Mountain Drive

We decided to take an impromptu drive yesterday to a near by town.  A scenic and very twisty drive up the mountain led us to some beautiful sites! At the bottom of the mountain were some quaint shops and historic buildings. It was a fun family day, and it didn't cost us a dime (with the exception of gas)!

What fun and frugal adventures do you do with your family?

Valentine Coasters

Looking for a simple Valentine's Day gift for your child's teacher, a co-worker, or a friend? Here's a cute idea- Valentine's coasters. Pair it with a mug full of candy, and you've got the perfect gift!

The coasters are super easy to make. I was able to make a set of four while my toddler took a nap.

Choose two coordinating festive fabrics and a coordinating backing. Cut four 4 1/2" squares of each of the festive fabric and backing. Cut four 4" squares of batting for the inside of the coasters.

Once the fabric is cut, take a square of the festive fabric and the backing, and place them right sides together. Sew along the sides (use a 1/4" seam allowance), leaving a small opening on bottom. Do this for each square.

Turn the squares right side out, and place a piece of the batting in each square. Sew up the opening, using a blind stitch. Press with an iron.

Then take a contrasting color of fabric and cut out four 3" hearts (small enough to fit in the middle of the coaster). Applique a heart on each coaster. You can do this by hand or by machine. I did mine by hand using a blanket stitch.

And there you have it! Four adorable Valentine coasters. You could also change the fabric/design to go with your own living room motif to add a little pizzaz to your home.

Valentine Gift Ideas

My husband and I have agreed that Valentine's Day is overrated; it's simply a hallmark holiday. A day created to generate money for the card and flower industry. I know what you're saying..."how unromantic," but really, have you looked at the price of cards lately?

Now before you go and judge me, and think I'm a heartless villain, know that I haven't thrown out Valentine's Day all together. I have a few inexpensive ideas to make your loved one feel special on Valentine's Day!

Instead of buying a Valentine's card, why not make one yourself. Our family does this for any card-worthy occasion. Find some pretty card stock or scrapbook paper, and let your creativity flow! Not sure what to write, google "romantic poems" or just write from the heart.


One year my husband took one of my favorite love poems and put it in a frame. Viola!

Last year to surprise my husband on Valentine's Day I thought up "100 Reasons I Love You!" and wrote each reason on a pink heart I cut out of card stock. Before he woke up that morning I taped them all over the fridge! Needless to say he was quite surprised!

Have a romantic candlelight dinner at HOME!  Send the kids to a babysitter or a friends house, and make your spouse their favorite meal. Turn down the lights, put on some romantic music, and enjoy a nice Valentine's dinner with your love.