i love my new purse!

unlike anything i've ever carried!

just $1.99 at our local goodwill!

and, it's not even leather!

i'm think i'll feel perky when i use it!

smile, wink, nod!

on friday.... i gave my two aunts and cousin a

birthday party! my mom and cousin hali came to celebrate, too!

the table was set with tacky

vintage souvenir china laid upon a chenille bedspread--makeshift tablecloth...

we sipped cheap white wine from large mouthed canning jars. and,

our napkins were mismatched hot pads. all in attendance, were required to wear vintage hats from my little collection and very tacky retro aprons. all were such good sports and without hesitation... choose hats and aprons to wear!

we're holding signs that say hi aaron- my cousin in new york university film school. his gramma and mom are back row left. we sent this through facebook-- in hopes to make his day.

what would a party be... without an antique glass urinal to pour your water from?

lunch was a massive garbage salad... with just about everything in it. and beer bread with herbs sprinkled on top. and parmesan cheese.

between the downpour of raindrops.. i picked rhubarb and baked a rhubarb cake in canning jars.... cool-whip and lots of it...was dropped on top! note: aprons in the background!

after the mid-day feast... i planned a garden craft,
which my new friend cassey told me about. we all sat around the chenille covered table, giggled and made glass wind chimes!
on tomorrow's post.. i'll share the instructions and snaps!
smile, wink, nod!

best day!

yesterday, was one of the best days i've had in 2010. and, believe me, i've had plenty.

it started like this... my mom mentioned she was going to visit her friend's home, to look at furniture her friend was selling. i knew the location. a very old, affluent, historical area in the city due west of here. heck, i'll admit it... my brad and i have driven through and gawked (yet trying to act really natural) at the mansions and yards of most of these 1920's estates....

yesterday, i invited myself along. wouldn't of you? smile, wink, nod! well then, my son decided he'd invite himself along... click here for details on how this turned out to be a stellar fieldtrip for all of us! did i metion... it took an hour and a half to get through the estate and the grounds? i could of stood and stared at the 1920's greenhouse forever!

(i didn't take my camera... the snap above is from the realtor's ad.)

i did it. i finished the grapes of wrath. the book was spectacular. outside of the bible, it's the best i've ever read. the beginning was slow and i admit, i wondered what i got myself into. as the story progressed with a titanical thrust, i felt i actually had a relationship with the characters and a certain connection. i felt steinbeck's voice echoing in my head... as if he was reading it to me. his simultaneous writing levels of human existence reflects much of what is happening today, 2010. the greed. families loosing homes, their dignity, farms and traumatic job loss, big business slaughtering small business, and yes those of us drawing on the spirituality of each other to survive in these times, our commitment to fellow man and the earth we inhabit. i will most defiantly be reading this again. and again. and again. yes-it's that good. the grapes of wrath, is a lyric in the battle hymn of the republic. in turn, the battle hymn of the republic refers to biblical passage in revelations 14:19-20.

in the souls of the people, the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage.

okay... now that i spilled my passion for this profound nobel prize winner... how about taking a look at this recycled pillow i made out of dyed fleece (i used kool-aid) and recycled flowers from an old skirt. the pillow- retro green from the 70's came from goodwill. .99 cents.

Caught the Christmas Spirit Early!

okay... i don't think i've ever been in the christmas spirit this early. but, late yesterday... our quirky-church had a "samaritan shoe box wrapping party"... and i volunteered to help! there were several tables set up with cars, dolls, stuffed animals, new clothes, personal hygiene and candy... we stuffed (really stuffed nice and full!) boxes then wrapped and tagged them! very fun and heartwarming. plus, it was nice to meet new people!

we had unbelievable worship music and singing going on...singing praise music while gift wrapping in a group setting, is quite surreal! the three musicians above, are multi-talented and can really belt it out! there was also the "typical" table of finger foods! the volunteers and our pastors, prayed over the boxes, which was heartwarming, too. as i understand it... they're being shipped to south korea and ecuador. i'd sure like to see all the children's faces when they open up their special packages! beautiful day. smile, wink, nod.

geesh, i didn't realize it's been a couple of days since i've blogged! have i been that busy? i think not. nothing spectacular has been happening. except tweeking the background on my blog. i've been wish-washy about that. i've decided on this background for a while. clean and light, with fresh pastel colors.

on saturday, i made a mad-dash to the grocery store that doubles coupons up to $2. i matched and stacked and walked away with a savings of $121.00. my out of pocket was $90. have you been visiting my coupon sites on my sidebar? i don't mean to tell you what you should do.... but, these are the best sites for couponing. lots of generous souls, pour their hearts and energy into providing the "leg-work" for the rest of us. i'm just saying...

that said, i thought i would treat myself to a few new prizes. sort of like a reward for me!

