How To Make Fabric Coasters For Your Home...

 

I Have enjoyed Using These Homemade Coasters...

Sometimes we just need a new idea for using up extra fabric!

How I made My Fabric Coasters

Here Is The Blog Post With The How To Video

Click For Video Link

I was thinking about how popular coasters use to be!

And the reasons we used coaster!

We used them on our coffee tables and end table so we

Did not ruin or damage our furniture!

I have also had someone put either a hot beverage and literally ruin the wood.

And if you put a cold beverage on top of a magazine it will sweat and leave a 

Ring that does not go away and can ruin the cover of your magazine.

And it's not I am super picky, it's just that when I get a lovely magazine;

And it gets ruined and it no longer looks inviting to read (smiles)

This is a great sewing project to use up some of your smaller

Pieces of fabric!

Or you only have to purchase a small amount;

You can decide to make only a set of two or as many as you want!

I like them because they are not very high wear a cup or glass can tip off!

Here are some of the things I used to make mine!

I also added the video to help!

My goal was to make some for every season!

I made some to give to my family and friends.

They really make lovely gifts...

These are also a very Frugal Gift Idea You can Make!

Cut out the fabric out in the size of 6x6

Cut your batting out the size of 5x5

You can use a thin batting or slightly thicker.

Use your straight pins to secure batting to the fabric,

Pin each corner and leave an opening to turn it inside out

Once it is completely finished!

Now you will sew all around the batting!

Remember to stay straight and even;

Because this will determine the shape of the square!

Once you finish sewing all the way around;

(Keep and inch opened for turning it inside out)

You will trim off the excess on the corners so it is not bulky!

Sew straight, Leave an opening to turn, Cut off excess tips!

I usually cut out the fabric and batting to size,

And place batting in the center and pin them on.

And I leave two pins straight up and down to remind me

To not close up the opening for turning it!

Then when I have them all pinned and ready I will start sewing them!

I took a photo of a few of the different ones I have made!

I do hope this will inspire you to try your hand at making

Something for your home!

Sewing

Cooking

Baking

All things BEAUTIFUL...

Blessings, Roxy

Sharing A Dollar Tree Bargain...

Sharing A Dollar Tree Bargain...

Sponges in the kitchen;

Use a clean one every day!

Keep the sponge away from raw meat!

(If you are wiping up raw meat juice use a paper towel and throw away)

Do not keep them around for too long!

They say you can put a damp sponge in the microwave for One minute

(To Kill Bacteria)

But, with these very inexpensive sponges you can use a new one!!

Using a sponge in the kitchen is still a good tool;

Just be mindful of using a clean one every day!

On this same train of thought,

 Always use a clean dish cloth and towel every day!

And always keep clean rags available for cleaning up spills.

Also, I think you should have separate towels for hands and dishes!

I personally prefer to allow my pots and pans to air dry!

~Here is the clip showing the sponges I buy from Dollar Tree~

Framing And Sharing Your Loved Ones Art Work

Artist Corbin & Jenna

Taking the time to encourage our children and grandchildren

In hobbies and creating will help them use their God given talents!

Impulse Buying Or Giving Thanks...

Impulse Buying

I have had this word rolling around in my head for days now.

Impulse Buying...

What does this mean?

What are the ramifications of this type of behavior?

So, now I ask myself;

Self are you buying this thing as in impulse reaction to a need or a want?

Self says, but it's on sale and I love the way it looks.

So as I have been pondering my own reaction and response to shopping.

If I will just stop and learn to give thanks for what I already have,

And stop just buying things and stuff...

Just because it's on sale or your buying two and get one half off.

And all these discount coupons from major stores and sale sheets,

you get weekly

Are just really all a gimmick to get me and you to buy!

Now, it does not even matter if I already have two of them!

Really?

We all have heard by now of the availability of ordering your groceries online.

 Now at first I thought this was ridiculous.

But I did put in my first order last week,then I picked my items up,

 On the very next day!

And you know what I got?

ONLY Everything that my shopping list had on it.

NO extra cookies, NO extra Junk Foods, NO Candy

And all I could think of was how much money I saved!!

Truly, we are creatures of sense of smell, and all that looks appealing!

