

The Day After A Whirlwind Weekend!

2010-09-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

It has been quite a few days since I posted last but it has been very busy here in the Langston household. We have been all abuzz with excitement from the four days of art show preparation, the art show itself, and the fun of it all! Exhausting but well worth the effort that it took to do everything! We had a very successful weekend here in Virginia Beach at The Neptune Festival! Bob's Groovy Art sold like hotcakes, especially on Saturday and Sunday. We were very pleased!

Now it is the day after a very successful weekend and I am exhausted! It has taken all the is within me to get things done today! It's still only half way through. Also, I was very disappointed that my fish magnets that I worked so hard on did not sell. It was SO hard to get them finished by the first day of the show. Then, after we got home from the art show, we were too exhausted to work on them. So, they did not enter the show until the last day. Even though Sunday was extremely busy, they did not sell. Not sure if it was the fact that they were not in the front of the tent or if people just were not into buying magnets. Whatever the case may be, I have about 24 magnets needing to be sold.

In the upcoming days, I may sell my fish magnets here from my blog or start an Etsy store. I have not really decided yet. My concern about the Etsy store is that I am not sure if I will have more things to sell after my fish are sold. I want to start making beach jewelry but my husband wants me to sell his prints online for him instead. It is not that I do not want to do that. I definitely plan on helping him with his Bob's Groovy Art store but I have a strong desire in me to create something on my own with my own hands. That is still the desire of my heart. I want to call my store, The Starving Artist Wife. That name has just always stuck with me. We shall see what happens....

So, as you can tell, my mind has many things on it. Hopefully I have not been babbling too much but isn't that what blogs are for....to a point?

Most of all, I am just exhausted and want to take a nap! Art shows are definitely a blast but extremely tiring!

Until next time......

Wordless Wednesday: What I Am Working On

2010-09-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

Following a Passion or Interest To Start a Home Business! I Can Do It & So Can You!

2010-09-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

On my quest to find a work at home opportunity that fits me, I have found that one of the most chosen opportunities is to start your own business, doing something that you have a passion for. Some of these could be making crafts, catering parties and events, baking cakes,making dolls, etc. This got me thinking. What are my passions, interests, and talents? What item(s) could I make that would sell, something that I am passionate about, that would be a joy to do for extra income. For me, that would be beach jewelry! I love jewelry, the beach, and working with my hands, using my creativity. What would be more perfect?

When I approached my husband about this, he was a little apprehensive. How much money was it going to cost to buy materials and supplies? Would I make a decent amount of money doing it? He suggested that I start out by making fish and Tiki magnets to sell at his upcoming art show. So, for him, I gave it a try. I started out with the Tikis, but let's face it, I am not a professional sculpture artist! I found it to be too difficult for me. So then I suggested that I make fish instead.....much easier! Well, here is my first efforts at making fish out of Sculpey clay for refrigerator magnets. So far, so good!

So far, I have only made and cooked the fish. This weekend, I am going to be painting them, so I will post more photos later of the finished product!

Oh, and by the way, my husband did finally agree to let me make jewelry after I am done with the fish and his art show is over. Actually, he even agreed to let me help him make necklaces out of some of the Tiki sculptures! I am looking very forward to that!

So, if you have an interest, hobby, or talent that you think would be a money maker, give it a try. Make your own work at home opportunity. Follow your dreams and passions to see what happens!

Until next time.....

My First Blog Award!

2010-09-18T11:15:00.000-07:00

I just received my first blog award. I am very honored and excited! Wow! Thank you for the award, Living A Changed Life.

With this blogging award came a few rules:

1 - Post who gave you this award, which I did above!

2 - Name 10 things you like:

1. Walks on the beach

2. Crafts, especially jewelry and working with clay!

3. Art, especially my husband's!

4. Music: Alternative Rock, Christian and secular, Irish/Celtic, 60s/70s/80s music

5. Cooking

6. Encouraging others

7. Coupons and good deals

8. Blogging and surfing the web

9. Old movie classics, especially Alfred Hitchcock and romantic comedies

10. Starbucks coffee

3 - Give this award to 10 other people and notify them with a comment.

