Amber Waves of Grain

We've managed to go to the State Fair twice so far ( that's a miracle with 3 small children )!  I'm too tired to write but would love to share photos!! The family elephant ear: Fishing!:  Kennedy loved the pony ride:  Sharing an orange dream whip.....  Classy family photo with the Weinermobile:  Apparently there's a trend in wearing ALL of your jewelry at once to the fair:  Love. Your. Tractor. Keegan ate like a champ at the fair!! We were so proud of him.  He tried elephant ear and loved it.  And, he asked to try the corn (a big deal for our boy with feeding issues!).  We let them pick a ride or two this time and they loved this slide:   Cream puff time!   If you haven't made it to the fair yet, check it out!!!!!!!!

I'll admit I'm behind on my blogging.  Let's pretend today is Thursday.  I only had one thrifty find this week that's worth sharing.   At Goodwill, I found this Geo Trax Flo's Cafe for $2.99 !!  It will attach to Keegan's existing Geo Trax train set. Geo Trax pieces are NOT cheap so I love finding used ones.  This runs $36 new right now.   It was missing the original car to go with it, but Keegan has several that will fit it just the same!  Keegan has played with his Geo Trax almost daily since receiving it over 4 years ago.  It has been a great purchase and adding new pieces keeps it 'new' again! That's it for this week.  Happy thrifting!!

Merry Christmas in July August!!   OK, so this post is a few weeks behind.   I wanted to blog some gift ideas to get you started with your Christmas shopping on July 25th.   Maybe I'll create a list on the 25th of every month leading up to Christmas like I did last year.  Anyone interested? Comment, if so!  No promises . Here's July's top 5 list. 1.   A polka dot herringbone scarf from Ann Taylor Loft ( LINK ).   $34.50  I saw these in the store and tried them on.  I felt rich in them ( not rich enough to pay for one though ).  I've never really worn a scarf before but I'd start with these. This one is my favorite: 2.  Branch Pencils (made from real tree branches).    A good teacher gift.  Add some cute bookplates or a clever note about your child 'branching out' in school.  They are only $4.99 at Marshall's (or try TJ Maxx) for a set of 12. 3. An electronic label maker ..... for so...

I love some good deals! Today at the DAV Thrift Store, they were having a " 99 cent bag " sale (they are moving and want to clear inventory ).   That means stuff a bag full of anything and the whole bag is 99 cents.  That's right; they're CrAzY! I found 12 articles of clothing for my bag which brings each article to 8 cents each .  I'd say that's a win.  I bought 2 Nike shirts for Keegan, some women's Liz Claiborne trouser jeans for myself, a Gap sweater for myself, an Old Navy shirt for me, and some random kid's shirts. Then at Goodwill I found a set of 25 Geo Trax train track pieces (Keegan already has this train set) for $4.99.  Keegan just asked me for some more train track and I told him we'd look at thrift stores.  This same pack is $25.99 at Toys R Us right now. And, a Vtech Busy Book system ($4) which run about $25 new.  It came with 4 busy books and working batteries.  Yes!   Happy thrifting!!!!!!!!!!!! ...

Savannah turns 17 months old today. She finally has some new words.  She says " Cheese !" ( while holding up a toy camera ).  " Hi !".  " Keegan !" and this week I finally heard " Mama !".  She's a pretty good eater and really likes steamed broccoli:  She tries to climb out of her crib, but no success yet (* insert sigh of relief here *) She loves, loves, loves to be outside. She's fun & happy!! Have I mentioned how sweet she is?  Don't you just want to eat her up? And, she insists on playing like a 'big kid'! Savannah continues to be a sweet baby who brings us so much joy!! Happy 17 months, Savannah!

I collect vintage cameras.  My kitchen is teal .  I love Target .   I especially love cheap ( like $1.49 ). So, I had to have this fun find.   A plastic camera 'appetizer plate' (a tiny rimmed plate). I think it would be great for loose change or keys.  Or, maybe even a soap dish.  My mind is full of endless possibilities. Just a little something that made me smile today.

Here are just a few of my thrifty finds for this week. A princess sleeping bag ( Kennedy has been asking for her own sleeping bag ) and a cute Old Navy shirt for Savannah.  99 cents each. New (with tags) embroidered dish towel .  99 cents. This might end up in Kennedy's play kitchen.  All clothes at DAV are 99 cents this week because the store is moving and they are getting rid of inventory.  Great time to stock up on kid's jeans, winter coats, and so forth if you need them!  I got Keegan 2 jackets & 2 hoodies. Kennedy some Children's Place jeans , Gymboree shorts and a Gymboree skirt , and a Children's Place shirt for Savannah. I found Nathan 2 pairs of slacks (Gap) for 99 cents and I found myself 4 Old Navy shirts at 99 cents each.  I also bought some tiny newborn baby clothes for Kennedy to use as doll clothes. And, as always, I bought a few kid's books at Goodwill (69 cents).  Score .   It was a ...