Can you believe he made this? Stunning, isn't it? He really enjoyed doing the project. He'd love to design and make furniture for a living. Maybe some day... Here are a couple more shots.
I think he could sell something like this, don't you?
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Bragging on my Handyman
Have I mentioned how talented my Handyman is? He can do just about anything with his hands. His boss asked him build a front desk for a new business he's opening. This is what he came up with.
Can you believe he made this? Stunning, isn't it? He really enjoyed doing the project. He'd love to design and make furniture for a living. Maybe some day... Here are a couple more shots.
I think he could sell something like this, don't you?
Can you believe he made this? Stunning, isn't it? He really enjoyed doing the project. He'd love to design and make furniture for a living. Maybe some day... Here are a couple more shots.I think he could sell something like this, don't you?
Monday, November 1, 2010
Garage Sale Bargains
My Handyman and Sweet Pea went out for a walk on Saturday morning, while I was off for a luxurious visit to the fabric store all by myself. Sweet Pea has it out for that store, and so I dread trying to shop there with her in tow. It was really wonderful to spend a couple of hours wandering around and looking to my heart's content. {ahhhh...}
Anyway, back to the point of this post. While on their walk, my Handyman discovered a moving sale at a home a couple of blocks up the street from us. He liked what he saw, so as soon as I got home he insisted that we go back together and take a look. Here are some of the "treasures" we found.
There was a whole table of Tupperware, most of which was quite old and yellowed, but I picked up this box for storing cookies and bars for $0.50.
I've been wishing for a second loaf pan, and I found these two for $0.25 each.
We bought these three Christmas ornaments for $1. I can't wait to see them hanging on the tree!
We picked up these two thermoses for $0.50 each. They'll be great for picnics and even for my Handyman to take to with him to work.
One of my favorite finds of the day was this sweet little rocker for Sweet Pea. It was only $5, and it's really in pretty good shape. My Handyman plans to refinish it if he gets the time, but even as it is, I'm happy with it. We plan to give it to Sweet Pea for Christmas, but when we brought it home she fell in L-O-V-E with it. I finally hid it away today, and I'm guessing she won't remember it when she receives it for Christmas.
My Handyman's favorite find was a set of china. I've never really been interested in owning a set of china, I'm content with simple, inexpensive dishes that I can use every day, but my Handyman REALLY liked the set that they were selling. They were asking $175 for it, though, and I didn't feel like we needed it at all. The lady saw how interested my Handyman was, and was obviously hoping to make the sale. I told her it was lovely, but I really didn't think we needed it, and she came back saying that they could take $150 for it. I said thank you, no, and walked outside to look at other things. My Handyman asked me if he couldn't offer her $125, and I reluctantly agreed. She came down to $135 and my Handyman couldn't resist. So, I am now the {proud} owner of a set of china. It really is pretty, and when we got it home and unpacked it all, I had to admit I think we got a really good deal.
I like the simple design, and the pretty silver ring around the edge.
The flowers in the center are a very pretty light blue, but you can't see very well from the picture.
The brand is Noritake, and it was made in Japan. I don't know anything about china, but from what I can find online, this is a company that has been around for nearly 100 years, and they still are making china, although this set seems to have been discontinued.
It's a HUGE set. There are 18 place settings, with a dinner plate, salad plate, dessert plate, and tea cup and saucer. Plus there are 6 additional tea cups and saucers (24 total), a tea pot, 3 sugar bowls and 3 creamers. There are 10 serving dishes (various large bowls and platters), and two gravy boats. Many of the dishes are still in their original wrappings and seem to have not been used. In all, there are about 130 pieces, and only one has a small chip.
For now, I don't have any place to put it, so it's all packed way in boxes, but some day, perhaps I will have a bigger home and a china cabinet to display all of these lovely pieces!
Anyway, back to the point of this post. While on their walk, my Handyman discovered a moving sale at a home a couple of blocks up the street from us. He liked what he saw, so as soon as I got home he insisted that we go back together and take a look. Here are some of the "treasures" we found.
There was a whole table of Tupperware, most of which was quite old and yellowed, but I picked up this box for storing cookies and bars for $0.50.
I've been wishing for a second loaf pan, and I found these two for $0.25 each.
We bought these three Christmas ornaments for $1. I can't wait to see them hanging on the tree!
We picked up these two thermoses for $0.50 each. They'll be great for picnics and even for my Handyman to take to with him to work.
One of my favorite finds of the day was this sweet little rocker for Sweet Pea. It was only $5, and it's really in pretty good shape. My Handyman plans to refinish it if he gets the time, but even as it is, I'm happy with it. We plan to give it to Sweet Pea for Christmas, but when we brought it home she fell in L-O-V-E with it. I finally hid it away today, and I'm guessing she won't remember it when she receives it for Christmas.My Handyman's favorite find was a set of china. I've never really been interested in owning a set of china, I'm content with simple, inexpensive dishes that I can use every day, but my Handyman REALLY liked the set that they were selling. They were asking $175 for it, though, and I didn't feel like we needed it at all. The lady saw how interested my Handyman was, and was obviously hoping to make the sale. I told her it was lovely, but I really didn't think we needed it, and she came back saying that they could take $150 for it. I said thank you, no, and walked outside to look at other things. My Handyman asked me if he couldn't offer her $125, and I reluctantly agreed. She came down to $135 and my Handyman couldn't resist. So, I am now the {proud}
I like the simple design, and the pretty silver ring around the edge.
