Cash Only Budget

So I hate to admit it, but I have an addiction to my debit card. A swipe here, a swipe there and it all comes out in the wash. Sadly, I have gotten into some debt and desperately need to get out. I am going to start using the pay with cash method. I have thought about it for awhile, but haven't started yet. But seeing as how I don't have enough money in the bank to cover my bills until Friday, which is their due date, I have to do something drastic. Thank goodness that I get paid 3 times in April, it is my only saving grace. My mom got me an awesome new wallet for 50 cents and it has so many dividers. So instead of using envelopes, each pocket divider is going to be for a certain category. I just have to figure out how to label the dividers now. My wallet is so nice, clean and well organized and it is my goal to keep it well. I have to get better control of my spending before I turn 30-wish me luck!

Mailbox Suprise!

My friend gave me a subscription to this magazine this year for my birthday. I have been waiting and waiting for it to arrive, thinking that it may never actually come. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I checked my mail today as I received my first issue! The recipes look so yummy and easy to make. Plus edamame is the featured veggie which is always a plus in my book because it is one of my favs. Can't wait to grab some ingredients and get cooking!

Spring has Sprung

Spring has officially arrived and I am definitely one of those who loves some spring cleaning! I spent most of the weekend working on the outside of the house and plan on spending the next few weeks (yes, I said weeks-when you work two jobs it is hard to find any spare time) to do a huge deep clean and to start my ever dreaded To Do List!

I am also determined to really make my house my home in the next few months, on a little, barely existing budget. When I bought my townhouse 6 1/2 years ago, I never intended on being here so long. I thought I would meet someone, get married, buy the bigger house with the picket fence. That hasn't happened yet, and for the first time in 6 years I don't have a roommate, so I will be able to decorate a guest bedroom! The way the economy is going, it looks like I will be here for an indefinite time so I want to finish all the projects that are in my head.

Hopefully this go around, I will be able to keep up with my online journal. It is my plan to put my goals out there so that I will actually get them accomplished! Happy Spring everyone!

Ummm...What happened to July?

I can not believe that it is almost August! July just flew right past me. While July was a super busy month for my family, I am in a way very thankful for all the craziness. It helps me to re prioritize my life and find out what really matters to me. What have I learned this month? Well, let me tell you....
1-I am horrible with money! Even though I am thrifty and love buying second hand, sometimes it turns into a very bad addiction.
2-I have way too much stuff! After helping my sister and her fiance move, I have decided that I have to get rid some of the clutter that is in my life. I have already started this process and it is quite freeing emotionally.
3-I love spending quality time with my friends, my family and my church family. No amount of money can take away the good times you have with those you love.
4-Christmas is only 5 months away...That means I need to get busy coming up with ideas for Christmas gifts for friends and family. Since I like to make a lot of my gifts, I have got to get cracking!

All of these thoughts have helped me come up with a drastic plan (well at least drastic for me!) that I will begin on August 1st! Details tomorrow friends!

Life's Latest Updates...

A lot of things have been happening around here lately, making life a little chaotic and a whole lot of fun!
1st-Nat and Alex are now both employed full time which is awesome! They will be moving to Rock Hill this upcoming weekend, which means that my house currently is filled with suitcases and boxes. As they leave I will be able to do some redecorating and rearranging, which I always find relaxing and fulfilling.
2nd-I finally got my floors to put down in the living room and dining room. I will be getting stuff for the kitchen later on this week. The plan was to put it down this week, but with all the moving, this long overdue project waits once again.
3rd-I have come to love my job even more, especially since I have been having to pick up hours at the hospital this summer. I can't wait to get back to my kids this fall.
4th-The surprise in my banana nut muffins? Cauliflower puree-can't taste it a bit and you get some veggies in with breakfast.
5th-Laundry room is painted, one of the shelves is hung and I am waiting to buy another shelf. I was trying to be thrifty and paint an old wooden shelf, but after it was left outside while the paint was drying, it warped and is now unusable as a shelf. So when I pick up my kitchen floors, I will be getting some shelves for the other side of my laundry room. Then after I hang my pictures and curtain to cover the not so beautiful laundry supplies, the room will be complete. Yea : )
6th-Sarah loved her pillows, she said they look great on her bed. I will have to get over there myself soon to take a look.
7th-I recovered the window seat cushion in the living room and if it ever stops raining and the sun reappears I will take some pics and post.
8th-So much more has been going on, but it is just about as boring as everything else I have listed. Sometimes it just feels really nice getting your thoughts out, ya know?

