Sweet tooth relief (on a budget)

It is the week after Christmas, the leftovers are long gone, our wallets are paper thin, there are no sweet treats in the house, which is a HUGE problem. We do this purposefully, as Eric and I both lose all sense of self-control over anything resembling chocolate or cookies. 

Standing at the fridge in my pajamas that I pretty much wore all day, my brain had to work overtime to concoct a quick remedy to ease the sugar cravings with a very short ingredients list. 

Twenty minutes later, we have Apple Cinnamon Biscuit Bombs, which were AMAZING! What am I talking about, they still are amazing, as I eat a few and type with sugar-covered fingers. 

For any of you on a budget and needing a quick fix, here you go! 

Ingredients

1 cup of apple, peeled and chopped

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to taste

1 can of biscuits (I used Grands)

1/4 bar of cream cheese

Cooking spray

Cinnamon and sugar mix

Directions

1. Over medium heat, sauté apples until softened. About 10 minutes. 

2. Add spices to the apples, making sure to stir thoroughly. I used a dash of each, but season to your taste. Set aside. 

3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a round 9 inch pie pan with the cooking spray. 

4. Cut biscuits in half and flatten into rounds. 

5. Add 1-2 teaspoons of cream cheese and 1 tablespoon of the apple mix to the middle of the flattened biscuit. 

6. Pinch the outsides of the biscuit together, forming a ball, sealing the yummy goodness inside. 

7. Spray the top of the ball with the cooking spray (or dip in butter) and then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. 

8. Place all biscuits rolls in the dish. I do one outer circle and then the rest in the middle. The biscuits should touch. 

9. Sprinkle additional cinnamon and sugar on the top. 

10. Bake 13-18 minutes until biscuits are cooked and golden. 

11. Enjoy!

I know this won't be a gourmet classic, but it worked in a pinch! 

Homemade Holiday: 3 Days 'til Christmas

Today has been a busy day and there are still snowman cookies, quiche and dinner to be made! 

The day started EARLY finalizing a knitting project for a good friend. It was a doozy, but fun! I may have to make one for myself.

Then I picked up a few sidekicks, my niece Berkley and her Elf on the Shelf, Lilly. I didn't realize there were so many rules with the elf?! But I got schooled on that during our entire 45 minute drive. Who knows how much mischief she will get into tonight! 

We created one of a kind personalized wrapping paper...

Made salted caramel Nutella bars...

Created a fun card wreath...

And are now trying out a new recipe for dinner. This could go either way - fantastic or terrible. Or a little of both. 

There are a few more agenda items for today, but boy these puppies are barking and somehow Daddy Day Care has captured the full attention of everyone in the house. Even Pasha is staring at the tv. 

So, who knows, but enjoy this Christmas' Eve Eve Eve. 

Homemade Holiday: 4 days 'til Christmas

I feel like I haven't posted in a while and wanted to take a break from my gift wrapping marathon (seriously, I have been wrapping for hours) to share with you my newest and quite possibly best and cheapest holiday purchase.

Can you guess what it is? It is a 1970s-era 3M Sasheen Bow Maker Model S-72 of course! I was not searching for this beauty - it found me. I had gone into a Reidsville hardware store that was going out of business looking for a cake plate (a suggestion from the post master at the post office, since no other store in Reidsville sells cake plates). And you know me, always searching for a deal! I was browsing the bulk rolls of wrapping paper ($2.00 each, I got enough for life) and looked up to see my soon to be new friend, although at the time I didn't have a darn clue what it actually was. At checkout, I asked about it and the guy gave a 10 minute demo, which began to attract other customers. Another lady seemed very interested, and I didn't push it, so I purchased my paper and left before things got nasty. 

A coworker and I went back in a few days later. It was still there on the shelf, looking industrial and used, the opposite of shiny and new. I asked about it a second time and the owner said if I purchased the ribbon, which totaled about $9.00, I could have the machine. So, I packed up the ribbon, bow maker and about 300 premade bows and headed on my merry way! 