The flowers in the center are a very pretty light blue, but you can't see very well from the picture.
The brand is Noritake, and it was made in Japan. I don't know anything about china, but from what I can find online, this is a company that has been around for nearly 100 years, and they still are making china, although this set seems to have been discontinued.
For now, I don't have any place to put it, so it's all packed way in boxes, but some day, perhaps I will have a bigger home and a china cabinet to display all of these lovely pieces!Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Close Call
I very nearly had to call 911 today. I suppose it was just the first of many close calls I will face in the world of parenthood. Thankfully, no harm was done, and all is well.
My Handyman had mentioned offhandedly several months ago that he hoped Sweet Pea would never lock herself in the bathroom. I brushed the idea off with hardly a thought, because the chances of her being in the bathroom alone, and then finding and turning the the little lever to lock the door seemed pretty remote.
Not so remote. Today I was getting a package ready to mail, and Sweet Pea was playing happily from room to room. I heard the bathroom door shut and should have immediately reacted, but it didn't really sink in until a few minutes later. When I went to check on her, I found that I couldn't open the door. Ok. Deep breath. Don't panic! I could hear her playing happily, and was hoping that the play was restricted to her bath toys, and not the toilet brush which has fascinated her since she was about 9 months old. Then I heard her sucking on a tooth brush. Ok, could be worse. I tried coaxing her to the door to turn the lever back so I could open it, but she was enjoying her private playroom, and wasn't at all disposed to even come to the door.
I ran to the kitchen and grabbed a screw driver. Maybe I could take off the door knob and some how get the lock to open that way. Four screws later, I quickly realized that would do no good. The doors in our apartment are old and wooden, and there's no access to the lock from the outside, not even a key hole. The position of the door jam makes it impossible to jimmy the lock with a knife or credit card, and the hinges are on the inside of the door, so taking the door off it's hinges wasn't an option.
I could hear Sweet Pea climbing on the sink, and did my best not to envision her slipping and crashing to the floor. Yikes. Bathrooms are no place for curious toddlers. I continued to talk to her, and finally got her to come over to the door by wiggling my fingers through the opening at the bottom. That was apparently very entertaining; I got a good squeal out of her. Still, she didn't even reach for the door knob, let alone seem to comprehend my instructions to "turn the little lever by the handle."
At this point I was envisioning the fire department coming and hacking the door in half in order to get her out. I finally gave in to my impulse to call my Handyman. I was really hoping to resolve the issue without his help, but I was running out of ideas. He was surprisingly calm, probably because he could hear the near-panic in my voice. He decided he would come home with his van full of tools, and surely something (drill, crowbar, saw...) would be able to get the door open. There's only one catch - he works an hour away.
By this time Sweet Pea had decided she really didn't want to spend the rest of her life alone in the bathroom, and was starting to whimper to come out. I got off the phone with my Handyman and continued to cheerfully ask her to turn the little lever. I have no idea if she had a clue what I was talking about.
As soon as I had realized she was locked in the bathroom, I started praying that the Lord would guide her little fingers to turn the lock back so the door could be opened. She understands more and more directions all the time, but we'd never practiced those instructions. As I slumped against the wall and prepared to keep her entertained for the next hour by playing with her under the door, I heard a *click*, and my heart leaped as I grabbed the door knob and the door swung open. What a sigh of relief as I swept my little girl into my arms and held her close. She was none the worse for the experience, and seemed a little baffled at my response to seeing her again. Praise the Lord for answered prayers!
Needless to say, there are plans in the works to remove the lock on the bathroom door.
My Handyman had mentioned offhandedly several months ago that he hoped Sweet Pea would never lock herself in the bathroom. I brushed the idea off with hardly a thought, because the chances of her being in the bathroom alone, and then finding and turning the the little lever to lock the door seemed pretty remote.
Not so remote. Today I was getting a package ready to mail, and Sweet Pea was playing happily from room to room. I heard the bathroom door shut and should have immediately reacted, but it didn't really sink in until a few minutes later. When I went to check on her, I found that I couldn't open the door. Ok. Deep breath. Don't panic! I could hear her playing happily, and was hoping that the play was restricted to her bath toys, and not the toilet brush which has fascinated her since she was about 9 months old. Then I heard her sucking on a tooth brush. Ok, could be worse. I tried coaxing her to the door to turn the lever back so I could open it, but she was enjoying her private playroom, and wasn't at all disposed to even come to the door.