So when you can learn to think before you just buy something;

You can retrain your brain and change your purchasing habits.

I want to use my monies wisely!

I want to purchase good wholesome food!

I want to use what I purchase!

What is impulse buying?

It is when we purchase something without considering the cost or need!

There is a consequence to buying things that are not needed!

We train ourselves and feed our temptations with stuff!

After all, we live in a world of consumerism till we overflow.

Well, here is where I am...

I hope to buy what I need and enjoy what I have!

To be mindful of all that I purchase...

And I have made a resolution to not make any resolutions!

That way I bet I can keep to my resolution this time!

~SMILES~

I just hope to always try to do better!

As Always,

Living From Glory To Glory

Hugs, Roxy

xo

How To Make Dish Cloths Made From A Drop Cloth...

This is an easy and inexpensive hand towel you can make;

 for yourself or as a gift for others!

I did both, because using a drop cloth allows you so much more fabric!

Firstly, I purchased a new drop cloth and washed and dried it!

This was the brand I bought from a local hardware store!

As you can see it is a very large size of material!

And is 100% Cotton

It is a very soft cotton and very sturdy.

After the Drop Cloth was washed and dried, I then began cutting out,

my hand towels, using a size I liked from a kitchen towel I had.

I cut so many out, I truly cannot remember how many I got from that one drop cloth.

One drop cloth I think was around ten dollars!

As you can see once they were ironed and hemmed each side,

 I sewed on a piece of fabric and,

added a bit of sturdy lace to them also!

I was able to use scrap material to embellish them and added bits of trim.

I did make these in an assembly line fashion as it made it go quite fast!

I also had a dear friend come over to make a few for herself and some gifts.

Everyone loved these hand towels as they were soft, sturdy absorbent!

Not to mention very pretty and unique and useful!

All I can say is if you need a lot of fabric for cheap for a craft idea or

a home project. Is to look into purchasing and using a drop cloth!

You can make reusable gift bags!

You can make curtains!

You can make dusting cloths!

You can make Burp Cloths!

There are many ideas out there, that require an inexpensive, and sturdy fabric!

Try this and I think you will be pleasantly surprised!

Blessings To You Dear Ones!

Hugs, Roxy

How To Do Your Own Kitchen Chair Makeover...

How To Recover Your Kitchen Chairs..
A Frugal Idea and a nice makeover!
It made the whole kitchen just pop!

Here is what my old kitchen chair coverings looked like!

They were really very nice when they were brand new.
They were covered in a plush suede material.
But when you have a chair covered in a solid color it shows
Every stain and all the dirty marks.
Spilled foods and grease spots.

I remember one summer day someone came in with their wet swim shorts on,
Yes, I had permanent seat marks on that chair.

These chairs were good quality and the wood was still in very nice shape.
I have six chairs with this kitchen table set.

So I decided I would recover them!

Firstly, measure each chair top, then add a few inches to each 
chair, as it is wise to have extra material.
(If you are not sure of how much material to buy,
Get the measurements and find someone who can help you
 purchase the right amount of fabric)

I chose a very bold material with a pattern that would help hide future stains!

Supplies Needed 

You will need a staple gun!

Also a can Of a good Scotch Guard product!

Cut each chair size accordingly!

Place over each chair and pull tightly, staple them down on the underside!

Take each seat cushion and spray with scotch guard!

My whole family helped me one evening to take off the old material,
And we cut each size of fabric to fit each chair.
I wiped down and waxed each chair.
Then we covered and stapled on the new fabric coverings.
Then we took them outside and we sprayed them with a
Fabric Scoth Guard Spray!

To add an extra barrier of protection!

(Here are the results and the fabric I chose)

I also did another real different thing, as I said I had six chairs. So I covered four of them in the bold, bright paisley color. And I covered two of the chairs in a soft golden beige with a very nice pattern. The two patterns look really nice together. Not a perfect match, but they compliment each other. I use the two chairs in my living room. One is used at my study desk!

Hope You Enjoyed My Kitchen Chair Makeover!

What projects have you done lately?

I hope this inspires some of you!

Sometimes just a little fabric and some paint can

make the biggest difference to any room!

Home is where the HEART is...

