Having systems and routines in a household make everything run more smoothly. Keeping clutter to a minimum is another household running trick that helps. This is especially true in the entryway of a home. Order upon entering and exiting a home is much more pleasant than chaos. We don’t need to be reminded of all… Continue reading The Library Book Return Basket
After School Snacks
Several years ago for a New Year’s resolution, I decided to not purchase any individually packaged snack foods for our family. The reason? I was tired of buying food that was overly packaged, generated waste, was unhealthy, and expensive. This resolution really stuck and I rarely purchase packaged snack foods today. The exception is when… Continue reading After School Snacks
Links to Like: Financial Sites I Like
Since this month is National Financial Literacy month, this week’s focus is money, budgeting, and personal finance. I don’t just recommend sites on a whim so, if it's listed below, that means it's worth sharing. If you have a favorite financial site, I’d love to hear about it! Financial RX founder, Wendy Mihm, says "I… Continue reading Links to Like: Financial Sites I Like
Frugal and Green Gift Ideas
With wedding season approaching and brides everywhere diligently planning their weddings, I wanted to share with you three simple, tasteful wedding gift ideas. These gifts are frugal, green, and never go out of style. One gift idea you can even make yourself! Any of these would make wonderful housewarming gifts or host/hostess gifts as well.… Continue reading Frugal and Green Gift Ideas
My Chair Obsession
I love chairs. I really do. If there’s a chair on the sidewalk with a sign that reads “FREE” there’s a pretty good chance it’s coming home with me. Sometimes, although not often enough according to my husband, I reject a chair. Yes, even I have chair standards. Now, what’s funny about this chair, is… Continue reading My Chair Obsession
How to Soften Brown Sugar
This question comes from my dear friend (notice how I didn’t say “old friend”) Annie Kip, from Needham, Massachusetts. Annie’s question involves brown sugar. “I have a brand new bag of dark brown sugar which has become nearly rock hard. Do you have any ideas for what to do with this - I hate to… Continue reading How to Soften Brown Sugar
April: National Financial Literacy Month
April is the official National Financial Literacy Month. One money-managing attitude that has really helped me over the years is this: Money is money is money. It all spends the same. To help you embrace this attitude, do what I did and remove these terms from your financial vocabulary list. It really helped me clarify… Continue reading April: National Financial Literacy Month
Re-Using Candles to Make New Ones
Here's a reader's question about candles and keeping them or not.... Question: What do you do with candles that have burned down to the bottom but still have wax left? It seems like a lot of waste. Answer: I completely agree, there is a lot of waste. I keep the old candle stubs and make… Continue reading Re-Using Candles to Make New Ones
Sewing Project: Repurposed Tote Bag with Pocket
One item there seems to be an endless supply of at second-hand stores is tote bags. I love sewing and always want an excuse to use some leftover fabric and create a bag. After seeing all of the used tote bags at second hand stores, I decided to take the time saving, easier route. I… Continue reading Sewing Project: Repurposed Tote Bag with Pocket
Sew a Slipover for a Wine Bottle
We have some friends who like to tease me about my love of sewing little “cozies” for everything. Maybe I have been known to sew a slip-cover or two for uncommon items around our house but, I love to sew. I also love to use all of my sewing scraps and leftover fabrics. This sleeve… Continue reading Sew a Slipover for a Wine Bottle
Go Gingham 