i splurged... $6. at our local goodwill for these beautiful blue and turquoise wine bottles. they're just beautiful on my window sill, with the light reflecting through them!

i also splurged at the dollar tree. i picked up a new pair of reading specs... hot pink (below)! and, a set of hot pink ink pens! how fun is that? the same day i was at goodwill, i found these turquoise polka-dotted canisters. .50 each. the shabby chic mug was a gift from my aunt janet.

now, it's time to say goodbye for tonight and list some treasures on ebay! see you back here tomorrow!

a week in review!

things that've happened in the last five days...

groceries... i've challenged myself to see if i could spend $30. or less each week for groceries. this week i spent $22. $6 dollars of that was a 12-pack of beer. although we don't drink at all.. i do need it for homemade basil beer bread! we're eating well and not going hungry. no pre-packaged food. no frozen packaged food. but i do spend more time cooking from scratch.

finished danielle steel's "a good woman" historical fiction novel. i've never ever been into danielle... but good golly i loved this one! very excellent! two thumbs up. i learned a lot about ww1 and the titanic.

i was invited to give a coupon-saving-grocery deal-freebie workshop, last night. it went very well! i think the ladies were inspired. and, i was inspired by their tips, too. a good night!

i'm working on a homemade purse... i hope to finish it up tomorrow and post snaps.

in the spring, i sprinkled a package of wildflower seeds. and would ya just look at this bright orange straw type flower? it's just about the size of my clenched fist... and has several more blossoms on it. i'll be pulling seeds from it... just as soon as i can!

this week, i applied the philosophy that less is more, with homeschooling. it's true. less is more. instead of a gazillion projects and workbooks and books and tight schedules... i was happy with the quality of what was learned... instead of the quantity.

tossing around a few good craft ideas in my head. they're cheap. they're quirky and useful. i hope to share them with you sometime this week.

will be making and canning apple juice this weekend. thinking maybe i should get a regular flu shot... not the h1n1. i'm anxious to start a new novel tonight.... just as soon as i click "publish post" on this entry!

smile, wink, nod.

roseville pottery!

i've never.... in my wildest dreams, ever expected to find a piece of roseville pottery in any goodwill or salvation army store. until last week. and, get this.... it was at our local goodwill!

upon spotting it, i let out a loud gasp... embarrassing enough to make other customers around me take note! this gem, which is about 12 inches long, had absolutely no chips or flaws.

my hands shaking and eyes closed, i turned it over to find the price! i opened one eye... it was (drum roll)..... $2.99! exhale, gasp and holding tightly, i no doubt bought it.

it's a perfect match to my house. but, i know this babe will bring in a whopping couple of hundred dollars or more on ebay. so, while i'm enjoying it now... within a few weeks, i'll say goodbye and put it up for auction.

perhaps i could make this picture my screen saver? that way i'll sort of still "have it," right? smile, wink, nod!

rocks and popcorn!

yesterday found the boys and i winding and weaving through the backroads of very fertile farm country... respectfully, the land that was once engulfed in a couple of wicked wildfires from years ago. the land today, although not pictured, is extremely beautiful and fertile. wheat harvesting and hay baling were in full swing, sugar beets were blanketing green acres, the amish were out and about and my boys were thrilled to pull over and watch the john deere combines and grain trucks!

our turn-around point is lake huron. we have a special spot where we hunt for sea glass and fossils. yesterday, i hit the jackpot... i found BLUE sea glass... which is pretty rare. and quite a bit of green! we also found tons of fossils... but the stones were only the size of nickles.

this fossil was not found in lake huron... but it was found last friday on our trip to lake michigan. my guess is, it's a fern or plant....what's your guess? leave a comment.

tommie and i could spend all day sifting through these beautiful gems... brad, not so much... but he still tried to have fun finding me sea glass.

we came home and watched the very stupid movie, "roxanne," with steve martin... whom i adore and laugh non-stop over. but this movie had to much sexual reference and swearing for us to enjoy with an 11 year old boy. we ejected the movie and will donate to goodwill or our garage sale.

our big bowl of popcorn, however... was delish!

smile, wink, nod.

scouting with the boys!

i've just returned from a week long camping trip with tommie and his boy scout troop, in northern michigan. it was one of the best adventures we've ever experienced! the mix of 30 plus personalities, the non-stop pranks, the non-stop jokes, the non-stop horse play of boys ages 10 through 17...and even the adult leaders! the wonderful memories, forever imbedded in our minds... the food, new friends and bonding... just really nice... instead of telling you every single detail of our camping trip... i've decided to break it up into the "five senses"...

sound:

artillery from a nearby military camp

thunder

bullfrogs

coyotes

giggles

crackling fire

towels snapping ( a towel fight)

full cans of beans, unopened, tossed in the fire pit.. BOOM! AND BANGING!

