Baker's Twine and Washi Tape

 I don't know why but I really 'enjoy' these two items.  I tend to lean on the 'frugal' side and save all kinds of strings, ribbons, etc.  I'm trying to 'simplify' and frequently wrap a package with a brown paper lunch bag secured with washi tape or baker's twine.  I think it gives the gift a simple organic look and it saves money!


Washi tape is typically made from natural fibers, such as bamboo or hemp, but most commonly from the bark of trees that are native to Japan — the mulberry, the mitsumata shrub or the gampi tree. Most washi tapes are strong (as strong as duct tape in some cases!) and functional as well as pretty, making them wonderful for both everyday and decorative use.

Look what we found..........!

While we were on vacation in the Turks and Caicos this past April we found a piece of fan coral while walking on the beach.  Being me, I first thought...'wow, a free souvenier' .  It looks very delicate but is quite sturdy so I stuffed it in my suitcase and brought it home. It traveled really well with no damage at all!   It now sits on top of our headboard along with a big glass vase of seashells from that trip and various other trips.  I really got excited when I went to TJ Max Home Goods and saw a smaller piece of fan coral in the mark down area for $18.00 (orig. 25.00). 

Santa came early....Lucky Me!

Santa came early this past week and I was so excited! I won a Nook Color! I bought $20.00 worth of tickets for the charity raffle baskets at work. I won!! The Nook Color was on my xmas list ! I had always thought I wouldn't want an ereader but changed my mind when I found out it will check email and more. I also won a $50.00 Barnes and Noble gift card. I'm still playing around with it and learning how to use it. It will be great for traveling and Arn can even take it when he goes to Las Animas to work. Lucky me!

Goodwill Goodies

The last time I was dropping off stuff at Goodwill this chair was sitting outside waiting to be taken into the store. I quickly sat in it to make sure it was comfy, looked it over, and told the workers I wanted it. I had to go into the store and wait by the back door til they brought it out. Then I had to tell the guy I wanted it and he went with me to the check out area. It's a nice little Pier One chair that is sturdy and comfortable and will fit in the back of Mere's car. She's renting a house in June with 3 other girls and this will be great for it. Price......$30.00

A past project update.

We started with this worn but comfy garage sale finds.
We been having a bunch of computer problems and have been dealing with trying to get files back, deciding on a laptop, etc, plus work on taxes, etc. so I thought I'd post a random post I meant to do a while ago.......Last summer I picked up these two comfy chairs and ottoman for $45 and took them to Peg to get them redone. I got the fabric at Denver Fabric on the sale rack for $10.00 a yard. The cost to recover was around $500 but I figure I still got a deal because the chairs are a good name, well made and very comfy. Now I just need the reading lamp I've been eyeing online.

Mother Mother makes Deodorant

At the beach my nickname was always Mother Mother Ocean after a Buffet song and because I like the environment, want to recycle, and am frugal (cheap). About a year ago I found some recipes for making cosmetics, cleaners, detergent, etc. I started out with the deodorant recipe (mainly because I wanted to stop smearing aluminum under my arms). Some people thing there could be a connection with aluminum and breast cancer. I've really liked the creamy, scented deodorant I made and it really does work. Plus I've saved a couple of bucks.
It took at least a year to use up the first batch and today I'm going to make some more.
3 Tbsp. shea butter
3 Tbsp. baking soda
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
2 Tbsp. cocoa butter
2 Vitamin E gel caps (puncture and squeeze out the oil)
Essential oil (ylang ylang, orange, lavender, whatever you like or unscented)
Melt down the ingredients (except the oil) and mix together (30 sec in the microwave). I don't remember doing the melting step and just mixed it together and it worked fine. Put in a small screw top jar. Makes about 1/4 pint.

Round and Round!

I've had two of these ugly little ottomans in the garage for several years. Mere and I picked them up at a garage sale for $1-$2 dollars each. It was supposed to be a DIY project but they just never got done.
With Mere and Tyler both getting apts. I figured it was time to finish the project. So....I found some great fabric for about $3.00 at the ARC on Senior discount day (yes, I qualify) and called Peg. She's a great upholsterer in Monument that we found when we needed the cushions for the leather sofa at the condo redone. She's great - inexpensive and fast. She had both ottomans done within a week. I don't know yet how much her labor charge is yet. Aren't they cute? Mere has first dibbs.
A few of my favs - finding a great deal, reusing and recycling, and circles!
Wait till you see my next job from Peg - 2 chairs and an ottoman I snapped up at a garage sale for $40.00 with fabric off the bargain rack at Denver fabric!