Blessings, Living From Glory To Glory

Hugs, Roxy

Enjoying Having Chickens On The Homestead & Mc Murray Hatchery Company...

Having Chickens

I truly think chicken's are the very prettiest when it is this time of year!

They are very fat and they have all their feathers!

I have had the pleasure of having chickens for years!

I love getting fresh eggs!!

During the long winter months they stop laying completely for a few months.

But as soon as it starts to warm up they start blessing us again!

I do not let them free range very often because they really are

very destructive!

They also will start laying their eggs in spots that you may never find them!

Also, we have foxes and coyotes that would love a chicken dinner!

Plus we have three dogs and I feel that it is such a great temptation for them!

I usually get a new batch of baby chicks about every two years;

Then I can keep a newer, younger hen in the flock.

But I have some very old hens that are just plain fat and I am sure they don't

Lay eggs anymore. But they are like the old girls in the flock.

Just because they are old I still love having them!

They are just fat and fluffy!

I have had a few that are really mean!

Those ones don't stay around very long

(Can't trust them with the grandkids)

One thing that I have enjoyed about having chickens other than

getting fresh eggs, is that they will eat all the left over

scrapes of food and anything past the safe date to serve

the family. Also, any peelings and sour milk they love!

Then I don't feel bad that something has gone bad;

I just feed it to the chickens!!

We have two roosters and it gives just enough competition for the top rooster!

My plan is to order some new chicks real soon!

I order from a company called

MCMURRAY HATCHERY DOT COM

I have a small special box I keep in the barn with a heating lamp!

I keep them there till they can't fit through the holes in the chicken wire.

And they hop around like a jackrabbit!

Do you have some funny memories of chickens?

Actually, many people are afraid of chickens!

Blessings,
 Do not give up hope Spring is a coming...

How I Make Fresh Pico De Gallo...

This is an all time favorite for my family. But for myself also!

I love this fresh form of a salsa on my scrambled eggs and of course

Corn Tortilla chips are a must to eat with this fresh salsa.

I think making your homemade fresh salsa can be very frugal;

Look for the tomatoes when on sale.

Onions are super cheap

A couple of jalapenos cost next to nothing!

Here are the hot jalapenos!!

They are such a wonderful addition to make a dish pop!

I usually cut extra each time and freeze some for another side dish or for more salsa!

Ladies you must wear a rubber glove when you dice these little hot babies!

When cutting the jalapenos and the onions you need to dice them very fine!

I have had them in all sizes, but I think the smaller size makes a better blend!

I like to use a sweet onion!

Fresh garlic cloves are the key in my opinion!

You can use as many tomatoes that you want as this is the

Portion to give it body and quantity!

If you're a large family use enough tomatoes to make a quart jar!

If it is just two of you make a pint size jar filled.

You can use Roma tomatoes or vine ripened ones

(I have even used canned diced ones in a pinch)

~Do Not Tell Anyone~

Pico De Gallo

Fresh diced tomatoes

1 medium onion

3 to 4 Jalapenos, diced tiny

(Use rubber gloves)

3 to 4 cloves of fresh garlic

A dash of sea salt

A splash of lime juice or lemon.

Mix well

Put into a glass jar and refrigerate.

This will last for at least a week,

If it last that long!

Serve with love...

How To Make Some Marvelous Mini Meatloaves...

I have been making these little mini meatloaves for a few years now!

These little gems of an old time dinner favorite,

or maybe you do not care for meatloaf.

But I am hoping you will try this delicious way to make

a new an improved mini meatloaf.

The advantage to this meatloaf is firstly the size,
Because it is so much smaller than the typical loaf pan size.
It will cook really fast!

You can also make a few different twists of flavors in each batch.
You can please each member of the family.
Italian, Mexican, BBQ

Items Needed

1 pound of your ground beef meat
1 package of Stove Top Stuffing
Any flavor you like, chicken, cornbread ect.
(Or you can use your own flavored bread crumbs)
1 cup of water added to the stuffing mix

Now mix all this together,
Grease a 12 cup muffin pan with your cooking spray

Press the meat mixture into your 12 cup muffin pan.
Make an indentation on top of each mini meatloaf
Now, this is where you add the goodies

You can add
 Tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese

Taco seasoning and salsa and Mexican style cheese

Garlic salt or powder and your favorite BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese.

