Little Loopies

Although the curly q (korker) bows are fun and addictive to assemble, these are probably my favorite to design.  There are so many possible variations and embellishments that can be mixed, matched, and added.  Here are a few of my current favorites:

Bright pink  & black polka dot with sparkly center

Red & green snowflakes with red, shiny buttons

Blue & white with sparkly center

Black & white polka dot with black button

Blue & white polka dot with white button

Red & green Christmas lights with red buttons (I have it in green too!)



Light blue with white & silver snowflakes with a sparkly snowflake center



Blue & white with button & sparkly layered center

Sweet pea--light green & pink with pink buttons

  Bright pink w/ tiny white dots and white buttons

Lingering thought of the day:  Tomorrow is going to be a big day for us!  In the morning, Eli has a playdate at a place full of "choo choo trains."  Then in the afternoon, I have an appointment with a boutique owner about selling my bows through her shop.  Yay for fun and productive days!

Curly Qs

My most recent bow making addiction is making curly q bows.  Yes, I know they're called korker bows, but for some reason that name really just rubs me the wrong way...and I have major trouble using it.  So, I will refer to them as curly qs.  Anyway, I've been making these lately and have posted pictures of those remaining after the craft fair.

I wanted to start making bows to prepare for having a little girl.  However, after buying all the ribbon that exists within three stores (ok, so that's a slight exaggeration), I've decided to start selling the extras.  These five bows are in my etsy.com shop:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/CreativelyFrugal.  I'll be adding my little loopies and mini clippies before long.   

Teal & white polka dot

Living in Lexington, I felt a UK bow was a necessity.

Merry Christmas! bow

Bright pink & black polka dot

Happy Birthday! bow--This one is my favorite.  I was so excited when I found the cupcake patterned ribbon!

I've been collecting the little crocheted headbands and caps each time I go to Hobby Lobby ($.99 and $2.99 each).  I can't wait to put these on our little lady's cute little head! 

Lingering thought of the day:  We're having chicken & dumplings for supper tonight, and I cannot wait.  It's so cold and windy out that today's just crying out for yummy comfort food.

My very first craft fair!

This past Saturday, I went to my very first craft fair as a vendor.  Sure I've shopped several craft fairs in my time, but I've never been on this side of the table.  So I decided to give it a go.  I did learn a few things:

#1:  Ask lots of questions before getting involved.  Ask the right questions...
#2:  When the host (church) advertises only to their own congregation, a SLOW day should be expected.
#3:  Try and befriend the vendors at tables next to you and remain peppy even if one of them is the crabbiest Mary Kay lady you've ever encountered. 
#4:  Get advice from some of these other more experienced vendors for future craft fairs.
#5:  Presentation really does matter.

Here are the pictures of my table:

I put my bug bows on a "tree."  These consisted of butterflies, ladybugs, and bumblebees.

My table was covered with a quilt that we received as a wedding present--then covered in bows.  I put large, easy-to-read pricing signs on the table.  I hate not knowing how much something is...



I added a shelf to my table to add some dimension and covered the top of it in tulle. 



I attached several of my bows to business cards.  The little teensy bows were put in little bags.  And the korkers (aka curly q's) were left free to breathe.

Though this particular craft fair was nothing to write home about, I could see my doing a different one at some point.  I do like this type of thing.

Lingering thought of the day:  I thought we were going to have to send our garbage disposal on to garbage disposal Heaven this week, but then yesterday I fixed it all by myself!  We're back in business ladies and gentlemen.  My kitchen has lost the icky smell; I was able to clean out the fridge, AND now I don't have to stress about the lingering leftovers on each plate and serving dish.  Life is good, my friends. 

Eli's new favorite spot

The other morning, while I made our french toast, Eli disappeared.  It got REALLY quiet in our house.  I checked all of the rooms he'd normally be in only to find...no Eli.  I started calling for him and heard a "Yes, Mama" in return.  That response led me to the bathroom, and this is what I found. 

Eli was making a "choo choo train" out of all of the bath products and tub toys in his bathroom--from inside the empty tub.  I ran immediately to find my camera.  The first picture or so that I took, I didn't get caught.  Then I was busted.  He greeted me with a "Hi, mama!" and a "See the choo choo train?"

So now anytime the house gets too quiet, I know Eli's gone to his happy place:  the bath tub.  (Yes, I'm aware that this picture is screwed up, and I don't want to talk about it.)  Occassionally, he requests dry socks because his have gotten wet from the water remaining from his last bath.  He really loves to play in the tub.  BUT I refuse to bathe the child more than once a day...unless it's a major need.

