Double your Bucks: Thursday

Have you signed up for swag bucks yet? If not read about why you should HERE and see the free waffle maker I swagged by using their site HERE.

If you’re already a member and have an old cell phone laying around you can earn bucks when you recycle it with swagbucks.com. To sweeten the deal you earn double the bucks when you do it on Thursday.

I traded mine in a few weeks ago for double the money and used it to swag that waffle maker. Swagbucks even paid for the shipping. I printed the postage right from my computer and dropped it in my mailbox. The extra bucks were posted to my account about two weeks later. Couldn't be any simpler and I love knowing my phone is getting more use rather than sitting in the closet.

Tomorrow is Thursday - Double bucks day so find those old phones you have laying around and tomorrow morning put them to good use while earning a little something for yourself.

CVS - 4/26

I went to CVS after work yesterday and surprisingly was able to pick up pretty much everything I was after.

I wasn't able to get any band-aids. My ad states prices starting at $1 but the cheapest option was over $3 so I left them there.

I did however pick up....


1 Crest Toothpaste $1.99
~ $1 off one Crest
1 Schick Intuition $8.99
~$4 off Schick
1 Fructis $2.99
~ $1 off Shampoo

Total Before Coupons: $13.97
Total After Coupons: $7.97 (+ .39 Tax)
EBC's Used: $7.47
OOP: $ .89 Used a Giftcard
ECB's Earned: $7 (4 Schick intuition, 1 Crest, 2 Fructis)

Received $17.47 in merchandise for nothing out of pocket (did lose $1.36 in extra bucks)

Using Cloth Napkins

The other day I made a comment about the fact we don’t use paper towels in our home. Apparently this shocked people and I received a few question of how we did it and if I was ok without them.


I assure you I’m still quite alive without paper towels and I can honestly say I don’t miss them at all – in fact I don’t even notice we don’t use them. I had forgotten all about paper towels until someone asked me how we do without them.

Sadly, I don’t have any advice on how we did it. We just stopped buying them. We didn’t wean ourselves from them or anything; we just didn’t have them in the house anymore – simple as that.

So the only advice I can offer if you’re looking to make the switch is just do it, buy a few reusable napkins and when you’ve used all the paper up don’t buy any more. I bet before long no one will notice they aren’t around anymore.

I think our cloth napkins are nice - they kind of give each dinner a little touch of class. I purchased a few off the clearance rack at Wal-mart for $1/4 and am continuously keeping my eye out. Normally I shop for napkins in the clearance holiday section (where I found the solid green ones). Many times the holiday section has solid colored napkins marked way down. We also use our napkins to clean up kitchen spills, dry dishes, and general hand washing. After we use a napkin I just throw them in any load of laundry as filler.

Have you or are you planning to give up paper napkins? I’d love to hear your story and inspiration.

Cheap Yarn

I know what your thinking, that’s a lot of yarn, it probably cost you a ton. (There goes meg again buying yarn even though she keeps saying she’s getting rid of stuff).

This yarn was all upcycled from > those sweaters I showed you back in March. It took me quite a while to rip out all the yarn and then re wrap it but I think I’ve got a nice stash started now. I love how my self made center pull balls turned out. I used the tutorial from Laughing Purple Gold Fish Designs it’s just so simple. I wouldn’t have been able to do this on my own if it wasn’t for her easy tutorial, and it saved me about $50 to $100 from having to buy a ball winder.

Friday Find - Art Dolls

I found this Friday Find while searching through the craft pool at Flickr. I love looking through all their pictures and you never know what you'll find. Like for example this great fabric business card holder from Judi at Art Dolls.


The fabric business card holder tutorial is available as a download from Judi's link HERE The tutorial is three pages ready for you to print off and get started.

At work I keep all my business cards in my pocket and the corners get worn very quickly, I could totally use something like this and the tutorial looks easier enough even I could do it. Now I just need to find a fabric that will be acceptable for Human Resources and working with lots of guys, I don't think they'd let me live down lots of hearts or flowers :)

While your reading up on Judi and her work you can also check out her other Tutorials here and her free pattern offerings HERE. You should also check out her Etsy shop and her main site Doll Street Dreamers where she offers lots of online options.

A first for the season...

Our clothes line this weekend


Isn't this a great picture? I had to take a picture to share with everyone. This weekend was the first time we've been able to hang clothes out on the line. The first load of the season left me so happy, it's amazing how the little things bring so much more joy than the items we spend money on.

