Frugal Friday With Marsha--Staycations

I went on hiatus last Friday---a staycation I will call it.  I had thought about scheduling my Friday post and then decided to just take the week off.

According to wikipedia, a staycation is "a period in which an individual or family stays home and participates in leisure activities within driving distance, sleeping in their own beds at night. They might make day trips to local tourist sites, swimming venues, or engage in fun activities such as horseback riding, paintball, hiking or visiting museums. Most of the time it involves dining out more frequently than usual. Some people may include one or two overnight visits at relatives, friends or a longer trip."

We've never taken more than a staycation!!  Maybe some day we might afford a "real" vacation.

We picked up my daughter Heather and her 2 children in Inman, Kansas and headed to McPherson, Kansas for the 100th year celebration of All School's Day.
Wow!  I have never seen such a crowd for a parade!!  The population of McPherson is only around 13,000, but people come from the whole county as well as surrounding counties for All School's Day.
Here is a photo I snapped of the block and side of the street that we were on to watch the parade.  Eight blocks was like this on both sides!

The parade lasted about 2 hours.  I took lots of photos, but this was our favorite float.  It was mad scientists representing, I think, Humara.  They were hilarious doing their experiments and dancing to rock and roll music.

After the parade we did a little shopping at Walmart, ate lunch at McDonald's and then went back downtown for a tour of the McPherson Opera House.
It was so very interesting.  Unfortunately not many of my photos came out well at all.
I snapped this photo as we drove up the street from the outside.

This photo is of one of the upper seats.  The prime of opera seating.

The entire opera house has been restored as close to original as it could be.  Beautiful art work and design.  The history was so interesting.  We brought home a booklet with the history as well as a show booklet for the season as well.  They have a free show coming up that we hope to make it to.

In other news this week, I was able to purchase 3 raised beds for gardening through the local buy, sell, trade group on facebook.  I bought 3 of these at $10 each.  Not sure that was the best deal, especially considering when I left the gal told me $10 is what she paid for them, but never got to use them.  She may have never used them, but they were out to get weathered!  I would have talked her down a bit on price, or talked her into at least one more for the price had I known that information beforehand.  I am also thinking that these would be easy to build, so I will check on the cost of materials.
Anyway, we probably will do nothing with these this  year as we have already planted, but we are working towards the dream garden for next season.

Your turn.  I can't wait to see what is shared this week!

Squidoo Hopping--Children

Soon I am heading out the door to go to my 3 yr old grandson's Headstart Promotion.  In honor of Jacob, I am making these week's hop theme children.

Link up 1 or 2 of your lenses that are about children.  Anything to do with children  :)

Also don't forget to link up any blog posts you have written with squidoo as the subject as well!

Squidoo Hopping---Rankings

Good Thursday!
This week I would like to ask you to share your highest ranked lens and your lowest ranked lens in the linky.

My Helen Steiner Rice lens rose to the top of my list again for a bit.  I assume, as usual each year because of Mother's Day.  It didn't stay there long.  I still don't have any lenses even in tier 2.  Oh how I really must work on that!

Please link up any blog posts you have done this past week pertaining to squidoo as well.  Feel free to link up your highest and lowest ranking lenses in addition to any and all blog posts.     Thanks!!

Sew Pretty T-Shirt Dresses Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway!r

 Welcome to the "Sew Pretty T-Shirt Dresses" blog tour, featuring finished projects and giveaways from Sweet Seams' latest book. The designers over at NYC-based Sweet Seams wanted to create a collection of fast, fun, and inexpensive dresses to make for their daughters, granddaughters, nieces and god-daughters. The dresses, which all start with a simple T-shirt, were inspired by all the little girls in their lives who feel special in projects that were made especially for them. Crafters can upcycle any T-shirt, maybe even an old favorite that doesn't quite have the same fit anymore or one that's stained near the hem. With 28 very different styles to choose from, anyone can find a design that fits the little girl in their own life.  

I am thrilled to be able to take part in the Sew Pretty blog tour. 

When I rec'd the email asking if I would do a book review of Sew Pretty T-Shirt Dresses, my first thought was making dresses for all 4 of my granddaughters.

When I rec'd a second email asking if I would take part in the blog tour, of course I said yes.

I love this book! I have made one dress so far. This is the Patchwork of Art design. The first photo is the dress. The second photo is my granddaughter, Willo, wearing the dress. She wore it to church and showed it off. I had her take it off after church, at which time she informed me that I was to make sure to get it washed. She wanted to wear it the following Sunday as well.

I have built a squidoo lens with my full review as well as the press release of Sew Pretty T-Shirt Dresses.....and photos featuring some of the other designs in the book.  I hope you will click HERE and check it out.

Here is the complete schedule for the blog tour. I do hope you will check them all out. Come back day by day until tour end!

