Return to sender

This week's go green tip is extremely easy. All you have to do is sign up to receive your bills electronically instead of receiving a paper copy. You're saving paper, time, and the cost of a stamp to mail your bill. Almost all companies give you the option to pay your bills this way, so I encourage you to take it. I like getting my bills via email because it is a constant reminder to pay the bill.

I also recommend using free services like Evite to send out invitations. Evite has SO many cute, fun designs and templates for you to choose from. Plus, guests can RSVP online instead of having to call you. Therefore you will have a running tally of who will be attending your event-that is if people actually remember to do so.

While I love receiving snail mail, you can also opt to send out free e-cards instead of mailing out greeting cards. I attended a wedding over the weekend where they had guests RSVP online instead of mailing their response cards. I love this idea-it saves time, paper, AND money.

Record breaker

In light of being laid off two weeks ago (yes, for the second time in 15 months-go to http://cestlaviebyelle.blogspot.com/2009/02/dear-john.html to read some thoughts from last year), I have thought a lot about working and jobs over the past year or so. I spent eight months looking for a job last year, and while it was not the path I would have chosen for myself, I grew tremendously during that time. The way I see it is that a lot of people lose themselves in their jobs. Their only identity is that of their line of work: nurse, teacher, bartender, etc. After some time passes, they become lost in what they do each day. Therefore when they lose their job, they lose a major part of their identity. They don't know who they are apart from their job.

I would like to think that this did not happen to me. While I was extremely upset and shocked when I lost my job last year, I still knew who I was as a person. I picked myself up and moved on. Even though I am quite frustrated to be back in the same place as I was last year, I know that I am not the same person. I learned lessons last year that some people never learn. I grew in ways that I am endlessly thankful for, and I know I will never be the same. Trust me, I wish I was so fortunate to have a job right now, but I still know who I am. I am a strong, independent woman who God created to do great things. I am not scared about the future because I am faithful in God's plan and timing for my life. A good friend of mine reminded me recently that adversity can break people or cause people to break records. I don't know about you, but I'm getting ready to break some records.

iTunes all the way

Today's go green tip is something I struggle with. I don't buy a lot of music, but when I do, I really love buying the CD instead of purchasing it on iTunes. I guess I just like physically holding the CD and seeing the pretty artwork instead of just downloading it online. However, I have been making myself buy my music electronically lately because it is much greener to do so.

The Internet is a great thing and can certainly make life more environmentally friendly if we fully utilize it. There are multiple benefits to buying music online including the following: the album is almost always cheaper, you don't have to make a trip to the store to buy it, and you get the music instantly. Make sure to never download music, movies, etc illegally. As a creative type, I think it is vital that we support the talented people who work hard to bring us their music.

Happy Birthday to my dad!

Today is my dad's birthday, and I hope he has an absolutely fabulous day. While my dad and I are very different, we are also a lot alike in some areas. I'd like to think that I got my business sense, my fierce determination, and my ability to remember random trivia facts from him. He is the most honest and respectable man I know, and I love him dearly. Happy Birthday Daddy!

(Even though this photo was taken 5 years ago, I just love it. We are standing in the kitchen of the house I grew up in.)

Be cool, carpool

Do you live close to a coworker, friend, or family member? Why not make life easier and our planet a better place by carpooling when you can. Even if it's just taking one car to church or the grocery store, in this case, one is better than two. Instead of sitting in traffic by yourself, you can catch up with a friend or get to know a coworker better all while saving money and the environment at the same time. If public transportation is not an option for you, consider carpooling. Georgia has The Clean Air Campaign where you can actually earn money and other cool benefits by carpooling. How cool is that?

Go to http://www.cleanaircampaign.org/ for more information. Go green, be cool, carpool.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all of the amazing mothers in this world. I can only hope you know how much we love and appreciate you. I would like to wish a special Happy Mother's Day to my mother. Your love, grace, and constant gifts of service are an inspiration to everyone who knows you. I can only hope to become more like you. I love you!

Mother's Day gift idea

To say that yesterday was a traumatic day would be putting it mildly. Needless to say, I was unable to do my usual Monday go green blog, so here it is today.

With Mother's Day on the horizon (this Sunday people), you might be wondering what to get mom this year. Instead of buying her a gift consider making a donation to her favorite charity in her honor? Nothing says I love you and I appreciate you more than donating to a cause she cares deeply about. Not sure which charity to pick? Choose one that goes in line with her passions-animals, child welfare, the environment, etc. Show her you care by caring for others in her name. Trust me, it is the best gift you can give.