Sweet and Simple

My friend Sarah asked me months ago to make her some pillows for her bedroom. She couldn't find exactly what she wanted, but fell in love with this material. I have never done pillows before, but figured I would give it a shot. At first I thought she would want a little something extra on the pillows like a big button or pleats, etc; but I really like the way they turned out. I think the words have enough of a pattern to make the pillows interesting even though they are simply made. I made them into slip covers so that she could easily wash them and they are a little big because she and her roommate can shrink anything! Really, it is their dryer, but whatcha gonna do? Anyways, I am giving them to her tonight and I hope she loves them!

A Birthday Suprise!

For my friends 30th birthday, we held a surprise party on her boat. Hanging out on the "Turquoise Mermaid" is one of our favorite summer past times. I found an awesome picnic basket at Goodwill for 99cents and decided to give her a reusable picnic set.
I found some really cute dishes with fish on them, quite appropriate for lake time antics and then decided to make these reusable silverware rollups. I should really come up with a better name for them. I had intended on making on for myself first, seeing as how I eat at my desk while at work and am always searching for my silverware in my lunch bags, but I am glad that I decided to make them to go along with Meg's present. I basically took some fabric I had and came up with these beauties. I also added a little something to the napkins that I got on clearance.

I made a little holding section for the silverware and the napkin and the top part of the roll up folds over to hold the silverware snuggly and compactly. They are going to be amazing to use after spending time out on the lake and then eating while you are still all wet and sun screened up. Meg absolutely loved them and the whole picnic set. I wish I had thought to take a picture of the whole gift together because it turned out fabulously! Meg was also really excited about having things to reuse, I guess all of my "hippish-tendencies" are starting to rub off on my friends too!

Banana Nut Muffin Suprise!

I love to bake! It is one of my biggest stress relievers. I decided to bake some banana nut bread today because I had some over ripe bananas taking up space on my kitchen cabinet. As I dove into my cabinet to get out my cookbooks, I came across a book I picked up awhile ago by Jessica Seinfield. Most people have heard of her book, Deliciously Deceptive. It is where she gives recipes that have fruit and veggie purees added into them. I decided to give it a whirl to see how things turned out. So far, they look delicious, but the real test will be when I actually bite into them. I am hoping it works out because I am always looking for ways to add more fruit and veggies into my diet. I will let you know tomorrow how things turned out!

Wacky Wednesdays!!!

Do you ever come across a picture and just bust out laughing or nod your head in confusion? I come across this pics a lot. Case in point, the pic above. Now I am a huge Harry Potter fan, but even I think this is a little over the top. I often wonder what people where thinking when they do these things. Does this person truly believe in "The One Who Can Not be Named?" or were they just really bored and wanted to make people laugh (or confused for that matter)? Who knows the answer, but at least it brings a smile to my face!

Side note-I am unsure where this photo came from originally, it was sent to me. I would love to find out though because I want to know the back story behind it!

Organizing 101

So, I have a lot of jewerly....yeah, it is kind of a problem! I just love how you can change a look around with some different accessories! The only problem with having so much jewerly is making sure it all gets worn and that it doesn't end up in a huge tangled mess. That is where my awesome jewerly hanger came from. I actually made this a few years back and it has held up so well and through several moves. It is made from an old peg board that I covered with some fabric from my stash, added some hooks and voila...a jewerly organizer.



Now I just have to make another one for the rest of the jewerly I have acquired and is currently hanging out in my bathroom drawers. I guess I could get rid of some stuff, but what is the fun in that? Happy Crafting!

It's not easy being green!

So, I went to go take pictures of one of my old, yet still awesome, crafting projects and my camera battery is DEAD!!! And of course I can't find the charger. I have beepron having an off week so far when it comes to misplacing things. So instead of a craft I figured I would talk about something else near and dear to my heart. By now, everyone has heard the term, "Going Green." I am almost honestly sick of hearing about it. Don't get me wrong, it is not that I don't believe in protecting the earth, I just think too many people are using the slogan, but not living the life.

