Finding My Inner Frugalista

I'm so glad that being frugal is en vogue now (thanks, economy, for totally tanking!) and that you can call yourself a "frugalista" instead of a "cheapo". Pinching pennies and finding bargains does come naturally to some people but others need some encouragement. I think I'm a bit of both. Lately I've been trying to get back in touch with my inner frugalista in a few different ways.

1. I check out books, movies and CDs from the library instead of paying to buy or rent them.

2. I make nearly all our meals at home.

3. I'm trying to get back into clipping coupons. MoneySavingMom has lots of tips on how to find all sorts of deals and how to be savvy about couponing.

4. I have a rain barrel.

Today, though, I'm really geeking out about this:


I know it's not the most radical of money saving ideas but I've wanted a clothesline for so long now and using it today makes me feel so happy. Usually I do our laundry at night so it's a little cooler when I run the dryer but I love that I can get this least favorite chore of mine done during the day.


I'm outside and, on days like today, get to enjoy a bit of sunshine and a nice breeze. You can see that my little pumpkin pie was out to help, too (as were the very curious chickens!)

Sorry about the nerdy post about a clothesline, but I really am excited about it.

How are you frugal? Any tips to share?

~M

Super Heroes

My super heroes and I made it to Megan's! Here are some pics from our trip so far.

Did someone turn on the wind machine?

First stop the beach.

I don't know who had more fun, Grandma or Green M&M.

Megan is such a great hostess that we usually don't want to leave. I gave her a clutch I made as a thank you for showing us such a good time. I used this tutorial by Lex. I had found these vintage quilt squares at an antique store and was waiting for the right project. I love how it turned out.

We are trying to get the kids to sleep, so we can enjoy some wine and sewing. Hope I have some goodies to post tomorrow.

Happy Vacation!

Rhiannon

On the Road Again

I am leaving tomorrow morning with the kiddos to visit the other half of this blog. I love chatting with Megan on line and the phone, but there is nothing better then spending an entire week together.

Before I go, I have to show you some things I found today.

I found all of these at a garage sale. I am a sucker for dishes and vintage pottery. I got all 5 of these pieces for $37. I am not sure if they are authentic depression glass, but I think they may be. I don't really know how to tell the difference. (if any knows anything about these let me know) I just love how it is almost like polka dots on the glass. You know how I love my dots.

Happy Travels!

Rhiannon

I Heart N.Y.

One of my best friends just had her second baby last week. Her older son in going to be 2 next month. Now, I know a  lot of mother's choose to have their children close together for a good reason, I am not one of those mothers. I think mothers who have children this close in age, are crazy  braver then me.

 We could not wait to get our hands on the little guy. Here he is with my Green M&M. She could not get enough. Being around new babies does put me in the mood to have one, then I go home to my children (who are 5 years apart on purpose) fighting over who gets to turn off the t.v., the mood quickly goes away. So when I say women who have kids close together are braver then me, I mean it. My friend Casey has decided to prove it. She is leaving for New York on Thursday. Why ? Because both her and her husband are originally from there. Let me break this down for you.

Cesarean on Thursday

Released from the hospital on Sunday

Packing and taking care of newborn and 2yr Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

Drive to New York (with 1week old, 2 yr. old , 2 dogs and a husband) on Thursday

Did I mention-We Live In Illinois!!!

See what I mean by Crazy Brave.

 I picked up a couple of t-shirts at Goodwill, and made the boys matching hats for the trip.

My friend Shannon showed me a version of these hats. I changed it up a little bit and ended up with these.

Seriously, does it get any cuter?

Now, if only they would stay like this forever.

Happy Babies!!

Rhiannon

Aiden's Not-A-Box

A few weeks ago while we were visiting our library Aiden came across these wonderful books by Antoinette Portis called 'Not a Stick' and 'Not a Box'. Each story is about exciting and imaginative things you can do or make with ordinary objects. Aiden laughed and laughed when we first read them. Here's an animation of his favorite:

The books have also piqued his imagination. So much so that the other day he asked if he could have his own 'not-a-box.'
Well, of course you can, kiddo!!

So I took a box from work and he directed us on how to decorate it.

We painted it red

cut out some spacey sort of shapes

taped them on

and voila

A Rocket Ship Not-A-Box!

He and Polar Bear landed on Toy Planet where they found a huge bucket of cars.
Hope your summer adventures are just as exciting!

~Megan

Made with Love!

After the death of my brother Sam, the local golf course decided to rename their parent child golf outing in his honor. It was held a couple of weeks ago, and I believe it is the biggest turn out they have had for this event ever.

One of Sam's favorite activities was golfing with his family. It is a great way to celebrate his life.

My mom had some really cute t-shirts made for the day, and I of course could not help but make this dress out of one for my Green M&M.

The shirts had photos of my brother golfing on the front.

I found this shirt with golfers on it at my local thrift store. It worked perfect for the back of the dress.

I added some orange polka dot ruffles to the bottom. Everything is cuter with polka dots!!

I think of Sam everyday and miss him so much. It is nice to have a day to celebrate him and the beautiful person he was with others.

My husband golfed with one of our good friends and his son.

There was some intense Tug of War after dinner.

Green M&M and I spent the day with my grandma. We are not golfers.

Happy Memories!

Rhiannon