Weekend Adventures: Autrey Mill Nature Preserve

Wow. Two posts in one day!

I just really wanted to share our little outing today before the whirlwind work week sweeps me away.
First of all, I have been itching to go somewhere. Anywhere! While I would really love a nice long trip, we can't really afford that right now (see previous post) and we are being very conscious of our spending before the move. So any trips in the next two months are not happening unless they are in our own backyard.

I wanted to go to a place that I had never been before. I've lived in Metro-Atlanta for basically 22 years of my life (6 years were spent in Celebration, FL, but we'll save that for another day). I know the roads, the cities, the popular places. But this weekend I was really interested in the not so popular places or the ones you just don't hear about often. I know there are a good bit of historical mills in Georgia so that's what I started out searching for. And again because we were on such a tight budget, we could not travel very far away.

The first thing that popped up was Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center. It was maybe 5 miles from our current apartment i n Johns Creek. I had never been there before or even heard of it for that matter! So we went exploring!

We spent about 1 1/2 -2 hours there walking the trails, and taking pictures, feeding the ducks, and just enjoying the day. The trails are really nice. When you first start out you are met with this really friendly area. I thought these were so cool! More places should do this. Honestly, the trails were not that rough where you would actually need a hiking stick, but I still loved the idea!

We kept on walking the Forest Trail and eventually came across the Plains Tepee,  which is not the type of dwelling Native Americans had in this area but is used at the heritage center to educate and contrast against the mud and cob structures that were used in this area!

If you keep on walking you will come across the monkeys. Actually, when you look on the map you will see there is a landmark called "Monkeys" and the whole time we were walking I kept wondering "What is this Monkey thing??"  And your first reaction as you come up on them is, "What the heck are these things??" Well, they are monkeys. And they are there to remind you that just because you may not know what something is, that does not give you a reason to destroy it.

There are a couple of blinds that allow you to watch the wildlife (there are tons of birds and chipmunks) and today we were the only people there so it was very peaceful and serene. Apparently, Nick saw something terrifying though....

And if you keep on walking you will find other little goodies along the way but I don't want to spoil them all for you! On Sundays, the Visitor Center is closed but you can still walk up and feed the ducks and say hi to the cute bunnies.

 And you know me... I always can find the tropical vibes anywhere I go!

All in all the day was fun and we spent the remainder of the evening reading magazines at Barnes and Noble, but this little place filled my desire to see something new, and I want to go back when they are open to check out the Visitor Center and see the historical buildings. You should check it out if you have time! Here are some other pics from our visit there:

The Old Warsaw Church....I think I was getting hungry at this point...

deBray Chapel....

Green Country Store...

I peeked inside the window of the Green Country Store since it was closed today!

Just enjoying the greenery and walk ways they had. Everything was put together so nicely!

Looking forward to our next Adventure!

10 Signs That You Are Poor (Financially), But Rich In Life

Often times I find myself loathing the area that I live in. I feel like there is just way too much focus on attaining wealth, material things, and showing them off to friends. I feel like I kind of get suckered in every once in awhile. The glitz and glam can be blinding. For awhile, we were doing ok. But between losing multiple jobs and living above our means, things eventually got to a point where we had to take a serious look at how we were living our lives and adjust accordingly. 

For me, it's never been about the money. I work in order to live. You know- really LIVE! I appreciate what money can do- it allows you to travel, try things you've never done before, meet new people, do nice things for other people, etc. But I do not yearn for money so I can buy more STUFF.

This past month we pretty much hit the lowest of lows. And we just laughed through it. It got me thinking about how we have been through a lot in our first 5 years of marriage, and I was honestly expecting us to celebrate a lot more this year, but instead we've been working our butts off just to get by.  We both feel that even though we are poor financially, we've been able to experience a rich life! And I know there are others out there who have gone through the exact same ordeals!

1- You start making a game out of paying the bills. Like which one would we rather have this month? Hot water? Or power? Cell phone?

2- You wake up in the morning and are grateful for the things that you have, instead of being miserable because you cannot have some things! You can just walk down the street and enjoy your day, this day is your own, and nothing can ruin it. You can enjoy the time spent with your special someone (hubby, bff, pet, etc)

3- You have no gas in the car, you don't get paid until the next day. But it's the weekend and you want to do something. Invite your other poor friends over for potluck. Everybody's happy! 

4- You have no gas in the car. You have no money at all. But you have to get to work. You call up your parents/siblings/cousins/aunts/uncles/etc and they happily spot you the gas money not even expecting you to pay back.

5- Horrible week. Car broke down, lost your job, and you come home to a darker than usual house.  Woops must have forgotten to pay the power bill in that last bill game. Pull out all the candles in the house and have a romantic dinner in the candlelight and pretend like you're camping until the power comes back on. And you talk about how your future can only get brighter from there!

6- You get an extreme sense of giddiness when you walk into a thrift store and find something that was just made for you, purchase it and you still have money left over for a frozen coke from QT!!

7- You start looking healthier, not because you've been working out, but because you've quit going to fast food, and have been practicing eating until you are full rather than eating until you are overly stuffed!