Last year I wrote a post about how much money we'll save by using the clothes line, you can read it HERE. After using a few handy calculations I figured we save about $107 a year.

Has anyone else been able to break out the clothes line this year?

The Secret - Book Review

I finished The Secret last week by Rhonda Byrne. I must say I am greatly disappointed. Once again I read a book everyone raves about only to have it bite me in the butt. Why do I never learn? Let me tell you the whole premise of the book. Think positive, vision your dreams, and good things will happen to you.

That’s right positive images will make fat fly off your body or money enter your savings account through spontaneous combustion. Of course if you’ve even taken a Psychology class you understand that yes being positive can help a situation but cannot create one out of dust. If I lay in bed all day eating McDonalds but thinking I’m 100 pounds I will gain weight. Of course if I can take those positive thoughts and change them to positive actions I stand a much better chance of losing weight. Once I envision myself at 100 pounds every day I may find myself making healthier eating choices and working hard at getting more exercises each day. Rhonda never makes this collation. She suggests you just think yourself thin and it will be yours. It isn’t that simple.

I guess it’s all really about what you put into it, as most things in life are. If you take Rhonda’s lessons, think positive and allow that to help make positive choices in your life you’ll probably experience positive things. I’m a total believer in thinking positive to be happy in life, but I don’t think you can think yourself thin or rich – at some point you have to get off your butt.

But to be fair there are quite a few people who say this booked changed their whole life and they’ve never been happier. And I think if this book gave them what they needed to make affirmative changes in their life for a great impact then more power to them. If it works stick with it.

Have you read The Secret? What did you think? I’m up for all sides of the discussion.

Textbook reduction

Remember our 30% stuff reduction goal? We made some great headway on this one last week when we passed on about 35 various text books from our college days. Some of these textbooks were in great shape, never opened in fact. I had all these wonderful intentions of keeping these books and later referencing them at work. I should have realized if I hadn’t taken the plastic wrap off and used them during college then the odds of me doing it years later were slim to none.

I had tried to sell the books back but they weren’t worth anything. I tried to donate them but couldn’t get them to the bookstore in time. I had no idea what to do with all of them I didn’t want to just throw them out but I also didn’t’ want them spending another four years at the bottom of Matt’s closet.

I figured it was a long shot but listed the whole lot on Freecycle. I thought if one person emails me I’ll be lucky. Ten emails later, the 4th person responded back and the books are now gone. I can’t believe so many people were interested in them and with a good use for them.

Thanks freecycle you saved more stuff from the trash. I love using Freecycle - anyone else have a Freecycle experience - good or bad?

Thrifty Finds

So to the dismay of at least two of my readers (who I’ll leave nameless) I went shopping this weekend, and yes bought more stuff. I have to decorate this house sooner or later, we’ve lived her four year, I figure it’s time to start unpacking. Plus who doesn’t enjoy walking through a rummage/thrift sale and finding the exact item you’ve been thinking about buying for pennies on the dollar?

Just ask The Thrift Shop Romantic she knows the joys of finding a good deal.

So anyway back to my good finds.

First Stop: Wal-Mart to use up some coupons and pick up some other essentials.
2 - Bags of Iams Healthy naturals dog food (5) $10
~ (2) $5 off Iams Healthy Naturals (FREE)
1 - 9 Lives Cat food
~ FREE bag of 9 Lives cat food $3.58
1 - Dr. Pepper 2 Liter (not pictured) $1.00
~ FREE 2 liter of Dr.Pepper
1 Dove Trial Size Deodorant $.97
~ $1 off any size Dove (.03 profit)
1 - Kotex $1
~ $1 off any Kotex
1 - Wrigley Gum (not pictured) $.96
~ FREE Wrigley gum slim pack

$17.51 in merchandise for a profit of $.03

Next stop: The Flea Market.
Our huge antique mall is hosting a flea market once a month during the summer. My Mom and I decided to check it out during their first weekend and found lots of goodies.
This chair was marked for $10 but the seller offered it for $3. I couldn't pass it up at that price. The chair needs some work but my mom has offered to refinish it for us, I love that the seat is all needle point. It's a perfect find because it will fit right in the corner of our living room that has set empty for four years. It's a weird space.
Next we found a few glass electrical insulators. I plan to use one as a door stop for our office and another will sit in my glass window (pictures to come one day).
And lastly I found a few items for the kitchen. From left to right a syrup bottle, juice container, and juicer. Matt and I had just been looking at possibly purchasing a juicer so this was a great find. In total everything cost be about $10 much cheaper than I could buy them new in the store. Plus I love they are all matching and made from thick glass, non of the plastic stuff stores sell now. They'll look great in our new kitchen one day.

