See...I'm in style too!

So, I suppose I remember what it was like to be in Jr. High.

Grace is heading there this year, and cannot absolutely wait to go.

I'm shaking in my boots.

THIS year, more than any other so far, determines just how strong of a girl she really is.  There will be peer pressure like nothing she's ever experienced.  There will also be plenty of fashion faux paux I'm sure.

She's already told me of mine.  Many times.

'Course she's also reading fashion magazines, which she thinks are real life, but when you live in a tiny little rural town...oh, honey, it's not real life!

So, back to those fashion faux paux.

I try to stay up on the latest trends as much as any 38 year old should.  I realize skinny jeans and heavy eye makeup are not for me, however.

But, when I see a great deal on something I KNOW is IN as well as EXPENSIVE...well, I'm all OVER IT!

I saw these at Goodwill yesterday.

Tennis shoes, so what, right?

WRONG in Grace's opinion.

If you are currently living with a 12 1/2 year old (going on 25) like I am, you know at a glace that these are SPERRY shoes.  It's what all the girls want....it's reminiscent of the boat shoes that were cool when I was in high school.  Oh yes, fashion trends DO come around again!

So, I picked them up.  MY SIZE.  It was a sign.  Then I started looking them over.  They were listed as $10.

BUT I had my $5 off coupon, so they would only be $5!

They were the real deal too.

Then I looked them over really well.  Each front toe area was split away from the seam.  I was pretty sure I could fix it with my mad sewing skills.

I did, but it was a little tricky.  I hope it will hold.  And I suppose if you look closely, you can tell, but they will be on my FEET, so whose gonna look that close?

Let's just say, I was jubilant over my deal of the day.

I looked them up online and they were listed for $70.

Not bad.  so do you have a great deal?

A Day for the girls

It's not often I get to go somewhere just with the girls.

And NO KIDS.

Today, I got to get away with one of my best girlfriends.  I'm sure you have some too.  The girls who you have so much in common with, whose tastes match your own, and who you genuinely like to be with!

We went up to the Allegan County Flea Market.

Yes, it's a Sunday.  Yes, we skipped church.

I'm sorry.  The flea market is on the last Sunday of every month.

We had a lot of fun.

Nonstop talking.

Chippy paint galore...

Burlap and flowers...

Pretty wooden boxes by the stack...

Pinwheels (and someone's very bright blue backside...sorry.)

Once it got hot, we decided to get outa Dodge.  We drove out of the fairgrounds and went downtown Allegan for some lunch and some antique store hopping.

We talked for hours about everything.  My mouth is tired from talking and smiling.

I brought home some goodies.

I got some wrought iron fences for the garden where the cutting flowers are and some other things...

The globe was $2 because the man who sold it to me forgot to take the price tag off from when he bought it.  He was kinda mad at himself, but honored the price.  It'll go good with my globe collection.

The red wire basket will go in the living room and the pistachio green handle is my favorite!  The chippy white frames will be used for craft projects.

Grace needed a hook in her bathroom for her wet towels.  In a former life, I'm sure this was used for hats.  It'll be spray painted and will be just the right size.

It was a good day.  I'm so glad we went!

A place for my valuables...

So, since I'm a little slow on the draw, I'm joining a linky party that started YESTERDAY.

I know.

It's alright though.

I got something nice outa the deal.

About 4 or 5 months ago, I picked up this baby at Goodwill for around $3.

It's a jewelry box, even though it looks a little like the old fashioned silverware boxes.

I needed a bigger one than the one I currently have.  NOT that I have a ton of expensive jewelry, but I have alot of costume stuff, and pins and cool rings.

The inside looks like this.

I liked that there were so many different compartments so things wouldn't get all tangled up together.

I also liked the vintage look of it, but knew I could "fix it up" a bit too.

Finally, today, I got around to it.

I pulled out some of my favorite scrapbook paper from October Afternoon.

and some of their embellishments as well.

The old fashioned cards cracked me up.  They were titled, Work at Home, and All the things I've wanted to dye...

I also got out my favorite distressing ink...

and went to town distressing all the papers edges after I had cut them to size.

I just mod podged everything right onto the jewelry box.  It went on like a charm.

I've learned...you can pretty much use mod podge to adhere and seal anything.  Even fabric.

The finished product is great.  I really like it.

So, I'm linking it up to The Vintage Farmhouse's Thursday linky party.

click here to go there.

Come see me and find some other great ideas too.

Happy Weekend.

Found objects

It's Saturday.

I had errands to run.  It's the only day of the week with no softball practice, or games, or PTO meetings, or church bazaar meetings, or...well, you know.

It's my one day of the week to catch up on cleaning, or outside chores, or, well...everything that doesn't get done on a weekday.

I wish I could just sit around with a book and read every Saturday.  It would be heaven.

But it's not reality, unless I'm sick.  Which I wasn't today, so it was errand and hard work day.

Grace went with me in the morning.  We got gas, went to Menards for more insulators for my tiny tomato plants (which went in the ground today...along with peppers and cabbage that I grew from seeds in the kitchen window), the library to return books, the resale shop where I sell our clothes, and then I asked if she wanted to stop at Goodwill.

