This salad is another summer favorite – think bruschetta with corn. All of the ingredients are at their best tasting in summer – especially if they’re coming straight from your garden! Shuck the corn and cut it off – don’t even boil it first – it makes the salad much easier to put together and… Continue reading Fresh Corn Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Shrimp and Veggie Pasta Salad
Why is that whenever my kids open the refrigerator during the summer and it’s packed with healthy, wholesome vittles, they say, “There’s nothing to eat around here!” Meanwhile, the fridge is bursting with food and the counters are overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables. What’s a meal-planning-frugal-foodie-home-cookin’-mom to do? Make pasta salad!! Pasta salad is… Continue reading Shrimp and Veggie Pasta Salad
Vacation Rules: According to Teens
For the record, I didn’t agree to these rules before our home exchange trip to Spain. These rules were just announced to me by my teens and put into place once we arrived. I can see why the first one came to be but the other two – come on! A girl's got to live,… Continue reading Vacation Rules: According to Teens
Frugal Living with Style Talk
Hi everyone…just a quick reminder that I’m speaking this Saturday, July 26th, 2012 at the Kenton branch of the much loved Multnomah County Library system. My talk begins at 3pm and it’s free! Please come and say hello. If the weather is beautiful and sunny in Portland, I know it won’t be a large crowd.… Continue reading Frugal Living with Style Talk
Sewing Machine Tune-Up
My longtime friend and fellow sewer, Lisa, e-mailed me recently with a question. Lisa wrote, “I'm wondering with all the sewing you do, do you do your own sewing machine tune-ups? Or is there a good deal around town?” Short answer: I do my own now but I’m not allowed to disassemble items that have… Continue reading Sewing Machine Tune-Up
Saving Money on Smart Phone Bills
I get a lot of questions from readers about how they can save money on their smart phone plans and internet service bills. I don’t have a good answer for you on how to save money on your smart phone service because I don’t have one. So far, this has been a smart, money saving… Continue reading Saving Money on Smart Phone Bills
Home From Spain
Hello dear readers - I’m back from a fantastic home swap and trip to Spain. My yard, garden, and email accounts are getting back under control finally. It’s amazing how many weeds can grow in 3-weeks time! There’s still a stack of mail and travel documents that need attending but I’m hoping if I ignore… Continue reading Home From Spain
Helping Kids Remember a Vacation
When we travel as a family to spots near and far, I want my kids to remember the trip. Sometimes they need a little help, especially if they’re young. The first home exchange we did to Paris when our kids were 5-years-old and 7-years-old was when I realized they may not remember the trip unless… Continue reading Helping Kids Remember a Vacation
A New Closet Rug
I have been looking for a new rug for the closet I share with my daughter. Yes, with old houses there’s always closet sharing going, isn’t there? My daughter’s bedroom is the smallest room in our house and yet, it has the largest closet -go figure! I re-did the closet several years ago (I’ll need… Continue reading A New Closet Rug
How to Knit Men’s Ties
This is a guest post from my sweet sister, Mary, who is getting married next month. She's a fabulous knitter and shared about the floral bouquet for her wedding, which she also knitted, earlier this month. Do you want to be hip and have your very own knitted tie? It’s easier than you think. A… Continue reading How to Knit Men’s Ties
Go Gingham 