I have grown up with the knowledge of recycling and treating the earth with kindness. You should always leave the earth cleaner than you found it! My parents taught us to recycle and compost. I even did my huge senior project on recycling and researched our city's recycling program and its future goals. I created a coloring book for elementary students that talked about cleaning up the earth and we did different projects making things out of ordinary objects like milk cartons and soda bottles.

Like most people, I have adapted to recycling everything possible, use cloth napkins, wash in cold water, have the new energy saving light bulbs, etc. But lately, I have been feeling like I need to do a lot more. I am going to try to continue to "green" my life in one or two additional new ways each month. This month I am starting with trying a new body wash. I know it doesn't sound drastic, but it is an all natural bar of soap that comes in recycled cardboard. It will be a huge change for me because I love using my liquid soap and lathering up some bubbles! I am also going to mix my own cleaning solutions (vinegar and baking soda based) and see how they do cleaning the house. Hopefully everything be just as clean, but without the harsh chemicals! More to come on how my two new goals are going!

Fabric Flowers????

More bouquets! I love how this bride made her flowers from old textiles and fabrics. She was trying to have a very eco friendly wedding. These flowers just turned out amazing! My sis has mentioned having some, if not all fabric flowers and I think I am in agreement, they are simply breathtaking. I found these off of the www.greenweddingshoes.com website. This website is one of my daily reads and if you love weddings, it should be one of yours too!

Happy Memorial Day!!

Hey! Hope everyone is enjoying their Memorial Day weekend. This is a picture of my father when he went into the Marines. My parents met while they were both serving our country. During times like these, I am especially proud of all my family, as well as everyone else, who has served our country proudly. I truly believe it is because of them we have our freedom today. To everyone who has ever served or is serving now, you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless to all!

Drop your Drawers Here!!

Oh lovely laundry rooms! You are just so sweet.
You actually make me want to spend more time
doing my laundry... well almost! Like most people
I spend a large majority
of my time doing the
laundry. It just
accumulates so
quickly! And then
the dryer eats your
socks, which is so
not cool. I have
recently decided that
I need to make my
laundry room a more
fun place to work. The only problem is that I am
trying to do it on a very tight (and I mean, tight budget.)
I want it to look good, but don't have the means
to spend lots of money. I love the pink laundry
room above. It is so cute and compact. My laundry
room is pretty tiny, which is good for the
budget, but not storage. Somehow, it seems to still
be missing a little something. The wallpaper in this next
laundry room is so unexpected.

It really brings a little
something extra. However,
I have no experience in
wallpapering and don't
really think I want to spend
the time or the money on a
room that only I use. I do
wish that my room was big
enough to have a cabinet for
folding clothes with storage
underneath like this room though.
What a blessing it must be to have such a large room!

Some people want bigger living rooms and bedrooms,

but not me! Bring on the huge laundry! I would

love the room below as

well. I love the aqua tones

and all of the storage

options. I am hoping to

get some decorating

started this weekend after

helping some of my friends

move into their new home!

Seeing new people's houses always makes me more

motivated to finish decorating mine, especially when

they are further along in the process than I am. I like

an eclectic mix of items in my house and I am cheap, ummm...

I mean thrifty, so it takes me forever to find items that

I love. Hopefully some new pics of the updated laundry soon!
(All pics found on besthousedesign.blogspot.com)

The Four R's : )

I so admire people who take so much time to work on their blogs. You never realize how much work it is until you decide to try and start one up yourself. If you are like me, you have these huge plans, but then life happens and your blog is the last thing on your mind. Anyways, wedding are definitely on my mind these days. My little sis is engaged and we are working on planning her wedding. Through our many searches, I came across these beautiful and amazing bouquets made from old brooches!

They are simply to die for. I heart them so much! I want one for myself! I showed them to my friends and they fell in love as well. We now want to make a bouquet and share it for all of our weddings, and just add certain pins that have special meaning for each bride. The designers at Fantasy Floral Designs (http://www.fantasyfloraldesigns.com/), are so talented! I don't know who came up with the idea, but I am so grateful! I try to live my life with the model of reduce, reuse, recycle and rebeautify and this is a wonderful example of all of these things.