spunky chipmunks

bellowing loons

an owl

one rule-following, neurotically anal camp dad (not even a leader), leading by intimidation and pissing everyone off

prayers

guitar playing and sing-alongs: like american pie and cat stevens, james taylor

swearing by teen-agers

sight:

wild pink roses

wintergreen

indian pipes (wildflower)

loons

sleeping bear sand dunes

lake michigan

fossils

wild turkey's

taste:

turkey over the campfire

cobbler cook-off

typical camp food

smell:

smelly boys

wild pink roses

winter green

chocolate cake coming from a dutch oven

blazing fire

pine

touch/feeling/activity:

dodge ball tournament with a 100 plus boys

all the boys learning how to play texas hold em

biking everywhere

hiking everywhere

rain

chess

a gazillion opportunities to earn and complete merit badges

hiking up 450 foot sand dune

a merritime museum

putt-putt golf in traverse city

would i do this again? in a new york minute! would tommie do it again? yes, if he could patrol with the teenagers.

daily blessing ... day 5!

daily blessing

day 5

(blessing's i've received from family and friends last week!)

last week, i enjoyed using a gift certificate for a swedish massage... at a day spa! it was a very generous treat from my mom!


this is the historic victorian spa, which treats their clients like queens!

just one of the many rooms, like this above.. is where you sit and fill out health forms, while listening to beautiful victorian music. the smell of lavender fills the air. trays of bakery cookies and tea await you on an antique table. they looked so good, i wanted to take a handful home with me!

this is the massage table i used. i can't even begin to tell you how splendid it felt. being massaged from forehead to fingertip to toes, for one solid hour...with apricot-almond oil, left me feeling disillusioned. out of touch with reality.

afterwards, i stopped at a nearby salvation army and wandered around in a fog. which is how i drove home. in a fog and feeling completely relaxed. i yawned the rest of the day! thanks mom! i loved my afternoon at the spa!

(sallie, i'm so happy you've reconnected with me and my blog! miss you and mollie. and greatful for your comments! thank you!)

UNDER $7.00

garage sale finds:

table and chairs $5.

ikea silver bowl .50 cents

leather shoes .25 cents

details:

the tabletop is cement and needs new mosaic tiles or broken dishes stuck in it. this will be a welcome winter project for me. although...it's totally trashy and sweet just the way it is.

on top of the table: i bought a candleholder and vintage plate. total cost: .75 cents. i glued the plate on top of the candleholder and came up with a very inexpensive bird feeder. ..i think it would make an awesome cake plate, too.

also on top of the table: a milk glass vase. .25 cents. my mom used to collect this glass when i was a kid.

ikea bowl: i've never been to ikea. i'd like too...but the closest store is a good hour away. plus, i rarely shop retail. imagine my heart rate when i found this! thump, thump, thump! need i tell you... it's my new favorite bowl!

leather shoes: i found them at a church yard sale. they are backless. and, seriously the best, very best shoes i've ever owned. except for the dock-siders i wore in high school. am i dating myself here?

time to shut the lid on this laptop, make a second cup of instant microwaved coffee and start the day!

THURSDAY THIRTEEN

Thursday Thirteen: made vanilla cupcakes, shopped for mother's day, went to home depot they have amazing plants...the foxglove are out of this world, went to goodwill and found a sweater to felt and a couple good educational videos, trudged through fabrics and wondered how the recession is affecting scrapbook sales?, meandered through big lots and was impressed with their garden trellis' and patio umbrellas, sauntered into kohls- love their jewelry- the clothing all looks like maternity, visited our local library, glad i had put lasagna in the crockpot this morning, listed only one thing on ebay, made pink lemonade, enjoyed having a friend's five year old daughter over today...girls are so much different then boys... if your curious to read more, click HERE: TWISTED EDUCATION BLOG

cupcake potholders, a drive thru at Arby's and Wednesday highlights!

In the past 24 hours, I whipped up two more pot holders! I felted a kool-aid colored striped sweater and came up with 6 separate pot holders! 4 left to do. I may decide to just turn the other four into little change purses or gift bags....

I took the dog with me this afternoon, while I ran errands. Tommie was working with his dad. My final stop was here:

At Arby's...today only... you can get a free fruity iced tea. So, I did. Mandarin Peach!

Other Wednesday highlights? I went to an awesome garage sale up the street. Everything was crazy-cheap! I found: a knee deep package of drawing paper for .50 cents (I'm hoping to teach a Museum Art class this fall at our homeschool co-op...which is why I bought it.), a brand new cookie sheet for a nickle, a stack of bath towels for .50 cents each, gift ribbon a quarter each, a stack of embroidered linens, waiting to be laundered...a dime each. And, a whole bunch of candles for a dime. I bought a new pair of brown flip flops today... just the cheap kind... which now Tommie took ownership to, tacoes for dinner, 2 miles on the treadmill, 100 tummy crunches, bought new socks too at Walmart. So, tell me...have you been garage sailing lately? What are some of your treasures?

dancing through the mud, spearmint and lime basil and other weekend highlights!