1. Bricks 2 Riches
2. Coupon Teacher
3. Raising Olives
4. Rockin' Deals
5. Wacky Jacqui's Designs
6. CouponingFor4
7. Florida Girl Meets the Midwest
8. Like a Warm Cup of Coffee
9. Blogging With Amy
10. Kelly's Coupon Addiction

Theses are blogs that I either subscribe to or go to often to read. They are written about subjects that I am interested in or have written posts that really touch my heart and life. Go and drop in on them for a visit!

Until next time.......

Help Fight Hunger: Weight Watchers' Lose for Good Campaign

2010-09-14T05:10:00.000-07:00

As you know, I have been a Weight Watchers member since 2008, and love to spread the news about this wonderful weight loss program! Well, now you can help fight hunger and lose weight with WW. The Lose for Good campaign is one of my favorite events that WW does each year, which helps feed people in need. So check out the Lose For Good campaign website and get involved today! You'll be glad that you did!

Today is Lose-A-Palooza day. Lose-A-Palooza is a one day social media event, created to encourage people to participate in the Lose For Good® campaign to benefit Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger. Tweet or share about this event on Twitter, Facebook or your blog and Weight Watchers will donate $1 up to a maximum of $60,000 to Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger!

Who doesn't want to lose weight and help another fellow human being in need? Participate in Lose-A-Palooza today!

Here's Something Funny to End A Great Weekend!

2010-09-13T06:07:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed this weekend with my family. Spending time with them is one of the most important things to me. My husband is my best friend and I enjoy hanging out with my kids. But, as always, a great weekend has to come to an end. So, to cheer myself up and send some fun your way, here is one of my favorite songs by Tim Hawkins! Have a good laugh and a great week!

The Wife Song by Tim Hawkins

Until next time......

Wordless Wednesday: Wonderful Weight Watchers!

2010-09-08T07:21:00.001-07:00

Is the Economy Hitting Arts & Crafts Home Businesses Hard? Should I or Shouldn't I?

2010-09-07T11:16:00.000-07:00

As I have shared in a past post, I have been looking into ways to make extra income from home, so that I can be the wife, mom and homemaker that I want to be, without the stress of working outside the home. I tried last year to work full time but it was just too much for me. I am just not the type of woman that thrives on that. I wasn't home for my kids when they returned home from school. I wasn't home to do as much housework as I would have liked. I wasn't able to do my errands and grocery shopping during the day, like I prefer. Plus, I liked being a homebody and still do.

As I have been seeking out ways to make a side income here at home, my heart has had a greater desire to do something that is creative, like pottery or jewelry making. I just love to work with my hands. My ultimate joy would be to take a pottery class and make items to sell at arts and crafts shows, on Etsy, or somewhere else online. But as I was pondering this on my Facebook status, I had some that advised me that it is not the type of business that I should go into, all because of our struggling economy. What a let down!

But, really, is it a reality check? Is this not the right time to pursue a business in this venue? That is the question that is laying heavily on my mind and it is the question that I am asking anyone who would like to answer.

What do you think? Are those of you who are running an arts and crafts business from home struggling because of the economy? Is everyone veering away from spending money on things that they technically don't need? If you have the answer, I would love to hear from you. You can email me at h.langston41@gmail.com or leave a comment below!

Until next time.....

The Unhappy Housekeeper's Journey To Becoming a Better Housewife!

2010-09-06T07:43:00.000-07:00

As you know from a previous post, I am not one who enjoys cleaning her home. It is the one activity that I do not love to do as a homemaker. But I know that it is a necessary part of life in order not to have chaos in the home! Who really wants a messy house? Not me!

For the past 2 weeks, I have been journeying down the road to becoming a better homemaker, especially in the realm of housecleaning. My first stop along the path was to find ways to clean the home, ones that are quick and easy. Let's face it. For a woman looking to make a side income from home, being a mom to 6, being a wife to her husband, and dealing with all the surprises life has to bring on a daily basis, this is a good thing to seek out. So, if you are like me in this area, here are some great articles on this very topic:

Quick Cleaning Tips for Busy Moms

Housekeeping Tips For Busy Parents

Five Quick Cleaning Tips for Busy Moms

Keeping Your Home Clean and Tidy: Four Quick Tips for Busy Moms

How to Keep the House Clean as a Busy Mom

How to Clean House in Under 1 Hour a Day

How to Keep Your House Clean- Tips for Busy Moms

As you can see, there are many articles on this very subject, with some great suggestions on how to keep your house clean, without working yourself to death. I hope that you find these articles to be good resources for you as well!

