Fun Finds

Our winter has been so mild this year and has ended with summer weather. No complaints here, summer never comes fast enough for me. This has been like winter/spring in Florida! Ahhh...love!

With the warm weather the garage sales have begun to return. On my day off, a local church had a sale. Normally, these aren't my cup of tea, but my mom had gone and told me that the prices were unbelievably cheap (they were). Since my husband is on 6 days right now, he was working a shift that morning, so I figured I would check it out. It was only a few blocks from my house. I spent a lot of money folks...good thing he was working an extra shift. HA! Actually, I spend $5.80. Hello, you can barely eat a meal at McD for that unless you are on dollar menu.

Anyways, here's some of what I found. This type of sale is great for finding vintage toys, dishes etc... or so I found. For me, I found a clear glass serving bowl for the price of.....5 cents!!! Even if I didn't like it later...no biggie. This is a vintage piece and I do LOVE it! I also found a serving platter/vegetable tray (vintage) for 25 cents. Honey, I spent the big ones today...30 cents for me!
For my grandparents, I found 4 vintage glass cups (they prefer drinking out of glass cups) for 5 cents each!!! The 4 that I found matched 4 that they already had. SCORE! For the girls, a Vintage Fisher Price train engine and train car for 20 cents! (they already had this train, however their engine smokestack had gotten cracked) Kiki picked out some My Little Pony and some other little randoms for .70 cents (including a Vintage Pound Puppy). Aliyah's purchases were .20 as she picked up 2 dogs which she named Yip & Yap. The bulk of my purchase was $3.00 in clothes which I was purchasing for someone else who needed them. I got 3 pair of jeans, 2 shirts, 2 pair of shorts, and 5 pair of khaki styled pants! Clothing was .25 each.
All in all, what great fun we had.

Of course, I have a tip to share. Often, I have little projects around the house where I want to paint or change things up a bit. Meet Pottery Barn Kids and I am in decoration dream land for the girl's rooms. When I was there about 2 months ago, they had some adorable girl's rooms. Around the top they had these cute fabric (or maybe paper) banners like you would see at a business. These weren't solid color, they were polka-dots and flowers and such. It was sooooo cute! Figuring I could make it myself at some point, I kind of put it into the back of my mind. The other day, we were shopping at Target and walked through the party section. They had a clearance end cap with FABRIC BANNERS on them!! They were $1.18 each for an 8 ft string!!!! So, I spent $5.90 and got my banners for the girls room! Mind you, i had priced banners on Etsy and they were at least $20 each and up to $40 each!

Next, we went to Lowe's in search of some wave petunia seeds (no luck there). However, I decided to check the discount paint rack. They will often have mistakes when mixing paint. The person doesn't like the color, or it overflows or whatever. This is sold at a very discounted rate. There was one can of paint on the shelf that day and the color was Silver Strawberry. It was an adorable paint (nevermind the fact that I wanted to paint a wall of the girl's room). The salesperson opened it up and there was a little over 1/4 of the can left. It had overflowed and spilled out when they were tinting or mixing it. I got the paint for $1.00!!! It was a great paint with primer already mixed into it. It painetd an entire wall of the girl's room. The color is so pretty I could eat it! So, the tip here...if you have a small project or any project and you aren't dead set on a paint color or haven't chosen a paint color, check the mistake paint rack at Lowe's or Menard's. It won't always work, but when it does you have saved a TON of money! The paint normally retailed for $27/gallon.
So, if you paid attention, I spent just under $7.00 to do a little spruce up/makeover to the girl's bedroom! They are perfectly pleased and love the pink (esp. Diva Kiki).

Teeth & Blog updating

I added a few new pictures to the blog and updated the list a bit...it's been awhile!

Today was glorious!! This morning, we had snow in our front yard and by early afternoon it was a beautiful 70 degrees. I got some much needed Vitamin D along with my family by enjoying the outdoors. Josh and I cleaned the garage (looks great), and put some stuff out to the trash. It sat there maybe 15 minutes before someone came by and took almost everything. Hey, that's fine...helps me, helps him. We have HOT trash!

We washed both cars at our favorite place down the street and went to a neighborhood park that is very close by. Funny thing, we've never been before. It was quiet and the girls had a blast. Noe had no fear and made her way down the slides, through the tunnels, up & down stairs and everything in between. They also had fun swinging and more. My only complaint...kids write nasty words on the play equipment. Why, oh why must they do this??

