I made several Christmas gifts. I sewed a pencil bag, a pair of mittens (from a felted wool thrift-store sweater), a dress, a scrunchie to match the dress, a skirt, a matching bow which I sewed to a barrette, and a second matching bow that I attached to a headband. Christmas dinner was a collaboration…
Using a yard of corduroy I’ve had for over a decade, I sewed my three-year-old a simple pair of elastic-waist pants (no pockets or zippers). The fabric was leftover fabric from a dress that I sewed for my eldest daughter. He loves that he can pull up the pants by himself and there are no…
My husband gave one of our sons a haircut. I watched several YouTube tutorials to learn how to do several things I needed to do this week. I then followed through and did those things. I made a doube batch of laundry soap. My youngest had recently broken favorite mixing bowl. I love a ceramic…
I pulled out the beginnings of the Christmas decorations and began decorating this week. I hung faux wreaths on the front doors, in the living room windows, and a garland over the mirror. I put down a white table runner and decorated it with Christmas decorations I already had. We put out the nativity with…
I replaced the elastic in two pairs of sweat pants for my 3-year-old. These were hand-me-downs from my older boys. They’ve been sitting in storage for 11 years, so the elastic needed to be replaced. I had previously purchased bulk elastic on sale from Wawak for this purpose. I kept the sprinklers and drip irrigation…
Here’s how we saved money this week: I used my park pass to take my two youngest to the park to see the ducks, the Canadian Geese, and the American Coons. My youngest loved them, but my three-year-old told me he never wants to see geese again! They’re about the same size as he is….
It’s been a busy week, as always! Here’s what we did to save money this week: My husband gave me a haircut. I sowed seeds in the garden for lettuce, snow peas and parsley. We harvested pomegranates and lemons from the garden. I stocked up on pasta on sale for $0.49 a pound. I see…
I harvested pomegranates and lemons from the garden. I sowed seeds in the garden for snow peas. I ordered Christmas gifts online with free shipping. A photography conference that took place in another state this week had some of their keynote speakers talks online for free for a short while! I was delighted to be…
This has been a very different year in the garden. Our normal first frost date is November 15th, but the earliest I have ever seen a frost here is December 3rd (and as late as December 15th). Our last frost date is February 15th. This year we had snow in late February, after we would…
I read three library e-books that I requested months ago. I had to wait my turn, but they were well worth it! I harvested pears, pomegranates, chives, and mint from the garden. We gave a son a haircut. I spoke with Winter at college using the free Duo app. I made several meatless meals, including…
I harvested more Bartlett pears from the garden and a few pomegranates. I cooked a batch of black beans in the solar oven. I used some to make taco soup, and froze the rest. I watched the weather carefully, keeping the windows open as many hours as possible, so that we only had to run…
I spoke with a friend in Switzerland for free using Facebook calling. I video chatted with my daughter at university using the free Duo app. I mended 6 towels, a bath mat, two pairs of pants, and an apron. I plan on eventually replacing the bath mat, but I keep mending it and it continues…