The bows were given away to our clients and I was left to figure out the machine. Several You-tube videos later, I realized I was missing an essential piece, so to eBay Eric went! And he scored me these.

They are the little pointy pieces that go in the middle of the bow. 

So, after several now making mishaps and at least a dozen curse words, I feel like I have a good grasp on the machine now. Every once in a while a spring pops out and Pasha and I have to duck and cover. I will watch more You-tube videos later, but there is no time before Christmas for frivolous things like that! 

Here are a few of my creations. Enjoy! 

The traditional.

My favorite. 

Hello Kitty. 

Alphabet soup. 

Now back to the grind! Check out my two "helpers" working hard. 

Homemade Holiday: 10 Days 'til Christmas

If any of my family members are reading this and haven't purchased my gift, I would love love LOVE an electric stand mixer. And if you know me, not the cheap kind. My last K-Mart special mixer caught fire last year when I was attempting to make homemade focaccia bread. I almost lost an eyebrow. 

But tonight, I have been in the kitchen a few hours cranking out sweet piroshkis by hand Puritan style. My firearms feel like they have just competed in the Crossfit games, my entire kitchen is covered in a light dusting of self rising flour, and I am only halfway through, taking a short break while the dough rises for the third time. I may have misjudged the time disparity between baking with the use of modern technology and without. Eric may have fresh out of the oven pastries when he wakes up in the morning! 

The house smells wonderful with the aromas of chicken pot pie and apple filling for the pastries, all for tomorrow's potluck. But, here is the current state of my kitchen...

The picture doesn't do the flour cloud justice. In a few hours, they will hopefully look like this...

Filled with yummy apple gooeyness. We will see. I am not yet convinced!

Homemade Holiday: 11 Days 'til Christmas

How would I go about buying stock in Christmas decorations? Someone is making bookoos of money and I want in on it! 

After debating whether or not my kitchen was festive enough (I decided not, of course), I took a short little drive over to the local craft store to rush in and grab some pre-lit garland for over the top of my cabinets. First off, there was no "rushing in." The store was busier than a moth in a mitten. Had to think twice about that one, didn't you? And second, the pre-lit garland was $46.00. I almost fell in the floor I was so shocked. Like I said, I need some shares in that market. It would have cost me over $80 to light up my cabinets. No thank you! 

I spent $12 and did it myself. I did fall off the ladder once, broke the drill (again) and managed to break a light bulb. Good thing they give you extra. But, it is up! And not too shabby if I do say so Myself. 

Homemade Holiday: 12 Days 'til Christmas

12 Days!!!! 12 Drummers Drumming. The official countdown begins in the heart of every child, young and old! 

Speaking of old people who have to work, we had our staff holiday luncheon yesterday. It was a great afternoon filled with amazing Asian Cuisine, a hilarious gift exchange, and pottery painting. My kind of work day! 

My not-so-dirty Santa gift (although dirty talk was the word of the day!) was part handmade and part store bought. 

For you knitters out there or even those who want to pick up some needles for the first time, here is an easy pattern. 

I used a basic cotton yarn and I think my pointy sticks were a size 8. I can't be sure because they were the bamboo kind and Pasha chewed off the end that had the #. Make due and mend! Although I will gladly accept new bamboo needles as gifts this Christmas, hint, hint. 

Cast on as many stitches as you want your washcloth to be wide, but it must be an even number. I used 36. 

Knit garter stitch (knit every row) until you have knitted about an inch, making sure to start the next section with the right side. I think I knit 8 rows.

Row 9: knit

Row 10: purl

Rows 11-14 repeat rows 9 and 10 twice.

The rest of the washcloth is double seed stitch. So...

Row 15: *k2, p2, repeat from * until the end of the row.

Row 16: *p2, k2, repeat from * until the end of the row.

Repeat rows 15 and 16 until you reach the desired length. 

Bind off and enjoy!

Homemade Holiday: 16 Days 'til Christmas

Building traditions creates lasting memories. Eric and I both have memories of Christmases past from our parents who made Christmas magical. We hold dearly to those, but want to create traditions and memories of our own. Our activity tonight was simple, but fun and will continue from now on! It also allowed us to reflect on our year and how blessed we are.  