I'm so excited that summer is on it's way - they'll be many more finds to come.

$25 Outback Winner!!

Winner Winner Chicken dinner... or is it crab??



Teresa with comment number 48 is our winner of the $25 Outback gift card.
Teresa won with a comment for following OnOurWay at Twitter and tweeting about this great giveaway. You can check out her blog at Slowing down a bit
Make sure and check your email Teresa!


I'd also like to say thanks to the wonderful people at Outback for allowing us to host this giveaway and everyone who entered.

Friday Finds

Stop by Ehow.com to learn about five simple earth day freebies. I so wish we had a Disney store nearby.

Ever wonder what stores in your area double coupons? Take a stop HERE to see a listing of all the stores that double coupons in your area. Listed by state.

This little mouse from Yarnigans will have you running to the store for some grey yarn. You can download the tutorial HERE

I love this knitted stool. I have to learn to knit better and asap.

Adorable Apple needlebook

and lastly I love this picture in its wooden frame. If you want to give him a shot you can find the design urban threads HERE for free download!

Angela's Ashes - Frank McCourt

I’m still behind on my book reading but I did just finish Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt. This book was great. Angela’s Ashes chronicles the lives of Frank and his family during his tumultuous childhood, spent growing up in the lanes of Ireland. --- along with Frank as his family suffers with malnutrition, poverty, and alcoholism.

I didn’t really know what to expect when I started reading Angela’s Ashes, but loved the story line and Franks innocent style of writing. Having ancestors from Ireland around that time period also helped me make strong connections with the characters.

There are currently only two copies of Angela’s Ashes on Paperbackswap.com so you should request a copy today.


Books Read in 2009: 11
Books remaining: 39

More frugal craft decorating

Even though we’re trying to refrain from shopping there are times when I’m ok with bringing new things into the house. One of those is for organizing items and decorating purposes. We’ve almost finished our whole house remodel and I want to start decorating and getting rooms finalized which is why you’ve seen and will see many frugal decorating posts in the future.

I loved the little bird I spray painted so much I tried another one. Remember the duck from the dollar store? I bought a $1 can of black spray paint from Wal-Mart and gave him a good coat.

I think he turned out very regal and fits right in with some of my green glass. This cabinet is now finished. The cabinet has stood in our living room basically empty for two years but now it holds a prominent spot in our dinning room showcasing certain pieces. I love the fact I can actually see our house coming together. We have three rooms to carpet and the kitchen to finish and then our house will be DONE. Well except for all those little projects, but everyone has a few of those laying around right?

$25 Outback Gift Card Giveaway & Recipe

If you’re like me you have a daily struggle with eating out and saving money. I love eating out but hate looking at the bill when it comes. Luckily many restaurants are now offering menu options for us cost observant customers.

In February Outback launched a new menu – 15 meals under 15 dollars. Matt and I love Outback and ordered off this new menu last month. Options start at $9.95 and they have something for everyone including my favorite, a classic steak. (Boring I know but it’s just so good).

Not only are the traditional Outback items available at a great price they’ve also beefed up their selection by adding new options in this promotion. Some of the most popular options are:

Savory Pepper Mill Steak: Thick slices of New York Strip Steak (cooked to order) encrusted with cracked black pepper and topped with a savory brandy cream sauce. Served atop golden potato wedges.

Sweet Glazed Roast Pork Tenderloin: Sliced slow-roasted pork Tenderloin drizzled with a sweet tangy glaze. Served with garlic mashed potatoes and fresh steamed French green beans.

Ribs and Alice Spring Chicken: a 1/3 rack of savory fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs paired with a tasty 5oz grilled chicken breast topped with bacon, honey mustard sauce, sautéed mushrooms, Monterey Jack and Cheddar. Served with Aussie Fries.

Shrimp en Fuego: Large crispy shrimp, sliced mushrooms and fresh tomatoes in a spicy, creamy sauce. Paired with fresh steamed French green beans.

You can download the new menu HERE

Outback has also generously offered up the recipe for their Crab Stuffed Shrimp (pictured above). Now you can have Outback any day of the week without having to leave your home and best of all the recipe is so easy even I could do it.