Lingering thought of the day:  Do any of you remember the episode of Full House in which Stephanie went to live in the bathroom and turned the tub into her bed?  After watching that episode, I really wanted to do that.  Practicality and my parents were the only thing that stood in the way.  Long story short, I think Eli gets this bath tub thing honestly...only he hasn't seen that episode of Full House.

Broccoli Cheese Soup--Just cryin' out for a bread bowl

Fourteen years later, I do believe I'm up for blogging again.  Life got busy, and I just wasn't feeling it.  Now I'll pick up where I left off and try to catch you up on the last month of our crazy lives!  In my last post, I promised an idea of what to do with the leftover Velveeta from the Salsa Mac.  Here's my favorite (and might I add, it's one fabulous lunch idea on a blustery day!):  broccoli cheese soup. 

The first order of business for making this quick and easy soup is gathering ingredients:
*one small bunch of broccoli
*can cream of chicken soup
*can milk
*1/4 lb. Velveeta

Cut the broccoli into tiny flourets (of course you need to wash it), put them into a microwave friendly dish, add a smidge of water, and steam it until bright green and tender.

Cube the Velveeta while the broccoli steams.  When you pull out the  broccoli, add the soup, fill the can with milk, mix the milk in with the broccoli/soup mixture, add the Velveeta.

Heat in the microwave until the Velveeta has melted completely.  Salt to taste and ta da!  The soup is ready!  It does not get much easier than this!

This soup is great on it's own.  However, it was just cryin' out for a bread bowl when we ate it.  Some soups and days are just made for bread bowls.  This was one of them. 

Lingering thought of the day:  While we were in Missouri over Halloween week, Mugsy got fixed and a nose job...to widen her little nostrils and let her breathe more easily.  We were told "fat dog" needed to lose about seven pounds.  Between the post-op recovery and the new diet, she is NOT a happy camper.  She gets two more days of sympathy...then she has to adjust nicely.

Salsa Mac

When I was in college, I made this recipe all the time.  I loved it.  Scott would come over and eat it, and he loved it.  It was a total hit.  However, somewhere along the way I forgot about it.  Then last week I started missing it and went for a scavenger hunt through my recipe box to find it. 

I made it for dinner, and Scott and I still love it.  One thing has changed though.  We now have a little one who loves it too.  He chowed down on this stuff--and it's fairly spicy!  Anyway, as this is such a hit with my family, I thought I'd share it with yours.  Here it is:

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
16 oz. chunky salsa
1 1/2 c. water
7 oz. elbow macaroni
3/4 lb. Velveeta--cubed


Start by browning the ground beef.  When finished, drain it.  (Please remember to dispose of your grease in a paper towel lined container in the trash--preferably a container with a lid.  Garbage disposals and drains loathe grease.)

Add the salsa and water.  Bring to a boil.  Stir in the mac.  Reduce the heat and cover.

Helpful hint:  Boiling the noodles in this mix allows the flavor to soak into them throughout cooking time--rather than just boiling them in plain water then adding them to the mix. 

This mix should simmer 8-10 minutes--until the noodles are done.

While this mix is cooking, I cube the Velveeta.  However, somewhere along the way, Velveeta had the craptastic idea of taking the measurements off of their packaging.  So, I cut the 2 lb. block in half and use as close to 3/4 lb. as I can eyeball.  From that point, cube the cheese.  Keep in mind that the smaller you cut the cubes, the faster they melt.  Add them to the mix.

Stir until melted.

Above is a picture of the finished product, but it really doesn't do it justice.  This stuff is dang good...and it looks it too (in real life, of course). 

With the remaining Velveeta, I do two things.
#1--Make Rotel with the full pound.
#2--Make Broccoli Cheese Soup with the remaining quarter pound.  This recipe I'll share tomorrow.

Lingering thought of the day:  I'm hoping housework will make me skinny.  Scrubbing tubs and floors takes a ton of elbow grease and really should be considered as serious exercise. 

Little Cutie Bows

These teensy little bows are my newest obsession.  They're so easy and so fast.  However, I can't seem to get a good picture of them...I've been fighting with my flash and can't seem to find a good background.  Anyway, they only take seconds each and only require:  ribbon, alligator clips, scissors, and hot glue.  They are so much fun!

These were the first few sets that I did (2 each).  I have added many patterns to the collection since I took this picture a few days ago. 