If you have any tips for me on this topic, you can email them to me at h.langston41@gmail.com or leave a comment below!

Until next time......

Making Money from Your Hobby

2010-09-02T08:51:00.000-07:00

Found the following article as I was looking for resources on making a living with something that you love doing, like a hobby, talent, or interest. Hope that this is an encouragement to someone!

Making Money from Your Hobby

If you have started and are currently running a successful home business with your hobby or interest, leave a comment or email me at h.langston41@gmail.com! I would love to hear from you and possibly have some guest blog posts sharing tips on how to run a successful home business, while being a wife and mother.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

Work From Home Business Opportunity!

2010-08-31T11:30:00.000-07:00

I was visiting Peace.Love.Mommy's blog and found this work at home opportunity that I wanted to share with you. Do not know if it is something that I will look into but thought that it might be a great fit for someone else.

Thanks for sharing this on your blog, Jennifer!

What Do I Want To Be When I Grow Up? The Search For My Perfect Home Business

2010-08-31T10:17:00.000-07:00

Since 2007, I had been trying to find a way that I could stay at home and make money to help support my large family, so that it didn't totally rest on my husband's shoulders. I had tried writing unit studies for homeschoolers (which is still going on but not on such a grand scale; haven't been selling as many as I would like). Then I went on to selling AVON, which was just NOT for me. I do not know if the whole direct sales thing is just not right for me or maybe I just wasn't passionate enough about selling it. Whatever the case, last year, I went from homeschooling mom to working mom, after 9 years of homeschooling and 21 years of being a stay-at-home-mom.

Questions started flooding my mind. What job did I want to pursue? What job could someone get with only a high school diploma? I wasn't trained in anything, so what position would I be eligible for? After much soul searching, I decided that I really wanted to work with kids. So I asked daycare centers and schools if they were looking for someone to work at their establishment. After months of searching and putting in applications, I ended up with a job at a local Christian school's staff faculty daycare and my kids ended up attending our local public schools. So, from the end of August 2009 until the last week of April 2010, I took care of the sweetest little children, who I still miss to this day.

After a few months of working, I started struggling physically with some issues on top of the fibromyalgia that I already suffered from (It had gotten better when I lost my weight with Weight Watchers but it began to bother me again this past spring). It was also a long drive for me and with gas prices the way they were, it was too much. Plus, I really struggled with taking care of a home, being there for my children, doing errands, and working a job. So I ended up quitting my position and coming back home. It was a decision that I do not regret.

Now, here I am again, feeling that I really need to be bringing in some money to help out my husband with our finances. Now begins a search for my perfect home business. What that is exactly, I do not know. But I am determined to find it.

Let's face it, it is hard to figure out what work at home opportunities are legitimate and which ones are not. So this is something that I really want to research so that I do not make an unwise choice. I guess that the best rule of thumb is that whatever sounds too good to be true, usually is?

So, here it goes! What will I find? What is my dream job, one that I can do from the privacy of my own home? That is the question that I hope to find the answers to and much more. Maybe I can even help someone else, in the same boat, along the way.

In the next several weeks, I will be sharing the information and links to resources that I find, as well as experiences that I have along the way of my search. I will also be sharing my criteria for what I would consider a "dream job" for me, the pros and cons of working at home, why I desire to be a work-at-home mom, as well as highlighting successful work at home moms that I meet along the way of my journey. I will also share with you what work-at-home jobs I find to be legitimate and which ones that I find are not.

If you know of any work at home jobs that are great opportunities for a stay-at-home mom, leave your information in the comments below! Or you can email me at h.langston41@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you!

My Weight Watchers Before and After Pictures

2010-08-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

11 Reasons Why I Love Weight Watchers

2010-08-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

In 2008, I joined Weight Watchers to lose all the weight that I gained from the many years of having babies. It was the best thing that I ever did! Here are the reasons why I love WW.

1. The flexibility of the plan. I can eat whatever I want, just as long as I count the points and watch my portion sizes. It doesn't give me the license to make unhealthy choices all of the time, but I am able to enjoy those "sinful" treats that I crave once in a while, as long as I have the points to use and I do not overeat with too large of a portion.

2. No extra food to buy. I can buy what I normally buy from the grocery store for my family and do not have to order "special food" like some of those other weight loss programs.

