September Acres

There are so many cute advent calendars out there this year and if you're not careful you could end up spending a small fortune on one of them.  Before you do that, consider a fun DIY advent calendar.  There are many ideas and tutorials out there that are budget friendly and really fun to put together.  In no particular order here are 12 of my favorites - I'd  have them all in my home if I could! The Envelope Advent Calendar - I just love the idea of this because it's super easy and pretty inexpensive.  Most of us have envelopes on hand to make this happen.  This is the perfect type of calendar for 'experience' treats as opposed to toys or candy.  Things like: watch 'Elf' tonight, go sledding or make cookies with mom can be printed out on the computer on paper and tucked in the envelope for a fun activity.  This one from A Few Things From My Life is one of my favorites. A Few Things From My Life Muffin Tin Advent Calendar  ...

can be turned into really neat accessories.  I was at Restoration Hardware not too long ago and stumbled upon a really neat idea for old paperbacks.  I could have purchased the books for $29 but decided, like I often do, that  "I can do that for alot less." So I headed to a thrift store in town for some old books.  Jackpot! I tore the covers off (I actually had a hard time doing that, it seemed so wrong) and was left with just the insides.  I used kitchen twine (the same stuff I tie turkey's legs together with) to tie the book together - three in a stack. After I tied them together with the twine I 'dirtied' them up with some brown ink. And that's what I ended up with.  Remember they were $29 for a set of three at the store.  The twine was heavier but I had the kitchen twine so I decided to go with that.  And it was a really quick project. So, instead of $29 I spent $3!  Not too bad.  And I like the look alot.  Right no...

 I hear of so many people finding fabulous things at thrift stores.  All over blogland you will see these finds made over brilliantly.  I love the idea of taking something old and making it new and fresh.  Last week LM & I had to run some errands and she asked if we could go to the Hospice Re-sale store in town to find an outfit for under $10 (an idea she saw in her American Girl book "Just Mom and Me").  We stopped by to see what we could find.  I figured I might find some fun furniture or accessory to play with.  Well.... The clothing selection was really sparse, especially for kids.  The furniture/accessory selection wasn't much better and I felt like everything was really overpriced.  I know the funds go to a good cause so that may be why there weren't too many bargains to be found.  I did find some books for a project I am doing for $1 each.  All books, even hardbacks, were $1.  I think that might be a bit high for pa...