I ran to the kitchen and grabbed a screw driver. Maybe I could take off the door knob and some how get the lock to open that way. Four screws later, I quickly realized that would do no good. The doors in our apartment are old and wooden, and there's no access to the lock from the outside, not even a key hole. The position of the door jam makes it impossible to jimmy the lock with a knife or credit card, and the hinges are on the inside of the door, so taking the door off it's hinges wasn't an option.
I could hear Sweet Pea climbing on the sink, and did my best not to envision her slipping and crashing to the floor. Yikes. Bathrooms are no place for curious toddlers. I continued to talk to her, and finally got her to come over to the door by wiggling my fingers through the opening at the bottom. That was apparently very entertaining; I got a good squeal out of her. Still, she didn't even reach for the door knob, let alone seem to comprehend my instructions to "turn the little lever by the handle."
At this point I was envisioning the fire department coming and hacking the door in half in order to get her out. I finally gave in to my impulse to call my Handyman. I was really hoping to resolve the issue without his help, but I was running out of ideas. He was surprisingly calm, probably because he could hear the near-panic in my voice. He decided he would come home with his van full of tools, and surely something (drill, crowbar, saw...) would be able to get the door open. There's only one catch - he works an hour away.
By this time Sweet Pea had decided she really didn't want to spend the rest of her life alone in the bathroom, and was starting to whimper to come out. I got off the phone with my Handyman and continued to cheerfully ask her to turn the little lever. I have no idea if she had a clue what I was talking about.
As soon as I had realized she was locked in the bathroom, I started praying that the Lord would guide her little fingers to turn the lock back so the door could be opened. She understands more and more directions all the time, but we'd never practiced those instructions. As I slumped against the wall and prepared to keep her entertained for the next hour by playing with her under the door, I heard a *click*, and my heart leaped as I grabbed the door knob and the door swung open.
Needless to say, there are plans in the works to remove the lock on the bathroom door.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Time for an update
An update of our living room decor, that is. Here's a picture of our living room before:
It was fine, but I was ready for a change. I found an idea for some fabric wall hangings on this blog, so I thought I'd give it a try.
My handyman made me these lovely frames (it's so handy to be married to a handyman!):
Then I stapled the cloth that I had picked out at JoAnn Fabrics to frames. Here's how they look on the wall.
I plan to hang them all on the same level, but I was so anxious to see them on the wall, that I just temporarily used the existing nails. It was pretty simple to do, and I think it's spruced up our living room nicely!
It was fine, but I was ready for a change. I found an idea for some fabric wall hangings on this blog, so I thought I'd give it a try.My handyman made me these lovely frames (it's so handy to be married to a handyman!):
Then I stapled the cloth that I had picked out at JoAnn Fabrics to frames. Here's how they look on the wall.
I plan to hang them all on the same level, but I was so anxious to see them on the wall, that I just temporarily used the existing nails. It was pretty simple to do, and I think it's spruced up our living room nicely!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
1,000 Gifts
46. Plump, red tomatoes, hanging on the vine.
47. Continued health, in spite of little girl's lingering cold.
48. Menu plan hanging on the fridge, making dinner something to look forward to, rather than to dread.
49. Poetry, pure inspiration and enjoyment.
50. Washer and dryer, working hard so I don't have to.
51. Mounds of clean clothes, folded and put away.
52. Tender Father, longing to give good things to His children.
53. Almighty God who hears my prayers.
54. Contentment in the waiting.
55. Connections with sisters and sisters-in-law, even thousands of miles away.
47. Continued health, in spite of little girl's lingering cold.
48. Menu plan hanging on the fridge, making dinner something to look forward to, rather than to dread.
49. Poetry, pure inspiration and enjoyment.
50. Washer and dryer, working hard so I don't have to.
51. Mounds of clean clothes, folded and put away.
52. Tender Father, longing to give good things to His children.
53. Almighty God who hears my prayers.
54. Contentment in the waiting.
55. Connections with sisters and sisters-in-law, even thousands of miles away.
Friday, August 13, 2010
A Little Time = A Big Savings
I spent about 45 minutes on the phone yesterday, talking to our phone company's customer service. My handyman and I have talked about canceling our home phone line for quite a while, and yesterday I went ahead and took the plunge. I had actually called to cancel two other times in the last year, but each time they offered us some deep discounts if we would keep it, so we did.
A couple of weeks ago we mysteriously started getting FLOODED with phone calls, everything from car insurance quotes to college recruiters, all responding to a request for information that my Handyman had supposedly submitted online. (Which he absolutely did not!) During the first two days we must have gotten 5o phone calls. It was insane! Thankfully, nearly two weeks later we're only getting one or two calls a day at most. I have no idea how they got our number, but I'm very grateful that it's mostly subsided.
The influx of phone calls prompted me to reconsider canceling our home phone line. We use our phone very rarely, anyway, since my Handyman and I both mostly use our cell phones. For a while we kept the phone line just so we could have DSL internet service. Now our provider offers DSL without a phone line, so we're able to make the switch.
