First...

I've spent a lot of time pondering the usual question--"what's it all mean?" I have to say, I have NOT figured it out (big surprise, I know), but I have figured out one universal truth.
I have figured out that it doesn't mean Prada shoes, huge houses with multiple cars in the garage, yet another credit card (platinum this time, thank you very much), or following the latest trends. It doesn't mean continuing to live irresponsibly, with no care or awareness for this planet we inhabit. It doesn't mean ignoring the untold amount of people who are suffering from poverty, hunger, abuse, ignorance, or any number of horrors, either right in your own town, or across an ocean.
I don't have all the answers; heck, I am lucky to have a few, but I am banking that if I can come up with what is not the answer, I'll be a little closer than I was when I started this journey of awareness.
Most of all, I'm counting on anyone who reads this--whether to find out a new money-saving household/travel/wedding/life tip or recipe, to get a couple of simple environmental ideas, or to find information on how to give or where--to give me new insight, a fresh take on a topic. I'm counting on society to help me figure it all out.
I believe that despite the materialism we may see around us, that there are still a majority of people who, underneath it all, have an economical, concerned, charitable spirit. It's what drives me to do this, and what gives me hope every day.
I look forward to going through this part of my journey with all of you. Let's see where it takes us!