May 5  

The New York Mom will feature a finished project  

Nouveau Stitch will feature a finished project, “Flirty Shirt”  

Just Pure Lovely will host a giveaway  

The Crafty Princess Diaries  will host a giveaway

May 6

Craft Knife will feature a finished project, “Cool Water”  

Stitched by Crystal  will feature a project for her 9-month-old  

BlogHer DIY will feature a project

May 7

Prudent Baby will review and host a giveaway

House of 34 will host a giveaway

May 8

Smashed Peas and Carrots will feature a finished project, “Bubble Tea”  

Simply Modern Mom will review and might do a project

May 9

Marsha’s Spot will feature a finished project, “Patchwork of Art” and host a giveaway

Sew Spoiled will review the book  

Maya Made  will feature a finished project  

May 10

Dollar Store Crafts will review the book

Only From Scratch will feature a project

May 11

A Few Shortcuts will review and host a giveaway

Wild Olive will feature a finished project  

Positively Splendid will feature a finished project   

May 12

On the Laundry Line  will feature a  finished project  

Elegance and Elephants will feature a finished project

May 13

Luvinthemommyhood will review and host a giveaway

My Little Gems  will host a giveaway

Now for the fun part! How would you like to win your own copy of Sew Pretty T-Shirt Dresses? Just enter using the rafflecopter form below.

 

Disclosure: Sixth&Spring Books gave me the information and I received the book from Soho Publishing Co. for the purpose of this blog tour/review/giveaway. I was not compensated in any other way, and any opinions are my own.

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WIP Wednesday--5/8/13

I didn't post last week.  I didn't have much progress, and sure not enough to warrant writing about!

I'm still moving along with the pillowcases, but only here and there.  I was able to buy the last fabric that I needed and have that last pillowcase started.  I do plan on getting it mostly done today.  It happens to be for the first grandchild's birthday of the year, which is May 28.  Then they start coming fast--the birthday's that is---June 1, June 5, July 3, August 13, August 15, August 29, September 8, November 7, and  then the last is my daughters birthday on October 9.
Means I should get this post done and move on in to my craft room and get to work.

Here is a picture I took of my progress:

 Yesterday was sewing club at church, where I am still fighting away working on the quilt top that I've been working on for months!  One of the gals suggested that I go ahead and start putting some of the top together.  She said that would make me feel like I was at least getting somewhere with it.
So, here you have the top row of the middle part of the quilt:

I am still working away on my goal with making these plastic canvas coasters.  I have made over 50 of them so far and I'm still not out of that huge ball of yarn.  I hope hope hope to finish them up TODAY.  I really need to move on to other projects as I am planning on setting up to sell my crafts at the flea market June 2.

Moving along and getting back to work here, I am linking up with:

 

Soft Scrub Advanced Surface Cleaner Review and Giveaway!

Yay for Soft Scrub always coming up with new products to make our cleaning a bit easier!

I've been trying the Soft Scrub Advanced Surface Cleaner.  Admittedly, I don't take care of my stainless steel sinks as I should.  In particular the right side which seems to ALWAYS have dirty dishes in it.
Check out my before and after shots:

Wow.....now that is shiny!  I have a plus going on at my house.  Ever since my teenage daughter seen just how shiny the sink can be, she likes to take it upon herself to keep it that way.  Who would have thought?

Soft Scrub Advanced Surface Cleaner is a rinse-Free gel that cleans and polishes granite and marble countertops, glass cooktops, and stainless steel.  It's tough on stains, but gentle even on your most delicate surfaces.

Just apply to the surface and wipe away with a sponge, cloth, or paper towel.  Grease and grime easily disappears.

Find out more at http://www.softscrub.com

You won't want to miss the latest  Soft Scrub Sweepstakes.
Visit Say Goodbye to Mold and Mildew Stains Sweepstakes for a chance to win the grand prize of $1000 and a years supply of Soft Scrub or one of 250 free product coupons.

You can be a winner here on my blog too.  Enter using the rafflecopter form below for your chance to win one of 3 free product coupons!

Disclosure:  As a Purex Insider I was sent a bottle of Soft Scrub Advanced Surface Cleaner for the purpose of this review.  I was not compensated in any other way and all opinions are my own.  Purex/Soft Scrub provided me with free coupons to give away as prizes.

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Frugal Friday With Marsha ---Link Up!

Another week has passed us by and we are now in to May.
Spring left us again the past couple of days. We had lows below freezing the past couple of nights and even seen some snow yesterday morning.
I had to go out Wednesday morning and cover the plants. I do hope they survive!

This week has just sped on by me. I've stayed busy as usual.
I did make one shopping trip this week. An online friend sent me some free coupons and I used those as well as bought a few other things.
One thing that I bought is a gallon of white vinegar. I am now using it for fabric softener. I'm really liking it! Plus, it's cheap and natural.
I did get a couple loads of laundry done on Monday and Tuesday that I was able to hang out on the line to dry.

