You won’t believe how lucky I am.  Here’s how the luck started a couple of weeks ago…

Lucky that Sandy Coughlin, who I had only met virtually through our blogs and our mutual friend, Carrie Minns, e-mailed me late in the afternoon to see if I could be on a plane the next morning to fly to Medford, Oregon for a Harry and David blogger event.

Lucky that my husband has a flexible schedule and was in between projects so he could pick up the extra duties of this Mom and I could drop everything (and miss a soccer game, a piano lesson, and managing my home) to be on a plane early the next morning.  Did I mention a night in a hotel?  By myself?

Lucky that my chicks with sticks group didn’t complain too much when they heard I was missing our regular-never-miss-a-power-walk!  No, they didn’t cry, they were cheering on their Go Gingham gal!

Lucky that Harry and David is a high quality company that I can get excited about.  They traded their hotel in Seattle, Washington for their farmland in southern Oregon.  They use love and care in their orchards.  They care about their employees, many of whom have worked for the company for decades.  The ribbons and boxes they use can be used again and again.  Being frugal involves making smart and thoughtful purchasing decisions.  Remember, being frugal doesn’t mean you’re cheap.  It means when you buy, you buy quality products.

Lucky that whichever blogger who was supposed to attend the event cancelled at the last-minute so I could get called up from the minor leagues!  I do hope all is well with her, whoever that blogger may be.

Lucky that the following week after I got home, I received several beautiful baskets shipped from Harry and David.  Even my Fed Ex driver was envious!  The Harry and David folks were so generous to all of us (thank you!) and many of their employees shared their stories, time, and talents with us.

Lucky that I made new friends.  Here’s who was there…

• Sandy from Reluctant Entertainer

• Serena from The Farm Chicks

• Dana from Dana Treat

• Stephanie from Lick My Spoon

• Irvin from Eat the Love

• Delilah from Cool Mom Picks

• Melissa from Time Out Mom

• Peabody from Culinary Concoctions by Peabody

• Nicole from Baking Bites

• Kevin from 1859 Gourmet, a beautiful magazine all about Oregon

and some fabulous gals from Edelman PR.

That’s how luck can be.  Sometimes it swings your way and other times not so much.  This time it worked out great and for that, I am thankful.

Blogger photos taken by:  Sandy Coughlin

Sara Tetreault

Sara Tetreault writes and speaks about living well on less with thoughtful spending, smart use of resources, and efficient use of time. Sara loves good food, travel, and cashmere. With home swapping, cooking at home, and buying items second-hand, she hopes to inspire you with her stylishly frugal ways. Sara keeps a home, one husband, two children, and three chickens in her backyard.

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