It's the Little Things

I have to grasp at straws some days to figure out what to do with Ivy. Today was a new one.
I took her to two parks and then I thought we would just drive around.

We ended up close to a farm - not very much unlike the farm with the horses that we regularly visit. The cow was munching on some hay about 50 yards away. Ivy asked me to call it over. I started clicking like while calling the horses. Then I whistled. The cow looked at us and slowly but surely came to visit us at the fence.

He delicately lowered his head so we could give him some petting. The only problem were his horns! I'd have to duck when he turned to scratch and he ended up knocking Ivy over.

But she loved it. She loves animals. We love animals.

Fun Nite Out!

I could add this to my 40 Before 40!

I'd label this as "Never Done This."

So, I've never done a painting party. One group calls is Painting With A Twist. This one is called PaintNite. A large group of people get together at a local restaurant and paint the prescribed painting (or venture away from it).

I'm not an artist but I can sketch and doodle. 

This is what it was "supposed" to look like. These colors here are playing tricks on you. It's a lot of pink. 

Starting out with a laaarge blank canvas. Intimidating. 

My buds!

This reminded me of the little mermaid. 

I wasn't happy with the brush technique so I started finger painting!

I think it looks odd. 

Action shot!

Progress

Friend Lyn's painting. 

I like how small her tree and leaves turned out. 

My finished product. 

And on the mantle. I wanted it to look like fall leaves. 

And photos by our instructor. 

Beep Beep Jeep!

I'm not very sure how it started. We got back home from visiting family this summer and Ivy started pointing out Jeeps. By name! 

She always is excited when she sees one - especially if it is an unexpected color. Any time I drive her, I make sure to point out Jeeps if she doesn't see them before I do. She has mentioned that she wants one. She asks what [type of terrain] they can drive on. 

I have even asked if my cousin would take her for a ride in her Jeep but the opportunity never came up. 

But she finally got behind the wheel of one the other day. 

Dear Jeep-Chrysler,

My child loves Jeeps. Please hook her up in about 12 years. 

Thanks,

A Mom

PS: Would you just look at that smile?

Grapefest

I found out about Grapefest through an e-newsletter. Since they were having free admission days, I decided to take Ivy.

I spent $20 for ride tickets. She rode a ride by herself, and I rode two with her. I mainly took her because SeaLife and LegoLand both had a kids area. It wasn't spectacular, but kids were entertained! The attractions for the kiddos were a small touch tank, Lego build areas, a stage that had minute-to-win-it games going on and a petting zoo. 

The midway (games and rides) was smaller than I'm used to. Instead of a thoroughfare of food venders, it was full of artisans. Leather bracelets! Your name carved in wood! Glass mosaics! Chachkies galore. Wine tasting bar tents. Many with a wine theme because Grapevine + Grapefest = wine. 

There was even a booth for grape stomping but it wasn't open. The downtown area is nice and I intent on visiting again during a normal day. 

But, let's look at pictures!

More Freebies!

I am totally digging finding and hearing about awesome deals!

This week, I picked up three free Pedia Care medicines. I had to make two separate trips because I only had one coupon on the first trip.

The second trip took me to three locations. Obviously something that is free is a hot item. The first two DT's I went to were out. The third DT had a decent stock. 

(I traded one of these for a fever reducer.)

(Leaving some for the next people!)

I've made a statement about it before, but I do not plan on creating a stockpile and portioning off my house for that. I'm only going for what is reasonable and what we will use. 

Hooray for cold season!

Menu Plan Monday 9/8-13

I am probably on the road as you are reading this, snacking on leftover Schlotzsky's and Gold'n Cheese crackers, singing kid songs with my little bird, and pointing out every Jeep and roadside animal I can find. We spent a long weekend visiting family for birthdays and anniversaries. It was a jam-packed weekend!

I love spending time with family but I am ready to get back home! We need to get back to school-work. I will be making a couple of homecoming mums this week. I'm also gearing myself up for some more couponing. And of course...

Menu Plan Monday!

Sunday - Confit byaldi which is the ratatouille recipe in the movie, Ratatouille. I know this sounds odd, but ratatouille doesn't normally look like this - it's more of a stew.

Monday - Leftovers

Tuesday - Leftovers

Wednesday - Tacos/Nachos

Thursday - Gnocchi with pink sauce

Friday - Fried chicken

Saturday - Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

September Photo A Day

Another month and I decided to do another Photo A Day! I liked challenging myself to spot the things on the list, to hunt it down, and to capture it in my own way. I debated whether or not I would do it again this month and finally thought to myself, "Why am I worried if people like these or not?" - because I was totally doing that. I'm doing this for me! It's a moment out of my day that helps get me out of my own head, and it's a bit of a routine, so I do it.

 

Again, I'll be posting one week at a time. I hope you enjoy and join in!

1. In my cup

2. Stripes

3. Button

4. DIY

5. Upside Down

6. I Need... to keep my mind occupied. 

Free Laundry Detergent

Credit goes to someone of a Facebook group for spotting this. 

This detergent was on sale at Tom Thumb for 7.99 from 11.99. There was a store coupon on my store card for 4.00 off and then I stacked that with a manufacturer's coupon that was also 4.00 off. 

I only paid tax!

August Photo Challenge Part 5: The Finale

I have really enjoyed taking photos daily for the August Photo Challenge via Fat Mum Slim. Other people seem to be reaching enlightenment. There are beautiful photos out there. I just shared snapshots. I think I take things to literally. I'm not very good at metaphors. 

I am considering, but have not decided, if I want to do the one for September.

Here is the last set of photos.

24. Fragrant

25. Mail

* I am absolutely obsessed with mail. I must check the mail. I must check the mail. I love getting mail! I don't know why. I have always been this way. I used to have a TON of penpals. I just don't anymore - technology y'all. I love letters. I love little packages. I love ripping open envelopes!

26. Breakfast - I forgot to eat breakfast so this is a morning snack.

27. Dull

I'm actually pretty tickled how this one came out.

28. Travel 

29. Dessert

I baked these cookies just for the photo. We don't really have many desserts in the house.

30. Nearby

Ivy's dance classes are nearby. Her bag was nearby.

31. 10AM

A weekly update?

If you read this post, then you know I have goals this year. Keeping the house clean is going well. Menus are flowing, Ivy is learning and even self-educating (cool!) and we make time for a lot of fun. Granted it has been a grand total of two weeks, but still. I'm pretty proud. Dinner is on the table (or in front of our faces) usually before 6pm. I'm still trying to broaden Ivy's dining horizons. And she is also picking up after herself.

So, a new goal is to save money. I want to cut corners wherever I can. I've done the whole couponing thing before and the wind quit my sails. Who knows why. But I'm starting up again. I hope it'll stick around a lot longer this time. It has to. It needs to. It must. Because really... why pay for full price when you can get things for very cheap or even free!

Wish me luck!