The best part of my 45 minute call yesterday was that I was able to upgrade our internet connection to a speed 4-times faster, and we'll pay less than we did before! My former boss once told me that you should call your phone company (or internet provider) at least once a year to make sure that you're getting the best deal they have to offer. She is so right! I'd also add to that that you should check out their website for deals before you call. Yesterday when I made the switch to just internet service, the rep was wrapping things up, and hadn't mentioned any change in speed or price. I had seen online that they were offering a 4-times faster speed for less than we were already paying. When I asked him about it, he said he didn't see that as an option, but he put me on hold so he could check. Five minutes later he came back and "Yes, you are absolutely right! I'll sign you up for that discount." Wow - if I hadn't checked out the online offers, I would have had no idea! That one phone call should save us $276 over the next year. I'd say it was worth my time. Maybe you should try it!
A couple of weeks ago we mysteriously started getting FLOODED with phone calls, everything from car insurance quotes to college recruiters, all responding to a request for information that my Handyman had supposedly submitted online. (Which he absolutely did not!) During the first two days we must have gotten 5o phone calls. It was insane! Thankfully, nearly two weeks later we're only getting one or two calls a day at most. I have no idea how they got our number, but I'm very grateful that it's mostly subsided.
The influx of phone calls prompted me to reconsider canceling our home phone line. We use our phone very rarely, anyway, since my Handyman and I both mostly use our cell phones. For a while we kept the phone line just so we could have DSL internet service. Now our provider offers DSL without a phone line, so we're able to make the switch.
The best part of my 45 minute call yesterday was that I was able to upgrade our internet connection to a speed 4-times faster, and we'll pay less than we did before! My former boss once told me that you should call your phone company (or internet provider) at least once a year to make sure that you're getting the best deal they have to offer. She is so right! I'd also add to that that you should check out their website for deals before you call. Yesterday when I made the switch to just internet service, the rep was wrapping things up, and hadn't mentioned any change in speed or price. I had seen online that they were offering a 4-times faster speed for less than we were already paying. When I asked him about it, he said he didn't see that as an option, but he put me on hold so he could check. Five minutes later he came back and "Yes, you are absolutely right! I'll sign you up for that discount." Wow - if I hadn't checked out the online offers, I would have had no idea! That one phone call should save us $276 over the next year. I'd say it was worth my time. Maybe you should try it!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Neck Pillow
My Handyman and I are preparing for a 20+ hour drive to visit my family in Maine in a couple of weeks! We're so excited to spend time with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins!! I'm sure Sweet Pea would be really excited too, if only she knew what is in store!
I noticed the other day though, when I was out running errands, that when Sweet Pea fell asleep in the car seat, her head kept bobbing all over the place. That's manageable when she's only napping 15 minutes here or there, but not so good when she'll be sleeping for hours on end (please, oh please!) on a car ride across the country. So I decided to make a neck support/travel pillow for her. I found the inspiration on the Make It and Love It blog here.
First, I drew a pattern on an old sales flier and cut it out. (The cats are never far away when there's a project in the making!)
Then I cut out two pieces of the material and pinned them, right sides together.
I sewed around the edge, leaving a small opening to turn it right side out and fill it with stuffing.
Then I filled it with stuffing (which I robbed - I mean recycled - from an old pillow) and hand stitched the opening closed. Ta-da! A neck pillow which will hopefully reduce the head-bobbling and make for a more restful trip.
I noticed the other day though, when I was out running errands, that when Sweet Pea fell asleep in the car seat, her head kept bobbing all over the place. That's manageable when she's only napping 15 minutes here or there, but not so good when she'll be sleeping for hours on end (please, oh please!) on a car ride across the country. So I decided to make a neck support/travel pillow for her. I found the inspiration on the Make It and Love It blog here.
First, I drew a pattern on an old sales flier and cut it out. (The cats are never far away when there's a project in the making!)
Then I cut out two pieces of the material and pinned them, right sides together.
I sewed around the edge, leaving a small opening to turn it right side out and fill it with stuffing.
Then I filled it with stuffing (which I robbed - I mean recycled - from an old pillow) and hand stitched the opening closed. Ta-da! A neck pillow which will hopefully reduce the head-bobbling and make for a more restful trip.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
A Bow Holder
A little while ago I found this fabulous crafting blog, and saw a cute idea for a bow holder. Sweet Pea has lots of bows, which I have usually kept in a little box on her changing table. Lately she's taken to grabbing the box and dumping out all the bows every time I change her though, so I thought it was time to give this project a try. I didn't think to take pictures as I was making it, but here's the final result!
I picked up some pink and green ribbon at JoAnn Fabrics the other day, and for the backing I used a leftover scrap of white cloth that I had used for Sweet Pea's baby quilt. The frame is an extra picture frame that I had laying around the house. I hot glued the fabric to the picture frame backing, then glued on the strips of ribbon, and Voila! A bow holder. Sweet Pea was very fascinated to see all of her bows on display on the wall. I'm really happy with how it turned out, and it makes picking out a bow that much simpler!