We purchased a plain ceramic ornament and sat down to write a few of our favorite things from 2014. Our newest ornament! 

Homemade Holiday: 17 Days 'til Christmas

Excuse this late post. I was addressing Christmas cards and lost track of time! And feeling in my right hand. "Clark, Audrey's frozen from the waist down. That is all part of the experience honey (Ellen and Clark Griswold)." "I don't know what to say, except it is Christmas and we are all in misery (Ellen Griswold)." Are you getting what I am throwing out? Only quotes from one of my favorite movies of all time and quite possibly the only movie other than Roadhouse that I will watch over and over again.

I know what you are saying - "Hurry up Clark, I am freezing my baguettes off (Art)." Eric and I haven't done Christmas cards in a few years and thought we would give it a whirl this year. But, I didn't want just any old card. I want people to receive it and say "It's a beaut, Clark (Eddie)!" So, I tried something new. 

Before...

And after...I am hoping they get better as I go along! 

On the flip side, I didn't realize how long this would take. "Well, I'm gonna park the cars and get check the luggage, and well, I'll be outside for the season (Clark)." Maybe you all will get your cards before Christmas. Just maybe. And I will close with, "Merry Christmas. Shitters full. (Eddie). 

Homemade Holiday: 18 Days 'til Christmas

My thoughts today are not about something I knitted, or something shiny and glittery, or even something that you can physically grasp for that matter. It is about something I felt, that we all can feel. And that is love.

Earlier today, I walked in the annual Winter Walk for AIDS with a few of the teens I work with and some friends. It was a gorgeous day, with hundreds of people gathering to celebrate and remember loved ones, and to continue to raise awareness about a dreadful epidemic that continues to kill people in our communities. In remembrance, you can choose to wear the name of someone who has passed away from AIDS. 

As we were lining up to walk, I felt a hesitant tap in my shoulder. When I turned around, I found a man in tears who had fought his way through the crowd to find me. I was wearing the name of his partner who died over 20 years ago. You know me, I am a cryer, and as we hugged he reminded me that love and acceptance overcomes all. 

The theme of the event this year was that we should all stand as one to educate and bring awareness so that we will in the near future have zero individuals suffering from AIDS in the triad area.

How does this relate to homemade holiday, you may ask? Well, I am getting there. Our country has seen a few difficult months recently. This Christmas, Kwanza, Hannakuh, or whatever you celebrate, put aside your negativity, the urge to criticize the views and beliefs of others, to focus less on what people are doing and focus MORE on what you can do to spread love, acceptance and build a better, brighter future for all of us. Be a shining light for your faith, not a beacon of hatred, judgement, and intolerance. We are more alike than you think. We all need to love and be loved. 

Homemade Holiday: 19 Days 'till Christmas

"When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things - not the greatest occasions - give off the greatest glow of happiness." ~ Bob Hope

One of my most vivid memories as a child is of a small ceramic Christmas tree that my grandmother had sitting on a curio cabinet in the family room. Something about it always enchanted me and I would stand right beside it, with it being about eye level, admiring the lights and the glimmer it cast on the glass of the cabinets. I also remember reaching up to touch it, to put my little finger on one of the bright lights, and hearing "Don't you touch that!" coming out of my mom's mouth. When she would be out of the room, I would sneak up to it, have my finger raised towards the tree and she must have had some crazy voodoo sense and I would hear her yelling at me from the other room. 

Last year, I was feeling nostalgic and wanted to use it in my house. My aunt found it for me and passed it along. It needed a lot of work, but I put it out anyway. When decorating earlier this month, I was bound and determined to fix it up, but couldn't find the lights anywhere. Just when I was about to give up, Eric's mom and I found some in a craft store on Black Friday. 

This afternoon, I removed all the lights. No small feat, which included a pair of pliers, nail polish remover, and a few band aids. Don't ask! 