Well,  her answer is ALWAYS the same.  Um, Yes.  Hello.  It's shopping.  There might be something for me.

You know the drill.

When I drove up, I noticed it was a 50% off day.  This can be a good and bad thing all rolled into one.

You see, we pulled in about 1 hour after they opened. On 50% off days they can be extremely busy, like no carts available busy, or...like today.

Today, it was a good thing.  It wasn't too busy, and I stumbled upon some GREAT things.

Now, stop right there.  I know what some of you are thinking.  "What in the world are you gonna do with that stuff?"

That's WHY I surf Pinterest.com People.  For ideas for stuff like this!

Now, I'll be honest...the Penmanship book.

I really don't know what this will be used for...unless I sell it in my ETSY shop when I get it opened.  It was vintage looking and full of unused school lined paper.

The small tin...
It will become a very cute little pin cushion with vintage fabric.
The knives...

I just stumbled upon the idea for them last night in a magazine I was purging.  Old stainless steel knives were used as plant markers.  Just use a small sharpie marker to write (in beautiful script of course) the name of the plant, and stand it upright in your pot.  Adorable.  Could also be used outside to mark rows in the garden.  $.25/each, and then at half price...come on!  Now, I may be wrong...but were these not the same exact pattern of the knives I grew up using Mom?

The small file folders...

I just saw an idea for a small vacation scrapbook made out of file folders stapled together, or bound however you wanted.  Each folder had a page for each member of the family to tell their favorite things from the vacation.  Great idea!

The frame...to be used...I'm not sure how, but it will get a dose of spray paint once I decide on the color.
The large piece of Styrofoam will be used to stand up the rings I'm making for my ETSY shop.

I also scored a new pack of scented vacuum bags, a large container of small paper cups for Evan's state project  on Wednesday, an Elle shirt for me, and some brand new Velcro curlers that Grace wants to try in her hair.

I used my $5 off coupon, and my total bill....$4.75.

Seriously.

Made a great start to my day.

Then I came home and worked my tail off in the garden, and got a farmer's sunburn to prove it!

How was your Saturday?

It's the small things...

Wednesdays, for some minor reasons, are NOT my favorite day of the week. 

Sure, I mean, it's halfway through the work week...that makes it somewhat good...

and Wednesdays are also the day my great husband takes the kids to church.  He has Bible Study, and the kids each have their youth meetings, and I get my night out....TO GO GROCERY SHOPPING!  Gee, isn't that the most glamorous thing you've ever heard of?  (Brent thinks going to the grocery store is what I so desire....brother.)

Yeah, whatever.

Tonight, though, at the grocery store/superstore, I picked up some great things that made my Wednesday night ritual, not so bad.

The best purchase...along with the groceries that is....was the latest issue of Flea Market Magazine.

The next in line...a new purse calendar...on sale for 99cents, which I will be recovering and sprucing up a little.  I needed a smaller one that weighs, oh, less than the 5 pound one I've been carrying around!

And lastly, a great green long-sleeve men's T on clearance for $6.  I will be making another infinity scarf like the one here, and using the arms to make some more t-shirt flower pins.

So, Wednesday this week, was alright.  I even made it home before Brent and the kids, so I got to eat and read my book in silence for awhile.

What do you do on Wednesdays?

When did life get so complicated?

When exactly do you think life got so complicated?
Wait a minute, let me rephrase that...when exactly do you think we stopped caring about how things were made/or just got too lazy/busy/crazy to make them ourselves?

I think I remember when it happened.  For me, at least.  It happened twice in my life.  Twice since I had kids.

The first time was when my daughter was 3 months old and I went back to work.  I thought we could make it work, and I LOVED my job.  I was good at it, and it was fun.  I had good babysitters, and I was making good money.

BUT...
we ate out A LOT, and we spent a lot on gas (driving to work 1/2 hour each way, and also driving to the babysitter)  I made convenience meals because I didn't have time to make good ones.

Then I found out I was pregnant again when Grace was only 4 1/2 mo. old, and I decided I was quitting work.  We worked it out and I could stay home if we saved money in some areas.

I started making my own baby food, grew a garden, and started freezing and canning.  I made my own baby wipes and pinched pennies by trying to make things myself.

This worked out great until the kids went to school, and I went back to work.

I still had a garden, and canned and froze my own food (still do), but my time to do the other things got harder and harder.

However, things started to feel more important to me again.  I got  am tired of paying SO MUCH for things in the store.  I care about what is going into our bodies with all the processed food out there, and I want to change it, so I'm starting small.

I've talked about some of these things before, but they are SO EASY, I'm sharing them again.  And then I found something new.

I'm trying this because the grates on my burners are disgusting.

The solution with no scrubbing is here.  It's on my list.

The other products I've cut back my costs on are...Homemade fabric softener. ( I've been using this solution for months now, with the same result as the expensive softeners I used to buy. )

 I've tried different smells of conditioner with this recipe, but my new favorite is the Suave Lilac/Lavender scent.  It's great!  The recipe for the above is here.  This total solution costs me about $2.00 and it makes 1 1/2 bottles of fabric softener.  FULL bottles, not the half full ones you buy for $4.99 and more.  This recipe is a KEEPER.