3. The meetings are so helpful and encouraging! I love my leader and enjoy getting together with others on the plan! It is only 45 minutes out of my whole week and well worth it. It is nice to meet others who are going through the same things that I am.

4. Having the accountability of knowing that someone else besides me is going to see my weight, is so instrumental in keeping me on track. Knowing that the receptionist sees (it is strictly confidential, btw) gives me the extra boost to keep on program.

5. I can make meals that my family and I both like, so there is no making separate meals. That is really helpful to me. All I need to do is make wise choices and keep my portions in check.

6. It pushes me to exercise, something that I have not particularly enjoyed in the past. WW is all about exercising and eating right, not just one or the other. They go hand in hand. Now I enjoy exercise a little more because Weight Watches encourages you to do things that you love to do for exercise. It doesn't have to take place in a gym. Personally, I prefer a walk on the beach!

7. I did not find the cost to be overwhelming. I could buy a Monthly Pass, which is about $40 a month. I could go to unlimited meetings and had access to their website. I could keep track of my weight loss, find recipes, read articles that encouraged me, as well as have access to other resources online.

8. Weight Watchers is everywhere! If you go out of town and really need to go to a meeting, just open the phone book or look on their website to find the closest one. I have never used this option on vacation but have heard this from other members. We have had people come in to the meeting place here in Virginia Beach while visiting on their summer break.

9. Once you become a Lifetime Member.....free meetings! As long as you are not 2 pounds over or under your goal weight, you do not have to pay! That was such a huge blessing after I finished losing the weight.

10. If you gain back some or all of the weight, the leaders are always there to encourage you to get back on that horse, so to speak, and keep looking forward. You do not lose your Lifetime Member status.

11. Weight Watchers works! I am living proof!

Weight Watchers Lifetime Mom

Favorite Blogs Friday

2010-08-27T16:24:00.000-07:00

Last week I was unable to post one of my favorite blogs but not this week! As you know from my introduction post a few weeks ago, I love to save money using coupons and by living more frugally. This week, I would like to highlight one of my favorite blogs in the coupon/saving money online community!

It's Hip to Save

If you are like me, looking for ways to save money, this is an excellent resource that I know you will find very helpful. You will be kept informed about great deals and coupons that are made available online, as well as other information that will help save you money! Subscribe to It's Hip to Save today! You will be blessed!

Until next time.....

A Very Talented Artist and Facebook Friend!

2010-08-25T17:42:00.000-07:00

I was prepared to write a post today on why I love the Weight Watchers program but the day has been nonstop and I am out of time! I just met this very talented artist on Facebook a few days ago and really want to share her fabulous artwork with you!

Her name is Adi Bussel and her Etsy shop is called Abstractive. I hope that you enjoy her art and "like" her fan page on Facebook!

Remember that a work of art brings beauty and wonder to your life.....

Raising A Large Family On Less - Ways I Save Money

2010-08-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

With raising a large family on one income, saving money is on top of my priority list. The following will share with you some of the ways that I save.

Ways That I Save Money While Raising a Large Family

1. I use coupons and look at sales fliers for good deals and specials. I never go to the grocery store without my coupons. I also make sure that I get their fliers or emails to check for the specials at each store. Then I see what coupons I can match up with them to maximize my savings. For Harris Teeter, I also use my VIC card to save even more. Plus HT doubles coupons daily and also has weeks when they have super doubles or triples, which saves me even more money. I also go to more than one store to get the best deals on different items to save, as well.

I get my coupons online and I also buy a couple of Sunday papers each week. Keep a lookout in the near future for links for online coupons and couponing blogs on my Coupons and Good Deals page!

2. I buy clothes at a thrift store or from the clearance racks of stores like Target and Walmart. This saves me money on school clothes for the kids, especially. Also, saves me money when I need clothes for special occasions or if articles of clothing that I own start to wear out. Just bought a shirt for $3 at Walmart the other day!

3. I just started stockpiling items such as toothpaste and shampoo. I love to stock up when these items can be bought for free or up to 50 cents each. When I do this though, I try not to buy up the whole lot, so that other ladies have the opportunity for a great deal as well. I will not have to buy these two items for several weeks and this is helpful on the pocketbook!