A few hours later, I was finished and found myself staring at the little tree, just like when I was a child. I am not usually materialistic, but what a blessing it is to have something from generations past that was treasured, loved, and holds precious memories that will hopefully be saved and shared with generations to come. 

Homemade Holiday: 21 Days 'til Christmas

At first thought, 21 Days seems far away. As a kid, the wait from the Christmas parade at the beginning of December until the "big day" was excruciatingly long and almost painful. But to a knitter or crafter, time seems to fly by, and for this procrastinator, there aren't enough minutes in the day to get it all done. I have yarn in every single room of my house, even the kitchen. Patterns and test swatches are strewn everywhere and it seems I have completely lost track with reality. I caught myself thinking yesterday that if I stayed awake pulling a few all nighters between now and Christmas, I could do all the gifts I had originally planned. Really?! I may just buy a few gift cards as a back-up. 

Currently, I am knitting a red Christmas cowl, making up the pattern as I go. My needles are moving so fast they are smoking!

For you knitters, here is the pattern so far:

Using size 11 circulate needles, cast on 70 stitches, or whatever length you want your cowl. Join in the round.

Row 1: knit

Row 2: purl

Row 3: knit

Row 4: purl

Row 5: k1, yo twice*repeat all the way around

Row 6: purl, dropping the extra yo stitches

Row 7: knit

Row 8: purl

Row 9: k1, yo three times*repeat all the way around

Row 10: purl, dropping the extra yo stitches

Row 11: knit

Row 12: purl

Rows 13 - 20: repeat rows 5 - 12.

I am on row 18 now but am getting there. I hope to end with;

Row 21: knit

Row 22: purl

Row 23: knit

Row 24: purl

Bind off and enjoy. When done, I will have to decide who will receive the scarf this holiday OR if I want to keep it for myself!

Homemade Holiday: #23 Days Until Christmas

Symbolizing eternal hope, the Christmas wreath is more than a decoration. It is a sign of welcome to all that enter and a reminder to rejoice in the season. There is an old poem that comes to mind that likens the middle of the Christmas wreath, empty and barren, to what the world would be like without God's love and grace. 

So, I think it is fitting that this is where my Homemade Holiday journaling begins.  

I saw a great Pinterest post for a burlap wreath on the Rooms to Rent blog. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpa7oD1gMENMUZmZB8kegblrzF-mFXpG9WZr5gfMKZZuRaYdNC7NTkKTaZNZao13UTwOs9lpVyk7FwOCpeSS5lUXvKeZXnV6DsRgGhlp-PlqMB00yMEf0WJnG_Ch1NRvakX03bDMxqKbxq/s1600/cover+photo.jpg

It was originally a spring wreath, but with a few tweaks, it works for any season. I also used printed burlap and had to alter how the material was woven a bit. Instead of through all four sections as described in the blog, I wove it through the outer wires only, making fluffier loops, but keeping the pattern exposed. The whole project took the length of a Hallmark Christmas movie, so about 90 minutes.

While in Ohio, Eric's mom and I made a few for her house too!

While standing in line at Michael's for what seems like the hundredths time already I saw this.

$50.00!!! And, on top of that, I think mine is better, but I am not bias or anything. I was able to make the wreath for around $12.00 and Lori (Eric's mom) did even better, scoring some amazing fabric deals on Black Friday. 

Whatever you do this holiday season, don't forget the wreath! In my opinion, it is one of the most important. A symbol of eternal love, hope and acceptance. 

Thrifty Chic Challenge finale!

As Eric and I are sitting in traffic on I-77 south with what seems like every other Thanksgiving traveler on the east coast, I am putting my yoga breathing to practice and choosing to channel my frustrations of being in the car for hours and the increasing realization that we will soon miss the Walking Dead into writing this last Thrifty Chic Challenge post. 