We took a walk, went grocery shopping (very pleasant as no one else was shopping), and spring cleaned our house. Love that feeling!!!

Noe has been snuggling on the couch with me so I thought I would check her mouth to see if we had anything of news. I do this rather often as she is 17 months and has only 1 tooth. She has only had this tooth since 16 months. She turns 18 months on Monday. I felt in her mouth as I often do and got all excited. I called to the girls and Josh to bring a flashlight. Not only do we have a new tooth coming in but we have TEETH. We have #2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8 coming in all at once. She makes no indication of teething. There isn't drooling or biting or anything. The only thing that we've noticed is her bedtime can be rough. She screams hysterically if she doesn't have her Taggies Buddy dog. He is her favorite. Well, as with all things, they need baths and things happen. The other night, Buddy got dropped into the bathtub and was soaking wet at bedtime. We gave it to her and immediately, she laid down, put her thumb in her mouth and fell asleep. Today, Buddy was getting a much needed bath (in the wash). She didn't have him for naptime and never went to sleep. She has him now (thank goodness). Nothing substitutes really for Buddy. After the bath incident, I broke down and ordered her another Buddy off Amazon. Of course, they don't sell them everywhere wouldn't you know. I figured we needed a back up for better bedtimes!! I'm sure teething makes her feel crabby without Buddy. They're only little once, so if they are attached to something...it's okay!!!!!

I'm not gonna lie...I'm pretty excited over these teeth!! We will be able to say goodbye to baby food (as soon as we use it up). She tears through the pizza and most anything anyway without teeth...lol!

Dollar$

With the huge SPIKE in gas prices this week, here's my little insight on dollars. Okay, let's face it...it matters to all of us whether loaded or rubbing our pennies together. Nobody wants to be raped on the price of gas or anything for that matter.

I find it interesting that just recently, I have read two articles that hold to the same idea I have had for a long time regarding two things: coupons & dollar stores.

You see, one I am a fan of and the other...not at all. If you know me, you know I'm a fan of coupons. The coupon article had a few interesting points. One being that those that make $100K or more are twice as likely to use them as those who make $35K or less. So, people that make more money are interested in coupons too and statistically moreso than many others. On the flipside, if you are one that makes less than many, you can make your earnings go so much further than that person who makes twice as much but doesn't spend their money wisely. Making your dollar go further makes your earnings able to do that much more for you!

The other article I read was regarding the dollar stores. They have this thing down...
Go into almost any store and they have a $1 section. People, just because it is $1 doesn't make it a good deal!! Why are $1 stores and sections so popular? $1 doesn't seem to hurt very much and people will load up on tons of $1 items much to stores delight. The sizing is many times more expensive per ounce if it is something that is measured in ounces. If not more expensive per ounce, many times it is a lower quality item which doesn't last very long. In fact, I also read an article where one of the dollar stores is among one of those companies on a fast rise. I'm sure the economy has something to do with that. Don't be tricked...$1 doesn't make it a good deal!

While we are talking about dollars...they spend fast and add up fast. They quickly disappear at the local coffee shop, ice cream shop, fast food place etc...Those $3-5 purchases add about as quickly as a bad disease. On the flip side, getting or saving those dollars here and there also add up quickly. I realized this especially when selling stuff on Craigs list and FB pages. Those $1-$3 items quickly add up to hundreds of dollars! It's just as worth it to sell those as it is the other items. I have sold so many of my children's clothes, toys, and other things its amazing.

This post is just to remind you to be conscious of your dollar$ and not be tricked
into the dollar store mentality where it is easy to purchase way more than you need and it usually isn't a good deal anyway =). Put that money into an envelope instead and watch it quickly add up. Sadly, it may go into your gas tank, but you can also use it to pay a bill, buy groceries, or make a larger purchase that you have been anticipating.

Style

Time for a fun post on sense of style...

Let's face it, we have three girls. Our wallets will be close to empty once they get a few years older =).

It's really fun to see their individuality and sense of style come through. Keirah has been the standout fashionista for about 3 years now. She has a definite opinion on what she likes and what she doesn't. I have to ask her "permission" when we go shopping. If she likes the item, she asks the size. She will only say yes if it is a 5 or 6. Keirah's style is pretty much fancy and accessorized, although she changes it up sometimes with her shorts/leggings look.

