Spring Decor for our Home

Hi everyone!  I just wanted to quickly share some of the decor I'm using in the house this year for Spring.  Of course, with a 2-year-old running around I keep things super simple.  But there are some new things I made this year - it's nice to be able to craft again!  Without further ado, my Spring house decor...

This is beside our front door.  I made the wreath many moons ago with clearance flowers from AC Moore's.  I kept seeing these wreaths every where for $15 and up, I wanted one badly, but thought the price was ridiculous.  Well, I decided that it couldn't be that hard and I could probably make one - so I did, for around 6-ish dollars, and have had it for y-e-a-r-s.  The bucket was my Mom's, and the flowers in it are from the Dollar Tree - I love that place!

 This is one of my new additions this year.  I had some leftover flowers tucked away in my Spring decor bin, and thought that it would be nice to make something out of them.  So, I stopped at the Dollar Tree for a small grapevine wreath form and started hot gluing.  This is what I ended up with, and I LOVE it!  It turned out super cute!  This wreath hangs on the inside of our front door. 

This china flower vase decoration came from my Grandma's house.  I look forward to putting it out each year; it's so cheery, and makes me think of her.  The owls and floral tea/chocolate tins are out year round.  I love their bright colors, and enjoy searching for differently designed tins at yard sales and flea markets.  P.S. I made that shelf in the 7th grade.  I know, I was a mad carpenter, just sayin'...

The green boxwood balls are another new addition this year.  I purchased 3 for $1 each at the Dollar Tree this Spring.  I love how high-quality they are.  They are plastic-y, but that means for easy cleaning when they get dusty - just rinse with warm soapy water and let air dry.  I have a mistletoe ball that was my Grandma's, and it's very similar in material, and this cleaning method worked perfectly on it, so it should work for these balls as well.  The ceramic bowl I picked up at a flea market; it's handmade and I've had it for years -- I enjoy changing the fillings for each season or holiday.  You can also see my extensive stereoscope card collection in the picture below.

I found a use for the tin bowl I picked up at the Thrift store for just a buck!  It holds my candle/candle plate/candle ring perfectly on the kitchen table, almost like it was made for that job.  I plan to keep this out for the rest of Spring a well as thru the Summer. 

The china cabinet got a little Spring love as well.  I just placed a couple bunches of Spring flowers inside to add some color and sunshine to the dishes.

My Mom bought me this pitcher at a yard sale a LONG time ago.  Even though it broke in a couple of spots and has been glued back together, I still love it.  I change the flowers in it for each season or holiday.  I love the purple combination for Spring this year.  Please ignore the chippy window sills - I'm slowing painting my way through the house.

I hope that you all enjoyed this little sneak-peek into my Spring decor.  

Does anyone else decorate for the seasons?

Have you made anything new for your decor lately?

 

Menu Plan Monday: 04/25/2016

This week I only work a few days, but the days that I am off are rittled with errands and appointments.  Howard has his 2 year check-up, Joe goes to the dentist, and I have a doctor appointment as well - Yay!  I am experiementing with more crock-pot meals - last week I did taco meat, and this week is BBQ - I am hoping that this will give me more options on the days that I work.  Like usual, I kept our meals very simplistic.  I am more likely to cook something that doesn't require a lot of ingredients or time, and Howard likes more 'basic' food.  It's a win-win in my book.  So, without further ado, this week's menu plan...

• Breakfasts: Bagels/Cream Cheese, Yogurt, and Fruit for Me, Mini Muffins/Fruit and Grain Bars/Yogurt for Howard, and Pop-Tarts for Joe
• Lunches: Leftovers, Canned Soup, Misc. Frozen TV Meals, Salads, PB and J/Tuna Salad/Chicken Salad Sandwiches
• Dinners: 
• Sunday - Leftovers (Cleaned out the fridge)
• Monday - Crock-pot Chicken Breasts, 4 Cheese Pasta, Broccoli
• Tuesday - Chicken Filet Sandwiches, Baked Onion Rings, Salad
• Wednesday - Crock-pot Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy, Jasmine Rice, Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans
• Thursday - Crock-pot BBQ Sandwiches, Baked French Fries, Salad
• Friday - Take-out
• Saturday - Homemade Pizza

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Weekly Spending Report: 04/17-23/2016

This week I didn't need to pick up much produce, as we still had a good bit left from last week, plus plenty in the freezer.  I was able to score some AWESOME deals on Benefiber, dry shampoo, and various boxed items for the pantry!  The best purchase of all was the apple puffs from the Dollar Tree -- they are Howard's favorite!  I was so happy to see them back in stock!

Here's how the spending went this week...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: Zero oop (used gift card to pay), Earned $20 ECB's ($10 Benefiber + $4 Rain Check for Benefiber, $4 Dove, and $2 Tom's), $1.50 Ibotta Rebate (Tom's Sensitive Toothpaste), and $3 Saving Star Rebate (Dove)

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $24.66 oop (Included, but not pictured are 8 gallons of H2O)

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $33.48 oop, Earned $1 Saving Star Rebate ($0.50/3 Knorr Rice Sides, and $0.50 Suddenly Salad), $0.50 Find and Save Rebate ($25 purchase with bread), and $1 Ibotta Rebate ($0.25 Chips, $0.25 Bread, and $0.50/2 Hamburger Helpers)

• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip: $10.42 oop

Total OOP: $68.56
Total Earned: $27
Total Remaining for April: $141.45

Linked to Couponaholic, I heart Publix, and many more! 

