Embellished Tea Towel {Frugal Teacher Gift}

As the end of the school year approaches I wanted to thank the teachers and helpers in our enrichment program in a personal, but frugal way.  My sweet sister-in-law gave me a cool embellished towel last year for my birthday, so I copied that idea using fabrics I had on hand, since I love to get gifts I can really use.  The flour sack towels came from One Kings Lane.

To start out, I prewashed all the towels and then pressed them before adding the embellishment.

To make the embellishment strip I gathered or cut 45" wide strips of fabric.  The strips were about 3" wide, but could be any width you desire.  When I had a bunch of strips I sewed them together and added a few more strips until I had a big piece which was more than the width of the towel I was going to put it on (to allow for shrinkage and leaving enough at each edge to neatly turn it under on the edge of the towel. At this point I laundered the whole piece because I wasn't sure I had washed all the fabrics I was using and I really did not want it to bleed in the wash for the recipient of this gift. After ironing all the seams, I cut the large piece into strips (perpendicular to the seams), folded down and ironed the top and bottom edge of each strip and top-stitched them to the flour sack towels.  Using strips that were 45" wide I was able to make 10 of these towels, just enough for our teacher list.  :)

I paired these with some extras I had around the house, things like dish soap, hand soap, candles.  Since those items were on hand, along with my fabric and thread stash, I really only paid for the flour sack towels, which came to a whopping $.75/piece.  Of course, our teachers are worth so much more, but with our current budget, I hope they enjoy the gift even if I didn't spend much out of pocket.

What's your favorite little gift to give or receive?

See also: wrapping paper teacher gift & another towel gift for teachers

Mid-May Menu

This morning I ran out to pick up our Bountiful Baskets and do a quick stop at the grocery store and now I'm feeling a little overwhelmed (so much produce!) and tired, much like the rest of life these days.  We're busy wrapping up the school year and sports seasons.  My husband is working on his finals for his first semester toward an MBA.  I'm still plugging away at spring cleaning, very slowly. I feel a pretty big clutter purge coming on in the near future.  And our kitchen is jam-packed with produce and a big purchase of dried beans.  Time to get a plan and work toward some order.

Several goals guide our menu this time around:
1. Eat lots of produce and don't let any go to waste.
2. Eat a bean-based dinner at least once a week.  I found 3 lb. bags of organic sprouted beans at Costco for $2.97.   Inexpensive, high in protein and fiber, quicker-cooking, a pleasant taste...yes, we'll make these a staple until our 50 lb. supply is gone.
3. Get back to making whole wheat bread.  We haven't been eating much bread lately simply because I haven't been making it and it does help to round out a meal in a healthy way.  I haven't done any real research, but at this point I still think that homemade bread from freshly ground, high-protein, chemical-free wheat is part of a healthy diet.  Anyone else feel overwhelmed that eating "healthy" has so many different definitions depending on who you are talking to and what you are reading? I'll try to keep doing my best with the budget we have. 
4.  Cook a little extra ahead every day so I'm not starting from square one for each lunch and dinner. 
5. Avoid much food shopping until the end of the month.


5/11 - B: oatmeal & yogurt
L: sandwiches, watermelon
D: burgers w/ homemade buns, corn on the cob

5/12 - B: bagels & yogurt
L: Mother's Day request - croissant turkey sandwiches, chips, key lime pie
D: artichokes w/ garlic butter, cantaloupe, rolls

5/13 - B: bagels & yogurt
L: leftovers or pasta salad w/turkey
D: beef taco salad, watermelon

5/14 - B: soaked oats w/strawberries
L: southwest salad (beans, corn, onion, pepper, etc.), chips & artichoke dip
D: ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, broccoli

5/15 - B: ww toast, yogurt
L: leftovers or sandwiches
D: stuffed peppers (beef, rice, beans), cantaloupe

5/16 - B: cream of wheat w/berries, yogurt
L: omelets (broccoli, turkey, cheese, etc.)
D: BBQ beans w/ham, tossed salad

5/17 - B: granola & yogurt
L: BBQ beans, fruit salad
D: potluck - huge salad w/dressings, cheddar & feta, cucumber, onions, croutons, etc., whole wheat rolls, main dish?

