Photographic Friday

These photos were taken by the water front in Vancouver, Washington, next to the Columbia River. This statue depicts the women that worked in the shipyard during WWII, in the area. I wish I had more information on the whereabouts, but since it's by the river it was close, maybe both Washington and Oregon. Nice reminder of what the women did for the war effort.

Coupon Binder System

In January I decided I needed to be more organized with my coupons. They've been known to wind up in an envelope in a drawer where the phone books reside. I dig out the coupons I want and throw away the expired ones. Sometimes I'd take the whole envelope with me or just transfer into another envelope. That gets placed in my purse. It worked. But I found this system on a friend's blog, $5 Dinner Mom .You could buy a system like this for $30. I made mine for less.



I had the notebook already. It has a clear sleeve on the front and pockets inside front and back. I use the trading card style sleeves and have one big sleeve in front for store fliers. Right now it's housing some ready to be filed coupons instead of being on my table!! Not all coupons fit into the little slits, sometimes I have to fold them, or cut them down a bit. I bought sleeves at Office Max. That's a bad store for me because there are too many temptations in many areas. I did have a coupon so it helped cut the cost.




I file coupons by non-food items and food items. There are other ways to file, so you can do yours to fit your family. There are 3 adults living here, so not much baby items, except diaper wipes I buy for grandchild's parents. I also put restaurant coupons in there so I know where they are instead of in my purse. They wind up wadded in a corner. Although wallet isn't a bad place for restaurant coupons. I do take the notebook with me into the store sometimes. Easier than pulling out all the coupons and putting them into another little file, which I do have but haven't used it yet! I like having the binder with me as there are unadvertised specials in store and if there's a need for this item, as a pantry supply/staple good, it's good to have coupon with me. There is a weeding process at the end of the month coupons not used.



I do save a bit using coupons and it's even better when there's a sale on! Better yet, look to see if your store doubles coupons. Read your coupon to make sure it can be doubled. Our local Safeway doubles up to 50 cents per coupon.( Limit 4 double coupons per visit.) It does help! Remember don't use the coupon unless you like the item and will use that product! There are good sales out there so keep an eye out on what you like and be frugal! (old school--thrifty!) Take care and God bless!

Procrastinator's Quilt

This quilt has been a work in progress for at least 4 years. I've had it partially put together, didn't like how it was together. I put it away for a bit because I couldn't make it work. So this past year, I finally got challenged by another blogger friend, Laura, about getting this done. She's great about helping other people clear out messes and organize their homes. One of these items for me was this quilt. It's been destined for my brother-in-law and his wife. I've sent them photos of the fabric. So this past fall I decided this quilt would be finished and out of my house by Christmas. But Christmas came and went but it was nearly finished. The 1st photo shows it laying on the dining room floor. 2nd photo is of fabric I used for the binding. 3rd photo is of the favorite block of the entire quilt. I used some nautical fabric as well as star/woodsy fabric in this as bro-in-law was in the Coast Guard. Stars and sailing ships go good together. It's not perfect but it's done and out of the door early Jan. 2010.


This is one of the favorite spots of the quilt after it was finished. It was machine quilted. The backing of the binding was sewn by hand. The two photos below show more of the finished quilt.



Completed quilt, on my recliner. My brother-in-law emailed me the day they received it. They really liked the quilt and it matches the recliner he bought for his wife for Christmas! How about that for timing? :p