Wow, I can hardly believe that it’s been a year since my first post to Sustainable Family Finances! Kind of surreal, like a kids’ birthday…it feels like yesterday and years ago at the same time 😉


Maybe you’ve been keeping tabs since day one or you likely just happened upon my blog…either way I’m glad you’re here! 


I started off as “ Green Mama ,” not quite sure that I really wanted go on record about my own finances. But through the year my voice grew stronger and writing came with ease, and I shared Darcy’s Utopia. 


Along the way I’ve learned a lot, mostly I feel like I’ve just got better at taking small steps and reflecting on our progress. I still have to pinch myself at the thought of being in Denmark next summer, and in general I just feel less angst around dealing with our finances. It’s still work, but at least it feels like more fun now.


My 12 Favorite Posts:


Clean Energy Works Evaluation
Eco-Healthy Child Care
Family Footprint
Global Gratitude
Frugal Family Camping
Get Growing
Homemade Kids Kitchen
Living Your Dreams
My Sustainable Community
Ode to Green Mamas
Valuing Progress
Zero Dollars Per Gallon


Let me know if you have any topics you’d like me to explore in the new “blog” year.
Thanks again for reading!


Plus….Go Ducks!


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Sustainable Family Finances 
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.

I was already geared up for a great new year, but I was so thrilled to see my first blog-related article in Metro Parent January 2011 –  Money Matters – A Primer on Family Finances by Julia Silverman.


A big kudos to my friend Courtney for suggesting that Julia interview me (and for being a loyal blog reader!) Even though blogging has some instant gratification, it’s different to see your words in print.


I also enjoyed reading about the personal finance perspective of other moms, since talking about our finances is often taboo in mom circles. The financial advisor had some great advice too. While I’ve heard about breaking your budget into fixed and unfixed expenses, I like how she suggests analyzing and separating your  nondiscretionary fixed,  nondiscretionary unfixed, discretionary fixed and discretionary unfixed expenses. I think this little exercise would help me gain some more perspective, and perhaps some insights…I’ll let you know.


I naturally suggest that you pick up your own copy or read it online, but here’s a sneak peak of my favorite quote:

    “Just start where you are and don’t waste time feeling guilty or wishing you were further down the path to sustainable abundance,” Cronin says. “Begin by making goals that motivate you, then take small actions each week.”

The article is indeed a   great primer on family finances , and the magazine includes a few other great articles that I’ll write more about later this month…


Thanks again to Metro Parent, Julia and Courtney!


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Sustainable Family Finances 
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.

Happy 2011!


I hope you are feeling refreshed and renewed for the new year.  After a peaceful holiday season, we are feeling more blessed than ever before. And  I’m definitely looking forward to continued financial success and sustainable progress in the year ahead. 


I don’t get wrapped up in resolutions, but we do set our annual family goals at the new year. Our goals cover three main life areas: financial, family, and sustainable home. I’ll share our financial goals with you:

Sustainable Home Goals:


    1)  Track carbon footprint – gasoline, natural gas, electricity, etc.
    2) Bicycle more – average 2x weekly for 2011
    3) Install water heater blanket
    4) Install drip irrigation system
    5) Grow vegetable garden – potential as a yardshare
    6) Buy blinds for the house – increase comfort and efficiency
    7) Prune tree and roof maintenance
    8) Recycle aluminum storm windows – replace screen door  
    9) Reupholster yard-sale find chaise lounge


We also have family goals. Obviously these are pretty personal, but since sharing your goals is key to achieving, I figure that I may as well share away:

Here’s good post from The Simple Dollar on financial resolutions , and how they often fail us and how to move beyond forgotten resolutions . So make sure that your goals inspire you, you share them with friends and family, and celebrate your small successes.


Wishing your family a prosperous 2011!


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Sustainable Family Finances 
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.

This will be my last post of 2010.
Don’t worry, I’ll be back in 2011.


I love the fun-filled and slightly hectic holidays, but w hen winter comes it’s time for me to reflect and recharge. I always schedule some serious down time following all the festivities. I take time to appreciate all the abundance in my life and plan for the year ahead.


I’ll be meeting with Hubby to set our family and financial goals. I’ll review our holiday related spending.  This year I’ll also be reflecting on this past year of blogging and set goals for 2011. 


I’ll also fit in a little snowshoeing and a trip to Skamania Lodge with Hubby sans kiddos! Got a great deal on Groupon 😉


Happy Christmakwanzakkaholstice! 
See you in 2011.


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Sustainable Family Finances 
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.