I picked up some pink and green ribbon at JoAnn Fabrics the other day, and for the backing I used a leftover scrap of white cloth that I had used for Sweet Pea's baby quilt. The frame is an extra picture frame that I had laying around the house. I hot glued the fabric to the picture frame backing, then glued on the strips of ribbon, and Voila! A bow holder. Sweet Pea was very fascinated to see all of her bows on display on the wall. I'm really happy with how it turned out, and it makes picking out a bow that much simpler!
Friday, June 11, 2010
My Afternoon Project
My handyman and I use the cash envelope system for our groceries, eating out, and clothes. Each month we put the budgeted amount in the appropriate envelope, and when the money is gone, we stop spending money in that category. It works really well for us and helps us stay on budget.
Several months ago I stumbled upon a link to a free envelope template on this blog, and have been itching to make some for myself.
Today I finally got around to buying some pretty paper so I could make my own envelopes. I had so much fun!
Here is the paper I picked out.
I cut the paper down to 8 1/2" so it would fit in the printer,
and then printed the template and cut it out.
And repeated times 6, and used a thin bead of glue to hold them together.
They fit perfectly in my envelope system from Dave Ramsey.
I "stitched" the envelopes together with some pretty silver ribbon.
Now that will make paying with cash more fun!
Several months ago I stumbled upon a link to a free envelope template on this blog, and have been itching to make some for myself.
Today I finally got around to buying some pretty paper so I could make my own envelopes. I had so much fun!
Here is the paper I picked out.
I cut the paper down to 8 1/2" so it would fit in the printer,and then printed the template and cut it out.
And repeated times 6, and used a thin bead of glue to hold them together.
They fit perfectly in my envelope system from Dave Ramsey.
I "stitched" the envelopes together with some pretty silver ribbon.Now that will make paying with cash more fun!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Dreams really DO come true!
I have dreamt of having a garden ever since I got married. Living in an apartment in the city has not allowed me to do much toward this goal, however. I've tried my hand at growing herbs on my window sill, and even tried some potted tomato plants one year, but I haven't had much luck.
The neighbors in the home just in back our building have a beautiful garden area all fenced off. It has gone untended for several years, and my Handyman and I have eyed it longing, wishing we could put it to use. Well, a couple of nights ago we were outside with Sweet Pea. My Handyman noticed the neighbors out on their back deck and got up the courage to ask them if they would be willing to let us plant some things, and offered to possibly rent it from them. We'd never actually met these people before, but they are so nice!! They were thrilled to have us care for the garden - they actually said that we would be doing them a favor. Can you believe it?!
In the densely populated metropolis we live in, land is like gold. I think we hit the mother load!! The space is about 20' x 30', with a lovely picket fence all around it. It's seriously as big as some people's entire backyard! Oh, the possibilities!!
We're planning to plant tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, squash, zucchini, green beans, and several herbs. Maybe some other things, too. I'm afraid we're a little late in getting things started, so we'll see how we do.
The wilderness of our garden
It's just across the alley from our apartment
The weeds were tall and thick!
The work begins...
Progress!
We uncovered a small patch of rhubarb!
My Handyman did a lot of the work - Sweet Pea was not thrilled with gardening...
She did let us get a cute picture, though!
After 5 hours of work, we'd prepared about 1/2 of the space.
There's still a ways to go...
The robins are thrilled with the feast we uncovered!
The pile of weeds we pulled out was enormous!
The transformation is amazing!
The neighbors in the home just in back our building have a beautiful garden area all fenced off. It has gone untended for several years, and my Handyman and I have eyed it longing, wishing we could put it to use. Well, a couple of nights ago we were outside with Sweet Pea. My Handyman noticed the neighbors out on their back deck and got up the courage to ask them if they would be willing to let us plant some things, and offered to possibly rent it from them. We'd never actually met these people before, but they are so nice!! They were thrilled to have us care for the garden - they actually said that we would be doing them a favor. Can you believe it?!
In the densely populated metropolis we live in, land is like gold. I think we hit the mother load!! The space is about 20' x 30', with a lovely picket fence all around it. It's seriously as big as some people's entire backyard! Oh, the possibilities!!
We're planning to plant tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, squash, zucchini, green beans, and several herbs. Maybe some other things, too. I'm afraid we're a little late in getting things started, so we'll see how we do.
The wilderness of our garden
It's just across the alley from our apartment
The weeds were tall and thick!
The work begins...
Progress!
We uncovered a small patch of rhubarb!
My Handyman did a lot of the work - Sweet Pea was not thrilled with gardening...
She did let us get a cute picture, though!
After 5 hours of work, we'd prepared about 1/2 of the space.
There's still a ways to go...
The robins are thrilled with the feast we uncovered!
The pile of weeds we pulled out was enormous!
