Yesterday I had my friend's baby shower at church. It went really well. We had about 30 ladies and girls. Here are a few tips and ideas I used. It is so hot here...we served pink lemonade and peach ice tea. No one missed HOT coffee. For flowers on the tables,I used impatients-they are bushy this time of year at the nursery and also on sale. They give your table a big flower bang without spending a fortune on cut flowers. I also used small flowering bushes for the food tables. Again...alot of green and I can plant them! We used some balloons too. Easy way to make the church class room that is bland look more festive. I also brought silk flowers from home to add color where needed...no cost there either. I have lots of pink and white ones. I also brought my girls baby stroller and decorated with lace ribbon and silk flowers and a tedddy bear. Again.....I simply had it at home! We had a very nice time and I was exhausted from all the planning and work involved but I was so glad we did host a shower for her and that we did it with excellence! It was a lovely afternoon but I am dragging today and feeling still a bit worn. The heat took it out of me...and we were inside!

It is very hot here. I have covered my windows so the afternoon sun does not heat up everything. I used poster board that I had to buy for back to school. It is cheap and easy to work with. I have my air on but I have been really adjusting it and making sure I use it wisely. I am nervous to get my bill for the a/c. I feel badly for those out west...there seems to be no end to the heat out there!!! Gas is 2.88 at Wal Mart. I got it for 2.85. I would say that was a good deal. I loaded up on bottled water at Wal Mart while I was there. Propel is cheapest there, I got 10 eight packs. I saved alot. My kids like it and they drink that and never soda unless we are having pizza. I got some bagels, cat food, cat liter, paper cups and some school items my daughter saw and needed.

My kids leave for FL with dad and his "honey" on Weds coming back on Sunday night. Frankly I will miss them but I am looking forward to a needed break. It seems as a single mom I am always needed and on call. I will have to mow the lawn and deliver the newspapers. Usually my son and daughter do those jobs. So I will do them for them. I do plan on relaxing a lot. Reading and what not. Last summer they went to FL and I slept and slept for days!!!!!!!!I hope to hit the library and browse...I am always helping the kids find things...I never have time to really look around for myself. I hope to not spend any money while they are gone and eat simply. We will see.

There is a small shop not too far from me advertising the need for moms to do some "factory" type work. I am thinking hard about applying. I have no clue what it entails. I never heard from the grocery store demo company so I am looking again for a way to get some money to save and sock it away. I drove by it and it is very small like a large auto garage. It is not far from me. I figure while the kids are gone I will stop by and see what they offer.I do not want a job that is too complicated....but I am a hard worker and I just want to earn some money. I have about four checks to put in my savings account. I am proud of myself and so thankful because I held off and did not need them for July. I have some money coming for Augusts-so I should not need to spend any of this money.....so yes ...I can save it....save it...save it!!!!!!!!!! I am always so glad when I can save. It seems like July was a busy month with things to buy or purchase-so I must of cut back in the right areas to make it all balance out.

I was interviewed last week for a business publication here in my city. My ex and I did our divorce thru a mediated and collaborative method. We never went to court...we did go to court to sign the final papers but we did the whole process with each of us having a lawyer and then working out our own details. So this publication wanted to hear how I liked this method. I was able to share how all in all it is a great method and we faired very well thru doing this way. I liked the fact that the kids were treated with respect and we made our shared parenting plan.......work favorable to make their lives priority. I asked my ex to be part of this article and he was very irk'd I was doing it. In fact he read me the riot act....via phone call and email---but I was not listening-- I guess he still enjoys controlling me if possible. I was thrilled to share a bit and hopefully I will help another person to try the non court method that is available. I did not discuss anything personal...just how the method was a better way to go for me and the ex-hubby person. I am looking forward to reading it. If anyone is interseted I can recommend a web site and a book that is really helpful.

Back to taking out the trash, watering and weeding....it is so HOT...I know I have said it before twice.....it is just awful to be outside.

Have a lovely Sunday and stay cool and on track in the money department. A new month is just about upon us! Stay encouraged as we approach August!