Random Ramblings

I wish I had a great project to reveal today, but the truth is, I spent all day yesterday getting my nails done, enjoying a pedicure and shopping. I deserved it right!?! :)

We have also been working in our yard. We are trying to do a makeover up front on each side of our porch. We have always had mulch & planted flowers every year. Sometimes in the ground. Sometimes in pots. We thought it was time for a change. We changed the shape of the flower beds using retaining wall bricks & bought some shrubs. Instead of mulch we are going with rock to top it off. I am so excited to see how it turns out. Last night I sat all the shrubs out where I want them to go. Today Shaun (hubby) is going to dig holes & plant them for me.

I will share some photos soon!!

Have a great weekend everyone :)

Signs of Spring & A Photo Shoot

Spring is my favorite. I got out and did a little photo shoot with my kiddos over break. I like to take my own photos & edit them. It saves lots of money :) Here are some sure signs of Spring from our place!!

We had a pretty soggy week in Kansas.

He wasn't complaining when he found out he got to play in the puddles :)

And she's always up for a new pair of shoes....even if it is rain boots!!

We are sure enjoying the nice weather & have been out working in our yard. It's such a great feeling to get things cleaned up & looking fresh again!!

Ahhhhh...SPRING!!!

Linking Up:
Mommy by Day Crafter by Night
Debbiedoos Blogging and Blabbing
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Passionately Artistic
DIY Home Sweet Home

Another Shelf

If I am not careful, I won't have any room left on the walls of my house!! I keep finding things on blogs & pinterest I want to do. Here's another shelf project.

There just happened to be some free space right above my washer & dryer :) My darling husband made a shelf to fit for me.

The new shelf needed some decor. I got a can of Krylon spray paint call Global Blue & used it on the shutter. I really love the color. I filled an old glass jar with my clothes pins. The "wash" sign was an ugly, drab sign that I did a makeover on.

I think it adds a little bit of charm to this room. It needed some charm. We enter our house through this room, so it's nice to have something new here!!

Here's an up close of the "wash" sign. I stenciled the letters on with some metallic silver paint.

Running out of wall space around here :)

Linking Up:
Five Days Five Ways
Here Comes the Sun
Funky Junk Interiors
Nifty Thrifty Things
Cherished Treasures
I {heart} Naptime

Kitchen Corkboard-Recipe Card Holder

I am smitten with my latest project. I found the idea on a new blog I have been stalking. It's called Echoes of Laughter. It's a great blog. I have spent quite a few hours looking it over. Anyways, on with the project!!

I bought these 2 cork board squares at a thrift store a while back for $0.25. I had them stashed away for a rainy day :)

I looked at 3 different kitchen stores for cute recipe cards & didn't find any I liked. I found these cute strawberry ones at walmart for $1.48. They were not easy to locate. FYI they were with the canning supplies.

I dug through my ribbon scraps & found some that matched my cards. I will be adding a few of our favorite recipes to them soon. I used red sharpie & stencils for the "EAT" & stuck some green buttons next to it. I bought the red push pins on clearance at walmart for $0.50.

I attached the cork with plain old Elmer's glue & secured it with masking tape. I let it dry overnight to be sure it stuck good. I am happy with this project. It's really fun to open up the cabinet & see it there :)

Linking Up:

Southern Lovely
Five Days Five Ways
Ladybird Ln
Serenity Now
Organize & Decorate Everything
Tatertots and Jello
Here Comes the Sun

Spring Break Fun

Even though we have been super busy working on projects & organizing we have managed to take the kids & squeeze in a few fun things!! Here's a look at our week :)

We went to see Luke Bryan & Jason Aldean in concert.

Jason Aldean

I don't know if I have ever posted photos of my cute husband. Please ignore the chew in his lip...

Layne & daddy enjoying the show.

Me & my girl Kenzee ♥♥

A day of shopping & a photo shoot in Gander Mountain parking lot ;)

Shopping on St. Patrick's Day.

My new beautiful rug for the dining room.

We also went out for supper last night & took the kids to a movie. We have really managed to get a lot done during our break. I hope you all enjoy(ed) yours!!

DIY Photo Ledge Shelf

I have had my husband home since Friday & have been really keeping him busy!! He has been sweet enough to cater to my "Spring break to do list". We cleaned & organized & built & hauled stuff to the thrift store. It has been AWESOME!! Here is one of the projects we have done.

This shelf is hanging in my living room above the sofa.

Some decor added. The mirror was a goodwill find. I spray painted it yellow. The red frame I found at a thrift store also, painted it & added a copy of "The Resolution" from the movie Courageous. The small frame was gold in it's previous life. The button, bow & birdcage were part of a thank you card kit from Target dollar bins.

This was such a cheap project. We just picked up 2-1x4's and 1-1x2. Hubby made it into this picture ledge type shelf & I painted it.

