Saved $39.81 at Walgreens on 7/29/13

Here's a screenshot of my savings at Walgreens on 7/29/13

Special prices are for Balance Reward card holders and I had coupons for almost everything; and a raincheck on the Northern toilet tissue.  My store was out last week when it was on sale.  Be sure to get a raincheck on out of stock items; so you can still save after the sale has ended.

Happy couponing all!

Dressform.... Buy It or Make it?

I am considering buying a dressform.  I've found one on amazon that I like; but am not sure I want to make that kind of investment.  The price is pretty competitive.  I also found a youtube video on how to make one; but it looks like a lot of work and I'm not sure I can recruit someone to help me.... so, to my readers: what would you do?

This one is my favorite because it allows for pants.

But this one is less expensive

and finally

below is the best instructional video I found on how to make one.....

http://youtu.be/wsXOxxZhBbI

So, what's your experience with either or? 

Coupons Galore in this Sunday's Paper

According to the Sunday Coupon Preview website, we anticipate 5 coupon inserts in this Sunday's paper.  To check out the list (some are regional), please visit http://www.sundaycouponpreview.com/

Wishing all a great weekend.

Restyled Wide Leg Slacks

This was a relatively simple project.  At least I hope they will look as good on as they do in the picture. 

I have a pair of thrifted gray slacks with wide legs that are out of style and very much "dated".  I wanted to make them look a little more up to date, so I made the legs a little narrower.

• I ripped out the hem, so the fabric wouldn't bunch up when I got ready to stitch the leg. 
• I took another pair of slacks and outlined the leg width that I wanted and marked it with chalk.
• I proceeded to stitch the outside of the legs making them about 2 inches narrower at the bottom leg than they were before.
• Cut off the excess fabric.
• Cut 1" off the bottom length
• Hemmed

Since I'm re-learning to sew, I took them in on the outer leg only.  What do you think?  Did I do ok?



Before (inside out)



After



Staycation Projects

I've been on vacation this week.  Partly a mini-vacation;  but mostly a staycation.  I have a list of projects I want to work on and maybe even complete.  Some items on my list are so basic, I'm sure they would bore most anyone.  Part of that list includes simple projects like hemming a couple pairs of slacks.  I've been looking for patterns, fabric, and thrifted treasures.  Today I went to pick up my son in San Antonio, and while there located Hancock Fabric on N 1604 in Gateway Shopping Center.  I'm still very shell shocked over the price of quality fabric and patterns.  But luckily, they had Butterick patterns on sale for $1.99 each.  I found three that I can use multiple times.  I'm looking forward to giving my sewing skills a re-try.  Just down the road from the fabric store is a Goodwill store; so I scored some extra large skirts ($2.99 each) to refashion into something else... and a pretty sheer window panel ($1.99) I also plan to turn into a blouse.  It is beautiful fabric; and of course a camisole will have to be worn underneath.

There are no "fabric" stores in New Braunfels other than a quilting store and Hobby Lobby, so I have to be creative. 

First project is to refashion a pair of work slacks I've had for a few years.  Hoping to post that by the end of the week.

Well that's all for tonight folks.  Have a good night.

Mini Harvest from My Garden

This is just a small (mini) harvest from my garden.  I left several jalapenos on the plant too long and they were turning very dark.  Those will be added to the compost bin. The tomatoes are very small and I am not sure why.  They should be up to 1 lb each.  This cucumber is not as pretty as previous ones; but I'm sure it tastes just as good.  I pick about one bell pepper every other day or so, and they are delicious mixed with eggs, salad etc.

Next year:  A bigger garden!

My Mentor's Garden

I am so happy to share pictures from my gardening mentor.  Mr. Harold Walsh; up in the northern part of Texas has talked gardening with me for several months now.  He has provided excellent advice and tips for my gardening projects (in the Fall 2012, and Spring 2013.  He has given me permission to share these pictures of his garden on my blog.  I hope you all enjoy it.

Restyled Thrifted Retro Artichoke Designed Desk Clock

Thrifted Clock

Cost:  $2.00 (plus tax)

Paint:  $2.95 (plux tax)

Sandpaper:  on hand

Total cost:  $4.95

This clock definitely had a dated look.  Not 100% sure it is "retro", but I thought it was kind of cute and with a little sprucing up, might look pretty decent.  The old paint is a lacquered reddish burgandy and before spending a whopping $2 on it I tested the clock mechanism just to make sure it worked.  (I keep batteries in my purse for my camera; so I was lucky to have them with me to test.)

After a light sanding with 60 grid sand paper, I proceeded to give it a fresh coat of gray paint.  I learned pretty quickly that I need a trigger sprayer contraption to reduce the stress on my index finger.

Not quite there with one coat of paint; so I let it dry about 30 minutes before spraying on another coat of paint.

And afterward.  I think it turned out pretty nice and am looking forward to my next restyle project.



 

After

 



Happy Independence Day - Texas Style

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Isn't this one of the most amazing silhouettes you have ever seen. 

This picture of my honey was taken in July 2012. 

It fits today's theme perfectly.

#independenceday #silhouette #texasstyle

Office Attire - Thrifted Pieces make the LOOK

I work in an office where business casual attire is the standard policy. 

This is a look I put together using several thrift store purchases.  All of these pieces can be mix and matched with other pieces in my closet for several looks.

I'm all about saving money... so I am always looking for a bargain.

Top: JM Collection - $4.00 (2nd Chance II, Bryan, TX)

 Pants:  Rue 21 - FREE (CIS Resale Store, New Braunfels, TX)

 Shoes: What's What by Aerosoles - $9.99 (Goodwill, Bastrop, TX)

Earrings:  (not pictured) GIFT

The total look:  $13.99 (excl tax)

Estimated Retail Value $128.00 (New)



Prop (Camero) courtesy of Carmen C.
Picture courtesy of Rachel G.
and yes.... it was windy

What look have you put together lately?  I'd love to hear from you.



Thrifted Fabric Turned Pillow Cover

This is my first actual sewing project since I purchased my Vintage Singer Sewing Machine a few weeks ago. The upholstery type fabric was purchased at the 2nd Chance II Resale Shop in Bryan, Texas for a mere $2.50. I purchased a few other items that will be subjects of future posts.

It was about 2 + yards of fabric; and it will make several pillow covers.  I followed most of the instructions I located on eHow with the exception of adding a stitch allowance.  This fabric has no "give", so I wanted to make sure the pillow would slip in without ripping the fabric or the stitches.

I forgot to copy the link to the instructions; but I got them off the internet.

This is how I made the pillow cover:

For this a 12" pillow

• I cut 28.5" x 12.5" fabric
• Stitched the long ends to prevent fraying
• Stitched a 1/4"-1/2" hem on the short ends
• Marked 8" from each end for the folds.
• Stitched along the long ends to close allowing for the envelop style flap to insert the pillow

 And.... ta da! I think it turned out beautifully and look forward to being more creative in the future.



 

What do you think?  Am I a seamstress or designer in the making?