See the ideas are endless...

I like to add some green chilis, another time some sauted onions.

Bake in a 350 degree oven, (preheat the oven)
They cook between 15- 20 minutes.
Cook until nicely brown and cheese is lightly browned.

These little meatloaves are great for a dinner party,
They freeze really well!
They make a delicious cold meatloaf sandwich
(We like our with some mayonnaise and ketchup on our french bread)

This is a great way to stretch your meat budget also.

These are a very tasty way to get a dinner on the table quickly!

Always cooking and trying new things can be a great way
to keep your menus filled with new and inspiring foods.

Look, even the old meatloaf has gotten a new makeover!

Have A Wonderful Day!

Learn To Gather When Things Are In Abundance...

 

Gathering when things are in abundance...

We will all experience lean times!

It may be in our finances or it might be in our health or emotions!

You can become weary at times and that is why we are told to

"Not grow weary while doing good"

I have learned to be quick when something is in abundance.

At these moments and seasons do not last forever.

These blueberries are in abundance!

Take them and wash them and freeze them for use in the long winter months.

We need to learn to gather things when they are their cheapest;

And are in the peak of the season!

It is hard to spend almost five dollars on blueberries in the winter,

When you can get them for very little now!

When we stop to think about how everything comes in short spurts.

That is why it is so important to enjoy and gather and things in season.

Yes, I am talking about blueberries right now;

But I think this applies to everything else!

Alone times with loved ones;

Place those memories in your heart and those sweet little notes or gifts;

Treasure them!

For there will come a day that everyone is going to work

 Or busy with their own lives!

Our little ones do not stay little for long!

The peace in a day when it is not storming and foul weather is brewing;

Take comfort with the warm sunshine on your face!

You will not always have to plow your fields;

Some day a harvest will come and fill your basket to overflowing!

I realize everyone wants real;

But there are times we need to be pampered and enjoy.

It might be a quiet walk for just yourself;

It could be your quiet time in the morning!

We need to gather in the calm!

For when the lean times might hit, you my dear will have an abundance

Stashed away for a time such as this!

I think that a wise woman will take the time to put back!

It can be money or gifts bought or made from very little.

Foods purchased when were cheap in cost;

Then you have it to use when there is a need.

And if you are able to only shop less often you will save money!

Every time you go into a store, you will buy something!

Be aware of the Dollar Store you run in for a card;

And come out with all these little things you could do without!

Each pay day, try putting something back in your stash!

It may be food item or even a yard of fabric.

These learned ways of being wise or frugal;

Is what allows us to stay home and be keepers of our homes!

Have you noticed so much waste in our world?

At least our food scraps go to our chickens!

Just finding ways to make things last and to be there in a time of need!

Do you think your husband would say that you are being

Frugal and wise with your income?

Do you always find yourself in a bind;

 When it is a Birthday 

or the holidays?

We can all find ways to save and to be wise!

How To Help Eliminate Wrinkles In Your Clothes In The Dryer...

A Great Way To Help Stop Wrinkles In Your Clothes

Many Of You May Know This Trick!

But if you do not, then you will be enjoying this simple post!

I learned this from my daughter last year while visiting her.

She put tennis balls in her dryer, while drying her clothes.

I did not think much of it until I did my laundry.

So I just put in my wet clothes as usual along with the tennis balls,

that were in her dryer.

Oh my goodness...

What a huge difference it made in the clothes!

 There were very few  wrinkles in them, compared to usual!

She told me that she had been using them for a long time;

She felt it made a huge difference also.

When I got home, I purchased a small container of the tennis balls.

They were only a couple of dollars.

I place three of them in my dryer and I am so glad that I did!

I can see a huge difference in how they have very few wrinkles.

I do try to hang the clothes up just before the dryer runs out of time on the timer.

But this simple and easy trick does really work.

I still iron my good clothing when I want a crisp finish,

But this little trick helps with so many casual pants and tops.

Trust me, if you try this and hang them quickly you will be impressed!

And I truly do not mind ironing, but this has been wonderful!

