3 Money Experts Who Helped Me Overcome Debt

Budgeting has never been a task that I enjoyed.  Balancing my checkbook was tolerable as a young adult, and even exciting with the start of my first full time job. The novelty wore off quickly as the purchase of a first home, a wedding, utility payments, and grocery bills inundated my life. And then it… Continue reading 3 Money Experts Who Helped Me Overcome Debt

Lifestyle Re-Design: Moving Towards Freedom

We are ready for a new adventure.  After seven busy years of working and raising a family, we recently took a step back, looked at our surroundings, and realized that time had passed in a whirl-wind.  Some of the ideas and dreams that we had shared before having children had been happily put aside, and now we were ready to… Continue reading Lifestyle Re-Design: Moving Towards Freedom

Home Maintenance Checklist for Home Owners & Landlords

If you are a property owner, you are well aware that there are always repairs or improvements that need to be done to keep your home in working order. In the past, I’ve been a reactive homeowner and landlord; if the furnace stopped heating or the hot water heater went out, a service professional was… Continue reading Home Maintenance Checklist for Home Owners & Landlords

7 Summer Activities In & Around Schaumburg to Keep Kids Busy

It’s that time of year when parents begin looking for activities to keep the kids busy for the summer.  Below are some of my favorite activities that are FREE or nearly FREE in the Schaumburg and surrounding areas.  Click on each heading for detailed day and times to fill in your calendar. 1. KidsBowlFree.com Kids… Continue reading 7 Summer Activities In & Around Schaumburg to Keep Kids Busy

A Goal Without a Plan is Just a Dream

  Love this saying…I keep this as a constant reminder that we can make our dreams reality if we plan for them, set tasks to move us in the right directions, work hard, and persist.  Sometimes we must think outside the box, live differently than the norm, and step outside our comfort zone.  A goal… Continue reading A Goal Without a Plan is Just a Dream

3 Simple Reasons that I Love the Nike FuelBand

With great resistance, my husband dragged me into the Nike Store one Friday evening in February, determined to sell me on the idea of purchasing the Nike FuelBand. Truthfully, it looked very cool, and was offered in black, white, and clear, but I was still not too interested in having my activity levels on my… Continue reading 3 Simple Reasons that I Love the Nike FuelBand

The Juggling Act of Life, Work, and Motherhood

It seems that everyone can relate to the juggling act that is life.  Work, bills, children, family obligations, health, church, events, vacations…the list is endless.  We are inundated with messages that tell us “If we only read this book or this blog or buy this phone app”, we will be guaranteed success at managing the… Continue reading The Juggling Act of Life, Work, and Motherhood

The Quest to Simplify: First 5 Steps to Tackle Downsizing

Almost seven years ago, when we moved into our 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home, we marveled at all of the space we would have to fill.  And fill it we did. Now we’ve decided that we have way too much stuff.  It is time to downsize and simplify our lives. The thought of someday moving… Continue reading The Quest to Simplify: First 5 Steps to Tackle Downsizing

Put Your Home on the Market with Less Competition

Still thinking about putting your home on the market, but afraid it won’t sell?  Now is a great time to list your home and avoid the competition. The graph below shows the number of HOMES FOR SALE in the Northwest Suburbs, comparatively in February 2011, 2012, and currently. What a drastic difference…the right time is… Continue reading Put Your Home on the Market with Less Competition

6 Family-Friendly and FREE Spots in Schaumburg

While wandering through the Enchanted Forest at Schaumburg Township library the other day with my boys, I met a woman who is new to the area.  She commented that although she moved here from a suburb only about 45 minutes away, she is struck by the “family” friendliness of Schaumburg.  As we chatted and I… Continue reading 6 Family-Friendly and FREE Spots in Schaumburg

Schaumburg First Time Homebuyer Incentive

If you are looking to purchase your first home in Schaumburg, you should be aware of an excellent opportunity to get financial assistance. The Village is granted annual funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide a forgivable loan up to $10,000 toward closing costs and down payments for qualifying families.… Continue reading Schaumburg First Time Homebuyer Incentive

Introverts in an Extroverted Society

Accolades to author Susan Cain, for her extensive and insightful research into the power of introverts in an extroverted society.  Her book Quiet has moved me to share her message and my recommendation of her book. The negative association with the words “shy”, “quiet”, “introverted”  has hurt the esteem of so many smart and insightful… Continue reading Introverts in an Extroverted Society

From Teacher to Parent: Thoughts on Education

  My aspiration from childhood was to teach.  A teacher of young children.  To make an impact and shape the lives of little ones, allowing them to open their minds and reach for their dreams.  I wanted to teach children to love learning. And as the hopes became reality, I did love teaching.  There were… Continue reading From Teacher to Parent: Thoughts on Education

Write Down your Goals, and then Be Intentional

  Several years ago, I began writing down my goals at the start of a new year.  My husband had this amazing ability to write out his goals, and meet them systematically, checking them off his list, one by one.  I was inspired by his drive, and it seemed like a great way to organize… Continue reading Write Down your Goals, and then Be Intentional

Changing How We Think About Education

As my two young sons enter the public school system, I find myself thinking about the structure of the modern classroom and reflecting on how education aligns with not only our parenting philosophy, but the purpose of schooling that is relevant in today’s world. After watching this video by Sir Ken Robinson, I felt that… Continue reading Changing How We Think About Education

Schaumburg Market Statistics 2012

The following market statistics were provided from the Midwest Real Estate Data for Schaumburg, IL in 2012. Detached Homes: Single Family Home Sales in Schaumburg in 2012: 380. Average Sale Price: $259,168. Average market time: 132 days. Attached Homes: (condos, town homes, & duplexes) Attached Home Sales in Schaumburg in 2012: 616. Average Sale Price:… Continue reading Schaumburg Market Statistics 2012

Free Online College Courses

Not to long ago, I was alerted to the fact that Stanford University would be offering free online courses covering a variety of subject matter. In order to steer adults into un-chartered territory and perhaps spark interest in young college-bound students alike, these classes were put out there to anyone who would like to sign… Continue reading Free Online College Courses

Dreaming of a Different Kind of Tomorrow

  I am feeling particularly thankful this morning, as the year begins to wind down and the holidays are upon us.  The season of slowing down, spending time with our loved ones, and escaping from the routine is always a welcome distraction.  This year, though, things feel different.  Because my husband and I have spent… Continue reading Dreaming of a Different Kind of Tomorrow

Sheffield Estates

A beautiful and colorful morning walk on this crisp autumn morning in Sheffield Estates, Schaumburg.  There is no more pleasant time of year to enjoy the walking paths that meander around the small lakes in this area.  Blessed to be living here…