Ann Leach

Browsing the thrift stores regularly - this way I can keep an eye on stock, keep my finger on the pulse of prices, and occasionally pick up great deals like over 25 pounds of fabrics for just $25. Yards and yards and yards of calicoes, solids, knits, and pre-quilted fabrics to build up my stash. So far I've made nightgowns for Daughter, curtains, hot/cold rice bags, and gift bags. The stash has barely felt the loss. Meal planning  - (by the month), and then using the same plan for the next month, with only minimal changes. Knowing what is going to be on the menu in the upcoming weeks allows me to stock up when the basics are marked down. And I'm rarely caught off without the ingredients I need, but even on those days, I always have ingredients to make something. Dining out is a rare event for us, and it is an event, not just a slack-off. Putting out a garden - soon the holidays will be over and it will be time to plan next spring's garden... vegetables for the table, v...

We live in a world of SO MUCH stuff. It's overwhelming just how much stuff there is in our world, at least in the US part of the world. Yesterday, I had a couple of hours to kill, and because my husband and I have decided we would prefer to furnish our home with antiques, I decided to take a walk through the local antiques mall. The antiques mall is in an old building downtown that used to be a JCPenney, so if you're familiar with the JCPenney stores of the 1970s and before, you'll know what I mean when I say it's big, really big, as in 3 floors of stalls of antiques. And the antiques range as far as they can from crochet-edged hankies to pyrex bowls to cast iron hand pumps to hoosier cupboards. Truly, if you're looking for a specific item, and you're willing to spend the time, you'll find it in this store. So much stuff.  Most of it just sits there, collecting dust. Like wall-hanging thread holder which I first spotted the first time I w...

Inspired by Katy of www.thenonconsumeradvocate.com , my theme for this year is "Buy Nothing New", and to hold myself accountable, I've set up a spreadsheet to record what I do buy new. I've already come across one thing I bought new that I wish I hadn't - the electric skillet. And it's not because I don't use it, because I do use it - every single day since the only burner left working on the stove is a small one.  But I bought the skillet new at WM :( when there was a vintage pyrex electric skillet at the antiques store, which I now think about every time I get out the one I did buy.  Oh well, one step at a time. We spent $35 at Once Upon a Child to set up Isabelle with clothes for all summer (5 outfits, 3 shirts, and 2 dresses). While there, we dug in the shoe bin to find sandals for $3.50 when we had just bought new sandals for $18.  One step at a time. Another new purchase was fabric to make 3 nightgowns for Isabelle. That's a splurge for me ...

This morning was a great morning for hitting the thrift shops.  It's getting colder and we have a need for winter coats, and Isabelle has earned some money to spend.  What better place for her to get a great value for her nickels than the thrift store, right?!  :) But first we went out to the Allen County Farm to join a nature hike put on by the parks department.  We grabbed hats and layered sweaters over t-shirts, but it was brrrrrr  chilly until we got warmed up.  Definitely need to look for winter coats. But you know how it is at the thrift stores, you have to go in with an open mind because you just don't know what you're going to find..... A red winter coat for me!  This is a water resistant coat that will be great in the cold and snow.  And it's red!  $3.99 And honestly, how could I pass up this beauty.  A hip-length black leather coat with black on black trim around the collar, across the shoulders, and on the cuffs and po...

Money, the taboo topic.   We're taught, by our parents and the culture we live in, to not talk about money.  Don't talk about how much you make.  Don't talk about how much you spend.  Don't talk about the ins and outs of credit cards.  Don't talk about how much financing really costs. And if you're in a financial mess, don't talk about that either. So we're each alone in dealing with our finances.  Oh sure, you an ask your folks.  And get the lecture.  Or you can pay for a consultation with a financial advisor, and their sales pitch (usually).  But where can you just sit and talk about the basics? What if you just want to know you're not the only one who is bearing the consequences of a bad choice?  What if you just want to share ideas and hear other people's thoughts on what is working and not working? I propose that it starts here.  My sustainable living passion isn't just about the planet, environment, and being fruga...

Ever notice the clutch purses that the Duchess is typically carrying on her outings?? They're always small, strapless, and hand held. I figure she's carrying her cell phone and a photo id. Because that's what every millennial woman (and mom away from her child) needs. Well, being a woman of the 21st century woman, and mom, I decided I, too, need a Kate Middleton bag for my days out attending to my royal and social duties. A bit bigger than Kate's, but I love it.  And, it matches my red hat and my red shoes. Of course, mine also came from the thrift store because there was no way I'd pay full retail price for a limited use item, no matter how much I love it. Do you have a Kate Middleton purse??  I think everyone should have one for those times you go out and don't want to be mom or royalty.  You just want to be....  you. Cheers! Ann

....  to make a tablecloth and an apron. I've had it in my mind for a while to make a housekeeping apron for myself and more recently I decided I wanted a tablecloth for our dining table.  These are wants, not needs, so not a high priority, but just something I browse for when I'm at the thrift store. A couple days ago, it happened.  Looking through the buy/sell/swap page, there was a listing for 2 king size flat sheets and a super single fitted sheet for $7.  Two solids and a geometric print.  That'll do!  Sold!! This afternoon, with a movie playing to keep me company, I've been cutting and hemming the red geometric print to be a table cloth.  We have a round dining table, but I've decided to cut it square for more versatility.  And I'll shop for some clear vinyl to put over it so it doesn't have to go into the washer after each and every meal. (You know how it is eating with a little one at the table.  :) ) I'm qu...