5/18 - B: pancakes w/berries
L: lunch out at the park(use a gift card for pizza) or leftovers at home
D: runzas (cabbage, onions & beef in a homemade bread pocket), fruit salad

5/19 - B: blueberry muffins (extra to freeze), yogurt
L: runzas, fruit
D: green beans with ham, quinoa, apple crisp

5/20 - B: scrambled eggs, yogurt
L: leftovers
D: broccoli cheese soup, whole wheat rolls, fresh fruit

5/21 - B: ww toast, yogurt
L: soup, rolls
D: spaghetti & meat sauce, tossed salad

5/22 - B: ww toast, yogurt
L: pizza soup
D: sausage quiche, strawberry rhubarb crisp (I sub o.j. concentrate for the liqueur), orange juice

5/23 - B: oatmeal, yogurt
L: leftovers
D: beans & rice w/toppings, fruit

5/24 - B: blueberry muffins, yogurt
L: leftovers
D: pulled pork on homemade buns, coleslaw, fruit salad

How do you cook through busy seasons?  Hitting the drive through or stockpiling frozen food sounds appealing to me, until I count the financial and health cost.   Suggestions?

$400 Budget Bathroom Makeover

I've been eager to do a makeover of our kids' bathroom for years now.   So we jumped into this project in March with the help of our tax return.  Since my husband has gone back to school and continues to work full-time, I knew I would need to do the bulk of the work.  I'm so glad that it is now done!  I learned so much along the way as we are not really do-it-yourself folks around here.

Here is how the bathroom looked at the beginning of March.

oak cabinets, carpet, glaring lights, a mediocre paint job

So I set to work with the following steps:
- painted both rooms of the bathroom
- adjusted the counter with shims & redrilled the under screws so the sidesplash and countertop were properly alligned
- removed carpet, carpet pad & vinyl flooring and cleaned up subfloor
- installed vinyl plank flooring and transition pieces, including pulling the toilet & reinstalling (my husband took care of most of the toilet work)
- removed mirror (my husband helped a lot with this)
- hung new mirrors
- replaced the lights with my husband's help
When we removed the old lights we discovered that the electrical boxes weren't centered over the sinks. Since we do not have the skills of an electrician and didn't want to add another big expense, we positioned the lights as best we could and decided to let them just be off-center for now. 
- hung a new towel rack
- sanded, primed & painted the existing cabinets
- caulked the counters & base of toilet

I'd still like to accessorize, give the trim a fresh coat of white paint, replace the brass doorknobs & hinges and replace the light in the shower room, but those things can happen bit by bit in the months to come.

The bathroom this week.

Cost & supplies break-down:
* indicates tools or supplies we'll be able to use again
3 boxes Allure vinyl plank flooring in Barnwood - $143.28
*metal yardstick - $2.98
*heavy duty utility knife - $4.48
flooring transition pieces - $20.66
1 gallon Valspar Journal Book semi-gloss paint - $29.97
*1 gallon Valspar White semi-gloss paint - $29.97
*1 quart Zinsser 1-2-3 Bullseye primer -$9.47
*spackle- $5ish
brushes & rollers - on hand
*4" high density foam roller kit & extra rollers, 1 good paintbrush, tape - $30.50
4 brushed nickel cabinet knobs - $5.88
*package of felt pads for corners of cabinet doors - $2.83
2 galvanized wall lights @ $12.49 each (on sale at 1 Lowes in town)
3 pack light bulbs- $12.98
2 mirrors @ $29.96 each
hook rack - free in the mail last year
toilet wax ring - $4ish
caulking - $4.44
shims (to level counter) - on hand
white shower curtain & liner - on hand
curtain - on hand
shower curtain rings - $.75 at Salvation Army
*tools already owned - drill, hammer, putty knife, level, screwdrivers, electric sander, sandpaper, etc.
drive-thru meal from Chick-Fil-A because mom was too busy with this to make dinner - Let's not count that expense.  :)

Total expenses - $392.09 + some taxes (difficult to calculate because I did not keep meticulous records and some items were purchased online and the tax rate is different than items purchased in town)
Savings:
sale of old mirror +$30
gasoline savings earned by buying Lowe's and Home Depot gift cards at the grocery store to use for this project +$15.50

Grand total monetary cost for project = $346.59 + taxes (amounting to less than 7.6%)

My husband was a great support & encouragement to me during this project.  Without his help with the kids at night and support when I felt things were not going to turn out, I would would not have been able to complete this.

