A Thousand Words Thursday

Her daycare though it would be great fun to bring a petting zoo to the kids. Eva didn't quite agree.

TTT #3...For you!

I showed you how I saved money with a DIY project, then shared my fabulous bargain find. Now, this one's for you.
We all know that clipping coupons is a great way to save a lot of dough. One blog that helps maximize your savings with coupons is Bargain Briana (her button is on my sidebar). She suggests subscribing to All You magazine, which is full of great coupons in every issue. I've gotten a few issues, and it's true: it's a coupon dream!
Briana has teamed up with Berries and Cream Blog Design to offer a 2-year subscription to a lucky winner of a giveaway during their launch party.
Berries and Cream Blog Design's launch party is live for the next two weeks (February 14-28). Their entire store is on sale for up to 25% off, and a new prize will be added each day during the launch party. Prize entries will be accepted for one week - comments for the first prize will be closed on Feb.21, comments for the second prize will be closed on Feb. 22, and so on.
Briana's prize is found here:
http://berriesandcreamblogdesign.com/2009/02/19/giveaway-all-you-magazine-subscription-from-bargain-briana/
While you're there, enter the other giveaways, too. After all, nothing's cheaper than free!

TTT #2!

WOWZA!!! Oh, have I got a steal to share with you.

Today, the library on the base we live on had a Used Book Sale. At the end of the sale, they offered bags to be filled for only $3. I jumped all over that!
I got 59 books total for 15 dollars (I threw in a 6 dollar donation since funds go to the Summer Reading Program for kids.) That comes out to about a quarter a book! (15 cents without including the donation) YAY!!!

Check out the stash:


What steals have you come across lately?

Thrifty Three Thursdays!

I want to start a weekly post called "Thrifty Three Thursdays". (Like the name? Oh yes...bet you didn't know I was a closet alliteration expert!)
In essence, I will showcase three bargains. They will either be steals I bought, ways to save money at home, deals on the web...any method that keeps money where it belongs: my wallet!
In today's economy, especially, people are more aware of how much they spend, and efforts are being made across the globe to tighten pursestrings. I've always been a bargain-hunter. Finally, my friends are beginning to understand why!

So....to kick things off, my first bargain---

I collect magazines. OK...truth is, I hoard them. I began going through them all. I took out pages with craft ideas, recipes, exercise tips. Grabbed a 3-ring binder and organized these pages by subject. I was doing great...until I got to my scrapbook/paper crafts mags. I couldn't tear out all the pages I liked! I'd be tearing out every page! So off I went to the Container Store. $15 dollars for magazine holders, though??? I said..."Nope..I'm MAKING these suckers."
Ran off to the post office, grabbed some Priority Mail boxes, cut them up, glued on some pretty fabric, and TADA! A pretty magazine holder for a fraction of the cost!
I even made some to corral Monster #1 and Monster #2's coloring books!! Here's some pics:




Not too shabby for a one-armed girl, huh? LOL

Stay tuned for Bargain #2!!!

Week in Review

It has been a week of frustrations, excitement, pain, and laughter. A true roller coaster of sorts.
The surgery and recovery is obviously my focus, but life has a way of making things bright when they may otherwise be difficult.
Most importantly, my daughters have been getting along wonderfully!
I have been stumbling across interesting and amazing blogs, which have spurred my creative side.
I was the lucky winner of two wonderful giveaways from the One World One Heart Giveaways.
The first:
Yarnplayers Arts' Tatting Giveaway
Marilee's necklace is absolutely beautiful, and I can't wait to wear it with a LBD for a nice evening out. Check out her etsy shop, too. You can find lovelies like this:



Visit her shop here: Yarnplayer's Etsy Shop

My second win was from Tracy at Side of the Road. I was excited to enter this since I am currently planning to redo my bedroom in black and white with red accents. How lovely will this look hanging in there?!
You can buy her gorgeous pieces here: Side of The Road's Etsy Shop.
You can snag some really pretty things, such as the barkcloth heart below.


And, to top it all off, I just received an email from Marta at Marta's Meanderings that I was the lucky winner of James Patterson's Run For Your Life. I am looking forward to reading this, as I've liked his other books. A great addition to my library.
Marta is also giving away a copy of Dan Simmons' The Terror here:
The Terror Giveaway
Check out her other reviews, too, while you're there. They are well-written and her blog is refreshing!

Overall, the blessings I have had this week have comp[letely overshadowed the obstacles before me. I am utterly thankful.

Enjoy this day of love, and spread happiness wherever you go.

Beautiful site with a wonderful message

Still navigating through Blogland when I stumbled upon kidz.
This better explains the site:
This is a site that celebrates the lives and lessons of special needs children, a.k.a. kidz. This is a site for everyone, not just friends and families of kidz. Our mission is to increase awareness and understanding about different health conditions and to help all people cope with challenges and enjoy life!

It really is touching, especially as a parent.
As a bonus, they're having a blog party next week and hosting giveaways. I hope you take some time to visit this site. You'll be amazed!

Recovery, Restlessness, and Ramblings

I had my surgery yesterday. My arm is still mostly numb from the nerve block, but the pain is starting. I want so badly to craft to take my mind off the discomfort, but it's difficult doing it one-handed (I tried..) Surgery went well, though, and the doctor did put a plate in. So now I guess I'm almost Bionic Woman. LOL
I've been surfing the blogosphere to pass the time, and have come across really interesting blogs. We have so many talented people on Blogger. It amazes me!

One of these talented people is Samantha at Scrapmaster's Paradise. Head iver to her blog and you'll be inspired, too.
Plus, she's hosting a great giveaway here:
http://thescrapmaster.blogspot.com/2009/02/sp-february-giveaway.html

I need to find my camera cord to upload my latest card creation from before my injury. Better get on that~

----E

Here I Sit, Broken Hearted...

...if you remember this ditty from 6th grade camp or from junior high, you're probably chuckling. And to ease your mind, no I didn't do THAT...the title just seemed catchy. LOL

I am hurting because I have a physical owie. A booboo better known as a broken wrist. This sucks in soooo many ways.
(Pardon me while I grab cheese to go with my whine)
It throws off my exercise regimen, right when it was becoming a great habit and I was beginning to really note physical changes.
I decided to start a new hobby of arts n' crafts, making ponytail holders for the girls. The materials now sit, untouched, begging for attention on the table. A tease for my crippled hand.
I was on a roll with my card-making/scrapbooking. That will also gather dust for a while.
Oh....and try typing one-handed. MUCH easier than it sounds!!!

At least I get to say I did it snowboarding, which throws an air of coolness which covers the underlying fact that in reality, I'm a huge klutz.

Sigh...pass the crackers.