Good Habits

In college I started participating in a “No Buying” day, one day a week where I would not buy anything. I don’t leave home everyday now so it is easy to continue this practice. I like having a designated day, mine used to be Thursdays. Now there are no rules to this exercise other than no exchange of money can take place, you can barter, trade or accept free items. My friend introduced me to the idea, she had a bunch of free items on a table and encouraged people to take something and choose to be a non consumer for one day a week.

I also have decided to make Thursday my Donation Day, I will choose items to give to others or donate.

Recently I have felt compelled to be more generous. I am blessed and I want to be generous to others. I have a few things I am doing already, but I want to keep them quiet, so I don’t get self-righteous. I want to be liberal with love but practical in application.    

Have a great Weekend.

Burlap . . . Affordable and Stylish

Great things about Burlap

1.  It is cheap around $1-2 per yard
2. It is versitle
3. It's durable
4. It has visual interest (or the texture looks nice)

                                                                                   I had some old canvas from when I painted (B.C. before children) they were half finished and hibernating in a closet for 6 years. I decided not to buy anymore craft supplies so I used what I had and put them to use.  I used 3M spray adhesive (spray glue) and a regular desk stapler.  

1.) I cut the canvas so it would wrap around the sides

2.)  Stapled one side (on back

3.) Sprayed the glue onto the canvas

4.) Pulled the Burlap tight and smoothed any bubbles

5.) Folded edges down and stapled in place

This took about 30 minutes to finish 4 canvases

                                             

I glued a tack onto a clothes pin and placed a photo the position can be easily changed. The burlap is a nice neutral background. Pictures and memorabilia are updated for seasons, birthdays and holidays.

How to Enjoy Staying at Home

Being at home can be enjoyable but sometimes you have to get creative. Boredom can be the catalyst for creativity so when you are feeling bored, rejoice and then

                          Find Some Inspiration

     We all need a little Inspiration and fresh ideas. This doesn't have to cost anything or be a huge production; small, manageable, quickly finished projects are good to create and accomplish. Decorating doesn't need House Beautiful worthy just something that brings you a little joy, embrace some whimsy



Here are some of my recent creative projects:

Canvas covered in burlap

Artwork display

Notes to self

Kids work area

Texas Cosmetic Hold em'

 Re Purposed

A lot cheaper than PB

     And I have my 10 year class reunion coming up this June as a reminder I put up my pre-twin pants for                     motivation.  Just because I have 5 kids doesn't mean I want to look like I have 5 kids! Ha!

 

I will be linking them to their own separate posts this week. Enjoy your day!

I won't own an elephant again..even if it's free

Sometimes people want to give you very valuable items for free, but they often give you very large burdens instead. Below is the picture of an elephant gift, a once expensive item that lost it's usefulness. It was thoughtfully given but became something more than we bargained for.


  One Huge Project that My husband and I have been putting off for years. He and I had to lift it end over end to get it close enough to the fence for the tractor to pick it up. Not to mention this was filled with Styrofoam peanuts that scattered all over. The kids were helping clean up all that mess well past bedtime. But we had a lot of fun and it is so rewarding to have it gone.
So long.... you giant luxury burden.

I believe this experience has taught us when taking on ownership of "elephants"

Free doesn't mean freedom (possessions can tie us down)
Proper Care and Maintenance is also part of ownership
Don't buy or (agree to own) something that weighs as much as an elephant.