Ta da! I made it! Where are the pictures you ask? My phone went on the fritz and I think my Siri committed suicide. Eric was so gracious to get me a new one and I was able to salvage a few of them. But mainly, I took a good number of the clothes that I purchased previously in the month and jumbled them up in a few way. There was a new ruffle cardigan that I got from Goodwill that cost $1.00. I was gifted a few handbags in our trip to Ohio from Eric's grandmother. I also scored two new vegetarian cookbooks and a Black Friday deal of a sewing machine. More on that later...

Okay. This is where my pictures should be [          ] but I am realizing they are not in my camera feed and I am too lazy to delete the above paragraph. 

As a replacement and solid second (so, first loser), here are a few lessons I have learned over the past month:

1. When thrift store shopping, try on everything you like regardless of size. You will be surprised! I have a few medium sweaters, and ya'll know I am nowhere close to a medium. Just a bit fluffier! 

2. Know the store discount days. Most have a day where a particular price tag color is 50-75% off or there are special holiday sales. Search for those colors only!

3. I LOVE to shop, regardless the locale, so this is a way for me to get my fix while still being budget conscious. 

4. You may have to step out of your comfort zone a bit. Be adventurous with where you shop and your choices! 

5. Most thrift stores have a Facebook page or website. Whatever it is, subscribe and get the scoop on what is going on and updates on deals. 

6. This is probably the most important one, so listen up! Be you, wear what you like, and love yourself. A lot of people have a hard time with this one and we all need practice. But, if you love yourself and have confidence, you will look great in almost anything. :)

This has been a fun month which leads me into December. I have consulted two of the smartest women I know (Tracy and Brenn) and they both agree that "A Handmade Christmas" should be next month's theme. So, hold on to your eggnog, ugly sweaters and Yule logs. This is sure to be a fun ride! 

Thrifty Chic Challenge, Day # 29

Today started off as an in-office planning session. It turned out to be a wild turkey chase shopping spree, purchasing 15 Thanksgiving meals for needy families. Shout out to my co-working Daphne for "going with the flow." We were expecting the worst but ended up having a great trip and saved a lot of money! You know the thrifty chick doesn't pay full price.

I will step on my soapbox for two sentences and remind everyone that your smaller, local/regional businesses are really invested in the community and care about the citizens. We could not have made today possible without them. Their generosity would not have been matched by big box stores. Remember Small Business Daturday is this week!

I say all this to let you know we are tired, but we made it happen and our receipt shows it. Our fiscal manager will hate me next week!

The receipt in my outfit is:

Naturalizer boots = $1.75 (woohoo!)

Liz Claiborne jeans (Day 16, rewear) = $2.99. I now have over 15 pairs of jeans and I don't knowing Eric can tolerate much more!

Hippie top (super cute but unseen) =$0.99

Cardigan = $2.99

Total costs = $8.72. Loving it! 

One more day of the challenge.

Week in Review (Days #23 - #28)

You were thinking I had puttered off and forgot about this blog, huh? Well, you are wrong. I do have cleaning ADD, skipping around from task to task or just "forgetting" about a task. So, this week got a little busy and I struggled to find time to post or clean my house. Today, the holiday decorations are up, there is dinner in the crockpot, and our house is spotless. Well, spot-less-than-it-was-earlier. I also didn't want to leave you hanging any longer, so while Eric is watching the Cheatriot's game (sorry Sara Z), I thought I would do a week in recap.

Day #23 (Friday, 14th). If you are following along intently, as I know you are, you will notice that Day 23 is actually before #22. But, what can you do. One of my co-workers is fighting the battle of her life, receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Our team loves her like my friend April loves biscuits and gravy, so to show our support we are wearing these shirts on Fridays. Like other women fighting breast cancer, she is a champion and like any good southerner, she will soon tell cancer to kiss her grits because this too shall pass. 

Day #22 (Saturday, 15th) - see previous blog post. It was Happy Anniversary Day for two of the best old people I know. 

Day #24 (Sunday, 16th) - I decided to surprise Eric with a late birthday present and trip to see the Carolina Hurricane's play. We had awesome seats and it was a great game. What does a girl do when she needs hockey team gear? She raids her hubby's closet. No cost here!

