Not the Kool Aid Mom

Do you know a Kool Aid Mom?  You know the type.  She has it together for birthdays, holidays, play groups; She's the team mom, room mom, prom decor mom.  Never looks frazzled.  Giggles along with the kids at 2am on sleepovers and has the patience of Job.  That isn't me.  In our family, that gene was passed to my sister.

Sis (being silly) and me, Thanksgiving 2010

Always in charge of the children's crafts at Vacation Bible School (and the refreshments).  Sis opened her house to teens to build their Homecoming float not just once, but for many years, under her carport.  She is the assistant Cheer Coach and even a Band Mom at the same time.  She is THE Kool Aid Mom and then some.

Sonya has raised two beautiful girls and has a three month old grand daughter.  I tease her because I am the oldest and she is the first grandma.  She is kind, compassionate, thoughtful and a beautiful soul. 

In 2007 my sister underwent two brain surgery's.  One to remove a blood mass tumor and then six months later for Trigeminal neuralgia.   Two weeks after the second surgery, she returned to her job at the local high school.  She is simply amazing.

Tomorrow my beautiful sister will yet again undergo surgery for the Trigeminal neuralgia.  The pad used to wrap the nerve in 2007 has either moved or something else has happened.  They are trying a different procedure this time.  Please send prayers, positive thoughts, smoke signals or whatever you feel in these situations for my sister, her husband, Jeff and their precious family. 

Because the world can use as many wonderful Kool Aid Mom's as we can keep. 

Happy Easter!

Our Easter Activities this past week included a visit yesterday to a small local farm with this season's babies.



Booger Bear loved feeding the goats.

Wednesday night we attended a church hot dog supper....

with egg hunt.

Luckily this excited youngen found a few eggs.



I hope each of you and your families enjoy a beautiful Easter filled with love, family and a bit of chocolate.

Working Girl's Goodwill style

Another week of sharing my 'Goodwill Glamorous' clothes.  I link up to a few blog parties of everyday ladies and mom's wearing every day clothes.  It's fun and I'm gaining new ideas on ways to make these 'cheap' clothes into glamorous outfits, mostly for work.  Plus a few 'new to me' outfits is about all I've been thrifting lately as I am purging, merging 2 homes and we are just starting on makeover projects down on the Farm.  (We have been remodeling the office and I am decorating a little boy's room on a budget.  Hopefully I will be posting photos of that soon!).

We've enjoyed really warm temps, so I'm wearing more skirts! Here's what I wore this past week ~

Wednesday - Work (featuring my 'new' Italian leather shoes!)

Me and the barn kitty.

Ruffled blouse, The Limited via Goodwill - $1.99

Animal print skirt, Briggs NY; Goodwill - $1.99

Mudd cloth belt, Goodwill - $2

Pratesi Italian leather shoes I found last week at Goodwill - $4

Necklace, Goodwill - $3.73

I think this is my new Favorite outfit!

Thursday - Work

I love this skirt!  You can't see the beaded detail in it, but it rocks.

Turquoise blouse, NY&Co, Goodwill - $3.99

Peach cami tank, Old Navy via Goodwill - 99 cents

Maxi multi skirt, Soft Surroundings; Goodwill - $3.99

My standby black leather belt, Goodwill - $2.00

Kim Rogers, Black sandals, Goodwill (brand new) - $4.00

Multi bead necklace & bracelet, Kohls

No Friday photo - Worked a bit, then off early.  Did find a couple of adorable wood decor items for Booger Bear's room at a huge church yard sale.  It's a work in progress, coming up soon.

Monday - back to work

Sag Harbor dress, Goodwill - $5.49

Taupe T (under dress), Target - old

Tan NY&Co blouse, Goodwill - $2.19

Tan/leather belt, Salvation Army - $1.00

Comfy Italian leather shoes again, Goodwill - $4.00

Same necklace as last Wednesday, Goodwill

Tuesday - Work

My outfit to 'feature' a bracelet I WON from an AWESOME fashion gal, Dawn over at Creative Cain Cabin.  Excuse the wrinkles and tired looking me.  My office help is off enjoying a conference this week and this photo was made after work, after dinner, almost dark-thirty tonight.

GAP blue blouse, Goodwill - $2.20

Tan Slacks, George brand, Goodwill - $4.59

Jazzed up with a silk scarf, worn as a 'belt', Salvation Army - $1.00

Deep purple loafers, Salvation Army - $2.99

A closer look at my new bracelet, which I love.

Bracelet - WON from  Creative Cain Cabin

Necklace, Goodwill - $3.73

Need a giggle?

I have to share this little 'out take' photo of the week from tonight. 

Yep, that is Booger Bear in a t, undies and monkey water boots after dinner, cause that's how we roll down on the farm!  He was bringing me a leaf (aka 'flower') from the tree.  No worries, it was 86 degrees this evening!

I'm linking in to these FUN fashion parties: 

Color Brigade, Real Momma Real Style, What I Wore Wednesday and Making Us Cuter Fashion

Check them all out for some great ideas on styling what you have in your closet or just drop in your local Goodwill or Salvation Army for mine.  ;-)

Our Weekly Dinner Menu

Well most of it!

