Creative Frugality for the Shopaholic!

OK ~ It's time for some fun and some confessions.

I LOVE to shop!! Yes, that's right!! I LOVE to shop!!

I don't always have to buy, but I love to touch and feel and smell as I mosey along a store.

Now, it doesn't have to be stores with all new stuff either. I love antique malls (Brass Armadillo) thrift stores (Savers), and especially garage sales (oh yes, my car just automatically turns when it sees those brightly colored signs).

In recent months you have seen me post about my husband being too ill to work any longer. We have gone from being a two income family with a son working to a one income family with a son not working. I am now the sole support of our family and let me tell you it has not only taken a tole on our family, but it has put a real dent in my 'fun' budget.

I am a definite believer in being a good steward over all that the Lord blesses us with so I will Never purchase anything I cannot pay cash for. With that said, I still love to shop. For Saturday morning thrills my husband and I go garage saleing. When ever I have my eye on an item I really have to be able to picture it in a specific spot in my home with a purpose or I won't even consider bringing it home, as I really don't NEED any more Stuff.

A couple of weeks ago I found this cute little box with a fun handle. It was blue, which it not my favorite color but I tried to image it red with a great purpose. I agreed to a purchase price of $2.00. I brought it home, bought a $0.34 tube of paint, painted it red and even left a small amount of blue showing then I began the process of deciding what to do with it.

Here is what I came up with:

Sorry, I forgot to take a before picture.

I could use it in my laundry room for small items.

I thought about using it in my bathroom for brushes and nail files, etc.

I attempted to put pens, scissors and mat stacks in it for my craft room.

But the idea I liked most was this! We will be using this all summer for our BBQ's and pool parties. It will make a great caddy for utensils and napkins and a nice addition to the center of our outdoor table.

I love when I can find a real bargain and use it in so many ways.

And all this for $2.34.

Creative and Frugal

for the Shopaholic

Considering It All Joy,

Cindy