8- You have your health, are able to take walks, ride your bike, and are content with these free things that allow you to enjoy the great outdoors!

9- You have power (for now)- and you take advantage of this luxury that nearly one-fifth of the global population is not experiencing, by making a meal for another family, reading up on your fave blogs on the internet, having friends over to play games, etc. 

10- You have worn the same clothes twice this WEEK, but you don't care, because they are clean and you are having a good time with friends and family!

Some of these we have personally experienced! Notice some common traits in this list? Optimistic, positive attitude, a sharing, caring attitude, not being anxious, keeping things simple, keeping family and friends close, and enjoying the experiences for what they are.

"If insects were to vanish, the environment would collapse into chaos"

This year I have developed a curiosity for insects and small creatures of all kinds. My job is partially to blame as I am outdoors almost every day and in contact with the natural woods. It's nothing as awe-inspiring as safari type wildlife but I have grown fond of capturing the life around me. Here are some of my favorite captures of this past year:

All pics by me- iPhone only! (Except for the one of me holding the butterfly that one was captured by a friend)

Tell me which is your favorite!!

4 Favorite Up and Coming Artists and Crafters

Nick and I love making things. This time of year is quite slow for us due to my other love (zip-lining and challenge courses). So I usually spend the summer gathering inspiration and sharing the creativity of fellow makers and artists. Here are my current fave 4 Artists/Crafters/Makers/Designers whatever you want to call them :)

1) LapelGuy
https://www.etsy.com/shop/LapelGuy

I absolutely love the description for this shop. Simple and to the point. LapelGuy is all about "Dapper accessories for the fashionable man." Elier Hernandez' take on men's accessories is stylish and affordable.There's even a set of Limited Edition Women's Earrings that some handsome gentleman might want to purchase for his gorgeous lady....Here are some of my favorites in order from top to bottom, the Flower Lapel Pin, The Lapel Bowtie, and the Women's Cotton Fabric Earrings. [RANDOM FACT ABOUT ME: my ears are not pierced :o]

2) Beebose  
https://www.etsy.com/shop/beebose

I've featured Beebose on my site once before but thought she was worth mentioning again, because not only has she added more to her shop, but she also has a SALE going on through the end of July!! Use the code FREESHIP01 for free shipping OR use the code NEWFRIEND001 for 15% off!! (Cannot combine the two offers) Also, make sure you mention in the notes that I sent you!!

Beebose has handmade jewelry and housewares from vintage men's ties. And I can personally attest to the quality, and uniqueness of the necklaces I have one of my own custom necklaces from the Beebose shop: 

Here are some more of my faves from her shop:

The Whale Magnet is so adorable. I want to get it for my ocean themed bathroom...alas I have nothing magnetic in there currently..

This mid-century inspired necklace has perfect lace details and colors to bring out the 50s fashionista in you!

3. mustarrrrd "design"
http://mustarrrrddesign.tumblr.com/

"PAIGE HANSERD DID ALL THIS, HEY. lol"

I've become really fond of prints and tapestries lately. And Paige put up some of her designs on tumblr. Some you can get as prints, stickers, tapestries, shirts etc. For more details shoot her an email at: mustarrrrd@gmail.com. Just at first glance something tells me that pizza must be a big part of Paige's life. But then again, if pizza is not a major part of your life, then you're not normal.  Take a look at some of mustarrrrd's designs by clicking here. Here are a few of my faves. Although, I have yet to get anything from her...I'm really eyeing this "greenery #1" "greenery #2" "greenery #3"  perhaps as a print to go on my gallery wall...

"girl with the pizza"

Classic.

And of course the "3am" fat food pattern illustration is making me salivate. 

4. The Gypsy Titmouse

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheGypsyTitmouse

I stumbled across The Gypsy Titmouse while browsing through the Beebose shop. Come to find out they are actually friends! The Gypsy Titmouse are beautifully creative pieces of art by Jessica Sikora. Another artist that I have yet to have a chance to purchase from, but here are my picks from her shop!

This vintage framed print is gorgeous. One of the reasons that I fell in love with this artist is because of the use of color and birds!

Again, the colors are just amazing. And the use of different patterns in this Magpie Maiden piece is very whimsical and seductive.

You guys know I love me some nature. And Star Wars. And even though this isn't necessarily Star Wars it reminds me of Padme Amidala's outfit in the meadow picnic scene in Episode II.... So of course while this piece is actually called "Memories of Deer and My Forest Reign" in my mind it will always remain "Padme and the Deer" lol.

All these artists have such a broad range of talents and skills. I can't wait to own some of their pieces in my house and show them off to my friends!!

Making Money Using Things You Already Have- Your Phone and Your Computer

We are by no means rich or wealthy. We have the entrepreneurial spirit and drive and sometimes that means our money goes towards our businesses instead of things that we really want or need.  Like most people out there, we get by.

Some of our financial struggle is because of choices I (Kt) made when I was younger and stoopider. And then some of our struggle is just because life likes to kick you where it hurts. That's just how it is. We endure and we're happy. Living a simple life is often the most rewarding life.

