Texas Homecoming Mums: Alpha Chick Style!

Well it has come to my attention that I will be making some homecoming mums this year. But not just any mums. AlphaChick Mums. I was stick to death with the monstrosity of ribbon and plastic that goes completely to waste each year due to the outpouring of gigantic homecoming mums. They are rediculous for so many reasons, here are a few: 1) they are a complete waste of supplies (you really going to keep that big ol' thing until your kids are in high school...um...no!) 2) they are expensive!(I'd rather have a boy spend $80-200 on a super fancy dinner for my daughter than a big piece of junk she's obligated to wear to school 3) the bigger they are the bigger the headache you have from carting them around your neck or hanging from your shirt all day. 4)there are other ways to show your school spirit.

I already make spirit ribbons which are in a design sense much more ethical than a homecoming mum. They are also beautiful, inexpensive, and something you actually could put away for later use as an alumni or what have you. So, this year I decided, actually a sleep deprived-stressed-stressed out-totally broke brain of mine decided to add a few things to the spirit ribbins I already have made and turn them into a NON-traditional homecoming mum.

Here are some before and after pictures to give you a small example of what I will be offering: (pictures to be posted when I get home from work)

Back in Action

not having internet has been keeping me from blogging, but I will be back in action soon! Just in time for HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS PRESENTS! In my money-saving savvy we've decided only to make gifts this year instead of paying top dollar at consmer stores! I'm almost finished with them and cannot wait to get the pics up!

DIY: No Fire Smores

yummy treat for today: S'mores!

Ingredients
2 graham cracker squares
1/2 plain chocolate bar
1 large marshmallow

Directions
1-On paper towel place 1 cracker square.
2-Top with chocolate and marshmallow.
3-Micro on high 15 seconds or until marshmallow puffs.
4-Remove from oven and cover with other cracker.
5-Eat like a sandwich.

recipe found at www.recipezaar.com

DIY: Neckties turned Flowers

Because I am obsessed with craft supplies, and still do not have a job, ( I was fired from the backwaiter gig, it sucked anyways), I've decided to NOT buy any more ribbon/flowers/etc etc. I will only find them on FreeCycle ( www.freecycle.org ) since I'm sure other people have GREAT stuff that they don't use and I could create with. The only thing I'm buying new are the alligator clips used for hair accessories. Sally's Beauty Supply usually has good deals on that.

For instance I posted on FreeCycle that I wanted some neckties and low and behold a manager from my old waitress job had a bunch of old ties that he could spare. So, I turned them into flower broaches that will soon be sold on etsy, or ebay, haven't decided yet.

Here's how to make them:
Supplies:
Necktie
Hot Glue/Glue Gun
Scissors
Safety Pin

First get a necktie (that nobody plans on wearing of course) and cut it in half.


On the cut side hot glue down the center about 2 inches and start rolling it in over the glue:



The rolled part will be the center of the rose. to create the 'petals' begin twisting the tie around the center rolled part, adding glue after each twist for a better hold:



Once you've twisted it all the way to the end of your tie, secure the end with glue, and glue a small piece of fabric or tie scraps to the back. Glue only the top of it, then add the safety pin so the side that DOESN'T open is behind the fabric, then glue the bottom part to secure it in.


Affix to your shirt, and everyone will be asking, 'What is that?' :)

DIY Father's Day

Forget cards, cakes, and tools--Take Dad to the Lake (or nearest body of water)

Why?
It's Free
It's Fun
And he'll appreciate it!

What we took:

a blanket
water and snacks
That's it!

We also went to a spot he'd never been before to add a little adventure to the trip!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

DIY: Pedicure

No Need to spend $25+ on a quickie pedicure. You've got this stuff at home!

http://just-for-mom.kaboose.com/diy-pedicure-tips.html

I just saw at Walmart all kinds of easy nail art and tiny nail polish brushes that make it simple for you to do your own fancy toes and french pedicures!

You'll feel great after your own pedi-date!

Shop-a-Holic to DIY Queen

A trip down memory lane....

Getting my hair done whenever I wanted, buying the iPhone right when it came out, buying clothes, coach bags, and spoiling my family, and never wearing the same dress twice were just some of the luxuries that came with being a bartender. The $450 tip nights, working doubles and making a mortgage in 3 days came with the territory. Those nights are long gone...

Due to rough economic times, jobs were cut, and cut, and cut. Now I am working 15 hours a week or less as a BACKWAITER in a new Italian restaraunt in town. From being the star of the show that EVERYONE who's ANYONE came to see, to being a shadow of a server clearing plates and filling waters isn't exactly the life I want to live. So, my roots grow out, my clothes remain un-updated, and playtime with the fam includes anything that is free.

So I've had to rethink my lifestyle which includes:

*Making my own hair accessories
*Holding a clothes swap (which is actually very fun)
*Looking for furniture and other things we need on www.freecycle.org (my favorite recycling site)
*trading lessons for the family ( I do arts & crafts, another parent does piano, etc)
*Taking all our bottles and cans to a redemption center


What do you do to cutback spending that also helps the environment by recycling??