The big frame is from a thrift store & I made the mini "HOME" pennant banner out of jute twine & scrapbook paper. The chippy wood scroll piece was found at our local dump's free barn :) I love the shelf, but I am sure the decor on it will be ever changing.

Check back for another great shelf project!!

Linking Up:
Someday Crafts
Ginger Snap Crafts
Thrifty Decorating
Crafty Scrappy Happy
House of Hepworths
Five Days Five Ways
Here Comes the Sun
Funky Junk Interiors

Thrift Store Finds

Have I ever mentioned how much I love thrift stores....some say I have a problem...I like to think of it as a hobby :)

So take a look at what I found!!!!

I have been on the lookout for summer sandals. I am thrilled with these 2 pairs. The brown ones were $2.49 & the others were $1.79.

2 bags of Easter grass $0.49 each. "Bunny Trouble" book $0.29. The little highchair is for when my baby niece is over. It was only $2.99 and is in perfect condition!!

The ceramic bunny was $0.69 & I have already put it up with my spring decor. The vintage towel was $0.49 & is hanging on my stove. I spray painted the gold thing & have a mini bird cage hanging from it. I believe it was $0.39. The tiny set of salt & pepper shakers is cute. $0.79 for the pair.

Just writing this post makes me want to run over to the thrift store. It's a rainy day too, no better day for shopping!! :)

Linking Up:
You Are Talking Too Much
Passionately Artistic
DIY Home Sweet Home

Laundry Room Closet Reveal

I have already shared with you all our coat closet makeover. Now I want to share the other closet makeover we have been working on. Both of the closets are in our laundry room & were basically wasted space before. I am so happy with my new organization!!

My sweet husband had already taken all of the clutter out before I got a photo, so here it is empty.

Gave it a fresh coat of white paint. Bought $0.33 sticky tiles for the floor.

He put up lots of shelves for me which I LOVE!! I also am excited that I have hooks to hang the broom & mop now :)

I took measurements so I would be sure and get the right size of storage bins.

I have plans to make cute labels for each & every bin & basket in here. I have a bin for extra bags, hats, donations & newspapers (that I save for crafts). I bought 2 shallow bins for cleaning rags & light bulbs because they always seem to get shoved to the back. I will use the 2 wire baskets for important school papers & bills.

A place for everything!!

This was a very inexpensive project. I totalled up my Lowe's receipt and for the lumber it was right around $60. We carefully planned & measured & bought the least amount of wood (and the cheapest we could find). We used all paint we already had on hand. The big bins were $4.97 each & the small ones were $3.97 each. The wire baskets were found at the thrift store.

Linking Up:
Here Comes the Sun
Cherished Treasures

I {heart} Naptime
Flamingo Toes
Sisters of the Wild West

My Menu

I grocery shop every other Friday & today is the day. I like to start out by composing a menu (keeping in mind what I might have on hand). Next I head to the kitchen to make my list. I look through what I have for each meal & what I will need. I have found this really helps to keep our grocery bill down. I thought I would give you a peak at my menu for 2 weeks. I know I can always use some supper ideas!!

Ham Potatoes and Green Beans

(I just cube up some ham & potatoes & cook it on the stove with the green bean juice, water, salt, pepper and some onions.)

Ham Casserole

(Since I will have plenty of ham. For this I will just throw together potatoes, cheese, maybe some milk or cream soup. Not really sure yet.)

Chicken Fajitas

Grilled Chicken Breasts

Spaghetti

Bierocks

( I use this recipe and just increase it a bit so we have leftovers)

Meatloaf

Cheeseburgers

Roast

Tacos

That is 10 meals. We usually eat out 1 time during that 2 week time period ( at least) for one supper meal & have leftovers as well, so I find that planning 10 meals is usually sufficient for us. I have a pretty strict grocery budget of $220 for my 2 weeks for our family of 4.

Linking Up:
House of Hepworths
Crafty, Scrappy, Happy
Five Days Five Ways

Spring Fever

I am so ready for Spring. I have drug some bunnies & chicks out already & threw it in with my St. Patty's decor!! If I waited until after March 17th to put up Easter stuff I wouldn't get to leave it out long enough.

The colors of spring are so fresh & clean.

I have had the nest sign & the bird in the cloche for a long time. I just bought that little Easter plate at walmart for a little over a dollar. It is just plastic, but so cute I had to display it.

This ceramic bunny & the grass he is in were part of today's thrift store finds. (more on that later) Bunny was $0.69 and the grass was $0.49 for a bag.

{Welcome Spring}

Linking Up:

Mommy by Day Crafter by Night

Southern Lovely

Someday Crafts

Gingersnap Crafts

Not Just a Housewife

Finding Fabulous

Rooster Redo

I have been on the lookout for a cute cookie jar for some time now, scouring thrift stores...

So, I was pretty excited when I saw this little fella on a facebook Buy Sell Trade Site for $7.

The colors were not right for my kitchen, but that's an easy fix!!

