Category: This crafty life

Starting My Crochet Journey: Stress Relief and Sales

With all that’s going on in the world and in my life, I needed to get back to one of my favorite stress relievers…crocheting. I’ve decided to start selling some of my creations. I’ve opened up a Tedoo shop and listed some things but haven’t made a sale yet. It’s ok, I only just started listing items this week. Here are a few of the things I have made and listed.

Frugal Fun Friday – How to have a good time without breaking the bank

Embracing Frugal Fun: Creative Ways to Enjoy Life on a Budget

In a world where entertainment often comes with a hefty price tag, finding joy in simple pleasures can be both liberating and rewarding. Embracing frugal fun isn’t just about saving money – it’s about discovering creative ways to enjoy life without breaking the bank. Join me as we explore the art of frugal fun and uncover how you can make the most of every moment without spending a fortune.

Why Embrace Frugal Fun?

Before diving into the practical tips, let’s reflect on why embracing frugal fun is worth it. Living within your means not only reduces financial stress but also fosters a mindset of gratitude and resourcefulness. It encourages us to prioritize experiences over material possessions, connect more deeply with loved ones, and appreciate the simple pleasures that life has to offer.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Frugal Fun:

  1. Picnic in the Park: Pack a homemade lunch, grab a blanket, and head to your local park for a relaxing picnic. Enjoy the fresh air, soak in the natural surroundings, and unwind without spending a dime.
  2. Explore Nature Trails: Lace up your sneakers and explore nearby hiking or biking trails. Nature offers a wealth of beauty and serenity, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures.
  3. Host a Movie Night at Home: Skip the expensive movie tickets and popcorn. Instead, host a cozy movie night at home with friends or family. Pop some popcorn, dim the lights, and enjoy a film marathon from the comfort of your own couch.
  4. Attend Community Events: Keep an eye out for free or low-cost community events such as festivals, concerts in the park, or art exhibitions. These events often showcase local talent and provide opportunities to connect with your community.
  5. DIY Arts and Crafts: Tap into your creative side with DIY arts and crafts projects. Use materials you already have at home to create handmade gifts, home décor, or personalized keepsakes.
  6. Visit Local Museums or Libraries: Many museums offer free admission days or discounts. Take advantage of these opportunities to explore art, history, and culture without breaking your budget. Libraries also often host free events, workshops, and book clubs.
  7. Cook Together: Plan a themed cooking night with friends or family. Choose a cuisine, gather ingredients, and cook a delicious meal together. It’s a fun way to bond, learn new recipes, and enjoy a homemade feast.
  8. Volunteer in Your Community: Giving back doesn’t have to cost a thing. Volunteer your time and skills to local organizations or community projects. Whether it’s cleaning up a park, assisting at a food pantry, or mentoring youth, volunteering enriches both your life and the lives of others.
  9. Plan a Game Night: Dust off your board games or card decks and host a game night with friends or family. Games encourage laughter, friendly competition, and bonding – all without spending a fortune.
  10. Enjoy Free Educational Resources: Explore free online courses, webinars, or workshops on topics that interest you. Platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, and TED Talks offer a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips.

Benefits of Frugal Fun:

  • Financial Freedom: By embracing frugal fun, you can allocate your resources towards savings, investments, or other financial goals.
  • Creativity and Resourcefulness: Finding joy in simple pleasures cultivates creativity and encourages you to think outside the box.
  • Quality Time: Frugal fun emphasizes experiences and relationships, fostering meaningful connections with loved ones.

Final Thoughts:

As we navigate life’s journey, let’s remember that happiness and fulfillment don’t have to come with a price tag. Embracing frugal fun allows us to appreciate the richness of life’s moments, cherish the company of loved ones, and explore the beauty of the world around us – all while staying true to our financial values. So, whether you’re enjoying a picnic in the park, hosting a movie night at home, or volunteering in your community, savor each experience and treasure the memories created along the way. Here’s to living life to the fullest, one frugal adventure at a time!

On Fridays we will discuss being frugal – covering anything from saving money on fun, books about frugality, budget recipes, podcasts about budgeting and frugality, personal budget and frugality stories, and much more. I hope you will join me.

What’s up 2024?

I can’t believe it has been 76 days since my last post! What have I been up to? Lots of reading, crocheting, and working on myself. Blogging hasn’t been at the top of my To Do list lately but I really have to get back into the habit. I’m way behind on book reviews. Eeek!

So, what is in store for 2024? Here is my work-in-progress plan for the year:

  • Commit to writing at least one book review per month to be posted on or around the 15th.
  • Continue eating healthier and track what I eat.
  • Come up with a food prep plan that will work for Mike and me.
  • Continue crocheting and learning new techniques.
  • List 5 crocheted items on either my Etsy or Tedooo shop to get started selling my crafts.
  • Start a notebook of crochet ideas
  • Be happy.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

What are your plans for 2024? How will you track your successes?

Thanks for reading

October 30, 2023 – What to do with all these critters (craft therapy)

My friend Janine sent me a request to see if I could crochet a bat. Of course I had to try. Now I’m crocheting all kinds of critters and amigurami. I absolutely love it…and I love my friend for challenging me. Here are some of my critters.

So far, all of these have found homes. Next I’m going to start making a whole bunch of these to keep for gifts and future craft shows. FUN! I have to thank Janine for challenging me and getting me back into crocheting.

I find crocheting to be relaxing and a big stress reliever. How about you? What have you crocheted?

Thanks for reading.

May 21, 2023 – Craft therapy: I love making these cards

I finally got my card making mojo back. I love making these layered cards. The first one is made with a photo I took of Nanday Parakeets at the Celery Fields in Sarasota, FL. I have a new paper craft obsession,

Have you been crafting? Cooking? Share your favorite hobby.

Thanks for reading!

March 24, 2023 – Craft therapy: Positive Potato

I saw a positive potato that someone crocheted and had to find instructions. I finally found them.

He still needs arms and his uplifting sign but here he is – Positive Potato.

What have you made lately? Was it fun? Did it lift your spirits like my potato friend did for me?

Thanks for reading.

January 19, 2023 – Craft therapy

Rough week? Find something that will feed your happiness. After a few rough days, I picked up a project I had started working on before Hurricane Ian. Crocheting is relaxing to me and keeps me from smacking people. Today I finished two of these sea turtles.

Find your bliss.

Thanks for reading!