I love my family for putting up with my CRAZY.

For the Fourth of July, I had visions of an elaborate picnic at a park with a beach -- I'd have all the time I needed to get the picnic set up while the hubs and the kids played at the beach and they'd be in awe of the spread when they came back ready to eat.  After lunch we'd frolic and play and leave at the end of the day with that 'good tired' feeling after a long day of fun.

I carefully planned and gathered my materials in the days leading up to the fourth.

And then because of circumstances beyond anyones control, our plans changed.  We would still be picnicing at a park-- just not one with a beach (no biggie) and we would be under much more of a time crunch  (hmmm...)  Well-- I already had all of my "supplies" packed up and ready to go so... I did it anyway.

Things went off pretty well (although at a more stressful pace than I would've liked) and without a hitch.  Well almost....

at least the skinned knee was at the end of our day just as we were packing up

Here's what I came up with minus a few details that didn't quite make it up in time as people were hungry and wanted to actually start eating-- the nerve! :)

Fourth of July-- crazy momma style!

We just had your (easy to transport) picnic basics-- hot dogs, turkey burgers, chips, lettuce salad, pasta salad ...

Recognize some of my great finds from my last bargain hunting adventure?

and desserts.  

 Yes- I brought books as a styling prop and No- my husband was not psyched to find out that we had lugged books as styling props with us.   But they sure do look good right?  :)

And remember these?

My original plan was to hang them from the trees so they could blow in the breeze, but there the trees weren't in the right spot (again-- what's wrong with mother nature not having trees where I want them) so I strung them up like a banner instead.

How cute are these pinwheel cupcake toppers?  I used this tutorial except I used thumb tacks instead of straight pins because that's what I had on hand.  Use what ya' got!  Took about 20 minutes-- so cute!  (and don't worry-- I glued the thumbtacks in so that no children could stab themselves on sharp objects)

TIP:  Another little trick (seen above).  I just cover my "lacy" cake stand with different coordinating ribbon for each party- like I did here.

All in all, I'm pretty happy with how it turned out in the end.

And after all was said and done, we were only able to get one picnic table so I had to deconstruct the whole thing so that we actually had a place to eat.  :)

Hope you all had a great holiday weekend!

I used to be a little snobby.

While I'm compiling my Independence Day picnic photos I thought I'd leave you with another post to hold you over.  (because I know you're holding your breath in anticipation)

I'll admit that before I began my career as a cheapskate, I used to think thrift stores were gross.  And some are, but there are so many wonderful hidden treasures in them.  I understand that they are not for everyone, but with a little post-purchase cleaning and lots of hand sanitizer you can find some really cool things.  And you only purchase things that are within the scope of repair, cleaning or refurbishing that you WANT to do so... what's the harm in looking?

I am super psyched with my latest finds-- totaling $5.84.

The two plates are actually pretty large.  (note: apple below to show size of plates)  I liked the color- a mustardy yellow.  Truth be told I was thinking of using them during football season for Steelers games (Go Black and Gold!) but they can also be used during fall for Thanksgiving or for other harvest related affairs.  $1.00 each.

I couldn't help myself when buying this jar.  I had 4th of July on the brain and thought it was just too perfect for the picnic I was planning so... even though I really didn't need an empty jar-- it was only $.50 and it makes me happy so...

 

I am in LOVE with this lazy susan-- also purchased mostly for the 4th.  It's so nautical looking to me and it's SUPER functional because besides being a turntable, the navy blue part is rubberized so condiments won't slide around on it when it turns.  Plus-- blue and white work for so many events-- Memorial Day, Independence Day,  a whole host of college/high school events (like SU or UCONN sporting events and Nonnewaug high school graduations), and of course any nautical themed parties that could be in our future  - who knows?  Totally worth it for $2.00.

oh, and I forgot to mention since it's rubber, plastic and metal it's also totally washable (unlike my wooden lazy susan)  BONUS!

with condiments:

and in action:

And I love picking up fabric remnants at a bargain price.  These were 3 for $1.00.  I have promised myself that I WILL learn to sew in the near future so I'm working on a little fabric stash.  Plus the pink and the black I know I can use to make some more fabric necklaces, broches or embellishments etc.

how fun is that stripey fabric?

I love my local Goodwill.  Have you checked out your local thrift shop lately?

Sneak Peek: Independence Day

For the first time we're taking this show on the road and taking our 4th of July picnic to a state park (usually I just do big parties in our home).  I'm still making it big (I'm a crazy lady), but... I really want to so...

Here's a little sneak peek of some decorations I made for the occasion:

I've made these before as snowflakes (with my sister-in-laws), but this paper craft came back into my life through this tutorial and I couldn't help myself-- so easy!  I just used paper that I already had on hand and staples so it also ended up being a FREE project.  Can't beat that!

Can't wait to show you the finished "party"!

SaveSave

I get lots of good deals at Target.

Yesterday at Target I got all of this:

for $1.47!

Don't believe me?  Need proof?

 

I'm hardly an extreme couponer, but I can see how it can be addicting.  

 Just for fun, here's how I did it:

Shout wipes (travel section) $.97.
   Coupon for $1.00 off any ONE Shout item. = +$.03
Taco Seasonings $.69 ea.
   Coupon for $1.00 off any TWO Ortega products. = $.38 for two (or $.19ea)
Nail polishes $2.49 ea.
   Manufacturers coupon $1.00 off Sally Hansen Nail Color
   +
  Target printable coupon $1.00 Sally Hansen Nail Color = $.49 ea
Sally Hansen Hard As Nails  $2.04
   $2.00 off any Sally Hansen Nail Treatment with purchase of any Nail Color = $.04
Suave Conditioner  $.84
   Target printable coupon $.75 off Suave Hair Care Product - $.09


Total:  $1.47!!   SWEET!  (yep-- I said "sweet"- and I meant it!)

I can't take credit for most of these deals though-- most of them I found at my favorite "couponing" website Thrifty and Thriving-- but I did find the Sally Hansen Nail Treatment deal on my own :)

Anyone else get any really good deals lately?!