Day #25 (Monday, 17th) - Oops, I missed a photo op this day, but did snap a quick picture of the outfit. Who am I kidding, I just wanted to show you my snazzy shower curtain. The shirt cost $0.99 at the Kmart going out of business sale. The gaucho style pants are one of my staples - purchased the first year I moved to Seattle in 2003. They have gradually shrunk in length, no doubt due to their 100+ dryer visits, but I hate to give them up. I wore my gold bow flats with this.

Tuesday would have been Day #26, but I can't remember what I wore. Oops. I did pull a 13 hour day that day, so give me a break! Wednesday, I overslept and had to find something in a hurry which turned out to not be a thrift store find. The person I was meeting was late, but my crystal ball wasn't working, so it was a no go.

Day #26 (Thursday, 20th). Adina and I were actually both in the office at the same time. It was a miracle! It was sooooooo cold her this week. I was hoping for show angels, but had to settle for leaf angels.

The outfit cost less than $5.00, with the sweater, jeans and shirt being thrift store finds. The scarf was a gift from my little sis. Leaf angels are not nearly as fun as snow angels. Adina was picking leaves out of my hair and clothes for a good 10 minutes.

Day #27 (Friday, 21st). I am gearing up for my holiday project weekend in this picture, seeing visions of candy canes dance in my head. I know the actual words are sugar plums, but I don't know what that is and I probably wouldn't like them. I do, however, have a candy cane addition.

The jeans and boots are a re-wear from earlier this month. The shirt cost $0.75 from Carolina Thrift and the scarves are, guess what? Gifts. You got it. I asked for yoga pants AND scarves a few years ago. :)

Day #28 (Saturday, 22nd). I tried to do the picture in the mirror thing. How does that work? It seems that is not one of my stronger skill areas. Saturday was work out day! Pasha and I walked close to 5 miles. We only stopped because she started foaming at the mouth and dragging her feet. She is better now, nestled beside the Christmas tree.

Who says you can't work out in style? The yoga pants were a gift, undershirt a freebie from a 5K race, the fleece an office clothing share, and the hat was purchased for $3.00 at the K-Mart GOBS. Not counting my shoes, I was in for about $3.00 and some tax for the outfit.

I hit up the stores today, so next week will have some good outfits. Gotta finish strong!

Thrifty Chic Challenge, Day #22

I thought we would have some great pictures to post from the surprise anniversary party we threw for my parents, but my camera died, it was dark and our photographer had a hard time focusing. I am not naming names but her name rhymes with Seth. Hmmm...

See what I mean? But, it was a great time and I want to thank everyone who came out and made the surprise awesome. It was a trek for some of you, sitters to find and schedules to rearrange, which made it even more special. A shout out also to the friends (the McKirgan's) who did a lot of lying and coercing to get the padres there and to my kindergarten BFF for an amazing and tasty wedding cake! Tracy, we can get those tattoos on my birthday. Not sure it is the best idea you have ever had, but I will roll with it. 

Finding a nice outfit was a bit challenging, but I think I pulled it off, even down to my DIY Spanx which are now in the dumpster. That was a disaster in itself that we will just skip right over. 

I found the dress at the Salvation Army Thrift in Reidsville for $4.99. The person who owned it before me must have had huge boobs, so I had to do a little altering with my handy dandy sewing kit and a few safety pins. When I was driving home, I guess one of the safety pens couldn't take the pressure anymore and popped loose. I will say that was the only moment in the evening that I was thankful for the Spanx. They took the brunt of the needle blow. 

The fishnet tights were a perk of having a dad who works at Holt Hosiery. For those of you conservatives, times have changed and fishnets can be worn to ANY occasion. 

The shoes were not a thrift store purchase, but were super thrifty. They were acquired about two hours before the party when I was in a sheer panic over not being able to find one of my go-to black heels. I found it this morning tucked way under the bed beside Pasha's chew toys. A little suspect on her part, but we will give her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe I kicked it there in a fit of rage the last time I wore them. That is a highly possible end-of-day scenario was well. The shoes were originally close to $75, but I got them for $11.98. Woohoo! 