Do you have any tricks to help eliminate wrinkles in your clothes?

The Tablecloths Great Comeback...

The simple elegance of the great American tablecloth's!

I think that when we see a tablecloth it immediately takes us back to the
Days of early homemaking styles.

Google Images

They can be very simple or very intricate...

Fine linen to lace

Bright colors to patterns of just about anything.

Red and white checkered says country or Italian.

White linen says your special and company is coming!

Fall festive says harvest and plenty

Christmas says Merry To all 

Why has it become so much work or effort to use a tablecloth?

I know all the practical reasons...

But now days you can cover your tablecloths with a clear plastic if you have

Children, or would rather have the option for an easier clean up.

You can also find many plastic ones with the flannel backing;

With so many pretty colors and patterns.

(But please be careful as those tablecloths can leave a lint film on your wood)

I prefer tablecloths and I also use place mats.

Tablecloths come in about every size you can imagine!

Also, you can purchase them for a very reasonable price;

I always look for them at second hand stores, 

and after seasons change clearance section.

My reason for writing about this particular home decor and its uses!

We can change our whole presentation of either our kitchen or dining room

By using a simple large piece of fabric that is placed upon our table.

Social graces and simple, cozy feelings!

If you simply prefer not to cover your table, may I suggest using some place mats!

I have very sweet memories of being a child in my Grandmother's kitchen,

The old percolator was making coffee and toast was being served,

with fresh butter and cream for the coffee.

But what really sticks out was the fresh tablecloth on the table

Every morning had a new beginning...

Here is a very great tip for keeping tablecloths crisp and wrinkle free.

Wash them and line dry them if possible, as then there is no need for ironing.

A tablecloth can really make the style and a statement...

Home is everything!

Bearing Fruit In Every Season And Learning To Preserve Them...

 

Bearing Fruit In All Season's

And we're not talking dried fruit either...

This is a lovely old bowl filled with fresh strawberries

 These were hand picked by myself and my Husband and sister and brother in law

 It was such a beautiful day!

A strawberry field smells just wonderful!

 This is the picture of them after they were washed and hulled

 And put into this beautiful large antique bowl.

 Shortly before becoming delicious desserts,

 We're talking Strawberry Shortcake strawberry preserves,

 Strawberries with vanilla bean ice cream, strawberry delight.

 Isn't that bowel absolutely lovely? It does belong to one of my sisters.

 It is very beautiful in her kitchen, of course, it  is only used a few times of the year

 When we pick and gather a large quantity of strawberries it looks so pretty filled to the top.

 And it made for such a pretty photograph, I think I overdid it,

 I think I took about 50 snapshots of that one bowl of fruit.

 I will say that not only were these strawberries, beautiful

 But they were some of the sweetest and tastiest strawberries I've ever had in my life. 

They were not even very large, but the flavor did more than make up for the smaller size. 

I think it is the same way in our lives,

 It is the small things that we do can really bring a sweeter aroma to the Lord

 When they're done in love.
When was the last time we did something special for someone in secret?

Maybe you might know someone who could really benefit from
Giving them some of your extra purchased bounty this fall.
We all know that zucchini is plentiful this time of year!
Be sure to wash and shred some and put it in  the freezer for bread!
You will be glad you did when those zucchini double and triple in price this winter!
Being frugal is something you do as you think ahead for something you will
eventually need and use at a later time.

Get busy and put a few things in your freezer if you do not know how to can!
Everyone can buy freezer bags and clean and prepare something!
"Peaches, Strawberries, Shredded or slices zucchini for soups"
My DIL even gets fresh corn and cuts off the kernels to put in in casseroles
and soups in the winter months!

If you even put back small amounts will be enjoyed and appreciated.
A fresh peach cobbler is a delight when it is snowing outside.
Buy more jars or cans of the items of the things that are on sale!
Peanut butter gets really cheap as school is starting,
 buy a few and put them in your pantry.
Dried Pinto beans will be picked soon in the fields, these last all year.
Buy some of these things in bulk.
Learning to use the income God has given you wisely is what makes you a wise woman!

