Thankful Thursday

Happy First Thursday of 2012! You know, some years, it's kind of nice to get back to a routine after the holidays. But this year, it's been really tough. It's only been two days back at work, and I'm ready for another break! I had to dig deep to think of things I'm thankful for this week, but I'm determined to keep this up in 2012 (at least until our daughter-to-be sucks away all our free time =)).

Credit Card Points
Like so many other people, we use a credit card for as much as we can in terms of bills, groceries, gas, etc. so that we can accrue the points (and pay off the balance each month, of course!). The card we use has points that can be redeemed for more than its cash value if we buy gift certificates. This has come in super-handy with Christmas and now a couple of important January birthdays, as well!

Purses with a lot of Pockets
I really love purses. I especially love purses that are compartmentalized to keep things in their place. I used some of my 2nd patent award money on a purse that I fell in love with at a store called Hlaska on Santana Row while we were in California (where Paper Source is!). I'd seen the store before, but never went in. They sell leather goods and accessories like watches and stuff, and everything is made in California. I wear it as a shoulder bag for now, but it can convert to an across-the-body purse, too. And the pockets are all great sizes! One big one on the back, two on the front under the flap, two inside, one zippered one inside, and a pen holder. And still room to fit my Nook, spare glasses, and everything else I lug around with me in my everyday purse!

Artifact Sling in gold -- the leather is sooo soft! [source]

Love the contrasting linen inside! [source]

Groceries/Lists Apps
Ever since I made the switch from Blackberry to Android, Todd (iPhone 4) and I have finally been able to utilize the lists and groceries apps together! We use the "Our Groceries" app to add stuff on the fly, in case one of us goes to the store before our next big run, and as we check them off, they come off the other's phone, too. I have a groceries list, Target list, and Japanese food list. For other lists, like errands we need to run on a weekend, or things we need to pick up while we're out and about, we use Astrid Tasks. I share some of my Astrid lists, and have some just for myself to use as notes or things to do. The nice thing about these apps is that I can also update my lists from the computer if I wanted, in case I don't have my phone or something. Astrid can be used solely on the computer if you want, too. It's just nice that it can sync up with your phone.