Extreme Makeover

I found a great lamp at Goodwill last week for a whopping $4.50. The low price was probably due to its 1980's fake brass sheen. (It it were an oil-rubbed bronze finish that puppy would have been so much more!) Anyway, five minutes and a bit of black spray paint later, I have what I've been looking for: a respectible floor lamp that's perfect for my front porch! You can see its $179.00 cousin here: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/adair-floor-lamp/?pkey=cfloor-lamps



Before



After



Yard Sale Survival Kit

For many of you, yard sale season has officially begun. I'm happy for you, really. And I'm also a very, very deep shade of green! Can you tell it hasn't started where I am???? Anyway, here's what you need to stay ahead of the game: (Unless you are a man, in which case I would recommend ditching the purse...)

• Purse: long strap allows you to jump in and out of the car without taking it off your shoulder. Unlike a change purse, it cannot be left behind if it is still riding on your shoulder. No, it doesn't win points for style, but your bargains will!
• Calculator
• Ibuprofen: for those headaches that come with the terrain.
• Lollipops: if you have little critters in tow, these are a good idea.
• List: keep a list of measurements for furniture and other items you are looking for either for you or for someone else.
• Glasses/sunglasses: you need your eagles eyes to spot those deals.
• Energy bar: keeps your blood sugar from tanking- the show must go on!
• Mini-measuring tape: please tell me I don't have to explain this one...

*Not pictured:

Plenty of $1 bills, quarters, nickels and dimes

Your game face

**I will post more at a later date on techniques for getting the most for your moolah.





No toe tags, please!

My favorite nail polish is the loud coral color you see on the right. By the end of winter I'm just dying to add a splash of color to my toes! The problem with this is that after months of hibrinating under thick wool socks, my feet look more dead than alive. Painting my toes in the bright coral color only serves to heighten the pallor of my mayonaise-colored feet. (Yuck- bad word picture!) By kicking off toenail-painting season with a pale color and working my way up to the brighter colors that belong on tanned tootsies, I (along with everyone else) can avoid the shock of seeing cadaver-like feet that cry out for negative attention!

*Can you tell what brand of polish is always on sale?!

Spring cleaning for everyone!

My daughter would often rather "help" me around the house than play with her toys. This can prove to be a challenge for me, especially when I'm cleaning. So if you're like me and you need a little breathing room while you work, this should do the trick. Give your child a rag or old washcloth and a spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of essential oil. Designate the rag and bottle as theirs so they feel responsible for them. Now when you are cleaning, give them something to clean too. Some ideas include wiping down cabinet doors, baseboards, stove door fronts, or the floor. The essential oil not only smells great, but helps your little one to feel that they are really cleaning- not just playing with water. You may be surprised when your little one's play cleaning improves and you can even see results!

Granola

Click on the following link for one of my favorite granola recipes:
http://savvynest.blogspot.com/2010/03/breakfast-anyone.html

Breakfast Idea...

Have out-of-towners visiting? Dazzle them with a fun DIY yogurt breakfast! Set out an assortment of fruits along with plain yogurt, honey, and/or sugar. Place your blender nearby so guests can whip up their favorite combinations. Top yogurt with homemade granola for a filling and fun breakfast.

*This is great for picky eaters to "customize" their own breakfast. Kids also love it because they can choose and add their favorite combinations.

Trundle Bed Idea

When your child graduates from crib to bed, don't put that crib mattress in storage! Stash it under your child's bed for an instant trundle bed. When company comes to visit, just pull it out and presto, you have 2 comfortable places for little ones to sleep. (This is so much easier than dragging out and inflating an air mattress.)