Menu Plan Monday: 04/18/2016

This week is fairly easy work-wise, only 1 large tour.  I do have a bunch of paperwork to do, as well as some floral things to make for the next tea.  Home-wise we are gearing up for Howard's 2nd birthday this coming weekend!  It's Curious George incase anyone is interested; he loves that monkey!  I have one day that is jam-packed with appointments, but other than that, I am hoping for a fairly laid-back week!  Here's how the menu's looking for this week... 

• Breakfasts: Yogurt, Fruit, and Mini Bagels for me, Pop-Tarts for Joe, and Mini Muffins, Fruit, Yogurt, Sausages, and/or Fruit and Grain Bars for Howard
• Lunches: Salads, Canned Soup, Misc. Frozen TV Meals, Chicken Salad/Tuna Salad/PB and J Sandwiches, Leftovers
• Dinners:
• Sunday - Cheeseburgers and French Fries
• Monday - Take-out
• Tuesday - Crock-pot Chicken, 3 Cheese Pasta, Vegetable (TBA)
• Wednesday - Tacos, Mexican Rice, Salad
• Thursday - Leftovers/Clean out the fridge
• Friday - Howard's Birthday - Sonic!
• Saturday - Frozen Pizza (Cake and Ice cream party afterwards)

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Weekly Spending Report: 04/10-16/2016

This week I stocked up on cheap Pop-tarts for Joe's breakfasts (which earned me $14 in FREE gas), money-maker shampoos, new puzzles for Howard, and some fresh produce!  I also spent very little - under $60 for the week - which is AWESOME!  I am hoping that I can keep that up for the rest of the month! 
Here's how the spending broke-down this week...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $0.93 oop, Earned $4 ECB's ($2 Garnier Fructis, and $2 Garnier Whole Blends), $2 Saving Star Rebate (Garnier Whole Blends), and $5.29 Gift Card (I was accidentally charged for an extra shampoo)

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $21.08 oop (included, but not pictured are 4 gallons of H2O)

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $37.29 oop (For buying 6 boxes of Pop-Tarts, I earned $0.40 off each gallon of gas up to 35 gallons, or $14 in gas savings!)

Total OOP: $59.30
Total Earned: $11.29
Total Remaining for April: $210.01

Linked to Couponaholic, I heart Publix, and many more! 

Weekly Spending Report: 04/03-09/2016

This week I got some great deals on diapers, produce, and proteins! 

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $23.89 oop, Earned $8.75 ECB's ($5 Pampers/Always, $3 CVS Diapers, and $0.75 M and M's), and $1.50 Ibotta Rebate* (Pamper's Cruisers)

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $47.02 oop (included, but not pictured are 4 gallons of H2O), Earned $0.55 Mobisave Rebate ($0.25 Bread, and $0.30 Lettuce), and $1 Find and Save Rebate

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $32.47 oop, Earned $0.25 Mobisave Rebate (Eggs), $0.25 Ibotta Rebate* (Eggs)

Total OOP: $103.38
Total Earned: $12.30
Total Remaining for April: $269.31
*Use this link to sign up for Ibotta and get a $10 bonus!

Frugal Finds: April 2016 Edition

I was able to make it into the thrift store this month, twice!  I found some great deals -- not as many as I was hoping for, but that's the way it goes sometimes.  I really could use some fresh short-sleeve tee shirts, I found 2, but I need about 3 more.  I also found the most adorable little cup!  In the store I was hemming and hauling about whether to buy it or not, but then I decided that for a buck I really couldn't go wrong.  If I couldn't find a use for it, I knew I could sell it and get my dollar back.  Well, it is the PERFECT size to hold small post-it notes on my desk!!!!  I was excited to find some clothes for Howard in larger sizes as well.  I LOVE the pull on jeans for him, but they are so hard to find used above 2T.  So, when I saw some today is amazing condition and half-price, I snatched them up super quick!  #ifyousnoozeyoulose  Here's the price run down of my thrift scores this month...
First Trip:

3T Pull-on Jeans for Howard (in mint condition) $3.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.99
4T Pull-on Jeans for Howard (in mint condition) $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
4T Pull-on Jeans for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
5T Fleece PJ Pants for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
Youth size 4/5 Heavy Fleece Zip Hooded Coat for Howard $5.99
Short Sleeve Navy V-neck Tee for Me $3.99
Tiny Gilded Peacock Cup for my desk $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
+$0.06 Tax (for cup)
Grand Total OOP: $14.49
(would have been $24.99 before sales, saved $10.50 or 42%!!)

Second Trip:
5T Fleece PJ Pant for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
Short Sleeve Teal V-neck Tee for Me $3.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.99
Hanging Basket for Howard's Magnet Collection $0.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.49
Potty with Elmo Sound Book for Howard $0.99
 Matching Game for Howard $0.99
+$0.12 Tax (for game and book)
Grand Total OOP: $6.07
(would have been $10.07, saved $4 or 40%!!)

