This vintage footstool has seen better days. Instead of throwing it out and buying a new one, I’m just giving this one a new life.
To cover it, I’m using corduroy. You can use any heavy fabric like denim, drapery fabric, canvas, etc. You need a piece of fabric that is at least a couple inches bigger than the top plus the depth of the sides. This was a remnant that only cost a couple dollars.
These are my two best scores recently.
My total should have been $17.80. After coupons and discount, I paid just $5.93! That’s almost the cost of just the milk and bread (value $5.76) or approximately 66% savings.
If you’re wondering, this is at least a year’s supply of pasta. My total should have been $28.38. After coupons and price matching, I paid $12.79. That’s like paying for the pasta (value $12.96) and getting everything else for free! This is approximately a savings of 55%.
Hopefully, soon I can find the time to share my couponing tips and strategies for all of you who are new to the game.
Michael and I wanted to spend some time outside, but we didn’t want to spend any money. I packed a picnic lunch and we headed to Mishawaka’s Riverwalk.
The geese had been contentedly standing on the falls, but proceeded to menace us when they realized we had food. They advanced on us like hungry zombies until Michael verbally threatened to bean one with his backpack. Go eat someone else’s chicken salad sandwiches!
There were only a few families with dogs and a few old men fishing in the midday sun. Smell that fresh St. Joe River air!
Michael and I headed down to the beach. And by beach, I mean garbage-strewn, loose rock covered patch of dirt. Michael picked up a seashell (rivershell?). I had no idea that the St. Joe had mollusks! We collected half a ziptop baggie of shells in all sizes and colors.
Michael tried to catch one of the many crayfish hanging out on the rocks in the shallows. They were too wiley and too quick.
This guy was, apparently, not fast enough.
The empty exoskeleton was completely intact. Poor guy. (Is anyone else thinking lobster?)
Collecting shells and studying water-dwelling creatures together turned our trip to the nearby Riverwalk into a day of wonder and discovery. (And left me craving a shrimp cocktail.)
Candace went to Chicago and picked up this 3 tier rice box as a gift for me. I’ve been wanting one for ages! Michael pointed out that I already pack lunches that are way too big, but this will be perfect for camping, cookouts and picnics.
Thank you, Candace, for being such a good friend.
The last day is bittersweet. You want to savor the time you have last, but there are the practicalities of packing up and getting ready to leave.
W started the day with toast, eggs and corned beef hash. We spent the remainder of our day staring into the white-hot ashes that still smoldered in our fire ring.
After goofing around in the playground and gathering more wild onion…
…We went back to our real lives.