4. We do not spend a lot of money on special outings. We do not go to the movies or out to eat that often, which is good on the wallet as well. We save these types of outings only for birthdays, anniversaries, or when it is a movie that we absolutely want to see. Once in a while, my husband and I will go out on our weekly "date nights". However, it is usually an old movie, popcorn, and us, together on the sofa. But periodically, we just want to get out.

5. For fun, we look for events that are free to go to. Our local theater has the summer free movies every year. We also attend festivals around Virginia Beach, such as the Cherry Blossom Festival, that are a lot of fun and do not cost a dime to go to. We make sure that we eat lunch before we go though, to keep us from buying special foods sold at the event.

We also get Fun Cards each year from Busch Gardens Williamsburg, our local theme park, and we can go more than once for the price of a single admission. When we go, we pack our own lunch and supper so that we do not buy the expensive foods that are at many theme parks.

I am still learning how to save money. I am definitely a work in progress. But these are a few of the ways that I have found to keep me from spending so much money. I hope that they were helpful to you.

Do you have ways that you have found to save you money? Leave a comment! I would love to hear from you and learn new ways to save money!

My Love/Hate Relationship With Housework

2010-08-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

Can you be a homemaker and hate to do housework? Yes, and I am living proof! I love being home with my children, spending the summer with them. I also enjoy getting them out to the bus in the morning and being home for them when they return in the afternoon on a crisp fall day. I love being a homemaker, taking care of my husband and children, making our house a home. I love it when my house is clean and I can have someone walk through the door without hiding my face in my hands! But I absolutely do not love cleaning itself! There have been many a day that I have dreamed of having an Alice (after all, I have had my family compared to the Brady Bunch several times), who could do most of my housework for me. Mrs. Brady had it made! But alas, it has never came to be.

You will never see any love for or advice on keeping the house clean on this blog, at least not directly from me. However, each week, I will share with you what I learn on my journey, this quest to discover how to become a better housewife. Most likely, my home will never be like Better Homes and Gardens and I will never be a Martha Stewart, but I do desire to be more ept in my duties as a homemaker. I have many questions that I will be seeking to answer on my journey. The answers will be fascinating to discover and I will enjoy sharing them with you.

So come with me on my quest to get over my love/hate relationship with the task of housekeeping! Until next week.....

If you have tips or links to any helpful resources for me to visit along my quest, feel free to email me at h.langston41@gmail.com or leave a comment! I would love to hear from you!

A Must See Website - Flights of Fancy

2010-08-22T18:56:00.000-07:00

I discovered this website through one of my Facebook friends this evening and had to post it on my blog for everyone to see! The jewelry and other products sold on this site are exquisite and made with awesome craftsmanship! Go and take a look at Flights of Fancy! You can even become a fan on Facebook!

Hope that everyone is having a great weekend!

Remember that art brings beauty and a breath of fresh air to your life.

Fibromyalgia and Exercise

2010-08-20T06:37:00.000-07:00

I have been suffering from Fibromyalgia for several years now, so this is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. The hardest part of having this condition, for me, is that it is really hard to get motivated to exercise on those days when you are in pain, extremely fatigued, and absolutely do not feel like it!

A Facebook friend recommended Workout Mommy's blog to me this morning,to give me some inspiration for my own blog. While looking through the post archives, I found the following article (a Guest Post) speaking on Fibromyalgia and exercise.

Fibromyalgia and Active Living

I hope that this gives those of you who have this condition and read this post some encouragement and inspiration to get moving in spite of it. I know that it has inspired me! Thank you Workout Mommy!

I will also be adding more resources on Fibromyalgia on this blog as I find them, in my search to control my symptoms of this painful condition.

Inspiring Ideas: 24/7 Moms' Post on Displaying Your Child's Artwork!

2010-08-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

As a mom of 5 budding artists, this post from 24/7 Moms really stood out to me this evening as I was looking at other mom blogs. Here are some great ideas on how you can display the artwork of your young artists!

6 Ways To Display Your Little DaVinci's Art Work

Enjoy! Remember, the gift of art brings beauty to your life.

3 Things A Woman Doesn't Want to Hear While In Labor

2010-08-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

Once in a while, I like to add in a humorous post to add a little levity to life. Here is one of those posts. Hopefully it will add a little smile to your day!

