What I was up to on my birthday........

It started out well, Molly let me have a lie-in until 7:45am. Then it went downhill when Molly rolled into something unmentionable.  So I had to haul her upstairs for a shower, all before I had even had my breakfast.  Happy Birthday Gill!

Anyhow, I opened my present from my mam first.  Must say she knows me well and has good taste.  She sent me a Radley purse, which I know means nothing to anyone this side of the ocean, but for the British crew they may ooh and aah.  Radley is a bit like Coach purses in the States.

She sent a couple of Spode teatowels.

A pack of four Denby coasters.

A Wedgwood tea light holder.  You know I am a sucker for any type of Wedgewood.

I got this tote bag from the Eden Valley Messenger.  For some reason blogger turned the photo.  You can win one of these tote bags by submitting a money saving tip here.

Dh brought home this lovely bunch of flowers.  He also got me a Chapter's gift card, a couple of scratch and win tickets (I won $3) and my main gift is a bit different.  He has got me a ticket for a Charity Fundraiser at a gallery in Whitby, Ontario at the end of April.  Each ticket is drawn randomly and you get to choose a piece of art donated by an artist.  Dd is also going so it should be good fun.

Dh also finished work early so I got to spend the afternoon with him as well.  Mind you we were busy, as he filed our taxes.  Then we were busy in the attic tidying that up, as they are coming on Monday to drywall the attic and sort out our bedroom ceiling.

I ventured into our shed for the first time since last Fall, as I wanted to get a container to cover the rhubarb to force it.  I was wearing my wellies, and discovered that I have leaks in my wellies, so the money my dad and step-mum gave me for my birthday I will use to buy myself another pair of wellies.

This week's column is up and running on the Eden Valley Messenger.  This week I talk about the Spring Thaw  If you have a few moments please pop by and have a read.

Did you remember to put your money in your pot for the Daily Savings Club today?

Today's money saving tip:

As the weather is getting better you may feel inclined to clean your windows.  Here is a recipe for homemade window cleaner:

2 TBSP cornstarch
1/2 cup household ammonia
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 gallon warm water

Mix the ingredients in a bucket, make sure cornstarch is thoroughly dissolved before using.

More recipes are here

I hope to get over to everyone's blogs later on in the week, as I am crazy busy this week, sorry.....

This week's column and other "stuff"

Here is a link to this week's column on the Eden Valley Messenger. If you feel like it, leave a comment, I'd really appreciate it.  The photo is of a sunset, not a sunrise at the end of the column.....

I had a busy day on Tuesday, doing all sorts of bits and bobs.  Below are some seeds I am starting.  On the left of the photo are four sections of the egg carton with White Spruce seeds.  I have no idea where I got the seeds from.  However I don't know if they will take, as I soaked them for twenty four hours and only three of them sank in the water.

On the other end of the egg carton I planted some marigolds.  I know I am a little early with them, but thought I'd give it a go.

I got a bit of a shock on Tuesday.  I was taking out the ashes in the morning, and had to empty the metal garbage bin I put them in.  So I walked over the snow (photo below), to throw them by the fence.  Luckily I had my wellies on, as the snow turned out to be as high as the top of my wellies.  What shocked me more, was my feet sunk in the snow and my body kept going, so I ended up flat on my face in the snow!!  The weather has been gorgeous these past few days, but there is still a lot of snow still to melt.

I managed to make a start on my apron, but have found a couple of more projects to complete now, so I guess I will be sewing next week as well!

When dh came home from work, we also installed the closet organizer so I will be spending Wednesday filling it with all our clothes.   I will post photos of it on Thursday.

Did you remember to put your money in your Daily Savings Pot?

Today's money saving tip:

Tips to make your fresh cuts flowers last longer:

1. Flowers always keep best when cut under running water with a sharp (un-serrated knife). Make the cut in the stem at a slant.

2. Before placing your flowers in a vase, be sure to remove any leaves that would be under water, but avoid removing any thorns (from Roses) as this shortens the life of your rose.

3. Prematurely Wilted roses are a result of air bubbles and/or bacteria. To prevent air-bubbles simply cut a new stem (under running water and at a slant).

4. Warm or Cold Water? Lukewarm is best for most cut flowers, but use Cold water for any flowers resulting from Bulbs such as tulips, hyacinths, etc.

5. Think your cut flowers look nice on your table with your fruit bowl? Think again! Fruit releases a natural gas that will cause your flowers to "age" and thus die sooner.

6. Keep Away from Direct Sunlight

All tips from this site

I know I have mentioned this a couple of times, but I am loving Swagbucks.  I just cashed in my points again on Tuesdays night for another $5 Amazon e-card.  That will be $40 worth of Amazon e-card I have received since the end of November.  If you want to know more just let me know, as its so easy to do.