~ ~ ~

 I do hope you keep an eye out for all the fresh fruits and veggies,

 That you can still find for a very good price this time of year;

When you can purchase a few fresh items for a good price and

Freeze them, this helps with cost in your food budget!

"Be Wise And Put Back"

 For harvest season is upon us...

How I Make Iced Coffee And It Is Super Easy To Make At Home...

Iced Coffee...

One way to be frugal with coffee is to make your morning coffee and take

what is left over in your pot and add some cream and sugar and 

Pour it into a glass jar for an afternoon refreshing treat.

I just place it in the refrigerator to chill it well!

 You can pour it into a glass with a little bit of ice,

and you can add some whip cream and chocolate syrup.
Add then you have a very inexpensive fancy coffee!

Or just drink it plain!

Or you can drive for miles to your nearest coffee house!

And spend Five Bucks...

I have really enjoyed getting myself a fancy rich coffee when out,

But there are times they are so rich and a bit too much caffeine.

There are so many ideas for adding sweetened condensed milk,

and other ingredients. But you can also make a separate pot

Of coffee and make it a bit stronger,

 so when you add the ice it is not watered down!

I usually buy a can of real whipped cream this time of year,

So it is handy for a quick batch of homemade iced coffee!

Some Tips and Tricks:

 Use some chocolate milk for a mocha iced coffee

 Freeze leftover (sweetened) coffee in an ice cube tray to make coffee ice cubes.

 Place coffee ice cubes together with milk, cream or chocolate milk

 in a blender to make a slushy iced coffee. YUMMY

 Use flavored creams (such as vanilla) instead of regular cream.

 Skip the sugar and use coffee flavoring syrups instead.

(You can purchase these at the Dollar Store)

 Skip the sugar and use chocolate syrup instead.

  Try sweetened condensed milk instead.

 Iced coffee is best with darker-roast coffee blends or

Try grinding some fresh coffee beans...

 To make your coffee stronger try this:

 Brew a pot of coffee, then pour the brewed coffee back through again, using the same filter.

Do you enjoy drinking ice coffee?

Or do you make up fresh iced tea for a beverage?

My Hubby does not drink coffee, but he loves ice tea!
So I make flavored tea for him as he likes Earl Grey tea and Blueberry flavor!
By adding these to his regular flavor tea it gives it just a hint of pizazz!

Remember to ask your Hubby what he might have a hankering for?
Make him a priority when planning meals!
This is a way to honor him and make him feel special and loved!

The Frugal Benefits Of Finding Just The Right Pattern For Sewing A Skirt...

 

I So Enjoyed Sewing This Skirt...

Sewing can be very rewarding and so good for your wardrobe!

Once you find a pattern that fits well you can make so many

different skirts of many different pretty fabrics.

Finding a pattern that fits well and looks pretty is no easy task!

And once you get the pattern pieces cut out, that is half the work.

It is a pattern that requires a knit fabric, which is a favorite of mine;

Easy care and requires no ironing!

It has an easy fit and does not cling tightly.
The pattern that I am using is by NEWLOOK 6108
It only has 3 pieces and an elastic band for the waist!

Finding a nice blouse or top to go with each one is

sometimes a bit of a challenge.

So if I have a pattern skirt and then I need a solid top.

And finding fabric that is reasonable is all part of the journey.

This is where sewing a simple skirt can be a very frugal way to add

A very nice piece of clothing to your wardrobe!

I am no way a seamstress. But I am always learning.

I did find a real treasure while out antiquing today;

I found a look alike vintage dress for a few dollars!

So soft and feminine looking!

I am always buying fabric for aprons which is my weak spot,

And they only require a yard of material.

But, I did find a full fitted very old apron that is just beautiful!

But it is paper thin and I will need to cut out a pattern from it!
It has very petite tiny purple flowers and a beige background,
And the bias tape is the thinnest I have ever seen.
 Which is a deep purple!

I always wonder where the days go...
If an apron could talk and the stories they would tell!

In my sewing room, I have;

~Drawers of material that long to be cut out and sewed up as pretty aprons~

I did buy some very pretty yellow curtains for my living room today!

I was shocked at how bright the living room seemed!

Sunshine and Sunflowers...

I wish you all a lovely and creative season...

What are you all up to in these HOT dog days of summer?