So...my total outfit cost $16.97. Not too bad considering. One drink at the bar was that much, so it was savings all around. 

Thrifty Chic Challenge, Day #21

We have literally had all fours seasons just this week. It has been sunny and 75 degrees, the leaves are changing and falling, there was spring like fog on my commute earlier this week and soon it is going to be in the 20s. My sinuses are as confused as a cow on AstroTurf. 

So today, Cynthia took my photo on what just may be our last bit of fall before Old Man Winter takes over. Cynthia, I hope you are home kicked back, trying to relax. There aren't many things a hot bath can't cure! 

One of my favorite quotes is "Give your stress wings and let it fly away." We should all try this. Me especially! My mind naturally goes to the Red Bull guy with wings, I am not sure why. Did you know that there was a lawsuit against Red Bull? Apparently, it doesn't actually give you wings. Well, duh. Maybe I should sue Thin Mints for not helping me lose weight. Why are those things so good? Shout out to my old roommate Sara Z. who eats Thin Mints in her popcorn. Crazy Bostonian. 

If I had to give my outfit a name, I would call it "Relaxed Fit." I am very thankful I have a job where I get to wear jeans, hang out with four year olds and have breakfast for dinner. Yummy! 

Relaxed fit cost:

Blue undershirt (K-Mart going out if business sale) = $0.25

Grey sweater = $1.00

Jeans (Carolina Thrift) = $1.99

Necklace (K-Mart sale) = $2.00

Hat (made by me! = FREE

Shoes (rewear from Day 6) = $0.00

Grand total = $5.24. 

Enjoy the last of fall, because winter is moving in! 

Thrifty Chic Challenge, Day # 20

Please excuse the mess. And the dog. And the rice that I keep finding after a toddler sensory play activity gone wrong this evening. Maybe that is why Pasha is sniffing me. 

Eric took the picture and I didn't want to ask him to take another one. He looked so comfy snuggled on the couch. It is also his BIRTHDAY! We are both learning to embrace our mid-30s, which includes a slowing metabolism and an earlier (and earlier) bedtime. I should actually be preparing for bed now, but I am living on the edge! Actually, I am now snuggled on the couch beside a Eric and don't have the energy to move. I am lucky my fingers are still typing. Before I pass out, here is today's deal...

Black camisole (Goodwill) = $0.99

Flower blouse (Carolina Thrift) = $2.25

Pants (CT) = $2.99

Shoes (Good Samaritan) = $3.99

Grand total = $10.22. 

On the bright side, I may have found enough rice tucked away in my clothes to  make a sushi roll. 

Thrifty Chic Challenge, Day #19

Ever had a day that tested your stress threshold? Like all the times you were a jackass to someone came back to you in one big ball of chaos? Well, that was my day and nothing REALLY that bad happened. It just seemed that way. After looking back through my posts, it seems this is a recurring trend. Maybe I should take off Mondays. Would that make Tuesdays bad or do you think I would get lucky? 

Today, I tried everything - belly breathing (with my awesome phone app), a quick yoga session, walking two miles at lunch, singing Christmas carols, and then eating a Panera chocolate duet cookie. A quick side note, I got a little peeved at the lady from Panera taking my order (sorry, sweet lady, it was a Monday!). I told her that I wanted the chocolate cookie, not knowing the name. She replied, "the duet?" (The actual name of the cookie). I heard, "do what?" So, I repeated myself three times and began aggressively pointing to the cookie and three times she had the same response. She then very kindly pointed out the name of the cookie and I quickly apologized. Geez. That was until she told me they would not be bringing back the chocolate mint crinkle this holiday season. She should have known that would make me a cranky pants. 

So, after getting home, I settled into an activity I know will calm my nerves...

Knitting soon to be Christmas presents! Ooh, and I think I may have convinced Eric to let me put the tree up next weekend. I think it depends on the awesomeness level of his birthday present on Wednesday. Fingers crossed!

