Is this a Weird Birthday Present?

Hi, all you beautiful home makers!

Today, let's remember

that how we manage our homes 

is a form of worship

to God.

My beefcake and I were sitting on the deck last night,

enjoying a pre-storm breeze,

and he asked me one simple question:

"What do you want for your birthday next week?"

I LOVED this question!

Apparently because of the deranged look on my face,

Mark then replied, "I have a budget for it, you know."

Good thing, too, because I also LOVE 

finding the best quality deals for the best price.

So, being given a budget helps me determine my wants from my needs.

My reply to his question?

"I wanna re-do the kitchen."

His reply, "I have a small budget for it, you know."

I had to reassure him that I didn't want 

new cabinets, 

flooring 

or counter tops.

My nine year-old kitchen just needs freshening up.

I have already been gathering things, baskets, accessories and paint.

This is our kitchen at Christmastime.

What I really would like for my Birthday:

The rest of the items, I have already found, and have been collecting

from Good Will, yard sales and bartering.

(Mark was relieved to hear this).

Good Will, $2.50 each.

Ditto.

 Easel, Good Will, $3.00. 

Huge Banana republic pasta bowl, Christmas gift.

4 rattan chargers, Good Will, $1.00/all.

Demilune Wall Pot Rack, (free) barter with friend.

12 Woven, Wire-frame handled baskets, 

Amazing Savings, $1.99 each.

(I have two of these)

Vintage picnic basket, yard sale, $6.00.

Target lamp, from Good Will, $3.00.

Oops! paint, Wal-Mart, $11.22.

My birthday is in one week.

I have 7 days.

I'd better get to work.

Wasn't that easy, Mark?

You don't even need to wrap it!



Here are some parties I'm crashing:

New Nostalgia -- Anti-Procrastination Tuesday
A Silly Little Sparrow -- Toot Your Horn