I admit I'm still planning it.  We had a crazy busy weekend with a family birthday party on Friday.  Working on our home office project Saturday (finished up the flooring. Yeah!)  I'm looking for a few things to add in there, plus we are organizing the mess.  Then hopefully a few pictures.

I am also, slowly working on Booger Bear's room.  Hung curtains in there today, so hope to also share some of that frugal project. (Transforming the extra room into a 3 yo boys room!)

I haven't had a chance to go grocery shopping, so I've planned meals around items on hand.

Sunday - Lasagna and Garlic Bread

Monday - Poppy Seed Chicken served with Broccoli (minus the poppy seeds for us)

Tuesday - Meatballs with creamed potatoes and gravy

Wednesday - Church Egg Hunt with Hot Dog supper

Thursday - Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Still not sure about Friday and Saturday yet!  Hoping to get to the grocery store.

And because I rarely post without a photo.  And he is just too adorable for words.

One of Booger Bear at the party Friday night.

So help me out!  Kid friendly menu ideas?

For more menu ideas, Check out Menu Plan Monday.



Warm Spring Fashions

Gawga (that's Southern for Georgia), has had beautiful warm days.

We've taken advantage of getting out to play (read: burn off some 3 year old energy) in the evenings.

Which has seriously cut into my blogging and photography time.

So this week there are 3 outfits and a couple of cool thrifty finds to share with you.

Friday - Casual day at work

I love this outfit! and had to hunt a thrifty red belt to put it all together.

GAP shirt via Salvation Army - $2.49

Gray skirt, Bugle Boy - purchased at least 10 years ago!

Red belt, Goodwill - $2.00

Laura Ashley red purse, Goodwill - $2.99

American Eagle red slippers, brand new from Goodwill - $4.00 still had the $19.99 sticker on them!

Clear beaded necklace, Cato's clearance - $3.99

And my brand new SHINE necklace!  I purchased from Ashley at The Shine Project. - $11

Ashley is really making the world SHINE, through this project and others. Be sure to stop by her blog.

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Is it odd that my jewelry cost more than my clothes?  ;-)

Saturday - Wore mostly grubbies, as we were cleaning out the office and putting in a new floor!

I hope to be sharing that project soon.

Sunday - Work (Preview Day at the University)

Bright and Sassy.  It was 86 degrees today!

Mustard blouse, NY & Company via Ross - $6.99

Stripe skirt, David Warren NY, Salvation Army - $2.49

Mustard Wet Seal flats, Salvation Army - $2.99

Monday - Black to work

So I tried the stripes and dot mix it up thing.  Maybe I shoulda wore a belt? and painted my toe nails.

Not thrilled with it, but I stepped out of my comfort zone and mixed patterns!  LOL

Jones NY Signature top, Goodwill - $1.99

Black poka dot skirt by Sangria, Goodwill - $1.99

Kim Rogers, Black sandals, Goodwill (brand new) - $4.00

Black beaded necklace - gifted from my daughter

Guess it's not too horrible for an $8 outfit.  Still think it needs a belt or shorter top, something?

Just not feeling it, nor think it is too flattering on me. :/ or it could be my snow white legs. Glare!

I picked these shoes up at Goodwill.  SUPER comfy!

The name in them is Pratesi.  The only thing I can find on that name is Italian leather.

Looks expensive, feels amazing!  Paid $4.00  Whatcha think, good deal?

The other item in the photo is a Mudd belt.  Picked it up at Goodwill for $2.00.  It is so unique.  Can't wait to style it with something.  It is part belt, part scarf, with gypsy jewels on the edges.

Want to see more fashions that YOU can put together outta your closet?

Check out these fashion link parties:

Color Brigrade, Real Momma Real Style, What I Wore Wednesday & Making Us Cuter Fashion

Ok, what did YOU wear this week?  I wanna know!  Leave me a comment with a link to photos or just give me the 411.

What's for Dinner?

Yep, heard that a lot last week due to lack of menu planning on my part.  So this week's dinner menu has leftovers and old stand-bys, because we've been living a frenzied life.  Work is busy, life is busy.  Keeping up with a 3 year old is busy!  However, the smiles, hugs and kisses are so worth having your quiet life turned topsy turvy.  Knowing you are making a difference in the life of a child.

KISS this week ladies.  Keep it Simple, Sistah! Not to mention, kid friendly meals.

Saturday - 

Cooking out, burgers, baked beans, chips and fruit 'dessert'. 

Thanks to Jen at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam I have a new EASY healthy 'dessert'.

Mix of whatever fruit with strawberry yogurt.  I bought the 2 lb container of Yoplait Creamy Strawberry and Booger Bear LOVES it.  We happen to like it too. It's a win, win.  Booger Bear thinks he is getting a treat.  I'm happy it's tasty and healthy.  My above photo has grapes, strawberries and bananas.  I've also added chunks of apples to the mix. 