I've been working a lot this week on cutting out my coupons and getting them into my binder. I have a long ways to go! I will be working more on that today. If I can just work a little each day I could maybe keep them caught up. I have a pile of expired coupons to turn in for the military families.

I need to run along, another busy day away from home for me, but I do look forward to the posts you will link up this week!

Squidoo Hopping--How Has Your Week Been?

I was mistaken when I thought that Spring was finally here in Kansas.  It's currently snowing again--blah!    My daughter and I planted a garden last week.  I even started a new lens for this season on our garden.  I am sharing that link in the linky this week.
I had to go out yesterday morning and cover the plants again.  I do hope they survive!  The high here today and tomorrow is only 40.

Other than getting the new lens built, I'm ashamed to say that I've not spent much time in squidoo at all.  One of my other regular sites went down for server change and I've found myself lost writing in bubblews.
Are any of you also on bubblews?  If so, I would love to connect.  Are you writing and including links to your lenses?  So far I've only put in one link to one of my lenses.  I'm a little leery not knowing for sure if it's ok to link drop?   I know one gal constantly puts in photos of craft items along with a link to find it in her etsy shop.  Another gal is putting in bits of her hubpages writing with the link to read the full story.
This is the link to my profile page if you would like to connect with me over there.
http://www.bubblews.com/account/13348-marsha32 

As far as any sort of theme for this week's blog hop, I don't have one.  Share any lens that you would like to.  Also link up any blog posts you have done regarding squidoo as well.

It seems that the updating and flagging thing has been worked out.  I need to get in to the facebook groups to see what all is going on.  I will do that today as I go in to share the link to my blog.

Swagbucks Double Stuffed!!

Before April ends Swagbucks is giving you another opportunity to earn big! This Tuesday, April 30th Swagbucks is holding another Double Stuffed Swagbucks. If you missed the first one, here's how it works:          Double Stuffed Swagbucks means you'll get DOUBLE the SB amount in many of the ways to earn: Shop & Earn (in countries where available!), the Daily Poll, NOSO, the Toolbar, Games (aka Play) & on SBTV (aka Watch)!                 In addition to Double the SB-earning fun, there will be 35 Swag Bucks worth of Swag Codes given throughout the day in each country of the Swag Nation.              If you haven't joined Swagbucks yet, now is the time. It's your chance to earn Swag Bucks twice as fast on Tuesday -- which means more free prizes like gift cards to Amazon, Target, Walmart & Paypal! Use the sign-up code 70DOUBLESTUFF for an extra 70 SB bonus when you sign up here.                  

Chick-Fil-A Leadercast Giveaway

Full. Our lives are full of things that we think will grow our businesses and increase our influence. We are busy - and that may, unknowingly, be holding us back. What if there was potential impact in simplifying our lives so our leadership could thrive? Leading in a complex world requires simplicity to cut through the clutter. Saying NO to what may seem good could help increase your capacity to live your life to the fullest. Join us at Chick-fil-A Leadercast as we learn to Simply Lead.

What is Chick-fil-A Leadercast?
Chick-fil-A Leadercast is a one-day leadership event broadcast LIVE from Atlanta, GA to hundreds of locations around the world on May 10, 2013. Strengthen your leadership by simplifying your life. SIMPLY LEAD.

Speakers for this year's event include:
• Jack Welch, Former Chairman and CEO of General Electric
• Andy Stanley, Best-selling leadership author and communicator
• Mike Krzyzewski, Head men's basketball coach, Duke University and Team USA
• John Maxwell, Best-selling author and leadership expert
• Dr. Henry Cloud, Best-selling author and leadership consultant
• LCDR Rorke Denver, Navy SEAL and star of the 2012 movie Act of Valor
• Sanya Richards-Ross, 2012 London Olympic gold medalist, track & field
• David Allen, Best-selling author of Getting Things Done and productivity expert
• Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State (2005-2009), via exclusive Simply Lead video interview

Check out the Chick-fil-A Leadercast App and find out:
• What’s Your Leadership Style Quiz! Everyone is born with the power to influence and although it may not always feel like it - we are ALL LEADERS in our own way! The question is... what type of leader are you?
• 7 Tips to Lead Simply! Simplicity enables leaders to cut through the clutter and make the best decisions possible. Read these 7 tips to simplify your life... and remember, it’s the decisions you make that define the leader you become!
• Find a Location! Chick-fil-A Leadercast will be broadcasted to hundreds of locations around the world! Enter your zip code to find a broadcast location near you - or join us at the LIVE site in Atlanta May 10, 2013!



One lucky blog reader will win a Chick-Fil-A Leadercast prize pack.
Enter below using the rafflecopter form!

Disclaimer: The assets included within this post were delivered to me in promotion of Chick-fil-A Leadercast 2013. Chick-fil-A supplied these materials and is providing the prize package to the winner.

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