Now, here are 3 things a woman (at least this woman) doesn't want to hear while in labor:

1. "Stop pushing". With one of my children (don't remember which one), I was told this because the baby was coming and the doctor or midwife had stepped out of the room. When you are in excruciating pain and that "need" to push is there, this is absolutely not what you want to hear! Thankfully the doctor returned in a minute or 2, so the child and I survived.

2. Her husband singing silly songs to her. When I was in labor with my first child, my husband kept singing this silly song that he was making up as he went along. I was not amused or comforted by it, poor guy! He was not treated too well by me that night. It was the pain talking,of course.

3. "We can't find the anesthesiologist and it will soon be too late for an epidural". With my second child, I was in labor for 24 hours! I was put into the hospital just because I was having slight contractions and they jumped the gun, so to speak. She just wasn't ready to be born and babies come when they want to come...usually. They gave me Pitosin to increase the contractions and I was in a lot of pain! Plus, they would not allow me to have anything, not even ice chips! I wanted to have an epidural because I had been in labor for so long and I wanted some relief (give me those drugs!). Then those awful words came. I am not one for natural childbirth, so, needless to say, I wasn't a happy camper! That was the last time that I had natural childbirth!

What are some things that you do not want to hear during childbirth? Leave a comment below!

Who Is Starving Artist's Wife?

2010-08-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

I am a wife to a surfing artist husband and mom to 6 awesome children, 5 of whom are budding artists. A hip lady with old fashioned values, who loves and serves her family.

I am a conservative Christian who desires to continue to raise her children unto the Lord.

I am a music lover, who listens to a little bit of everything, from Christian Rock to The Beatles, 80s music to Classical.

I am a lover of the visual arts and her husband's biggest fan, with a desire to encourage and promote women (moms and wives) who have home-based businesses in the visual arts and handmade crafts professions.

I am a Weight Watchers Lifetime Member who loves to cook healthy meals for her family. I am a firm believer in the Weight Watchers program and love to speak about the blessing of it to all that desire to hear. I have lost about 40 pounds on the WW program and I have kept it off for almost 2 years.

I am also an avid couponer and love a good deal. I am still on the journey to becoming more frugal and love sharing with others what I am learning along the way. Nothing gets me more excited than getting something for cheap or for free! It is especially important to live frugally when you have a large family like mine. Life is expensive!

I am a homebody and I love spending time with my large family! We have many hours of fun together and we love each others' company. It is a crazy life but it is a good life!

If you have a home-based arts and/or handmade crafts business that you would like for me to share on my blog, let me know. I truly have a heart to encourage moms and wives who have businesses in the arts. I know how hard it can be as an artist to get your name out there from experiences with my own husband's art business. So drop me an email or leave a comment if you do!

Favorite Blog Friday

2010-08-13T06:47:00.000-07:00

Being new to blogging to make extra income, I have had many questions on where and how to start. The following website has really helped me out along the way. Amy gives great advice on the how-to of blogging, such as finding out what your passion is and choosing a niche for your blog, as well as the basics of blogging. She explains it in a way that is simple and straight to the point, in words that anyone can understand (especially those of us who are just getting savvy with the computer and Internet!). So if you have questions on the subject of blogging, Amy is your woman! She has a special section of blogging tutorials that you will find to be very informative and helpful!

So check out Blogging with Amy for answers to your blogging questions!

BlogHer Article on Large Family Blogs!

2010-08-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

I was googling large family blogs a while ago and came across BlogHer through the article below. This is near and dear to my heart because of having a large family myself. Plus there is the fact that this blog is pretty much a large family blog as well. I hope that you enjoy the following article by Rocks In My Dryer!

Big Families and Moms Who Blog Them

Whole Coupon Inserts

2010-08-10T19:49:00.000-07:00

The following is a great resource for those who want the coupons but don't want to purchase the Sunday paper. Or maybe there is someone who keeps forgetting to buy the Sunday paper and it is frustrating them (I have been there, done that!). Well, here is your answer, ladies!

http://www.wholecouponinserts.com/

Speaking of coupons, tomorrow is my day to clip and sort my coupons for this week's Super Doubles at Harris Teeter! It starts tomorrow and I am so excited!I will post some of the awesome deals that I find this week! I would also love to hear what you all find as well!

School Time Is Almost Upon Us! Great Deals Abound!