Here's a close-up of one of my favorite sets:

How cute will these be on a little bitty head of hair?

Lingering thought of the day:  I LOVE when my hubby gets home early from work!  It's so nice to get to spend time together as a family during the day!

How to cut a pineapple

Pineapple is at the top of my favorite fruits list.  I love them. However, I'm picky about pineapple too.  No mediocre pineapple will do, and I refuse to pay more than $3.00 for one.  I pick them by making sure they have pretty green leaves and a lack of moldiness on the bottom.  However, the main factor is the sniff test.  Pineapples usually have one of two smells:  musty or sweet.  If the pineapple smells sweet, purchase it, take it home, cut it, and eat it.  You'll be in for a treat!

To cut the pineapple, grab a sharp (big) knife and place the pineapple on a cutting board over the sink.  A trash can directly beside you won't hurt either.  Here's my reasoning for the placement of the cutting board and trash can:  pineapples are very, very juicy.  They will drip sticky juice all around your cutting board and across surfaces to throw away the scales and hair...keep clean-up simple for yourself.
Step 1:  Decapitate the pineapple.  Then proceed to cut off it's rumpus too.

Once step one has been completed, you'll be able to stand the pineapple up to make step 2 a little easier.

Step 2:  Quarter the pineapple, making sure to get it fairly even (you want to be sure that you have the core divided).

Step 3:  Lay it out flat so the quaters don't slip off the board.  Pineapple's notorious for trying to run away when on the chopping block...

Step 4:  Stand up one quarter and cut the core (corner) off.

Step 5:  Cut the quarter chunk in half.  Then with each piece still standing, cut off the scaly side.  Make sure to cut deep enough to remove all scales and seedy chunks--but not so deep that you lose the yummy edible part.

Step 6:  Lay out flat--on the side where the scales used to live.

Step 7:  Cut into bite-sized pieces.  Place in serving dish/storage container after cutting each strip.  Again, it will try to run away if you give it the slightest opportunity...

Repeat steps 4-7 with the remaining quarters.  Enjoy!!

Lingering thought of the day:  Eli watched Cars for the first time last night.  He loved it!  I had him up on my lap at one point and smooched him on the cheek.  His response was, "Mama, watch da cars!"  I cracked up.  Are little ones supposed to be too cool for mama kisses before they reach the age of two?

For the love of the Little People...

Fisher Price Little People, that is.  My Eli man has a few Little People sets (prior to the sets that follow), including:  the farm and tractor, dumptruck & muck truck, and the boat set with blocks.   He really likes them and they're made of tough stuff.  They last forever. 

Uncle Kent has a few sets from when he was little that Eli likes to play with when we visit.  I can remember Kent playing with them all the time.  They're still in really good shape.  I'm tellin' ya.  This is some worthwhile stuff, and kids love it.

Saturday morning we were on our way to try a doughnut place that had been brought up in church a few weeks before.  There was a line out the door to get in, and it was worth the wait.  Ok, back to my  point...
On our way out of the driveway, we noticed two houses down had a yardsale in progress.  It looked like it was almost all little boy clothes and toys.  I went up to look closer while the boys waited in the car.  I found a pile of little Nike shirts and pjs.  But what really caught my eye was the toy selection.  Here's the catch--I almost never buy toys at yardsales.  These, however, I couldn't resist.

Little People Pirate Ship

Little People Zoo

Little People Rail Road--which could connect several parts of the Little People Village

Little People Parking Garage/Carwash/Gas Station

Little People Fire Station

Little People Police Officer and various working men

He also got the school bus--which I forgot to picture.  It's pretty cute though, and it holds a ton of little people!

Little People Airport

As soon as we got home from the sale and breakfast, I gave all of these new toys a bath.  While Eli was down for his nap, I set them all up and got them ready for him.  When he woke up, he came out of his room and said, "Oh my!"  His little face lit up, and he started running from set to set to play with each one.  He was so excited!  It was like Christmas morning in our house with all the new toys!

This is every bit of the Little People stuff they had at this yardsale (minus what we already had).  Each piece was priced at $10.00, but she gave me the entire set and clothes for $30.00.  Then, because Eli had shown interest in them, she threw in the dinosaurs too!  Each dinosaur moves, roars, or does something different.  I'm thinking we did pretty well on this little outing!

Aftter we bought these, I decided to price them on the Fisher Price website and Amazon.  I learned two things.
 #1:  We practically stole these toys for what we paid.  (The school bus alone is $20.00.) 
#2:  I desperately want the Nativity Scene gift set for Eli.  What a fun way to learn about the birth of Jesus!  It's a nativity set that we can use to teach him that he can actually play with.  We're going to have to think about investing in that.

