Showing posts with label fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fun. Show all posts

Friday, May 29, 2015

Crafting

So many crafts to do....  so little time.

My latest crafting project, inspired by this bag, is this basket!!  It's quite sturdy and about 9" high and 9" across.  The perfect size for keeping some of my pending sewing patterns handy and contained.


The pattern did call for super bulky weight yarn, but I just doubled up the worsted weight yarns I had on hand while still using the size I hook called for.  And I couldn't be happier!

Making do - we have 2 ceiling fans which both needed longer pull chains and embracing my year of Buying Nothing New, I pulled out my yarns and made the chains!  One I used a crochet thread and the other just a worsted weight.  And for both, I just made a chain until it was long enough, turned and single crocheted back to the other end.  Tadaa!!  Sadly, I'm not able to get a good picture.

And who could get through summer without a marble maze?!  


Made simply with a piece of cardboard, craft sticks, a hot glue gun and this marble maze for inspiration.

What craft projects are you working on?  Please share in the comments!
Cheers

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Frugal Fun

Whether it's the Free children's bowling program, our YMCA membership, Free programs put on by the Parks Dept, or doing arts and crafts; it can all be done with little to no money being spent.

Back in February, a flyer came around on FB promoting a Free bowling for the summer for children, which honestly I thought was too good to be true.  But as I dug into the details (April to September, includes show rental, two games each and every day of the week), I found it was the real deal and signed up Isabelle.  While going through the process, I was given the option of adding one parent for $20 or two parents for $25.  Yes, please and signed up both of us.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/imgserv.ownlocal.com/recreation/bowling-lanes/bowling-lanes01-640x480%3E.jpg
We pay shoe rental at $1.75/pr.  Not bad for an hour or so of bowling for all of us.  The icing on the cake came last time we were there, and the manager offered a shoe pass for $15 which would be good all summer.  I haven't yet priced shoes, but I'm guessing they'll be in the $30 - $50 range, and that I've have to buy them new. And I'm not sure I'm ready to make that commitment, but the $15 is totally doable.

We love our YMCA membership because with it, we enjoy all kinds of benefits - unlimited swimming and/or playing in the gym at no extra cost, free babysitting for Isabelle while I use the track for walking, free swimming lessons for Isabelle, and unlimited use of the fitness center. Yes, we pay $58/mo for membership, but we get full value and make use of all the benefits.


Tonight we're heading out to the kick off of the summer programs put on by the County Parks Dept. Our parks people are committed to putting on high quality programs and we look forward to attending every one of them. Tonight's topic is reptiles!

The new ampitheater
http://www.davidwilliamsassociates.com/sites/default/files/project_images/1/johnny-appleseed-ottawa-wood-shelter.jpg
Even when I am sewing, there is plenty of room to be frugal.  Yesterday, I picked up 10 new (yes, new) patterns for just $10.  When patterns are only $1 each compared to $15 - $20, yes I will be stocking up - some for Isabelle, some for me, and some for homemaking.  


Fabric is hit and miss.  I'm happy to makeover a sheet or curtain I buy at the thrift store into a new-to-us dress, skirt or whatever, but I also allow fabrics as an exclusion to my Buy Nothing New commitment.  I believe it's important to send the message to the fabric companies that fabric by the bolt is still in demand.

So tell me about your frugal fun below in the comments.
Cheers!
AnnDenee




Thursday, May 21, 2015

It's a new Day

Every day, I get to start anew, and today I am starting my new blog.

I enjoy sharing my stories with you, my readers.  And I like to think of you as my friends.  I'll be sharing some of my frugal, happy, fun, homemade, and simple living adventures with you. And I look forward to the conversations I'll be having with you all.

Introduce yourself in the comments and thanks for coming along for the ride!
Cheers!

AnnDenee