My poor baby

So yesterday I get a call from my sister; apparently my lovely dog has scratched her ear so badly that it wouldn't stop bleeding. A call to the vet, pressure applied for over 10 minutes, and still her poor ear is bleeding. Thus a trip to the vet, a $240 bill and the cone of shame! Now I have to give her ear drops and medications twice a day and we must go for a recheck in 2 weeks. She apparently has some awful crap that has been building up in her ears because of her allergies and she might have to be put under anesthesia for an inner canal cleaning! Holy crap, that is going to stink and hopefully my poor baby won't have to go through that. While I shouldn't post about her poor predicament, she is just so stinkin cute with her collar of shame!

My sweet girls!

I talked about the scarf cave that was recently constructed in the house and I finally got a few pictures of the girls playing in it. They aren't the best in quality, but it was the best I could do. B-Bear loves weaving in and out of the scarves and attacking them. If you look at the bottom of the photos, you will notice her toys she likes to play with in the cave.

And then there is Dakota. Kota doesn't really play in the cave, she just likes to lay in it. She really loves small places where she feels protected. She is such a special girl! I love these girls more than words can say. They are my fur babies!

Weekend Project-Part 2

The backyard is not nearly as interesting or as pretty as the front, but it got some work done to it as well. (Sorry about the underlining, not got sure why it is here and can't get rid of it.) Below is an area that was previously filled in with pinestraw. It was quite ugly and annoying, I was always bringing pinestraw in the house. I added some cement stones for my grill to sit on and then filled the rest in with different size river stones. I was originally going to do an elaborate add on which some beautiful stone, but it was going to cost me several hundred bucks and I just don't have that to spend on a 4 x 6 area at this point in time. For now, this totally works for me and it looks better than the picture shows. It is a weird angle and so difficult to get a good pic.

Below is another difficult area to work with. There aren't any gutters on the townhouses and this section of the yard is always flooded when it rains. Combine that with red clay and it just isn't a pretty picture. I am hoping that by planting my wildflowers in pots this year, instead of just trying to grow them in the awful red dirt, that I will get some results. Hopefully in 2 weeks I will have some luck. I generally have a black thumb, but I am going to try really hard this year to get these flowers growing. My parents have some plants that I might be able to transfer to this spot in the fall, only time will tell.

The prettist thing in my backyard by far are these dogwood blossoms. Aren't they beautiful? I love looking outside at the trees and watching the birds eat from the feeders. It makes for such a relaxing day!

Weekend Projects!!

I spent almost all day Saturday working on my yard. I can't imagine having a bigger yard, it would have taken me a week, instead of just a day to complete. I am so super excited about the results though! It is the first time that I have really done anything with the yard, and I got some sun, which is awesome! The picture above is my uber cute townhouse. You can't really tell, but I planted some flowers in several pots and hung some hanging baskets.

I got mulch on sale for 99cents, a major score and then bought these cute cedar edgers. They really add a lot to the yard, and smell wonderful! Plus, they were really easy to install, a definite plus. My sister also added her cute owls that my dad made to the landscape. There are three of them and they are secretly hiding amongst the bushes. Tomorrow I will show you the back of the house, not as exciting as the front, but I am still impressed with the work we did : )

Springtime fun!!

I wish I could find it easier to blog, but the spring weather has just been so wonderful that all I want to do is be outside!! On Sunday we celebrated my sister's birthday and smoked a boston butt-delicious! We also spent the day playing cornhole and horseshoes, it was an amazing day! Today after work I gathered up my pups and headed to my friends pond so that we could go fishing, we didn't catch anything, but still had a great time. The girls had so much fun playing in the pond and running all around off leash. It made me so happy and content to see them having such a fantastic time!

This picture is actually from a trip last year to White Lake, but seeing my poor boxer bear try and swim just reminded me so much of that trip. She tries so hard, but just can't seem to get it right. I need to invest in a life vest for her so that she can go out swimming with the rest of the pups. She just looked so sad watching Kota go fetch sticks out in the pond. At least she got to splah around. So far, this week has been terrific and I hope it stays that way!