Aliyah hasn't cared a whole lot about style until the last year or so. The main thing to her is that things canNOT be itchy (i.e. no lace). She has more of a BoHo style...very artsy and free. She likes dresses also, but a very different style than Keirah. Aliyah likes the sundresses, the shirt dresses, the cottony style, and lately...the ruffle dress. We get this catalog called "Chasing Fireflies". The girls both love it, but love totally different things. Aliyah has kept the catalog and looks through it often. She especially loves the ruffle style dresses that they have right now. They are cute, but...
I had on an HGTV show where they painted the walls & ceiling of a bedroom black. It was completed with all white furniture and then green/white and some yellow accents. It was actually very beautiful!! Aliyah looked at it and informed me that that room was her style. I think Keirah's room would probably be pink and pink and floral-like. Keirah picked out an outfit today. She found this shirt she liked at the store that has big, colorful flowers on it and paired it with her lavendar tutu. It looks cute, but I don't know that Aliyah would wear the same thing.
It's fun to see their style come through. They talk between themselves what their weddings will be like. Keirah's will be fancy, fancy, fancy. Aliyah's will be more simple, but beautiful. Who knows where Noe will be on style. I just hope they can keep me in line as everyone gets older...lol.

Rainy Night

I was just thinking the other day about how I was ready for a rainstorm. Tonight, we are getting one =). I think I wanted one for a "freshening up" outside. We have a large amount of dirt in our front yard from the water company's massive digging back in early Dec. I'm ready for grass to grow and the dirt on the street/sidewalk to wash away.

I'm looking forward to spring! Anyone who knows me knows I love leaving winter behind. Although, winter wasn't anything to complain about, I look forward to much-needed walks (more of them), swimming, trips, and garage sale-ing. It has become a bit of a family hobby to go sale-ing. We really find great stuff and YES we are very selective about where we go.
By now, we've come to know several great houses for sales. It is nice to know places that have my children's sizes that have the kinds of clothes I like for my children to wear!! It helps them and it helps me!!! I must say as I seem to say a lot lately that the price of everything has risen a TON!! I many times wonder how people afford to clothe their children!! I'm fortunate to have all girls who can pass down clothes to the others. We don't do all hand-me-downs as all of the girls do get new, non-garage sale clothes, but those certainly do help! It has been pretty easy for Noe because many times baby clothes can be only worn 1 time and then sold! It just so happened that I got Noe's Christmas dress that way. I got the older girls Christmas dresses on super sale at American Girl in the summer. Come fall, I went to a sale that I've come to know very well and they had a Christmas dress in Noe's size and in Navy blue which matched my other girl's dresses for $7!! I got brand new black shiny shoes with tags for $4 to match the dress. Oh yeah, the dress even came with a matching hairbow! Christmas outfit for Noe for $11 (only worn one time before and you wouldn't even know and in one of my favorite brands).

Some of my other favorite finds have come from local shops here that re-do vintage furniture. I have a thing for old architecture and furniture from different eras. I tend toward 30's 40's because I think it matches the style of my house (since it was built in the 40's). I found a wonderful vanity built like a tank for $235. That was my Christmas gift from Josh. It gets a TON of use with us 4 girls!
The other thing I found was my china cabinet/buffet for the kitchen. It was re-done beautifully as well and was the perfect size!! When we furniture shopped for them, they were running $2000 and up and were too big for the space we had for one. This one was $225 and adorable! I may paint it a different color, but it is fine for now.

I was happy to get a nap this afternoon. The 20 minutes really helped! Life just seems to be really busy at times and you need that boost!! Hope you all have a blessed week!

Long Week(s)

You know how some weeks seem to go on forever? The ones that you would rather breeze through, but it just drags on and on? This week wasn't nearly as bad, but last week was one of those weeks for us. Not that we have it that horrible because we don't, but we were weary.

Last week, Aliyah had stomach flu on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday! Poor thing! Keirah's tummy hurt a day or two. I felt horrible one day with achiness and other stuff. The week prior to that, Kiki and I had the horrid sinus pressure cold that just wore us out completely. Josh got that the week that the tummy bug was going through. Since we have new carpeting, we had towels lying on the floor for almost the entire week.

I held my breath that Noe or someone else wouldn't catch the tummy bug like our Christmas gig. Josh worked all last weekend. That's pretty normal for him to put about 36 hours or more in on Fri/Sat/Sun, however I was spent and I missed him and wanted him home. I did get the house all spic and span after the weeks of sickness.

