Eliza Cross 
I think it’s important to step back occasionally and think about your financial dream. Life moves fast, and I know I can easily get caught up in just trying to cover the monthly expenses without thinking about the bigger picture. But when we take a step back and reflect on our financial dreams and goals, … Read more
I’m a fan of setting micro goals to make big things happen. Let me explain. Many of us struggle to set realistic New Year’s resolutions and accomplish all of our hopes and plans. Instead, I’m a fan of making tiny little micro goals I might actually achieve. For instance, if I’m procrastinating on a project, … Read more
Note: This article was originally posted on January 20, 2021 and has been updated with new information. I recently decided to try a car insurance tracking device, lured by State Farm’s promise of saving money on premiums. Perhaps you’ve received a similar enticement from your insurance company and wondered if it’s creepy to be followed, … Read more
If you love the flavor of German Chocolate Cake, you’re going to love these Chocolate Coconut Pecan Cookies. Chewy chocolate drop cookies are topped with a sweet coconut pecan topping for the most incredible flavor and texture! They’re finished with a drizzle of melted chocolate on top. One word: YUM! These cookies are easy to … Read more
Every few weeks, I drive to my local Sprouts store and buy a couple bags of organic Guatemalan coffee. This particular Sprouts store is a rather, shall we say, relaxed establishment where long lines are part of the experience. On a recent Thursday at 5 p.m., three cashiers were open and the lines of people stretched all … Read more
This is a post I wrote a few birthdays ago. As the years pass, I find that I’m more introspective on my birthday, so deeply grateful for another year and all of the experiences and blessings of this life. I recently found a photo of myself taken about forty years ago. As I studied the … Read more
I can divide my adolescence in two parts: Before and After. The break happened when I was thirteen, on what began as a normal day. I was at a girlfriend’s house when my mom called and asked me to come home. Opening the front door I discovered Dad on the couch fighting back tears, a … Read more
Note: This article was originally published on June 15, 2015 at Happy Simple Living. Sylvia Crosslen became my step-grandmother when her son Howard married my mom Betty, some forty years ago. If you are fortunate enough to have a special relative through marriage, then you’ll understand when I say that it didn’t take long for … Read more
Captain Crunch French Toast is sweet, crunchy and absolutely decadent for breakfast or brunch. Crispy bacon is the perfect accompaniment; add some fresh fruit on the side, and you can boast that your French Toast is “part of a balanced breakfast.” I’ve always loved Cap’n Crunch cereal. As a child raised in Boulder, Colorado by … Read more
This fresh corn avocado tomato salsa is easy to make and SO delicious. You can serve it as a dip with corn chips, as an accompaniment for Mexican food or as a side salad with grilled meats. Appetizer, side or salad? No matter what you call it, this simple recipe combines some of my favorite … Read more