Just adding primer to this dresser has already made a difference!

Click here to see it before it was painted. Crystal knobs are on order from Amazon for the top two drawers but I still have to decide what I am going to do for the bottom four drawers. I would have ordered crystal for the pulls as well but I can’t find any in the size I need.  I can’t wait to share the finished product!

First, I tried painting the wood panel walls a green. This worked in our last house but it didn’t work in this one:

As you can see, the paint wasn’t covering and in areas where it was covering, it would just peel right back off the wall.

I didn’t like the green anyway.

Instead of paint, I ended up going with a paler green wallpaper and a set of bookshelves that I bought from Walmart. I didn’t get the cheapest bookshelves either because I wanted them to last. I’m glad I spent the extra cash because they have held up very well and look much better than the cheaper versions.

We try to make it to this small resort in our state at least once a year to relax and just get away, especially if we couldn’t afford any other type of vacation. This year it was needed more than any other year.

We fostered a little boy for most of last year. It was quite an experience and taught us many things but by the end we were exhausted and emotionally drained. Two weeks after our foster child went back home we headed to the resort.

We didn’t have much money so cheap and frugal were at the top of our vacation list. Even within those simple parameters we had a great deal of fun. We rented a camper trailer that was less than $30 a night. It had a kitchen and a fire pit so we were able to cook the majority of our food. My favorite part was having a glass of wine with my husband while we waited for the steaks to cook.

We rode our bikes, took walks, relaxed, swam, and went antiquing. See how much fun we had on a budget vacation?

We have decided to sell the bed but I am keeping the dresser. It fits perfectly behind my sectional. The only problem is that cedar, it just doesn’t fit with my decor! I’m currently deciding how to paint it and what kind of pulls I want to purchase for the drawers. Stay tuned for the redo of this old piece into something new and modern!

I bought them a few years ago for $8. They are only about four inches tall yet they are one of my favorite pieces in my entire house. I have a bit of an affinity for owls and this was a great way to add them to my home decor without looking kooky!

What is your favorite flea market find?

The 5k did cost $20 but the proceeds went to our towns family-oriented New Year’s Eve activities, we received a ticket for the activities (which we didn’t use), and a t-shirt.

The hubby and I will be doing another 5k in March for St. Patty’s Day. If you are looking for a cheap exercise option, you should look into signing up for a 5k.

I try to stock up when I can and have figured out how to get the most for my money by using the grocery sale cycle. Last June I bought enough barbecue sauce to get me through until next June when it is at its cheapest!

January’s Grocery Sale Cycle – What goes on sale in January?

When you think about sale cycles, think about what is going on at that time of the year or what just passed.

We just finished the holidays so look for holiday decor, holiday food items and things like wrapping paper being sold at big discounts.

January is the New Year and everyone is starting their New Year’s resolution to lose weight, hence, there is a great deal of diet food on sale! Look for frozen meal deals,  granola bars, teas and soups. A lot of the big name diet brands, like Healthy Choice, will have their items on sale.

Also look at what is coming up, with the Super Bowl just around the corner, you can expect Super Bowl foods such as sodas, chips, and wings to go on sale.

Think of all holidays, even the obscure ones such as National Oatmeal Month. Oatmeal often goes on sale in January, which makes sense. It’s cold outside and oatmeal is a great, healthy, and warm breakfast!

Look for seasonal produce as well such as:

Oranges, Pears, Grapefruit, Tangerines, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Cabbage, Spinach

I keep this piece at the end of our bed. I was using it to store blankets and purses I wasn’t using but they began to smell a bit musty so now I’m airing it out and am going to try putting some vinegar soaked paper towels into it to try to get rid of that slight smell. If I can get the musty smell out I’ll put the blankets and purses back in and get them out of the floor of the guest room closet!

Does anyone have any ideas to get that musty smell out if the vinegar doesn’t work?

Walking is one of the best exercises you can do and just about everyone is capable of doing it, no matter how unhealthy you are. Of course, before starting any exercise program you should consult your doctor first.

Walking is frugal too. You can do it anywhere and its free. Walking doesn’t cost you a thing. You can walk around your house, walk on a treadmill, walk around the neighborhood, or walk to the end of your driveway and back up. If you do not feel your neighborhood is safe enough to walk in then head to your nearest, well-lit and public, track or to your local mall. Malls are a great place to walk as you are out of the elements but only if you walk! No shopping!

If you are just beginning, take it easy and work up to longer periods of walking and faster times. Make sure that you wear comfortable shoes and clothes and bring water to drink. Most of all, have fun!

I moved an old antique table from dining room and positioned it behind the desk. I placed plants and small items on the bamboo table runner that has been used in several areas of the kitchen. Just enough filler for the table.

On the wall I took some rod iron candlestick holders that I received from my mother-in-law and painted them white and blue.

Reusing to make a whole new arrangement!