So anyways, in our financial struggles I started to read up on making money, of course saving money, and doing this with things you already have. Like your smart phone, your computer, your skill set. I've been able to buy groceries, go treat myself to the movies and have a little extra spending money by doing some of these things below. Oh and don't worry- you won't be answering any questionable ads and you definitely won't have to use your sexy phone voice. These are all legit ways to score some quick bucks on the side.

I will be continuously adding to this list but we're going to start out with four that I've had success with.

1- Shopkick

For the shopping/scavenger hunt enthusiast this app is awesome! This is a point based app that allows you to earn points by checking in at stores that you already are going to, by purchasing products online, by looking through the lookbooks on the app, and by inviting friends!

Your points begin to add up and you can redeem your points for products or giftcards. I mostly redeem my points for giftcards to Target or Starbucks. This helps out with groceries sometimes, and I don't feel so guilty about spending money on an expensive coffee.

The best way to rack up points is to invite people to join and encourage them to shopkick a lot the first two weeks. The first two weeks your friends join you rack up 50% of their points. And they get some extra points too. The second best way to score a lot of points is to purchase products online. For example you earn 1 point for every $1 dollar you spend on target.com.

Start earning points now- go to the address below and sign up! Enter my referral code for bonus points! Earn points for just walking into stores like Target, Best Buy and Old Navy. Sometimes when I have time to kill I just go shopkicking. You can also earn points for scanning items at Target and other stores.
http://get.shopkick.com/shadow8550

2- ReceiptPal

Earn gift cards for just snapping a photo of your receipt! It doesn't matter where it's from or what you bought. Just snap a picture and you're on your way to earning points. 4 receipts = 100 points. Currently, their rewards list is pretty small. It's either Amazon.com gift cards or Restaurant.com gift cards. I'm not a huge fan of restaurant.com so I'm always working towards those Amazon gift cards!

3- AppTrailers

This one is pretty cool because it gives you points for watching trailers and videos that people upload and you can redeem those points for cash to your paypal account or you can redeem for gift cards. 5000 points= 5$ usually.  Downsides: it's very meticulous and slow and you're really only earning a few cents here and there but a lot of times I'll do it when I'm watching tv, or riding in the car so at least I' making a few cents here and there while I'm waiting. And again the best way to make money with this app is to invite friends to watch your videos, the more friends you invite the more points you get, the more points you get the more money you make!

4- Clickworker

Clickworker is a website that allows you to complete tasks on your computer. The tasks consist of small projects like searching something on Google and earning 3 cents here and there or bigger projects like data entry,  research, blog articles, etc. You become a Clickworker or even a Clickworker Recruiter by clicking HERE. Clickworker Recruiters can make big bucks faster if you recruit Clickworkers. You make $5 when each person you recruit makes $10! That's a pretty easy $5 bucks if you ask me!


This list will continue to be added to! Keep checking back for the most updated info on how you can make a few bucks on the side!

Decorating for the Choka Lifestyle

Most of you know that we love some vintage finds. So one of our new series on the blog that we will be starting is going to tackle the project of finishing decorating our apartment of one year. Our apartment is nice and cozy but it has been in decorating limbo ever since we moved in. Recently, I found this exciting 1970s Better Homes and Gardens Decorating Book. This new series will be 16 parts, taking place over the next 16 weeks. We will be revamping our home taking advice from the tips and tricks learned from this 70s book.

The 1st Chapter is called "It's Your Home." It continues on, "It makes sense to begin your decorating ADVENTURE by defining your lifestyle....Your home is your very special place. Comfort comes first and includes beauty. Beauty is important because whether we realize it or not people avoid areas that are dull or not attractive...Atmosphere requires PLANNING."

This room has it all. Classic furniture, bold patterns, and tropical whimsy all rolled into one.

The first step is to figure out your life style. Are you "Carefree Party Givers", "Crafts People and Hobbyists", "Late Working Husbands", "Working Wives"? Once you have your lifestyle figured out, you want to chart your family activities.

Love this mod room with bold and bright colors!

Our activities typically consist of waking up, eating a really quick breakfast, going to work, coming home, plopping in front of the tv while eating and working on hobbies. We typically use our living room, kitchen and bedroom the most. The office is for work/hobbies and guests. However, lately we have been avoiding this room and methinks it's due to the lack of atmosphere. We have several ideas of a type of "atmosphere" that we want to display. And that leads us to the next step.

Details, details. Even if the details are simple, they can bring a room together.

Next is the budget plan.

"Develop your budget plan as fully as possible, even though your finances may not permit you to achieve all of your decorating objectives right away. By doing this, you will be able to avoid any hasty unwise purchases along the way."

I love that point. And for us this is key. We are on a very tight income right now and I have been able to set aside around $100 per month to go towards decorating and home furnishings until we get everything we need. 

The chair in this picture is obviously the luxurious item. When budgeting plan ahead for large ticket items

All the pictures above are from the book. I'll add pics of our apartment so far so that you can see good before and after pictures. How do you you like to decorate? What are your fave styles, tips and tricks?