Lingering thought of the day:  Little People aren't made of extremely hard plastic, yet they still hurt when thrown at you.

It's here! It's here!

Many moons ago (maybe a few weeks...), I received an email telling me I WON a playpen from Baby Trend.  Let me preface it with this: I never, ever win anything.  The closest I've come is getting my money back on Bunco night as the biggest loser.  Yep, that's right.  Out of 14 girls, I lost the most rounds.  That's my typical luck.

Somtime in June, I realized that Parenting.com was doing 101 Days of Giveaways.  This is the first time ever for me to enter into anything of this sort whatsoever.  But the stuff was just so...well, fabulous.  I couldn't resist.  So, from that day in mid-June until Labor Day, the last day of the contest, I was on top of it.  I check the daily giveaway every morning and registered for everything worth having.  One thing led to another, and I looked into their other contests and giveaways also.  I decided I might as well register for those too. 

One of the other giveaways was the play pen that I won...by some miracle.  Click below for the details on and pictures of my winnings:  http://www.babytrend.com/nursery_centers_deluxe/PY86443.html

Isn't that cool?  Anyway, in the email it said it should get to me within 3-5 business days.  On Wednesday I called to check the status, since it had been longer than that by quite a bit.  Apparently, the lady who deals with this type of thing was on jury duty for that extent of time but had shipped it the day before.  On Thursday I returned from one of my daily outings to find it on my doorstep.  Woohoo!

It's here, and I am so excited!  Scott and I have taken it out of the box and assembled it.  We're so ready to use it.  I think we even have the fancy pants features of it all figured out.  Yay for freebies through Parenting and Baby Trend! 

Just FYI:  The winners from the 101 Days will be notified no later than November 9th.  I'll let you know how that works out for me...assuming the outcome is me winning something else spectacular.

Lingering thought of the day:  I love having the option of Saturday night or Sunday morning church!  We attended this evening, and it was really nice!

It doesn't get much more frugal than this!

I've always liked to attend the yardsales of others and to have them myself.  However, since Eli was a baby, I've found them to be even more beneficial.  Over the course of the past couple of years, I have bought mounds and heaps of baby and little boy clothes.  I have stockpiled entire wardrobes in each size for him up to 2T/3T. 

Scott's Aunt Mary Anne has spoiled us rotten lately.  She too is a yardsaler and has lavished us in the great finds of late.  This is one of the outfits in the last bag she sent for us.  How cute is this?

Anyway, after receiving our last bag from her, I decided to take a clothes inventory for Eli.  I figured out what he'd need for about the next year.  I also realized that we don't have much of anything at all yet for little girl.  So...it was time to go yardsaling again.  My friend, Kim, went with me on a five hour tour of the best "baby/kid friendly" sales Lexington had to offer last Saturday.

Here are some of my favorite finds of the day:

Shirts for Eli in the next size up or two--all sports related.  He helped me pick these out and got all excited about them!

PJs for Eli--dinosaurs, of course.  PJs are so expensive new.  I can't justify it.  He was pretty crazy about these, and they were in really good shape.

At one sale, there were a ton of little boy sweaters.  I bought Eli a few for this fall/winter.

I also bought a few things for the newby.  I bought some "play" clothes for the first year (and just some basic casual stuff).

I found a CUTE dress for her first Christmas.  How cute will this be with little white tights and shiny black Mary Janes?

I also found a couple of cutesy summer dresses, but this one was our favorite (with the little bloomers).

Overall, I bought about 36 articles of clothing on this trip.  These items were almost all name brands:  Kenneth Cole Reaction, Nike, Green Dog, Children's Place, Gymboree, Carters, so on and so forth.  I left home with $25.00 and returned home with two dollars (although Eli claimed $.50 of that as his own "moneys").   
Pictured below is one of my favorite "all yardsale" outfits.  The shirt is Tommy Hilfiger, the pants Polo, and the shoes Carters.  This outfit cost $2.50 total.  However, we have replaced the shirt with a bright red polo.  Apparently the skinny red and white stripes make this shirt look pink...and that simply will not fly. 

Have I ever mentioned that Eli loves to play ball outside?  We were on a walk.  He and his daddy spotted an empty parking lot, so the game was on. 

Lingering thought of the day:  Is it pregnancy or quirkiness that makes me love the smell of a hot glue gun that's been plugged in for awhile?