Have you been thrifting lately?  
Any amazing finds to share?  
Let me know in the comments!

Menu Plan Monday: 04/11/2016

This week I have a fairly heavy work schedule, including 2 large tours -- but, the spring cleaning is done and the house is organized and looks AMAZING!  Now if the weather would just cooperate, we could get on with open windows and outside play.  Also, for some reason the fridge is breeding leftovers, so that is on the menu until it's empty.  Then we'll move in to some quick and easy (and crock-pot) meals!  I think part of the issue (not really) is all the fresh veg I have been buying (and eating) lately -- I need to re-learn how to cook since I am eating more salad and less of everything else.  But, enough of that, without further ado, this week's meal plan...

• Breakfasts: Pop-Tarts - Joe, Mini Muffins/Waffles/Fruit and Grain Bars/Yogurt - Howard, Eggs/Strawberries/Yogurt - Me
• Lunches: Leftovers, Misc. Frozen Diet TV Meals, Salads, Canned Soup, PB and J/Tuna/Egg Salad Sandwiches with Chips
• Dinners:
• Sunday - Leftover Buffet
• Monday - Tacos, Mexican Rice, Salad
• Tuesday - Crock-pot Pork Loin, Crock-pot Baked Potatoes, Broccoli and Cheese
• Wednesday - Take-out
• Thursday - Leftover Buffet, take 2
• Friday - Homemade Pizza, Salad
• Saturday - Crock-pot Chicken Breasts (1/2 for dinner and 1/2 for Chicken Salad next week), Rice Pilaf, Misc Veg from the fridge

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Menu Plan Monday: 04/04/2016

This week I am finishing up my Spring cleaning -- almost done!  Open season starts here at the museum, so I have my first two pre-scheduled tours this week, and I have a tea to prepare for on Saturday, so yeah, things are going to be a little busy around these parts.  Cock-pot meals to the rescue!  I also got some not so great news back from the doctor that my triglycerides are high, so I need to cut back on carbs and sugar, no bueno.  I purchased a bunch of fresh fruit and veggies this week, and prepped enough to get me thru a few days on Sunday.  That way I can have salads at the ready, and strawberries, because strawberries are delicious!  We'll see how things go; I have to have my blood rechecked in 4 weeks, so hopefully a little change in diet helps.  Any way, on to the menu plan for this week...

• Breakfasts: Yogurt/Sliced Strawberries/Eggs and Toast for Me, Pop-Tarts for Joe, Waffles/Fruit and Grain Bars/Mini Muffins for Howard
• Lunches: Leftovers, Salads, Canned Soup, Tuna Salad/Egg Salad/PB and J Sandwiches
• Dinners: 
• Sunday - Turkey (red) Kielbasa, Scalloped Potatoes, Creamed Spinach
• Monday - Crock-pot Pork Tips and Mushroom Gravy, Jasmine Rice, Steamed Broccoli
• Tuesday - Tacos, Salad, Mexican Rice
• Wednesday - Pizza, Salad
• Thursday - Canned Soup, and Grilled Cheese or Takeout (depends on how late we are getting home from Joe's grandfather's house)
• Friday - Crock-pot Lasagne, Salad, Garlic Bread
• Saturday - Leftover Buffet

For more AWESOME menu plans, visit Org Junkie!

March 2016 Budget Update

This month I came in under budget again!  I don't know how many more months that will be possible the way Howard is eating.  Howard turns 2 in April, but he eats like a 10 year old, sometimes, other times he barely eats at all - I'm told this is a normal toddler thing - but when he does eat, man he really eats.  Any who, I got a LOT for my money this month - cheap diapers, ground beef, various vegetables, strawberries and so much more!  I am loving the coupon deals that I have been able to score at CVS and Giant lately; I hope that they continue!  Also, the Dollar Tree has really upped their game in what they have to offer.  I have been able to pick up learning items/manipulatives and snacks for Howard, as well as cleaning and crafting supplies for me.  Overall I am really pleased with what I have been able to purchase and still stay under budget.  Here's how my spending went in March...

• Week #1: $89.84 oop, Earned $12 ECB's , $1 Saving Star Rebate, and $0.40 Mobisave Rebate

• Week #2: $96.85 oop, Earned $7 ECB's, and $0.95 Find and Save Rebate

• Week #3: $84.89 oop, Earned $13 ECB's, $0.99 Saving Star Rebate, $1.50 Ibotta* Rebate, and $0.34 Find and Save Rebate

• Week #4: $45.40 oop, Earned $7 ECB's, $1.50 Checkout 51 Rebate, $0.30 Mobisave, and $1 Saving Star Rebate

• Week #5: $54.38 oop, Earned $6 ECB's

Total OOP: $371.36

Total Earned: $52.98

Total Remaining: $22.69!!!!  

This will be added to April's money, so I will start next month with $372.69!

How did you do with your budget this month?  

Did you get any amazing deals?

Share in the comments below...