Today's outfit was a comfy one:

Jeans (Freedom Thrift) = $2.50

Shirt (Carolina Thrift) = $2.99

The shoes were a recycle from last week. I was also wearing a corduroy jacket earlier that was $1.99. 

Not too shabby for a Monday! Here's to a stress free Tuesday!

Thrifty Chic Challenge, #18

You are never too old to just be silly. Or jump up and down by the side of the road in Seagrove pottery shopping and missing a dear friend who is at home  studying (we live you Kim)! 

Today was our annual pottery trip, which is almost comprable to the joy of Christmas morning <Insert little girl squeal here>. The day was filled with pottery, laughter, drinks and more laughter, as well as humor and just good fun. Whoever said money can't buy you happiness hasn't ever been pottery shopping! Two of the besties made today's blog and I have to say, we did it with style. 

The first two pics showed a little too much skin, but the third time was a charm. We all got air! 

Tracy (the crazy one in the middle) got her entire outfit for $12.00 at the Hospice Flea Market in Burlington. She is my little grasshopper in training. 

My outfit was pretty frugile. 

Jeans (Freedom House) = $1.00

Long sleeve t-shirt (Carolina Thrift) = $0.99

Sweater (from Forever 21, but purchased at CT) = $0.75. 

Grand total, drum roooollllllll...$2.74

I didn't count my shoes but it frosted over this morning and I had to wear boots. 

Thrifty Chic Challenge, Day #17

Anyone else feeling the Christmas spirit already? Guess what...I am!! I don't know if it is the chill in the air, the Pandora holiday station belting out old favorites, or just the thoughts of Christmas past and the nostalgia of child-like happiness. Whichever one, it doesn't matter. Tis the season!

Today, I started work on our office holiday card and thought today's picture should mirror that fun. Thanks Cynthia for the photo!

If you were not in the holiday spirit, are you there yet? No...Scrooge!

Total outfit cost = $11.97. 

Shoes (Target clearance) = $4.99

Skinny jeans = $3.99

Shirt = $1.99

Earrings (the big DG, aka Dollar General) =1.00

Scarf= knitted by ME! 

Thrifty Chic Challenge Day #16

It is after 9:00 pm and I am just getting home from work. This was the best I could do without the assistance of our resident photographer. I got too busy making egg carton crafts and talking about Ebola fears today that I forgot to snap one before disaster struck, aka parenting group. We had fun tonight but it sure was messy!! Speaking of Ebola, did anyone hear or watch the CMAs? I was listening on my way home and almost peed myself when Carrie Underwood sang "quarantine" to the tune of Dolly Parton's "Jolene." 

I am not showing the bottom half of my pants in this picture because I realized there is cheese pizza smeared all over them, I had a sticker on my butt, and glue stains on my right knee cap. Good thing I only paid $2.99 for these jeans! 

I am multitasking and typing this while walking the dog so please excuse any typos. Pasha is upset you all are intruding on her outside time.

The outfit was simple today, with a total cost of $5.24. 

DKNY shirt (with tags! From Carolina Thrift) = $ 2.25

Liz Claiborne jeans (CT) = $2.99

Flip flops (any day over 60 degrees, even in winter) = FREE. Someone left them by the family pool. Finders keepers!

Hopefully I can have a more witty post tomorrow. A hot bath and Hulu are screaming my name. 

Thrifty Chic Challenge Day #15

We did it! We are half way through the challenge. I am loving it, but it can be tough. But, I have really enjoyed the extra shopping trips! 

Pasha must have known we were celebrating because she attacked me with kisses during the photo today. She loves her mommy. A little too much sometimes. It was totally gross. She has the worst breath of any dog on the planet. Bad enough to gag a maggot. And you know I got attacked by maggots earlier this year. They are NOT my friends. Ewe.

Today's outfit cost = $3.49 + shoes. 

Pants (from Carolina Thrift) = $2.99

Top (from Goidwill) = $0.50

Shoes (Journeys circa de 2007). I can't remember exactly how much they cost, but know it was under $20. I think I have gotten pretty good wear out of them, don't you?