From Crib to College: Upcycled Bedspread from Crib Sheets

When our youngest son graduated from a crib to a twin bed I saved a couple crib sheets which were made of sturdy fabric and were still in good shape.  Then I cut them up in strips to use for the main part of the quilt.  I added some strips of other fabric I had on hand, a large piece for the top to make the bedspread long enough, and used a blue cotton sheet we had on hand for the back.  The filling was a queen size bat of low-loft batting which I doubled (bought a few years ago for $1 still in its package at a yard sale).  He is pleased with his new blanket and I'm pleased that I could make something useful from items we already had on hand. 

bedspread made using old crib sheets

What have you upcylced lately?  I'm always looking for new ideas for old things.

Spring Cleaning 2013

It's that time of year.  Time to refresh.  Time to eliminate some of our excess.  Time to take care of the home we've been blessed with.  Time to redeem the embarrassment of having my nephew negatively comment twice on the state of our kitchen.  So I'm jumping into spring cleaning and hoping to just do a couple things each day to get the house in shape without letting this process consume my life, derail our homeschooling or prevent me from cooking for my ever-hungry brood.

With a large family I am realizing the constant care our stuff is requiring of me, and I do not like it.  In some ways I feel like our stuff is owning me, owning my time and attention, rather than us owning our stuff.  In the summer I read the books 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess and Cleaning House and while I don't agree with everything therein, I was greatly challenged in my thinking and inspired to action.   Then came the start of school, a huge road trip, Thanksgiving, a week of the flu, preparations for Christmas, a bathroom makeover, etc. and I haven't really acted on that inspiration.  Until now.

Here's the list I made up which suits the current needs in our home and life.  I've posted it to the fridge to remind and encourage me to keep going until the job is finished.

Spring Cleaning 2013

1 or 2 tasks a day until the job is done

Master Suite

__ wash all bedding (pillows, quilt, blankets, sheets, mattress pad)

__ move bed and clean under it

__ wash windows & blinds

__ wash walls, doors & baseboards

__ wash curtains

__ detail vacuum

__ scrub shower tile & sinks

__ sort & purge clothing, bring out summer items

__ go through hope chest, store winter linens

__ move baby clothes to girls' closet

Boys' Room

__ wash all bedding

__ scrub bed frames & dresser

__ sort clothes, note any needs

__ wash walls, window, doors & baseboards

__ wash curtains

__ detail vacuum

Girls' Room

__ wash all bedding

__ scrub bed frames & dresser

__ sort clothes, note any needs

__ wash walls, window, doors, mirror & baseboards

__ wash curtains

__ detail vacuum

__ declutter dresser & toys/books

Upstairs Hallway

__ detail dusting

__ detail vacuum

__ go through cupboards

__ wash walls & baseboards

Kids' Bathroom

__ bleach & embellish shower curtain

__ recaulk shower

__ make & hang “Create in me a clean heart” sign

__ sew loops onto all kids bath towels

Front Entry

__ detail vacuum steps, wash walls & rail up staircase

__ wash floor, door & baseboards

__ fix display board

__ sweep front porch

__ dust/wash plant shelves & light fixtures

__ repot/divide fern

__ wash blind & window

Living Room

__ clean inside & top of armoire

__ detailed dusting

__ detailed vacuuming, including couch

__ organize bookshelf & wipe down each shelf

__ clean side table

__ vacuum couch

__ wash walls, fireplace & baseboards

__ wash blinds

__ return curriculum to school

Kitchen

__ clean fridge – inside & out

__ empty, clean & organize each cabinet & drawer

__ organize pantry

__ wash windows & blinds

__ wash curtains

__ replace curtain brackets & patch & paint wall

__ scrub floor, walls & baseboards

Laundry Room, Back Hall & Powder Room

__ scrub floor, walls & baseboards

__ detail vacuum closet

__ organize closet

__ put away ALL laundry and wipe down machines

__ recaulk sink & toilet

Garage

__ take all donations to Goodwill

__ take liquids, expired meds & light bulbs to hazardous waste disposal

__ sweep & wash floor

__ get stuff sold on Craigslist

Basement

__ sweep & wash floor, rail and stairs

__ organize & purge toys (limit to 30 min. - timed)

__ secure shelf and cabinet to studs

__ put away all items on table and collapse table

Miscellaneous

__ wash all rugs

__ scrub and sanitize all trash cans

Hooray! You're Done!

Treat yourself to a new dress.

How do you tackle these big jobs and motivate yourself to follow through?

April Menu

With 3 birthdays in our family this month, and my desires to focus on finishing our school year strong and doing lots of spring cleaning, I'm trying to plan simple meals to get us through the month.