The next recipe I've wanted to try since before Christmas, but I haven't needed to use it yet, so I haven't tried it.  My bar of soap is waiting for me.  Lilac scented.  I can't wait.  Hand Soap refill.  It cost me all of $5 for the ingredients and it'll make me a GALLON of refill soap.  That's a lot of soap.

The recipe is here.
Now, I'm not making this post to be preachy...far from it.  I just wanted to share some things that have worked for me (or that I'm willing to try) to save money at the grocery store.  It makes me feel better, also, knowing the ingredients I'm putting into something my whole family uses.  Who knew these things could be made with so few ingredients.

Same with the canning and freezing I do.   I know what's in the food because I'm the one putting it in there.  I'm starting small.

You can too.  Ask me anything.  I'm grateful to share!

What do you think?

Over Christmas, my brother-in-law made a comment to me once he heard my sister and I talking about Pinterest.com.

What he said was something along the lines of how he thinks it just a web-site for coveting.

NO.  Absolutely NOT.  I disagree wholeheartedly!  I've gotten so many good ideas from there.  I've tried recipes, and discovered new ways to make things myself.  I've admired the way others have decorated their homes, or what outfits they have put together.  

It has sped up my creativity when it's been lagging.  PLUS, it's like a huge bulletin board for me to pin up my likes/to-dos, etc.  What could be any better?

So, I'm gonna link you with some of the great things I've found...

1.  Homemade fabric softener.

source

I didn't even believe this was possible...but it works.  I've tried it, and it makes 2 bottles worth!  Plus, you get to pick the fragrance you like best.  It's worth your time.  It's so much cheaper than buying it in the store!

2.  Bathroom Storage Tier

There was no link to this...but isn't this cool.  I imagine all Grace's bathroom items all in order.  Whether this happens or not is another matter.  BUT, I can totally make this myself!

3.  More Bathroom Storage

source

I already have these exact boxes...and they would fit above the kid's sink.  I might have to try this...toothpaste, brushes, hair bands, etc. all over the counter is starting to drive me nuts!

4.  Boys sports bedroom

source

This summer when I was "re-doing" Evan's room in a sports theme, this picture came in handy.  I'm still tweaking his bedroom, but every idea helps.

5.  Binder/organizer

source

 I already have the expanding file.  I already have a vintage book, it's just a matter of putting this together.  It would make a totally original file on my desk!

6.  Ribbon Organizer

source

 I have ribbon up on my craft area going all over the place.  Isn't this the coolest and most cost effective solution?

7.  Magnet Boards

source

I found a bunch of these old serving trays for $1/ea. at Goodwill one day.  I plan on painting them and selling them in my Etsy store when I get my inventory stockpiled.


8.  Fabric Flowers

source

Since this is the "newest" fad around, I have found many tutorials that have showed me how to make these.  I wear them on scarves, blazers, sweaters, and I've even put them on purses.  They are awesome!

9.  Last, but not least...Game Storage

source

I have tons of games with big boxes that just aren't easy to store...this seems like a good solution.  I'm gonna try it.

I have MANY more pins on Pinterest.  You can see them all here.
I LOVE the site.  I think it's the best thing since sliced bread.  You can search for anything, and most likely find it.  It's a blank mind's best friend when you know what you're looking for, but can't find it in other searches. 

I highly recommend visiting it.
Tell me if YOU Pinterest!

From a picture to a reality

If any of you are like me, once in awhile you see a picture of something somewhere that just resonates with you at a precise moment in time.
I have to admit.  I subscribe to Pottery Barn magazine, not because I can afford the things in it, but because it gives me a vast supply of IDEAS.
I can usually see something in a magazine, or on Pinterest.com, and make my own version of it, tweaking it just a little.
So, the other day, I did just that.
I saw these pics on Pinterest....


First THIS:

(source:  sewmanyways)
and then THIS:

(source Pottery Barn)

It hit me, that I had some baskets similar to these, and I had these great metal tags that I got at FlowerPatchFarmgirl's garage sale.

I used my croc-a-dile to punch holes on each end of the tin tag,

until they resembled this:

I had chipboard and felt numbers to add,

along with some red ticking material to attach them to the baskets.
They ended up looking like this:

Some are used here for Nintendo DS's and winter gear.

Another is on the landing to gather things that need to go upstairs.

Then, while I was all up in the crafty mode, I saw this on Pinterest too.

(source:  lehiwrights)

I had all the supplies for that too, so I got to work.
I had gotten this pie plate at Goodwill ages ago, and loved the saying in it.

I had some more candlesticks, which I spray painted Pistachio green,

and then added a kid-sized vintage apron I've had since the kids used to use it for dress up.

All in all, it was a very productive night.  I crossed two things off my craft to-do list.
What do you think?

Tonight I'm takin' a break, and I'm cozying up with my newest magazine that arrived today...

I can't wait!
Till later!