2010-08-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

The school year is quickly coming upon us and it is time to look out for all of the awesome back to school deals! I have been going to Walmart, finding some great deals! Here are some of the items that I have purchased in the past few weeks. I am one of those that buys a little at a time.

Elmer's Glue Sticks 2 pack - 50 cents

Looseleaf paper, college and wide rule - 75 cents

1 subject notebooks - 15 cents

Dixon 24 pack #2 pencils - 99 cents

and much more!

Check out Money Saving Mom's post, School Supply Deals Comparisons Chart for more deals for back to school!

Favorite Blog Friday....One Day Late

2010-08-07T11:35:00.000-07:00

Last week, I started a series of Friday posts called Favorite Blogs Friday. Here I am again to share one of my favorite blogs with you....but one day late. Yesterday was such a whirlwind with my Harris Teeter and Farm Fresh shopping trips, my husband's art show, along with all of my other daily responsibilities,I wasn't able to post it. So here it goes!

This week's Favorite Blog is:

Like A Warm Cup of Coffee

Just the name sounds so friendly and inviting! So grab a cup of coffee and enjoy this wonderful blog!

Note: The author was recently featured on Good Morning America!

Harris Teeter Super Doubles Next Week!

2010-08-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

Awesome announcement for those of you who love to save money as much as I do and have a Harris Teeter close by! Just saw a new entry on Coupon Teacher's blog that Harris Teeter will be having Super Doubles next week, starting on August 11th! I am so excited to hear this. I love when Harris Teeter has Super Doubles, so I can double my coupons up to $1.98! I have saved a lot and have gotten some awesome deals on these weeks!

Hope that everyone has a great weekend!

Join Weight Watchers for $1!

2010-08-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

As a member of WW since 2008, I am very vocal about my admiration of Weight Watchers and what it has done for me! I lost about 40 pounds on the WW program! Weight Watchers was such a Godsend to me in a time when nothing was working and I had given up trying to lose the weight from having 6 kids. So this is near and dear to my heart and I am excited to share this awesome deal with you!

Go to Weight Watchers for more details!

Thanks Deal Seeking Mom, for sharing about this amazing offer!

Bob's Groovy Art Youtube Videos & Upcoming Events!

2010-08-02T06:15:00.000-07:00

My husband, Bob Langston, has been a professional artist for about 24 years. He has worked with many types of mediums. But the mediums that he has worked with most lately have been caricatures and his newest passion, surfboard painting, using acrylic based paint markers. The four posts below are videos of my husband at work doing caricatures and surfboard painting (which is his passion). He has been in the Steel Pier Classic Surf Art Show for two years in a row and also did the Neptune Festival last year. These both take place here in Virginia Beach, VA. At the end of September, he will be in the Neptune Festival once again. I hope that you take a look at the videos and enjoy his work.

Neptune Festival website: http://www.neptunefestival.com/

Bob also has the following events coming up:

First Fridays Art Walk, at the Town Center in Virginia Beach. Bob will be exhibiting his art there. Plus he will be doing a custom surfboard painting demo.

Check out the following link: http://www.vabeachtowncenter.com/events/

Surf’s Up 2010 Art Show at the Artists Gallery in Va Beach, Aug 17th through September 7th

Check out for the following link for this show: http://www.theartistsgallery.org/

Bob also has a new online print store where you can buy custom prints of his artwork.

Bob's Groovy Art: Surfboard Painting Demo

2010-08-02T06:14:00.000-07:00

Bob's Groovy Art: The Hendrix Board

2010-08-02T06:13:00.001-07:00

The Steel Pier Classic/Surf Art Expo

2010-08-02T06:13:00.000-07:00

Bob's Groovy Art: The Bayou Boogaloo

2010-08-02T06:12:00.000-07:00

Reminder: Last Day to Print July Coupons!

2010-07-31T08:12:00.000-07:00

Just a friendly reminder that today is the last day that we will be able to print out July coupons. Tomorrow the August coupons will be here! Can't believe how time is flying by!

So if there are any coupons that you really desire to have, print them by midnight tonight.

