We have always been told not to dwell on the past. Looking back keeps us locked in a vicious cycle that only reminds us of our hurts. But, there is a difference between living in the past and glancing back in an effort to resolve issues that threaten a healthy future.

What is it about the past? It is a time that is finished forever. The reading of this sentence will be in the past in the next few seconds. It is not the immediate past that haunts our thoughts.

The main reason that we don’t constantly relive old events is the lack of clarity that it brings. It’s just like taking an original document and making a copy of it. Now, take that copy and run it through the machine and repeat this process over and over. Pretty soon you have an unrecognizable image that looks nothing like the original.

It is the same with our hurtful memories. Every time we reexamine them something changes. That adds to the frustration of the event. Nothing about the event will ever change but it always seems to appear worse with each thought.

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We all need to take a break now and again. Spending time with the family is relaxing and can be a bit adventurous at times. If you are looking for ways to spend quality time without breaking the bank keep reading for some frugal family fun.

1. Camping

If you’ve never experienced the great outdoors, it is a great way to get away and have a few laughs. Camping teaches survival skills and lets kids and adults experience what it is like to live with nature instead of against it. If one member of the family has great camping experience, he or she can guide the rest of the group. Catch your supper and cook it over an open flame. Sing songs, have marshmallow treats, tell stories, and hike to new places. Camp in areas far away from Yogi Bear and Wile E. Coyote but which still maintain the element of adventure the vast wilderness has to offer.

2. Weekend trips

For a large family weekend trips are more economical sometimes than taking a week’s vacation. Everyone can pile in the car and head to the mountains or the coast for a weekend of fun. For one night, everyone can sleep in one or two hotel rooms. Consider it to be “roughing it.” Visit a national park, zoo, museum, national monument, or other point of interest. Pack drinks, snacks, and lunches to avoid incurring too many food costs. Using a digital camera for pictures saves on the expense of film. You can even save money with photo printing websites that will print your pictures online and your family can view and order the ones they want.

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Since you are probably considering some kind of a work at home idea for yourself, it is important to look around and see what is available. Here are some ideas to get your thinking processes started with work at home business ideas.

Service Oriented Ideas

Providing some kind of service for other people or businesses is a great and relatively easy way to get an online business started. If you have a talent or ability that others have need of, you could rather easily turn it into a home business.

1. Write.

Writing is a powerful field to get into if you can write. There are many possibilities for writing which could include: article writing, Web site content writing, magazine writing, resume writing, technical writing, Ebook writing, and so much more.

2. Take pictures.

Picture taking is another way to make money online. You just need a good camera and ability to take clear pictures, then there is a great demand for this talent online. Pictures are in great demand and can bring a lot of money for each, or a steady income.

3. Computer-related services.

Computers are something that a lot of people do not understand. If you have knowledge and can help other people with their computer needs - if could be your door for a new home business for you.

4. Be a virtual assistant.

Businesses everywhere are cutting back on their employees. In many cases, they still need the same amount of work done - and you may be able to fill that need. If you know how to use a computer and have some secretarial and software skills, or business experience, you can provide many business services online.

5. Online tutoring.

Tutoring is definitely in demand online and it gives you the opportunity to tutor anyone living anywhere - as long as both have a computer and are online.

Product Oriented Ideas

Many people successfully sell products online and make a comfortable living with it. You may try one of these types of selling products.

6. Sell your own products.

Ebay is one easy way to break into selling online and started a home business. Don't just jump in, though, learn some tips from the experts first.

7. Sell other people's products.

Just about any kind of product is available for you to sell online and make some money. Look over the products carefully, and get started. Set up is quick and most material, including a Website is often provided - you just supply the traffic.

8. Buy and sell Web site domains.

Finding expired Web site domains that still have traffic is an easy way to make some quick money. Others build a Web site, make it profitable, and then sell it. Can be very profitable.

9. Make videos and sell them.

Videos are really a very hot item right now online. There is no end in sight and will probably only be more in demand for the future. If you got video equipment, it could work great for you.

10. Do research for others.

Other people need some kind of research to be done - for themselves, for a project, or for a business need. If you know how to perform quality research, offer your services and get ready for some work.

Submitted by:

Linda Allen
http://www.girlfriendscafe.com
GirlfriendsCafe.com

In April, GirfriendsCafe sponsored a contest in our photo gallery for the best general interest photo.
The winner was "sarah823" of Las Vegas, Nevada. As the winner, she received a GirlfriendsCafe T-Shirt.

The Winning Photo

Submitted by:
Linda Allen, Webmaster of GirlfriendsCafe.com

GirlfriendsCafe is pleased to announce the winner of our April Cutest Kid Photo Contest! The winner, as determined by a vote of our membership is "limogirl" of Cupertino, California. As the winner, she will receive a GirlfriendsCafe Tote Bag.

The Winning Entry!

Submitted by:

Linda Allen, Webmaster
GirlfriendsCafe.com
http://www.girlfriendscafe.com