Sunday - Roast in crockpot with carrots and potatoes, rolls

Monday - Leftovers

Tuesday - Orange-apricot Pork Chops, baked sweet pototoes and broccoli

Wednesday - Spaghetti with garlic bread

Thursday - Leftovers, with fruit salad

Friday - Family birthday cookout

As you can see, I need KID friendly meals.  Please feel free to share links in my comments!

Linking in to Menu Planning Monday @ Organizing Junkie; Ask Ms Recipe,

Thrifty Spring Mantel

Recycle, ReUse and RePurpose! Is exactly how I put together a spring mantel for ZERO dollars.

Of course, originally I paid something for the items on my mantel!  But this season, instead of purchasing anything new, I 'shopped' the house.

Many of these same items were featured on my Valentine's mantel.

I left the empty frame with the white heart, white books (found at Goodwill) and old glass bottles.

Added the finial (picked up 2 years ago on clearance from Hobby Lobby) and my little birdie (purchased at Real Deal's last year).

On the left, I used my TJMaxx, clearance find, twig birdhouse along with a Dollar Tree birdie (from a year ago).  The vase of flowers is a Dollar Tree glass vase wrapped in burlap, tied with a ribbon from my stash and stuffed with fake Dollar Tree flowers for a bit of color.

The kicker here is putting something together around the mantel clock, which stays.

So I choose to do mini vignettes on each side of it.

Nothing fancy, but I love all the natural elements.  PERFECT for us at the Farm House.
And because I purchased these items over the last year or so, total new look, without spending a dime.

Beth over at The Stories of A to Z is hosting a Spring Mantel Party.  So I am linking up!

Head on over and see how all the ladies have celebrated the arrival of Spring with pretty decor.

For other great decor and thrifty parties, check out my PARTIES tab at the top of my blog.

Do you reuse items from around the house in your decor?

Marvelous Darlin, for less

I am so not a 'fashion' expert or even what most would describe as 'fashionable'.  By far, I am NOT a model either.  Just a country gal that loves a deal and thrifting a decent work wardrobe; while adding in some fun weekend wear along the way.

I hope that by sharing what I am wearing each week, it will inspire someone that can't afford the ritzy department store prices to put together a Goodwill Glamorous outfit allowing  their inner light to SHINE!  Cause I believe you can look Marvelous Darlin, for less. It's all in attitude and how you 'work it'!

Thursday - Work and a Retirement reception

Talbots blouse, Goodwill - $3.99

Sag Harbor, floral skirt, Goodwill - $1.99 (half off, color of the week!)

Belt, Ross - last year

Necklace and earrings, Kohl's - last year

Slide in shoes, Aerosoles - couple of years old

Missed getting Friday's photo (but all Goodwill and another 'new' skirt!) & a haircut

Saturday - Family Reunion and a Co-workers Wedding

Not sure if this was a hit or miss.  The dress would probably look better with my fancy black heels and  hose.  However, my feet wouldn't have been happy chasing a 3 year old all day in heels!

Being practical won today.

Sag Harbor dress, Salvation Army - $2.99

Tights, Target - $3.00

Boots, Belk's - gifted

Necklace, Goodwill - $3.73

Earrings, Goodwill - $3.53

Bracelet - gifted 

Monday - Work

Hey, it was either me and the mirror or a 3 year old photographer today.

The mirror won.

Plain v-neck t, Target - years ago (I love 'dressing' these up!)

Animal print cardi, Goodwill - $2.24

Black slacks, Goodwill - $4.59

Necklace, Kohl's (last year on clearance)

Bracelet - Mudd @ Kohl's, brown, black version

Black leather belt (same one I always wear!), Goodwill - $2

Tuesday - Work day, after a restless horrible storm night

No power last night to pre-plan my outfit.  Here's what was quickly tossed together this morning.

Striped Merona blouse (isn't that a Target brand?), Goodwill - $1.99

Coldwater Creek lightweight sweater vest, Goodwill - $1.99

Madison slacks, Goodwill - $2.30

Belt - can you guess? Same fav Goodwill leather

Necklace, bracelet - Kohls

The blouse has a pale green stripe in it, that doesn't show up well in the photos.

Booger Bear walked a bride down the isle Saturday!  He's a bit young for marrying yet.

He would be the handsome boy on the left.

While getting my Saturday shot, he wanted to be a 'model' too.

Wearing an Old Navy button up shirt with navy OshKosh pants - Goodwill.
Linking my Booger Bear into Small Style (check out these stylish little ones!).

For Real women, wearing everyday fashions - check out the following inspiring link ups:

What I Wore Wednesday, Real Momma Real Style, Making the World Cuter and the Color Brigade.

Are you a frugal fashionista?

Rural Roadside - Country Church

One of my co-workers was married yesterday in this beautiful country church.

I took the opportunity to snap this photo before leaving.

The inside was amazing, solid wood from floor to ceiling.

She let the little ones walk her down the isle.

The ceremony was the sweetest I've ever heard.

That cute little blonde boy on the right is Booger Bear.

He did his 'part' like a pro!