The transformation is amazing!Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Quick CVS trip
CVS was not very exciting this week. I did go, and did well with what I got, but it's not very interesting.
Dawn Dishsoap x 2 - $0.84 each
Aussie Shampoo - $2.99
Aussie Hair Gel - $2.99
Lady's Speed Stick - $2.99
Used:
1 $0.25 off Dawn coupon
1 $1.00 off Dawn coupon
1 $0.75 off Lady's Speed Stick
1 $2.00 off Aussie Shampoo/styling product
1 $1.00 off Aussie Gel
$5 ECBs
Total: $1.73 (paid with CVS gift card)
Got back: $6 ECBs
I ended up with $4.27 profit!
Dawn Dishsoap x 2 - $0.84 each
Aussie Shampoo - $2.99
Aussie Hair Gel - $2.99
Lady's Speed Stick - $2.99
Used:
1 $0.25 off Dawn coupon
1 $1.00 off Dawn coupon
1 $0.75 off Lady's Speed Stick
1 $2.00 off Aussie Shampoo/styling product
1 $1.00 off Aussie Gel
$5 ECBs
Total: $1.73 (paid with CVS gift card)
Got back: $6 ECBs
I ended up with $4.27 profit!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Start the car!!
Have you seen the Ikea commercial where the lady comes running out of the store, her cart laden with goodies, screaming for her husband to start the car because she's sure that they made a mistake when they rang up her purchase? That's how I felt today as I left CVS.
I haven't done any CVS deals in several months, because I got really frustrated with planning out my purchases, only to get to the store to find that they are out of several of the items I was planning to buy. There were enough deals that I was interested in this week, though, that I decided to give it a try. I was even prepared to try a couple of different stores in order to find the things I wanted - but I didn't even need to! What a positive experience! There were ample supplies of almost everything on my list - even things that were free after the Extra Care Bucks.
Here's what I got:
Transaction #1:
Bayer Glucose Meter - $ 19.99 (I plan to donate this to our church blessing closet)
Kotex U pads - $4.99
Used:
1 $10 off Glucose Meter
1 $1 off Kotex U pads
Spent: $14.94 from CVS gift cards I had
Got back: $19.99 ECBs
Total: $ 5.05 PROFIT!
Transaction #2:
Pantene Shampoo/Conditioner - 2 for $6.97
2 Rightguard Deodorant - $2.99 each
2 Crest ProHealth Toothpaste - $3.50 each
Schick Hydro Razor - $8.99
Reach Floss - $1.99
Pre-Coupon Total: $30.93
Used:
2 $2 off Pantene
1 $3/2 off RightGuard
1 $0.75 off Crest ProHealth Toothpaste
1 $5 off Schick Hydro Razor
1 $1 off Reach Floss
Total after Coupons: $17.18
Used $15 ECB from Transaction #1
Spent: $5.36 (including tax) paid with CVS gift card
Got back: $20 ECBs
Total: $14.64 PROFIT!
Today was so successful, I may just get back into the CVS game!
I haven't done any CVS deals in several months, because I got really frustrated with planning out my purchases, only to get to the store to find that they are out of several of the items I was planning to buy. There were enough deals that I was interested in this week, though, that I decided to give it a try. I was even prepared to try a couple of different stores in order to find the things I wanted - but I didn't even need to! What a positive experience! There were ample supplies of almost everything on my list - even things that were free after the Extra Care Bucks.
Here's what I got:
Transaction #1:
Bayer Glucose Meter - $ 19.99 (I plan to donate this to our church blessing closet)
Kotex U pads - $4.99
Used:
1 $10 off Glucose Meter
1 $1 off Kotex U pads
Spent: $14.94 from CVS gift cards I had
Got back: $19.99 ECBs
Total: $ 5.05 PROFIT!
Transaction #2:
Pantene Shampoo/Conditioner - 2 for $6.97
2 Rightguard Deodorant - $2.99 each
2 Crest ProHealth Toothpaste - $3.50 each
Schick Hydro Razor - $8.99
Reach Floss - $1.99
Pre-Coupon Total: $30.93
Used:
2 $2 off Pantene
1 $3/2 off RightGuard
1 $0.75 off Crest ProHealth Toothpaste
1 $5 off Schick Hydro Razor
1 $1 off Reach Floss
Total after Coupons: $17.18
Used $15 ECB from Transaction #1
Spent: $5.36 (including tax) paid with CVS gift card
Got back: $20 ECBs
Total: $14.64 PROFIT!
Today was so successful, I may just get back into the CVS game!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Good thing for endings...The ending of a good thing
Last night was the last session of the second Financial Peace University that we've hosted. I am so glad it's done. Not that I didn't enjoy the class, but after 3 months of meeting every Tuesday, it will be nice to have a break.
There were lots of good things about the class. I still love watching the videos and being re-inspired week after week to be wise with our money and careful in our planning. Last night was the lesson on giving, and it was such a poignant reminder that all that we have is not our own, it is our job to faithfully steward it.