Okay, this picture is for Warrington... who left a comment in the last post! Even though I don't know who you are, I thought of you today and played in the muddy garden and squished my toes in the mud..like you suggested...

Below is the little treasure I found in the plowed up garden. It's a heavy piece a crock-type dish. Today I found a beautiful blue piece, too. I know it doesn't seem like much...but if you saw how deep it was buried and in the middle of a desolate field...you'd kind of get excited, too. I think.

I had a couple of wooden clementine boxes leftover from winter. I got this big idea to plant spearmint and lime basil in them. I'm really hoping the seeds sprout! We were blessed with 24 FREE raspberry plants last week... we're all very excited about that! They're already planted and showing promise of survival!

Other weekend highlights: church had a powerful message again this week, I made two loaves of chocolate zucchini bread, planted a healthy row of snap peas, found a couple of crayfish, went to yard sales, cleaned out the basement and organized the pantries, threw out two big garbage bags of junk, received a new pet painted turtle from Tommie's friend Riley, coupons in Sunday paper, not so good for me this week... Tommie and his patrol worked at their Boy Scout Troop Yard Sale... holding signs up and flagging people in, Brad found a new-used rotor-tiller at the salvage yard for a hundred dollars and is fixing it up and babying it like it's his new toy on Christmas morning... funny how things like that give him a spring in his step! smile, wink, nod.

recycled gardening post!

all winter long, i've been saving paper towel and toilet paper tubes! i read a good gardening magazines, where it explained how to recycle them into seedling-starter planters! all you do is cut the tubes into 2 or 3 inch pieces, cut one end about 1/2 inch intervals and fold them up- to create a bottom that looks like the one above!

next you plant your seeds.... i planted peas. i still need to plant poppies, dill and carrots! i also read where you can recycle plastic fruit and vegetable containers like the one below... with the attached lid... this works as a mini greenhouse!


have you seen this movie? tea with mussolini. i found it last week at the .25 cent store. i haven't watched it yet...but it sounds like something our entire family will enjoy.

other stuff? i made chicken enchilada's for the first time, for dinner. they were excellent. everyone liked them! we spotted one sandhill crane in the backyard. taxes are done. 2 miles on the treadmill. baked two loaves of chocolate chip banana bread. had a good hair day...but man oh man, do i need to get some rub on tan on this lily-white face and body. smile-wink-nod.

cousins part two!

Tommie and his Chicago Cousins... had a great time on Wednesday! They enjoyed collecting all of these 12 gauge shot gun shells. Leftover from skeet shooting. Not to worry...they did not shoot. Nor was it happening when they were around. They were just leftovers!

I had bought the best kites ever...at Dollar General! For just a buck each! They were easy to assemble. Came with a string. And smaller then norm. But, man oh man....did those thing ever fly!!

Lean in...look close and you'll see the kites in the sky! This is my niece Rebecca. Below, my nephew Joey!

And, here's Tommie...who's kite got tangled in a tree (and is still flapping around today!)... he's trying to pull the kite out of the tree...hence, the stance below. True or False? The string broke? That'd be true.

The kids also painted their EMU eggs... I took snaps of them...but, they want their parents to be surprised...so I won't post them, until next week.

Our intentions were to have a bonfire with hotdogs, chips, etc. And, s'mores. But the wind was so wicked yesterday....that we had to take a raincheck.

oh happy day!

art!

The funny thing about homeschooling is, you can legitimately go on adventures and justify the life experiences as some sort of academic or enrichment lesson... you know, to make your child even more "well-rounded." That said, today we visited an Art Gallery. My mom is a member and vice president of The Great Lakes Rug Hooking Guild....and had invited us to view her club's beautiful hand-crafted pieces. Many artist draw their own patterns. My mom dyes most of her own wool, right on top of her stove! This is just one of her pieces:

Both of my favorite little aunts joined in the field trip with Tommie and me... first for cabbage soup and salad at the Big Boy. (showing this picture of my aunt in her PT Cruiser....she is 74 and is in fantastic shape! If you look close, you may see her Mardi Gras beads hanging from her mirror!) She's the type of aunt who zip-lines through South America and tango's her way across Argentina. It's true.)

This is the art gallery!

Meet my aunts! On the left, my Aunt Janet- who found us a church home and is much like my second mother. And, my worldly Aunt Joyce is on the right...the one who is game for everything! They're admiring an Alice in Wonderland piece.

There were many, many more pieces. All beautiful in their own way!

And...what was I thinking? I didn't even get a snap of my mom. It would of been nice to have her standing with one of her designs. Shame on me.