Krylon Cherry Red spray paint did the trick.

I love him.

Stay tuned for a project my hubby helped me with :)

Linking Up:
You Are Talking Too Much
DIY Home Sweet Home
Thrifty Decorating

11 Random Things About Me

11 Random Things

I was recently tagged by Michele at Apples and Peanut Butter to play this fun little "get to know me" game. 

Here are the rules:

1.  Post these rules.
2.  You must post 11 random things about yourself.
3.  Answer the questions in the post of the person who tagged you.
4.  Create 11 new question for your tagees to answer.
5.  Tag them via Twitter, Facebook, or through your blog.

11 Random Things About Me:

1. My name is Sara.

2. I become a mother at the young age of 19 (and have NEVER regretted it).

3. I have struggled with my weight since about 2003.

4. Sugar cookies w/ frosting are my weakness.

5. My oldest child is now a teenager.

6. I worked at a bank for 5 years & loved it.

7. I have an addiction to thrift stores & garage sales.

8. My home was built in 1938.

9. I drive my chidren 8 miles to school every day so that they do not have to go to a school without their friends.

10. I am terrified of driving in less than perfect weather/road conditions.

11. I love being at home.

Now to answer Michele's 11 questions for me:

1.  How much time do you spend a day blogging? Some days none, most days 30 minutes to an hour.
2.  Beach, or snow? Beach (as long as I don't have to wear a bathing suit!)
3.  What is your ideal date night? Dinner & a movie. I love going to see a movie.
4. What is your decorating style? Shabby chic, eclectic, kinda whatever goes.
5. What kind of camera do you use? I have 2. I have a point & shoot Canon that I love to use & also a DSLR Canon Rebel. It's very nice too, if only I could figure out how to use it ;)
6.  Do you have a hidden talent? Hmmm....not really.
7.  What was your favorite toy growing up? Barbies for sure.
8.  Which household chore do you hate the most? Cleaning bathrooms.
9.  What are your 5 favorite blogs? The Sunny Side Up, The Dalomba Days, J & A and Company, Fox Hollow Cottage, Saving for 6.
10. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas.
11.  What is your favorite movie of all time? National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. hahaha.

Now I am tagging:

Fox Hollow Cottage

momto8blog

Jut Between Friends

Not Just a Housewife

Perfectly Imperfect

And here are my questions for you:

Are you a soap opera watcher?
Can you sew?
What is your favorite time of year?
Are you an only child?
Do you have a best friend?
Do you have a nickname?
Do you scrapbook?
What is your favorite ice cream?
Do you have a Sunday night show you watch?
Are you on facebook?
What is your favorite thrifty find?



The Reasons My Budget was BLOWN...

My husband & I have been doing so good sticking to our budget, living frugally, only buying what we need....until I saw these...

I should know better than to step foot into an antique store while on a budget, but I did. I walked right in & headed for my favorite booth....and there they sat. 2 of them. Gorgeous in gray with this fabulous fabric on the seats...for only $19.95 a piece....

I had absolutely NO PLACE to put them in my house, but I couldn't walk away from them.

I could've taken some old chairs I had & painted them & recovered them a bit cheaper, but I was afraid if I didn't get these beauties I would never see this print again.

So, I blew the budget. Hubby was with me & "allowed" me to do it. He is such a big softy when it comes to something I want. ♥♥

When I see something beautiful all my good sense goes right out the window :)

I was featured!!

Linking Up:

Nifty Thrifty Sunday
Cherished Trasures
Lolly Jane Boutique
Flamingo Toes
Sisters of the Wild West

Crazy Cute Fashion-Take 11

Here's a breakdown of what she wore:

Energie top

Guess Denim skirt

Miley Max leggings

Faded Glory ballet flats

Not sure where we got the knit hat

The chunky necklace was a thrift store find

We are pretty excited to start dressing for nice weather :)

Linking Up:

Southern Lovely
Five Days Five Ways
Here Comes the Sun
The Pleated Poppy
Serenity Now

Thrifty Finds

Had a good time picking up some great deals today :)

When I was shopping on Friday I looked all over for baskets like these. I never found any & when I walk into the thrift store today, THERE THEY ARE!!! For 69 cents a piece :) I love it when that happens.

I thought the little yellow bird would be great for Spring. 29 cents. The wooden rooster will get a paint job. 29 cents. The mini bird cage is so cute,  think I will paint it a fun color too!! 79 cents. The small frame was 49 cents. This thrift store has cheap prices.

We are thinking about another closet makeover so I grabbed these hooks for 99 cents. There were 2 nice purses, this red one & a purple one. I wanted both. Thankfully my sister was with me. She bought the other one & we will trade out. This one was only $2.99. I have always wanted a red purse :)

All these great deals just get me more excited for garage sale season to start!!!!

Linking Up:
Mommy by Day Crafter by Night
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Here Comes the Sun