remodeling this life

I thought I’d try something new today. It may go well, it may not. Instead of sharing with you a few things that I found in my reader this week from the same blogs that I read all the time, I thought I’d broaden my horizons and give you a chance to share. So, I am asking you to share a link from your blog below in the McLinky that I hopefully will insert properly and will function fabulously.

One time many years ago, I had a party at my new condo and one person showed up. It was not one of my finer moments. So I am laying this out there that I hope that I don’t have a link party today that no one shows up to. I am making it easy. Simply share a post that you love. I want to visit everyone and see who you are, what matters to you and what inspires you to sit down at your computer and share.

A few pesky rules: make sure the post you link up is a permalink – that it goes directly to a blog post, not just your blog’s main page. It makes it easier for everyone. If you’d like to link back here in your post, that would be wonderful. And I hope after you leave your link that you will visit others, comment and spread some love and joy around.

Happy Simple Saturday.

Emily at chatting at the sky is hosting a linky party. The idea is to capture a glimpse of your home that makes your space home to you. Easy peasy.

I love being home. I really really do. And nothing says relaxing at home more than the reading and writing chair.

Go ahead, link up at glimpses of home. Share. Visit. Be inspired.

We all know small amounts count when it comes to saving money. Emptying pockets of change for a month into a jar instead of using it at the register can add up to a substantial amount considering we’re talking pocket change. Small amounts can matter a lot too when we are talking about living life and doing things. I have found myself realizing that $5 can go a long way if I’m creative and give it a chance.  No more waiting for a $20 before I start a project or take the kids out for some fun. Here are 20 things you can do today with just $5.

With The Kids

1. go for a walk
2. have a picnic
3. give them each a little money at the thrift store to pick books (ours are usually 10, 25 or 50 cents depending on type). Then host a storytime in the living room at home.
4. Take $5 to a craft store like Hobby Lobby or Michael’s and let them pick supplies. Get creative. The end result matters less than the fun of the process.
5. make cupcakes
6. teach generosity – give/tip/donate it

As a Family

1. make your own pizza on pizza night instead of ordering in
2. $1 for a movie at redbox and some popcorn makes for a fun and inexpensive family night
3. head to a local ice cream shop and split a big sundae. Everyone grab a spoon.
4. start a family journal – everyone can add to it and share thoughts and moments
5. start a garden from seed packets
6. Go for coffee. Skip the latte, get a muffin for the kids (if you have them, of course).

Around The House

1. makeover a table - $3 for new knobs (beware if you let a 5 year old choose the knobs, they might not match) and $1 for a can of oops paint and a ratty old table is new (and smiling!) again.
2. print some photos – send photos to shutterfly and pick them up at a local walgreens in an hour
3. buy candles - an inexpensive way to add a little ambience to the home
4. paint some terracotta pots with chalkboard paint for easy labeling. plant herbs in them.
5. use mason jars for instant inexpensive decor and function
6. using sticky notes or notecards, leave notes around for the people you live with to surprise them and put a smile on their face
7. mistreat a window with a yard sale curtain
8. make photo tiles

Have fun, create, enjoy the outdoors, make the most of what you have. Enjoy your time and think of all the things you can do for little money. Other ideas? Please share so we can all gain some inspiration.