This week was much better in that we all felt much better! It seemed like Josh was gone a lot again...don't know why but it did. I'm totally thankful for his job and an able body to do it, just miss him!!

Noe has been having trouble going to bed at night for some unknown reason. She screams in her bed at bedtime. I don't know if this is a stage or teeth or what it is. She appears to have 4 teeth or more just trying to come through. That would be fantastic in my book.

Our 98 years young neighbor has moved to a retirement home. I talked to her on the phone last night and it was hilarious. I feel badly about not seeing her more often when she lived here, however it was hard to go visit her because her hearing is very minimal and she couldn't ever hear me knocking on her door. She doesn't always hear well when you are talking to her in person either. For some reason, she can hear much, much better on the telephone. She has a cell phone and understands a lot about it. She loves flowers, trees etc...and detests the fact that her neighbors who she says are on welfare are being lazy on hers & my dime. She was quite the traveler until a few years ago. She talked of visiting NYC, Cali, Montreal, Georgia, Florida to name a few. She's sharp as a tack! Gladys said that she doesn't want to sell her house yet. She and her husband built it many years ago. It has loads of charm...Juliette balcony, pretty sunporch, nice bricked walkways, etc...I wouldn't mind owning it...lol. I hate that no one lives there, but I will continue to enjoy her flowers. I understand it must be hard to move away from the home you've had for probably 60-70 years!!

We are in the process of tiling our basement. We also painted down there and made it look so much better. It will give it a much more finished look.

School is winding down for us. We have 35 lessons left!! I have Kiki watch some of the 4th grade stuff and its cool because she's picking up lots of stuff! It can't hurt for her to hear/learn it now because it will be easier later. She told me the other day that the finger bones are called "phananges". Close enough =).
Our goal is mid-March and I think we will get pretty close to that goal! We plan to do the same method next year as it is wonderful and the education is phenomenal!!

Well, it is late and the day was lovely today. We took the girls bowling for the first time! Josh bowled 5 strikes and 1 spare in one game!! Yikes! He and I hadn't ever bowled together...weird! The girls are too little to make the ball do much besides go into the gutter...lol, but they had fun. The pizza was great, but the service was probably the worst we've experienced in quite awhile. It wasn't busy, but no one ever came to take an order after 25 minutes! Josh had to go ask. No one came to refill the drinks or bring the check...we had to ask for that too. There were servers all around and we were the only ones bowling. Not impressed there...
but it was fun either way!!

Tightening the belt

With the promise of rising gas costs this spring, with our health insurance taking a 20% increase this year on top of a 15% increase last year, and with our real estate taxes taking a 25% jump it was time to see what we could do to counteract this within our family.

Obviously, we can take less trips and be more wise with the ones we do take to use less gas. Other things we have done is to elimintate extra stuff at our house. This has helped tremendously because it brings in extra cash and it is less stuff I have to clean around or move around or mess with in general.

Instead of purchasing V-day gifts for our kids this year, we are going to give them some green paper with President's pictures on it that I'm sure they will promptly put into their piggy banks. Why?? Because they love, love, love to save and they do have many lovely things to play with already. They don't need a box of chocolates or a gizmo. They probably are hoping to visit some garage sales and score big in a few months =).

We recently switched several of our lightbulbs to LED lightbulbs which offers a HUGE savings. It is insane that these new lightbulbs use 1-2 watts of energy!! They aren't in every fixture and can be quite expensive to purchase (ours were on clearance). We put them in outdoor lights so we don't really have to worry if they are on all evening in the dark.

One recent huge money save was kind of funny...
Our washer started to get very loud on the spin cycle. I knew from previous experience that this meant a bad bearing. Well, I thought the warranty was up and Josh kind of questioned it. He went and looked at the receipt only to find we had purchased it 5 years prior to the very DAY! The warranty was for five years. The repair guy came out and found 3 big things wrong with the washer which he noted without the warranty the washer wouldn't be worth fixing. Well, the warranty is getting us new parts and hopefully our washer will last another few years at least. This is a great alternative to having to purchase a new one. We know when that day comes that we will not purchase another one like our current one AND we will be purchasing the warranty. We don't do warranties on everything, but we do on cars and washers!!

Enough for now...this week has been beating me up! I have a horrid sinus head cold thing. I can't hear very well because my ears are popped, my face hurts, and I'm tired!