The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

Top Five/Bottom Five: Frugal Choices

I love to save money for all sorts of reasons.

It’s satisfying. It feels like wise stewardship of our resources. And mostly because it frees up more money for things that matter to our family…

Hello, New Friends (and Old Ones Too)

So… yesterday wasn’t supposed to be a blog doubleheader. I was as surprised as you might have been to wake up to two posts on my blog. Clearly, I wasn’t paying enough attention to…

Ask Me (Almost) Anything, Blogging, Life, Personality Insights
Nov, 12, 2025
31 Comments

Sprouted Planners x (Optimistic Musings + Best Laid Plans) = Planner Giveaway

I’ve teamed up with my friend — and planner extraordinaire — Sarah Hart-Unger of Best Laid Plans (the podcast) and Best Laid Plans Live (the in-person planning conference) and Best Laid Plans: A Simple…

Giveaway!, Planning
Nov, 11, 2025

Ten Frugal Things Lately

ONE | I continue to buy reduced produce. I find arugula rarely goes slimy (unlike spinach). If spinach is on the cusp of turning slimy, I toss it into the freezer and use it…