“Crab Stuffed Shrimp”

Stuffing:
¼ pound Butter
¼ pound Diced Onion
¼ pound Diced Celery
1 ½ tsp. Chopped Garlic
2 Tbs. Sliced Green Onions
¼ tsp. Salt
1/8 tsp. Black Pepper
1/8 tsp. White Pepper
1 cup Bread Crumbs
¼ pound Lump Crab Meat

1. Place sauté pan over medium heat. Place butter in the pan and allow to melt.
2. Place onions, celery, garlic, green onions, and seasonings in pan and cook for 6-8 minutes.
3. Place mixture into a blender and blend for 20 seconds. Caution: Mixture will be HOT.
4. Transfer mixture to a mixing bowl adding bread crumbs and drained crab meat. Fold in with a spatula until blended.

Lemon Pepper Butter:
½ cup Water
2 Tbs. Flour
1 ½ Tbs. Lemon Juice
½ pound Butter
1 tsp. Lemon Pepper Spice
1. Combine water, lemon juice, flour and seasonings in a sauce pan.
2. Over high flame, whisk until mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
3. Slowly add softened butter in small amounts until all is blended.

Cooking Shrimp:
1. Butterfly shrimp.
2. Place flour in a container and toss shrimp until completely coated.
3. Deep fry shrimp at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 minutes.
4. Place 1 Tbs. of hot stuffing onto each cooked shrimp.
5. Drizzle 1 Tbs. of Lemon Pepper Butter over each shrimp.

Serve and Enjoy!!!!!


On to the Giveaway

On Our Way has partnered with Outback so now you can let someone else pick up the tab. In celebration of their new menu Outback is offering one of my readers a $25 gift card so you can try out any of their new menu items.

The giveaway will run until midnight Saturday, April 18th.
There are five different ways to enter and you can do one or all of them for extra entries, but please leave a new comment for each entry and make sure to leave a way for me to contact you.


1. Check out the new Outback menu HERE and leave a comment with your favorite dish.

2. Blog about this giveaway and/or recipe – link back to your blog post for your entry

3. Add my blog button (top left side bar) to your side bar – leave a comment letting me know where you stuck it.

4. Follow me on twitter and tweet about the giveaway – make sure to leave me your twitter name in the comment

5. Sign up for my email or rss feeds (top left side bar) and let me know about you did in a comment or if you’re already a subscriber.

Friday Find - Craft Pudding

Love this pincushion? I do too! I loved it even more once I realized it's made from a reused baby food jar. Do you have a few of these laying around? Now you can put them to good use with this great recyceld craft by turning them into adorable pincushions. Craft Pudding has a great tutorial on how you can make your own baby food pincushion HERE

But that's not all. She also offers readers Free embroidery patterns, a covered button tutorial, and a fabric card holder tutorial.

Don't waste the day away, make sure and stop by Craft Pudding and sign up for her feed, visit her Etsy shop or Follow her on Twitter. I know we can expect many great things from her in the future so keep your eye out.

More Friday Finds - 4/10

I've seen a ton of cute creations on the Flickr craft group this week and wanted to highlight a few for you.

A very cost effective Wedding bouquet from crotchet flowers.

Crotchet nesting bowls from a thrift store sheet.

Crotchet pink necklace

Easter bird ornaments

Vintage atlas Thank you seals


have you done any crafting this week? Feel free to share a few links in the comments section.

Frugal Decorating at its best...

So these projects are all over the internet but I decided I had to give dollar store decorating a shot. I purchased this little birdie at the Dollar Tree. Here is a semi pre-picture, before he was fully painted (I always forget to take before pictures – I’m just so excited to get started).

This weekend I spray painted our living room registers and just used the left over spray paint to finish off the little bird. I think he looks great on our buffet sitting with the vintage books I picked up at our last book sale. I’m so happy with him I’m now on the look out for even more things to spray paint. I might even try painting one black or another color in the future.

This whole project cost me $1.06 which was for the bird since I used the left over spray paint and the books were just bag filler but probably came out to less than $.10 a piece. What else can provide so much bang for less than $2 and 20 minutes of your day? You can't beat that for frugal decorating.

Have you done any spray paint decorating or blogged about it? I’d love to see the results. This project turned out so well expect to see more spray painted creations from me in the future especially after this Dollar Tree trip.

Rich Dad Poor Dad - Book Review

Let me start by saying I love this book!
Rich Dad Poor Dad is quite possibly the best book I’ve read in at least two years even though it’s a financial book. I love Robert’s outlook on life and our finances. All my life I heard “study hard, get a good job” I wish I would have read his book years ago – maybe then I wouldn’t be so disillusioned with the thoughts of working 30 years.