Dinners:
1. broccoli cheddar soup, sourdough bread, fruit salad
2. ham, mashed potatoes & gravy, glazed carrots
3. salad bar - kale & cabbage, rotisserie chicken, Canadian bacon, onion straws, cheeses, celery, cauliflower, homemade dressings
after dinner prep: remove chicken & make bone broth from carcass
4. chicken soup w/homemade noodles, whole wheat rolls
5. chicken & homemade refried bean burritos, fresh veggies & dip
6. celebration dinner -  pineapple chicken, rice, peas, apple cinnamon muffins w/cream cheese frosting
7. sausage & kale quiche, cranberry orange scones, juice
8. spaghetti & meat sauce, bread, salad or vegetable (x4)
9. Hawaiian pizza, veggie tray
10. meal delivery - salad bar (greens, chicken, hard boiled eggs, cheeses, dressings, cut veggies, croutons), fresh whole wheat bread w/whipped honey butter, sliced fruit, chewy ginger cookies
11. beef roast, mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans
12. scalloped potatoes w/ham, green salad
13. Cuban beans (using a ham bone & pintos), fruit salad
14. celebration dinner - steaks, loaded baked potatoes, green salad, dessert of choice
15. celebration dinner - orange chicken, rice, green beans, dessert of choice
16. taco salad
17. hamburger soup (loaded with vegetables), whole wheat bread
18. shredded BBQ pork sandwiches, chips, salad
19. sausage potato chowder, biscuits, fruit
20. whole wheat pancakes, berry sauce, sausage
21. enchiladas, green salad, Mexican rice
22. beef stew, cheddar biscuits
23. Pizza Hut at the park - thanks Nana & Papa for the treat
24. quinoa w/vegetables and bits of meat
25. sesame chicken, brown rice
26. potato/sausage/egg bake, cinnamon rolls, oranges
27. take-out - thanks to Grandma & Grandpa

Lunches:
leftovers
chicken salad sandwiches
turkey sandwiches
quesadillas
smoothies & scrambled eggs
snack lunch

Breakfasts items:
green smoothies
homemade yogurt
whole wheat toast
chocolate zucchini whole wheat muffins
pineapple granola
cinnamon rolls
soaked oats w/ berries
yogurt parfaits
apple oatmeal

March Menu

Somehow I let menu planning get away from me this month and I've been feeling the negative effects of that decision this past week.  Wondering every day what I'll be making for lunch and dinner hasn't done me any favors.  I'd like to think about food less often, so meal planning is key.  Sides may vary based on what I get in our next produce basket.

Dinners
1. BBQ chicken tenders, roasted gold potatoes, asparagus
2. Chili, cornbread
3. Sausage potato quiche, blueberry whole wheat scones, oranges
4. Chicken noodle soup, biscuits, fruit salad
5. Canadian bacon & pineapple pizza, raw veggies & dip
6. Corn chowder, biscuits
7. Pork chops, quinoa w/vegetables
8. Baked beans w/bacon, cornbread, green salad
9. Orange chicken, brown rice, acorn squash
10. Baked spaghetti, green salad, sourdough bread
11. Pepperoni pizza, green salad
12. Colorado chicken chili, tortilla chips, sliced fruit
13. Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes & cream sauce, lingonberry sauce, green beans
14. Chipotle beef rice bowls/salads, fruit salad (GF guests)
15. Lasagna soup, garlic breadsticks, raw veggie platter
16. Green beans with ham, cheesy mashed potatoes
17. Beef roast, mashed potatoes & gravy, glazed carrots
18. Spaghetti & meat sauce, green salad
19. Chipotle chicken, quinoa, mashed sweet potatoes
20. Vegetable beef soup, cheddar biscuits
21. Enchiladas, green salad, Mexican rice
22. Whole wheat pancakes, berry sauce

Lunches
leftovers
Pasta soup
Turkey wraps
Ham & cheese sandwiches on bagels
Chipotle chicken salad sandwiches
Easter dinner - ham, mashed potatoes & gravy, green bean casserole, fruit salad, strawberry shortcake

Breakfasts - with yogurt or fruit
homemade granola
soaked oats w/fruit & chia
chocolate zucchini whole wheat muffins
apple oatmeal
sausage, potato, egg bake, fruit salad (GF guests)
something for Sunday school - tbd

What's cooking at your house this month?