Here are the main coupon sites that I use:

Coupons.com

Red Plum

SmartSource

Favorite Blogs Friday

2010-07-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

I am starting a new theme called Favorite Blogs Friday. Today I wanted to share one of my favorite blogs, Kelly's Coupon Addiction! Enjoy!

http://kellyscouponaddiction.com

Definitely Not A June Cleaver Mom...In Most Ways Anyway

2010-07-30T07:54:00.000-07:00

This morning, my husband on Facebook, jokingly compared himself to Ward Cleaver and called me June. It got me to thinking and comparing myself to that perfect television 50s mom on one of my favorite shows of all time.

Here is how I am NOT like June Cleaver:

1. I do not wear high heels, dresses, and a strand of pearls when I am vacuuming. How did she do it? I can't even walk in high heels! With the bagless vacuum cleaner of today, I would not be able to wear a dress without dust and dirt on it either. Plus I do not even own a strand of pearls! I am also more of a jeans and shirt type of gal anyway.

2. I am not the overprotective mom as she was. I remember one episode when Wally joins the high school football team and she freaks out. She was okay with him joining, just not playing because he could get hurt! My 12 year old son just joined a football team and I am going to be that "soccer mom", driving him to and sitting in on the games, cheering him from the sidelines! You just have to let boys be boys.

3. My hair is not always perfect nor is my house perfectly spotless. You could eat off of anything in that lady's house and never worry about germs or dust. With raising 6 kids, who has time?! I would rather enjoy their youth than have a spotless house, not that I wouldn't like to have one.

One thing I will say though, I am a vacuum obsessed woman! I can deal with clutter better than I can deal with a messy floor.

Here are ways that I am like June Cleaver:

1. I love my family and desire to be the best wife and mom that I can be. June had a heart of gold and a great love for her family. She made sure her husband and children had their breakfast, lunches packed, and were out the door on time. She did it because she loved them and not just because she felt that she had to. In that way, I am very much like June. The only time that I do not do these things is when I am sick or have just had surgery (which was recently). I love my family and want to do the best for them. June also encouraged her husband and children when they were down or upset (which, according to my husband, is one of my gifts. Thank you Honey!). The Lord has instilled that in me and I could not imagine not doing these things.

2. She loved to cook wholesome, homemade meals for her family. No fast food in that house! Now, I am not perfect on that one. We do occasionally have a fast food or processed food meal. For the most part though, I love to have a home cooked meal ready for my family in the evenings. It is one of the ways that I show that I love them. (Plus, being a member of Weight Watchers, I try to stay away from those things that would put on the weight).

Well, that is all in a nutshell. How are you like June Cleaver? Or are you the complete opposite? Feel free to share in the comments section.

Great Harris Teeter Deals!

2010-07-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

Today I went to my local Harris Teeter grocery store, my favorite place to shop at. I find that I save the most money at this store than any other. Here are some of the fantastic deals that I got today:

Smithfield Bacon, Regular or Thick Sliced - Buy 2 Get 3 Free

Kraft Mayo (my fave is the one with olive oil) - Buy 1 Get 1 Free

Kraft Dressings - Buy 1 Get 1 Free

Angus Stew Meat - Buy 1 Get 1 Free

Angus Top Round Roast - Buy 1 Get 1 Free

Thomas English Muffins - Buy 1 Get 1 Free

Strawberries - Buy 1 Get 1 Free

Blueberries - 2/$5

Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice 64 fl oz. bottles - Buy 1 Get 1 Free

HT Dozen Large Eggs w/ e-Vic Card - 67 cents (Limit = 1); 99 cents w/o card

HT Sandwich or Old Fashioned Bread - 67 cents (Limit 1); 99 cents w/o card

HT Orange Juice - 2/$4

Alberto V05 Shampoo - 79 cents

There were other great deals as well, but the items were really not things that I needed or use. These were the best deals for our family.

I saved about $75 this shopping trip, with coupons and e-VIC card!

So go on down to your local Harris Teeter (if you live in an area that has one) and see what awesome deals that you can find! Feel free to leave me a comment, letting me know what fantastic deals that you find for your family!

Happy Shopping,
Heather L.
PP Starving Artist's Wife

Great GoGurt Coupons Available!

2010-07-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks to My Frugal Adventures, I just printed some great coupons for GoGurt Yogurt. If your kids are anything like mine, they will love these. Great yogurt for kids with some great coupons for you! I was able to print both of them twice. Enjoy!

http://myfrugaladventures.com/2010/07/yoplait-gogurt-1-off-coupon/

Penny Pinching Starving Artist's Wife