Featured Again

I'm always so surprised at the attention my Recycled T-shirt Scrubbers get. They have once again been feature on a blog. This time it is on Andrew's Reclaimed. Andrew makes beautiful items from reclaimed wood, and also sells on Etsy.


Unlike other blogs that are written only to support an Etsy store, Andrew has other interesting information on his blog, like this link to Dumper. You can alter and do all sorts of fun things with photos.

Chaos

I can't believe I haven't posted since April. My life has been crazy busy! Between homeschooling, working, going to the gym (more about that later), Little League base ball, being a mother of 4, a wife, and running a household, I haven't had time for anything. I have two girls graduating from high school this month, and there has been a lot of end-of-the-school-year banquets, as well. I feel like I'm running a marathon every day and then I just crash. When I finally have the time to do something enjoyable I don't feel like doing anything! Well, I'm done with work for the summer, and the girls graduate next week. The graduation party isn't until the middle of July, and that will be a piece of cake. So, finally I feel like I have some time to get done what I need and want to do.

Help! I'm just too busy!

With four kids, a part time job, a full time house, home schooling, Boy Scouts, Little League, and hounding, I just can't find the time or the brain power to blog. Oh, and I also knit, crochet, and sew. I sell my items on line and at farmer's markets. I really want to blog though! I see that other moms do it. Any advice out there? Do you jot down ideas during the day, or does it just come to you at the computer? I'd really appreciate your input.

Momix Dance Company

I had never heard of Momix until I saw the adds on T.V. Not even knowing I was interested in going, my husband surprised me with tickets on our anniversary. I can't begin to describe this performance, but I highly recommend seeing it if you get the chance. I know it's not exactly frugal, but it was worth the price.

Amy Dacyczyn

Yay! A recent article about Amy Dacyczyn. I'm sure I'm not the only person who feels a fond connection to her. After reading the books individually and then finally owning and almost wearing out my copy of "The Complete Tightwad Gazette", it would be hard not to. I have been meaning to share some of the more inspirational articles with some friends of mine. Especially the one on creative deprivation. If you are not familiar with this book I highly recommend you check it out of the library. I can honestly say it changed our standard of living!

Thank you, Amy. You were, and still are, most definitely right, a family of any size can live on one income.

Random Tip #3

With the approach of spring, and all the cleaning that usually takes place this time of year, I think it's a good time for some painting tips.

1. Keep handy a bucket of warm water and a rag for cleaning up mistakes and drips. If you clean up a mistake or drip immediately, even on carpet, you should be able to get it all off using just warm water and a rag.
2. Use an empty coffee can (the plastic kind with a handle) to put paint in while painting trim. When you take breaks, just put the top on. Don't forget to give it a stir when you resume painting because it will separate.
3. When taking breaks, cover rollers and brushes tightly with plastic wrap or grocery store bags. For long breaks, such as over night or longer, put in the freezer. Allow a few hours to thaw before using. For short breaks, a few hours or less, you can slip the entire paint tray into a garbage bag and twist tie shut the opening.

The Demise of Common Sense

Found this on Frugality In the Making and just had to pass it on!


Obituary printed in the London Times



Interesting and sadly true.

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who
has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was,
since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He
will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn't always fair;
- and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend
more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children,
are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but
overbearing regulations were set in place Reports of a 6-year-old boy
charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended
from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for
reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the
job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly
children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental
consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could
not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an
abortion ..

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses;
and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a
burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to
realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot She spilled a little in
her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by
his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son,
Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If
you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.