This class was not nearly as exciting or inspiring as the first time we hosted, though. There are several reasons for that, but mainly I think because we didn't gel as a group this time. For whatever reason, no one in the group seemed to connect on a personal level. In the class we hosted last fall, we really became friends with the people who attended, and it was inspiring to see each person really latch on to what Dave was teaching and make lifestyle changes because of it.
The people in our spring class didn't seem committed to making change. Partly I think I got this sense because there were one or two people who felt it was their job every week to explain why certain aspects of Dave's philosophy were impossible to live out. It got tiring each week to try to combat the negativity of a few very vocal people, and I'm afraid it soured the experience a little for everyone. Each week it was a task to try to explain how you really can follow Dave's principles without starting an argument or outright saying "you're wrong!"
I know that the idea that you really can go through life without borrowing money, using credit cards, taking out school loans, and worshiping at the alter of the great FICO is counter-cultural. But isn't that the point?? That's what the entire class is about! Yes, most of society uses those things, but most of society is BROKE! I'm perfectly content to be weird, because I actually have money in my pocket.
Anyway, that's not to say that the class wasn't helpful. Several people shared last night about how what they've learned is really making a difference in their lives. One shared about the unity that she and her husband now have that they'd never had in 25 years of marriage. Another said that they have a lot less stress in their lives now. Another mentioned the power of giving every dollar a name, and how doing that has resulted in actually having money left over at the end of the month, which had never happened before.
It was neat to hear the positive feedback, and I'm sure we'll host another class sometime. But for now, it'll be nice to take a break.
There were lots of good things about the class. I still love watching the videos and being re-inspired week after week to be wise with our money and careful in our planning. Last night was the lesson on giving, and it was such a poignant reminder that all that we have is not our own, it is our job to faithfully steward it.
This class was not nearly as exciting or inspiring as the first time we hosted, though. There are several reasons for that, but mainly I think because we didn't gel as a group this time. For whatever reason, no one in the group seemed to connect on a personal level. In the class we hosted last fall, we really became friends with the people who attended, and it was inspiring to see each person really latch on to what Dave was teaching and make lifestyle changes because of it.
The people in our spring class didn't seem committed to making change. Partly I think I got this sense because there were one or two people who felt it was their job every week to explain why certain aspects of Dave's philosophy were impossible to live out. It got tiring each week to try to combat the negativity of a few very vocal people, and I'm afraid it soured the experience a little for everyone. Each week it was a task to try to explain how you really can follow Dave's principles without starting an argument or outright saying "you're wrong!"
I know that the idea that you really can go through life without borrowing money, using credit cards, taking out school loans, and worshiping at the alter of the great FICO is counter-cultural. But isn't that the point?? That's what the entire class is about! Yes, most of society uses those things, but most of society is BROKE! I'm perfectly content to be weird, because I actually have money in my pocket.
Anyway, that's not to say that the class wasn't helpful. Several people shared last night about how what they've learned is really making a difference in their lives. One shared about the unity that she and her husband now have that they'd never had in 25 years of marriage. Another said that they have a lot less stress in their lives now. Another mentioned the power of giving every dollar a name, and how doing that has resulted in actually having money left over at the end of the month, which had never happened before.
It was neat to hear the positive feedback, and I'm sure we'll host another class sometime. But for now, it'll be nice to take a break.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Give Thanks...
36. Cool rain falling, watering grass and turning it green
37. Clean laundry, folded and put away
38. Two new nephews, born just 4 days apart
39. Warm stew slow-cooking on a chilly, drizzly day
40. Strong man who takes pride in his work and does it with excellence
41. Adoring daddy, rising early to spend time with his little girl
42. Anticipation of a treasured visit with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins
43. Leaves budding on trees
44. Delighted daughter, thrilled at the sight of any of God's creatures
45. Afternoon of quiet, time to spend with my Savior
37. Clean laundry, folded and put away
38. Two new nephews, born just 4 days apart
39. Warm stew slow-cooking on a chilly, drizzly day
40. Strong man who takes pride in his work and does it with excellence
41. Adoring daddy, rising early to spend time with his little girl
42. Anticipation of a treasured visit with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins
43. Leaves budding on trees
44. Delighted daughter, thrilled at the sight of any of God's creatures
45. Afternoon of quiet, time to spend with my Savior
Monday, March 22, 2010
Blessings
I love that the Lord finds so many unexpected ways of blessing us. Surprise blessings are such a sweet reminder of His tender care for us.
This past Friday we got our taxes done, and boy were we in for a surprise! Ever since my Handyman and I were married, he has handled his taxes as a someone who is self-employed. That means that taxes aren't automatically withheld from his paycheck. So every spring when we file our taxes we know that we're going to owe money. This is fine, we know that it's coming, and we save up to pay it.