I would have highlighted parts of the book, but every sentence would have been yellow. The chapters are jam packed with sayings, stories and examples. In fact Matt and I have already implemented some of his advice and have some ideas for the future. Starting immediately we are paying ourselves first. I never really understood how or why to pay yourself first, but I get it now.

Before reading the book Matt and I would pay our bills first then stick everything in savings. We were doing a good job at it but I understand the importance now. I always figured if we were saving large amounts it was good enough. But as Robert explains if I pay myself first and run out of money I’ll find a way to come up with it. If we have a goal of putting $200 a month away and miss it by $100 it is no big deal, if we’re $100 away from paying our cable bill we’ll figure out a way to pay it asap because we don’t want late fees.

It’s a big commitment but exciting to think of the possibilities. We also have a few plans on how to increase our assets and even earn extra money but that’s for the future. We’ve now decided on how to make our first investments once we have the needed tools. We’ve both picked an area that interest us and have a small but developing game plan.

I’m very excited, pumped, and refreshed after reading Rich Dad Poor Dad.

If you feel stuck financially, not sure how to make the most of your money or like me and the thought of working for 30 years scares you senseless you should read Rich Dad Poor Dad. This book is the first step to getting yourself out of the rat race of life.

Have you had the opportunity to read this book, what did you think? If you haven’t I highly suggest you request it on paperbackswap.com, there are copies waiting and it’s worth it.

Books Read in 2009: 10
Books remaining: 40

The makings of a cheap collection...

I would have a blog post today I really would; but when I sat down to write this post I answered an email, twittered for a minute and then did some research on that great green serving tray I picked up at the estate sale last Friday. I'm slightly obsessed with buying glass (especially green colored glass) but I've never really cared much about it before, I just bought it because I think it's pretty. For some reason I was really interested in the green dish and decided I needed to investigate it more. Before long one site lead to another and another and another the next thing I knew most the night had been spent reading up on Indiana Glass, Fenton glass, Depression glass, and carnival glass (see I've already learned so much).

Through my extensive research I've found I'm mainly attracted to Indiana glass which means it's not worth a lot, but much more than I've been paying for it. Rather than share a craft today I've decided to show off some of my colored glass. If you want to learn more about Carnival glass there is a great blog post about it at Thrift Shop Romantic - she too loves these glass creations and has a great collection.

I have no idea what this one is although I swear I saw a similar picture early in my research. I wasted researched for another ten minutes looking through pages and pages but couldn't find it again. It's probably an Indiana glass piece in a diamond point pattern, I paid less than $1 for it at the thrift store so I love it.


This one is a little easier to place, it's a green Indiana glass from the Harvest collection. The picture quality isn't great my apologies.


A crystal footed bowl with the same design pattern as the first white (milk) glass picture. A Christmas gift from my Mother a few years ago - which helped get the collection started.


A few more crystal pieces in my curio cabinet from my Mother.


And lastly this green bowl, I use it to store our extra ketchup packets. I have no idea what pattern it is, it almost looks like the tear drop pattern but has more detail. Either way I love it.


None of the above pieces cost me more than $3 (that's my limit) but they are great items found all around our home. It's amazing that after buying this glass at different times for random reasons they ended up being from the same maker. After doing all this research I've found so many other colors, types, and designs of glass I have to keep my eye out for. .

Do you have any depression or carnival glass on display in your home? I'd love to see pictures. And now that I know more about exactly what makes this glass special I'll keep a closer eye out for it while thrifting... I can always tell Matt I need to buy it because after all it's a collectors item :)

Quick CVS Stop

I made a quick stop today to pick up the gift card and reusable bags for the winner of the CVS giveaway (poster #6), while there I picked up some more Excedrin.

4 Excedrin (1.99) $7.96
(4) $2/1 Excedrin coupons

Total before coupons: $8.44 ($.48 tax)
Total After coupons & OOP: $.44 (tax)
So excited to see my coupons took off some of the tax that never happens.

The gift card will be sent out to our winner tomorrow (he picked the design) with an extra 3 dollars since my store was out of reusable totes (the one time I really needed them - just my luck)

Anyway we're basically stocked back up with Excedrin which is good because we were on our last bottle.

Quaker True Delights - Free Sample

Quaker is offering a free sample of their new True Delights but hurry it's only while supplies last.

