Just Braggin'

I am so proud of this shirt! I made this for Lucas from a men's XL t-shirt and pieces of ribbing from another shirt, both bought at a thrift store for .50 each. It is completely upcycled from previously worn fabric and I have no more than $1 in the whole shirt! I used the tutorial from MADE to create my own pattern from a shirt Lucas currently wears and then cut out the pieces and stitched it up!

While the tutorial says 90 minutes, it took me closer to 3 hrs since I had to cut the pattern first. And, of course, it didn't happen all in one night. I am addicted to these now! I'm ready to start my next one but have to round up some more knit fabric to work with.

All You

Over the years, I've subscribed to many magazines including Woman's Day, Family Circle, Better Homes and Gardens, Redbook, and various parenting magazines. Before children, I bought Marie Claire and Glamour. My time is prioritized differently these days so I have limited my magazines to one that has it all (no pun intended). All You is for you!

The promise of coupons is no joke. I have more than paid for the magazine itself on more occasions than I can name. The sign of the times is that it has gone from $1.77 an issue to $2.49 an issue. Inflation- not just for groceries anymore!

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The recipes are family and kid friendly- no weird ingredients. I like the easy to read format with short articles (nothing that you have to skip to pg. 94 to finish reading!) and Tip Strips that can be cut off the side of the page for future reference. The clothing comes from stores like Target and JCPenney at affordable prices with several options to complete the same look. Common headings include Your Self, Your Health, Your World, and Your Home. Probably my favorite part (besides the coupons) is the puzzle section. Every issue has Sudoku, a crossword, and a Picture Puzzle. I don't subscribe to it; it's just my guilty pleasure when I buy groceries.

Look What I Made!

I found the inspiration here.

Grace Violet has given me other ideas that I am trying out this week. The spring weather has made me motivated and inspired! I will show you my creations as they are finished. Some have to remain secret because I intend to give some as gifts.

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Seriously, this dress was easy, peasy! I bought smocked fabric at Hobby Lobby (hurry, it sells out fast), then chose a coordinating fabric to lengthen the dress to fit my young colt, and finally attached straps. This has so many options! I could have made it strapless but, hey, she's only 5. It could be a tunic with leggings underneath. I have a tiny bit left over to made a matching dress for one of her dolls.

I Finally Get It

After months, possible years, of grumbling every time my extremely thirsty daughter wanted a drink, I finally hit on a solution. I didn't want her downing Capri-Sun or juice boxes at every turn so I filled 6 cups with juice/water and put them in the fridge first thing in the morning. Then, she can access them at will. If she drinks them all before bedtime, then she has to have water only. Finally! Freedom from drink servitude!

Motherhood sucks your brain cells.