Well this year was the first year that we are able to claim Sweet Pea as a dependent. That coupled with the fact that when I was working I had the maximum taken out in taxes, because I knew we always end up owing money anyway, along with various other credits/deductions, resulted in a tax return! For the first time ever! And it's pretty substantial! My Handyman was so incredulous that he came home from the tax man's office and re-calculated everything, just to be sure.
I know it's not a good financial plan to try to get a big tax refund every year, since it isn't that the government is sending us free money, they're actually sending us money that was ours all along, and we just lent it to the government interest-free for a year. That said, however, having gone from always owing money when we file our taxes to receiving money back is a really nice feeling.
We plan to beef-up our emergency fund, and maybe do a couple fun things for ourselves, too.
Friday, March 5, 2010
More Creative Fun
I had so much fun yesterday making a tote, that I decided to make another one today. This one is smaller, and mostly meant for Sweet Pea to play with. She had so much fun with the tote I made yesterday, carrying it around and, of course, putting the handles over her head and off again repeatedly. So I made one just for her. This one only took about an hour to do, and it was really fun!
I used left over scraps from a quilt I made for my niece.
It's even reversible.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Afternoon Project
I was feeling crafty this afternoon, so I decided to try my hand at making a tote bag. Sweet Pea is showing more and more interest in books, and I want to start going to the library with her regularly. So I thought it would be fun to make a cute bag to bring the books home in.
I used some scraps of cloth that I had left over from making Sweet Pea's baby quilt. I found this website which gave step by step instructions for making a basic tote.
Here's the finished product.
The lining is an off-white floral pattern, but it's hard to see in the photo.
I used some scraps of cloth that I had left over from making Sweet Pea's baby quilt. I found this website which gave step by step instructions for making a basic tote.
Here's the finished product.
The lining is an off-white floral pattern, but it's hard to see in the photo.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
More Gratitude
26. Quiet day at home, without obligations
27. Long conversations with my mother
28. A family I long to spend time with
29. New recipe, warm dough rising
30. Warm cup of tea
31. Unintelligible baby talk
32. Mailbox full of samples and coupons
33. Renewed connection with the one I love
34. Encouraging words
35. Weekly meal plans
27. Long conversations with my mother
28. A family I long to spend time with
29. New recipe, warm dough rising
30. Warm cup of tea
31. Unintelligible baby talk
32. Mailbox full of samples and coupons
33. Renewed connection with the one I love
34. Encouraging words
35. Weekly meal plans
Friday, February 26, 2010
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Two times this week I've received news that has made my head spin, heart sink, eyes brim.
This day, I received word that a friend, one I lived with, studied with, is gone. The shock waves have reverberated in my soul all day. She was but twenty-seven. Barely older than myself. But tonight she is gone. Her husband, her lover and best friend, is left to sleep in a cold, lonely bed. Her little girl, just two years old, is left to learn life without her mama. Her baby boy, not yet a year, is left without her tender arms to hold him. In a moment, she was taken. A clot of blood the alleged culprit.
Why God? How can this be? How could you allow this? Cause it? For the second time this week I have asked these questions. My heart aches for the pain of others. As these questions surge in my mind, almost simultaneously the Words of Life rise up from deep within.
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."
(Job 1:20-21)
(Job 1:20-21)
I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces will never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him And saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them. O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! (Psalm 34:4-8)
These Words of Life offer hope, consolation. Diving deep into this life-giving book slows the spinning crazy of this life. In it I find stability, as I am reminded of my Father's good intent for all who follow Him.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
And so, I draw near to Him. Cling to Him.
And drink in the promise of hope.
And drink in the promise of hope.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
First Birthday
Sweet Pea is one year old today. How can that be? It surely doesn't seem possible, yet the pages of the calendar tell me that it's true. I think it was a good day for my little one. Here are a few snapshots of moments throughout the day.
Opening one gift before breakfast
"I am a Bunny" - Sweet Pea loves to look at books!
Daddy and the birthday girl
A birthday lunch of potato and cheddar pirogi with broccoli. Yum!
Stylin' new sunglasses
Sweet new baby doll
Time for cake!
First taste of cake. She wasn't thrilled.
It was fun to smear around though. Ice cream wasn't any more exciting than cake,
but boy was it fun to play with the bowl and spoon!
She loves her mama.
All that partying called for a nice, long nap.
One more gift!
Sweet Pea loves her beautiful new pillow from her aunt!
All in all, it was a good day.
Opening one gift before breakfast
"I am a Bunny" - Sweet Pea loves to look at books!
Daddy and the birthday girl
A birthday lunch of potato and cheddar pirogi with broccoli. Yum!
Stylin' new sunglasses
Sweet new baby doll
Time for cake!
First taste of cake. She wasn't thrilled.
It was fun to smear around though. Ice cream wasn't any more exciting than cake,but boy was it fun to play with the bowl and spoon!
She loves her mama.
All that partying called for a nice, long nap.
One more gift!
Sweet Pea loves her beautiful new pillow from her aunt!All in all, it was a good day.
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