You can sign up for this Freebie offer HERE

And it's gone...

I finally made the jump and chopped off my hair. I had been growing it out for about two years and wanted to donate ten inches to Locks for love. The photo above is my before picture the one below an after.


In the end I was actually able to donate about 11.5 inches for the cause. I also had some highlights put in for a more dramatic effect.

Being able to donate my hair has been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I’m not sure I’ll do it again but at least I can check this first time off my life to do list.

There are quite a few people in the blogsphere who have also donated hair this year.

- Laughing Purple Gold Fish Designs - (she took it all the way in honor of her Mom – she’s amazing)
- Leaving Excess - Her daughter donated in November of 2008


If you have been thinking about donating your hair but don't have the required 10 inches for Locks of Love I've learned that Oprah accepts a minimum of 8. You can find more information about her program HERE. If only I had known this information in December when I was at about 9.5 inches and threatening to cut it off.

CVS 4/5

We woke up late this morning and didn't make it to CVS until after 10:30, I figured everything would be gone, but to my surprise the shelves were well stocked.

::Purchased::
2 bags of Easter Grass (.79) $1.58
2 Easter baskets (1.99) $3.98
2 Excedrin Migraine 24 ct (1.99) $3.98
~ (2) $2/1 Excedrin coupon (one marked down to $1.98)
1 Skintimate Shave gel $3.49

Total Before coupons: $13.03 (.30 tax)
Total After Coupons: $9.03
ECB Used: $7.99
OOP: $1.04 on gift card
ECB Earned: $9.47
(there was an issue with the Easter grass and the ecbs had to be printed manually. We only paid $.79 each for them but received a full $1 ecb - hey I won't complain)

Saturday Shopping

Yesterday Matt and I took the day off to practice a little metal health. In the morning we woke up early and attended our first estate sale of the year. I can’t wait for rummage sale season to get into full swing.

For $3 I picked up this heavy green serving tray, actually it’s more like I snatched it off the table in one big swoop. Both little bottles were $1 each. They aren’t old glass like I’m normally attracted to but I liked the colors. $5 total for three great pieces of glass; although, I am starting to think I’m becoming obsessed with green glass. It’s always what I seem to grab first.



After the estate sale but before picking BP up from the groomer we stopped at the Dollar Store to look for Easter bunny figurines. The only kind they had were ones holding big eggs and I wanted something I could use in many different seasons so I had to pass. I did pick up a giraffe and duck though, but we’ll have to wait and see how they turn out when I’m done with them before I make any more statements. I also grabbed two glazed candle holders; I’ve been looking for something similar for awhile but wanted black ones. I figure I’ll just make these ones the color I want, for a dollar you’ve got to try it right? There have been huge advancements in spray paint and I’m sure I can find something to do the trick. And then lastly a little planter that I have big plans for, but you’ll have to wait and see. Once it stops raining out I might actually be able to try out my spray painting skills.

Have you started your summer sale shopping yet? Have any great finds to share?

Only 5 hours for EXTRA swagbucks

Time is running out to enter our CVS giveaway and get your extra swagbucks for new sign ups! Both opportunities will end at midnight TONIGHT.

Don't miss out on this great opportunity - Sign up for both HERE

My Craft Thingies

Today’s Friday Find comes from SiSi at My Craft Thingies, a site where she shares her amazing ribbon crafts and other paper folding tutorials.

SiSi learned the basics of ribbon folding when she was young and has been perfecting her craft ever since. The blog, My Craft Thingies, is her way of sharing her ideas with the world.

These colorful Origami Cherry Blossoms are what first caught my eye and made me take a second look around her blog. They look so easy to make, I already have Matt scouring the back yard for some good sticks. I was thinking I might spray paint my sticks blank or even white for a dramatic effect but I’m not sure how the finished product would turn out. What do you guys think? I even have a similar vase that I was considering donating because I didn’t have a use for it… looks like I do now.

SiSi doesn’t just make cherry blossoms for me to stare at she has quite a few great tutorials listed on the left hand side of My Craft Thingies

Here are a few of my favorites (on top of the Cherry blossoms)

Origami Stars - One of my favorites

Kusudama Flower ball - I so have to make one of these and find a place to hang it somewhere in my home.

3-D Origami Hearts

Ribbon Stars

I also can’t forget to tell you about SiSi Finds another site where SiSi shares all her free and otherwise great finds on the internet. She has a ton of free sample finds up right now. A girl close to my heart – crafty and frugal.