The other day my DH saw this praying mantis at the gas station.  We saved it, brought it home, and released it.  It was so interesting to watch.  Would have loved to put it in a jar and watch it but felt it best to be free. 

Gothic Glory

The church replaced its slate shingles, and no one wanted these wonderful top pieces.  So, of course, I did my duty and loaded them up before they were taken in for scrap.  Now, if we can get our greenhouse up, wouldn't these "top it!"  Or what about some garden borders.   Any other ideas?

4-H projects

Phew... long time no talk, but thought I'd start by sharing some fun 4-H projects we worked on with our kiddos. Here is a clock I had an idea for and RJ was very excited to take on the project. He won the champion recycling award at the fair and a purple at the state fair. 

He also designed this shelf from the PB Teen catalog to fit his room.  He received reserve champion in Design Decisions and another purple at the state fair. 

We repainted these picture frames we found at the Salvation Army store with homemade chalk pain.  We used left-over paint with a bit of grout added.  Turned out fairly well.

CJ made these note pads for a computer project.  There are six different designs in every notepad.

RJ made this sun from old copper.  The middle spins to show a turbine for power of wind.  Love it in the yard. 

CJ made this rocket.  He drew a gator head and then we copied it and shrunk it on water decal paper.  He had the champion rocket at the fair.

Just what the doctor ordered

My youngest punk was learning about prescription drugs, how to take them, and bad drugs (alcohol and tobacco included). Great overview I know from my other kiddo having the same class. Anyway, CJ asked me one morning, "Mom, that stuff we put on my eggs, is that bad for me, will that kill me?" What!? Amazing how these questions can stop you in your tracks... even in the morning rush. Oh...wheels in my old noggin' were turning.... no, you put Tabasco on your eggs not tobacco! So, I had to try to explain that difference, but yes, my little finicky eater loves hot sauce on his eggs and is a big breakfast eater. Crazy little guy. I'm sure he fretted about this all day in school. So, glad he asks!

The Happy Dance

You know there are days or weeks, when I just didn't have/take the time to wonder through blogs, and there are days when I just didn't take the time to post motivations or frugal tidbits.... but, I need to remember just to post what makes me happy.

This just made me smile.... well, actually Dance!

Frugal Friday...

This week's Frugal Friday favorite is coffee filters.  They are usually about the right size to cover a dish in the microwave and stop the splatters.  Otherwise, I use a paper plate, but those are thicker, so I feel I can't toss them out every time.... oh my, that sounds ridiculous, but it's true!  I've used them to wash windows and mirrors.... no streaks!  I also like to use a crinkled up newspaper for this job too.  The real test of my favorite will come with spring window washing! 

You can also use them as a quick funnel... make the hole as big as you need, or use it as a strainer for liquids.  These are also great for kids snacks, popcorn, chips, etc., and they are great to hold a taco! 

I know there are lots of fun crafts you can make with coffee filters like snowflakes, flowers, etc.  I think this can be an endless frugal treasure!

What is your frugal favorite?

What I like....

One of these things is not like the others,

One of these things just doesn't belong,

Can you tell which thing is not like the others

By the time I finish my song?

My DH gave me the glass on the right since I chipped one of my favorite mugs.  It doesn't look like it would be great for hot beverages but it is wonderful!  It is called a Bodum Pavina double wall thermo glass.  It is handblown and has this little valve thing on the bottom.  It is so light it seems like plastic.  And, it is microwave and dishwasher safe.  I just zap it in the microwave and the outside doesn't get hot like my mugs sometimes do.  The very cool thing... or should I say "hot" thing is that my coffee or tea stay hot extra long!  It is amazing!  And, it is great for cold beverages too, keeping them cool longer without the sweat dripping down the sides. 

Now.... if it just came with a handle and fun artwork!

Monday Motivation...

Frugal Friday....

Today's Frugal Friday tip has a little creativity to it, but great use of a household staple for a cute decoration.  This was a placesetting decoration at my niece's baby shower.  It took me a minute to see this, but do you see how this styrofoam cup was transformed in to a "diaper."  Way cute for a baby shower, and of course held yummy goodies inside. 

And, one other frugal tip regarding those multitudes of plastic bags from the store.  Ours get used for hauling snowboots to and from school and toting things here and there, but someone told me once they make great beanbag filler without such a mess as those pellets.  I haven't tried this, but if you need a little more stuffing in your beanbag, you might want to consider this.

What is your frugal favorite?

Monday Motivation