On Hiatus

Due to increasing time pressures, the Susie's Sandbox blog is going on an indefinite hiatus.

Thanks to all my Followers and Commenters. I've enjoyed this experience. I hope you'll visit me at Christian Writer/Reader Connection.

Another Yard Sale Bargain

Isn't this a pretty cup and saucer? I spotted it at a yard sale and couldn't resist. It's not a well-known brand, but the colors and flowers appealed to me. It even came with a spoon and tea.

What are some of your favorite yard sale finds?

Mom's Doll Collection

One of my blogger buddies, Susan, requested that I show pictures of Mom's doll collection. So, I lined the babies up on Mom's couch and snapped away with my digital camera. (I'm so loving this camera!)

From left to right: Bridget (Precious Moments),
Billy (a Berjusa baby), a Shirley Temple reproduction, porcelain doll, generic baby doll in bassinet in the foreground, Katie (a Berjusa baby), and Patsy Joan, a reproduction.






Here's a close-up of Katie and Patsy Joan. Katie modeled the baby bonnet I crocheted back in September.

Here's a close-up of Shirley, the generic baby doll in a bassinet, and Katie. Note: I made the bassinet from plastic canvas and crocheted the skirt, pillow, and blanket.

Here's Bridget and Billy. They're all so cute and huggable.


Someday soon, I'll do a post on my dolls and what I learned about collecting. Do you like dolls or have other collections? I hope you'll share. Guys, I know you collect baseball cards and other memorabilia. Feel free to jump into the discussion.

Free Samples

I love free samples and rebates. Here are a few items I've received since hanging out at the frugal blogs like Hip2Save and Money Saving Mom:

Nexus shampoo, conditioner - free sample

3M Floor Gripper Anti-Slip Runner - free sample

Emergen-C - Samples compliments of Walmart

Clarins Lipstick samples

Sure Deodorant - This was a buy one and get a full rebate on the price.

Olay Body Wash - Trial size on sale, which became free when I used a $1.00 coupon with no size restriction.

Nivea Lotion - Sample

Soyjoy Bar - Sample

This is an economical way to try new products. I like getting these freebies before plunking down my money on a full-size item.

How about you? Do you use coupons? Rebates? Send for free samples?

Shadow Box

Several years ago, I made this shadow box for my mother for Mother's Day. It takes a bit of time, but it's worth the effort.

I purchased an unfinished 8 X 10 shadow box at A.C. Moore and painted the frame a metallic gold. You can paint it any color that goes with your decor.

Next, I purchased about a half yard of cranberry moire fabric. (The color doesn't show up well here.) Some bits of lace, roses, and the butterflies add a nice touch. I also picked up some cotton batting, so it would be padded.

I selected some vintage items from my mother's collection of memorabilia - two old photos, one of my dad's medals, a pair of gloves, and an old wristwatch.

The shadow box comes with a cardboard backing. I cut and glued batting to the cardboard. I then wrapped the fabric around the cardboard and batting and secured it with a hot glue gun. All of the other items are hot glued to the fabric.

I've made other shadow box projects for wedding gifts, graduations, etc. If you decide to try this project, let me know how it comes out.

Freezer Cooking for the Elderly

A lot of folks cook in advance and freeze meals for their families. This saves both time and money because they can grab something from the freezer, defrost it, and reheat it for a quick dinner.

While this works well for a family, the portions are often too big for the elderly. I found a post at Money Saving Mom on freezer cooking for the elderly. Check it out for some great suggestions.

My Great Yard Sale Find

I love a country look, and found this lamp at a yard sale this summer. The lady plugged it and verified that it worked. The blue and yellow flowers matched my color scheme.

Price? I snagged it for $5.00.

In my novel, "The Moses Conspiracy," I envisioned the lamp in Ellie and John's livingroom exactly like this.