9 Project Ideas for the Silhouette Cameo

If you have a Silhouette Cameo (or similar), then it is probably safe for me to assume you are a crafty sort. Please note, I am not going to say that you should buy a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Cutting Tool because it will save you money. It really is a tool to create things yourself, so consider it more of a hobby purchase than a frugal purchase. Consider that a disclaimer. If you DO already have one, then you might as well maximize your purchase and get some use of it, right? … [Read more...]

DIY Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergent

By Justin Weinger 7 Comments

I have been thinking about what product I buy that I might be able to make up myself with supplies that I already have in my home and it occurred to me that I spend quite a bit of money on dishwasher detergent and would love to figure out a lower cost solution to a quality dishwasher detergent instead of continuing to buy boxes of Seventh Generation powder detergent. Personally, I like powder better. I think it works better in my dishwasher. I already use vinegar as a rinse aid and it works … [Read more...]

DIY: Getting Started with Dog Grooming

By Justin Weinger 2 Comments

Our little Cairn Terrier gets a little lion-like without semi-regular grooming. I love how she looks when I take her to the groomer - but at $40 a pop, it's a rare luxury. For the last few years, I've been giving her a haircut myself. Now, I know that I do not do nearly as good of a job as the professional. But, I don't do terrible of a job, and best of all, the dog doesn't complain about it. (A slice of cheese always makes things right with her!) Getting Started with Dog … [Read more...]

Getting It Done: Learning to Make Jam

By Justin Weinger 1 Comment

I had the best of intentions. When I signed up to learn to make jam for one of my Get It Done posts, it was winter and I figured I would get to pick some fresh strawberries in June, whip up some jam and have my post ready weeks in advance. Ha. Am I the only one who THINKS I can do more than I actually can do? Good - I would hate to be alone in possessing that trait. I am pretty sure this post will hit the web before the digital ink is dry, because I procrastinated until the last. … [Read more...]

Getting It Done: Build a Clubhouse

By Justin Weinger 10 Comments

We built this clubhouse for the kids in the late spring, but we started thinking about it, planning it and talking to the kids about their ideas a couple months before. And if you are planning ahead now, you might be able to take your time to watch prices on some of the supplies and score some great deals. Since my husband was pretty much building this by himself (I would do the gardening and watch the kids, but was free to offer management and ideas) it was not a quick build. And because we … [Read more...]

Reflections on Getting Things Done

By Justin Weinger Leave a Comment

At the beginning of the year, I set some goals. I had things that I wanted to get done that weren't getting done, so I thought it would be good to write these goals down and set a time to accomplish them. My lovely writers, Jessica, Susan, and Michelle, agreed to join me in getting things done. We even inspired reader Sandra to get a project done, too. Some of our projects were the kind that improved our homes or yards. Others were personal enrichment activities that pushed us outside our … [Read more...]

Get It Done: Getting Rid of Creeping Charlie

By Justin Weinger 5 Comments

Last spring, I noticed some weird weeds growing at the edge of my yard. I ignored them. This is my go-to strategy for most problems. When I found these strange weeds had worked their way across the whole back yard in two months and where working on invading my flowers, I knew I had to do something about these little buggers. My first step was to find out what this weed was. In late August of last year, I took a sample (with roots, stem, leaves and flowers) to my local university extension … [Read more...]