TGIF: Best Blog Posts This Week...and Happy New Year

I've been slacking on my blog posts courtesy of the holidays. No more excuses after January 1st. Here are this week's best blog posts. I hope you have a safe and fabulous New Year.

• How Do You Keep Your New Year's Resolutions?
  
  
• Frugal But Fun Food for Your New Year's Celebration
  
  
• Making Financial Goals for 2010
  

I set at least 10 resolutions each year. From breaking my 5K race time to going to church more often, they range from health-related to home improvements. Do you make New Year's resolutions? Have an interesting New Year's resolution you'd like to share? Or ways that you stick to achieving your resolutions? I'd love to hear all about it.

Frugal Tip Tuesday -- Returning Gifts

Whether it's Christmas, Hannukah, a birthday or some other gift-giving occasion. There's always the off chance that the gift you receive isn't exactly what you wanted, doesn't fit right or is the wrong color. I always thought I would insult someone by returning or exchanging a gift, but if it's just going to sit in your drawer or closet, you're wasting money and creating clutter!

Within one week, you should return the item for cash or store credit, or exchange the gift for something you will use.

How many unused gifts do you currently have sitting around the house? Dig them out and post them on Ebay to make some quick cash.

Product Review: Pangea Organics Skincare Discovery Kit

By filling out a simple online form, I received a free sample of Pangea Organics Skincare Discovery Kit. Inside were three tiny samples of their facial cleanser, facial scrub and facial moisturizer.

In addition to coupons, I received a little brochure outlining all of Pangea's products. Their philosophy is that "the face has its own special skin, distinct from the rest of the body, and needs to be treated with care." How true! Pangea's "products are designed to create and maintain balance in your skin."

Facial Cleanser -- Egyptian Calendula & Blood Orange
Felt silky smooth and had a very distinct smell, similar to eucalyptus or a relaxing spa.

Facial Scrub -- Egyptian Geranium with Adzuki Bean & Cranberry
With just the right amount of gritty-ness. The scrub made my skin feel very soft and smooth.

Facial Cream -- Italian Red Mandarin with Rose
The final step was applying the moisturizer. The fragrance matched the cleanser and scrub, but was a bit overwhelming. The cream was easily absorbed and a small amount went a long way.

I felt refreshed and energized after using the three products. Best of all was the packaging. The box contains blue spruce tree seeds and can be planted. How great is that? Plus, the label is printed on 100% post-consumer paper with vegetable-based inks, so everything is recycled and recyclable.

Want to try Pangea Organics? Every Friday they give away a free product at http://bit.ly/pangeaFBallure.

Let me know if you try any of their products and what you think.

Frugal Tip Tuesday -- Plan Ahead

As you may know, I work a full-time job. With an on-site cafeteria and no microwaves or refrigerators, lunch can be very costly. I had written a post about lunch and snack options for But a girl's gotta eat, right? I try to limit myself to eating in the cafeteria on Fridays. That means I have to plan ahead for the other four days of the week.

So that's this week's tip. Plan ahead. No matter what it is, a little planning can be green and frugal. Here are some examples:

• Meal planning for family meals can help you create (and stick to) a shopping list
  
  
• Bring those recycled bags when you go grocery shopping -- save money and be green
  
  
• Planning ahead can help with dieting and exercise -- plan your meals and your exercise sessions and you'll be more likely to stick to the routine

What do you plan ahead for that's helped you be more frugal or green?

Taking a Green and Frugal Break to Focus on the Little Things

I'm a bit off topic today. But I think you'll enjoy this post nonetheless. A friend sent this to me and I thought it carried a wonderful message.

The Little Things

- By Author Unknown

As you might know, the head of a company survived 9/11 because his son started kindergarten.

Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.

One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time.

One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike because of an auto accident.

One of them missed his bus.

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.

One's car wouldn't start.

One went back to answer the telephone.

One had a child that dawdled and didn't get ready as soon as he should have.

One couldn't get a taxi.

The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, took the various means to get to work but before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.

Now when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone ... all the little things that annoy me. I think to myself, this is exactly where God wants me to be at this very moment..

Next time your morning seems to be going wrong, the children are slow getting dressed, you can't seem to find the car keys, you hit every traffic light, don't get mad or frustrated; God is at work watching over you.

May God continue to bless you with all those annoying little things and may you remember their possible purpose.

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I know when I'm running late, the kids aren't listening or any other annoyance, I immediately begin to yell and get completely stressed out. From now on I'm going to make a concerted effort to take a deep breath and remember that everything -- no matter how trivial -- happens for a reason.

How do you normally react to everyday stress? Did this post resonate with you?