Dry Erase Message Center

Here is a quick picture of my Picture Frame Dry Erase Board that I keep in the kitchen. I write down whatever item I am out of or running low on and the store I purchase it from. I compile my list on Tuesday night and head out on Wednesday to shop. Also, works great for leaving messages/reminders to family members!

To make your own board you will need the following supplies:

1 Picture Frame.  I used a 11x 13.
Burlap, Fabric, or Scrapbook Paper to fit inside the picture frame cut to size of your frame
Embellishments for your frame.  I used silverware I found at a thrift store.  You could use just about anything or go minimalist and leave your frame plain.
Glue if you are attaching embellishments.  I used E600 glue to hold down my heavier silverware.
Tape or regular glue to tack down your background.
Dry Erase Markers

This project only took a matter of minutes to make!
I applied my silverware using a smoosh of E600 glue at each end of the flatware piece.  For the fork and spoon, apply glue at the underside of the fork tong and base of the spoon. Basically, the area that would lie flat if placed on a table.
While my silverware dried, I pulled out the backing of the picture frame and cut my burlap to size.  Tacked it down with a little double sided sticky tape, and slid it back into the frame.  

All done! Don't you feel highly accomplished and super crafty now??  I know I was beaming from ear to ear when this was done.  Felt like I finished the Mona Lisa.  Okay, who am I kidding?  I'm crafty....not an artist!!

Crafty Tip:  Buy a bunch of 4 x 6 frames from the thrift store or the dollar store.  Use light colored holiday scrapbook paper to fit frame backing.  Write the name of each dish, cheese, wine, whatnot and place near each item on your holiday buffet or table!!

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PIN ME....PIN ME!!

Pinterest Success!!

I've been #Pintesting again. #YoGabbaGabba #Brobee took a hit with a permanent marker. Brobee sad. :(

I decided to search Pinterest and look for the best pins on removing the ink.

Here are the results.

Dollar Store Craft Ideas

It is one of my favorite times of the year.....HALLOWEEN!!  When I was younger, my sister and I used to spend every Halloween decorating macabrely and devising our next wild costume.  Now that I am older I still enjoy decorating.  Just in a more toned down fashion.

Have you heard of the Dollar Store Craft Challenge?  O-M-GEEE  IT IS SO MUCH FUN!!  I went a little crazy and did multiple crafts.  I could not help myself.  Sometimes you can find the most amazing things at the Dollar Tree!!  Okay...moving on.  So, I started with a couple storage jars, candle sticks.  Broke out the E600 glue and made apothecary jars with chalkboard paint  labels.  I went with a basic ivory so I could change out the decor from holiday to holiday. Quickly added some scrapbooking Halloween labels and a couple cute little spiders.  Finished up with little electric tape to make the stitches. Voila!

Next up......the adorable little pumpkins!! Grabbed a few of these cuties from Dollar Tree.  They do have a hideous seam around the middle of the pumpkins, so I had to devise a way to hide that mess!  Quickly covered them with a paint of black latex paint.  When it dried I was disappointed that I did not notice I used the matte finish paint.  DRATS!  Found a bottle of black glitter paint and went over with a quick sloppy coating.  Once dried I applied some adorable googgly eyes to one pumpkin and some glittery spiderwebs with spiders on the two others.

Lastly, the large pumpkin.  Yes...YES...I know, that did not come from the Dollar Tree.  I did find the grosgrain black ribbon there.  Wrapped the pumpkin with a bow.  Added some scrapbook trim to make the pumpkin pop.

There you have it.  An adorable Halloween spread that your children would love for less than a Venti Frapaccino from Starbucks!!!

Hope this inspires you to head to your local Dollar Tree and take on the Craft Challenge.  BTW...I would love to see what you made.  Feel free to post it to my Facebook Page:  Fabulously Clever.  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fabulously-Clever/317923044966148?hc_location=timeline

Let's Talk Time Management Vs. Attention span

Since today happens to be errand day, Let's discuss some time management tips for running errands

 1. Have a plan before you run errands.

Start with having a list.  I was terrible about this!  I  zigzag through the city, 

I did not have a plan of action on where I needed to go, I would just go.  

Recently, I started a errand driving Routine & Reward system.

At certain times of the day there is less traffic, more green lights, and DISCOUNTS!

Did you know DONUTS Go on sale at the grocery store bakeries after NOON!

~~ Map it out~~ No Backtracking ~~ Work out your driving in a circle base & save Gas!

**Appointments should be set according to Your sleep cycles!

If you know You are normally up and running at 10am, 

Do not try to kill yourself stressing out trying to get there by 9am. 

Always start your daily schedule at 10am!

*Appointments First,, Banks Second,, Miscellanous running after the important stuff

Then a Quick Donut Pickup on the way Home no later than 3pm!

Find what works for you and then set it as your routine.

2.  Keep Tabby's

(No not the cats, but you can keep those as well)

If you have a routine set, tabbies on the fridge has always been a friendly way for reminding me, first that I am Fabulous, 2nd that I have Things to get accomplished!

Without those reminders, well, let's just say I'd pry forget!

Keeping an ongoing list of the places I need to go, what I need to buy, and what I need to return. 

 The best place to keep this list is in a central location. 

COFFEE Anyone? Well of course! (a tabby is spotted~ Hum I wonder what it says)

I use three magnetic backed list tear sheets that you find at Michaels or Dollar Tree.  

I attach them to the refrigerator, since that is where I keep the left over cake pops!

One page for Groceries/Things to buy.  

With Coupons from the weeks in a baggie (for cross checking stores)

The second one is for Things to do. ( thrifting, blogging, networking, my nails etc)

I also use this list for "random" things I need to remember. (who to call back, etc)

 Last list is places I need to go. (doctors, returns, car washings, dog groomers etc) 

 I Take these Tabbies with me as I'm out running my errands so I can stay on track.

The backs have sticky tabs, so Sticking them on my forehead helps out while I check my rear view mirror as the guy behind me rides my bumper!!

 3. Make it Fun!

Since this is something I only do once a week, I make an event out of it.
I mean Seriously!
This is WHY I buy My Vintage and Chunky Jewelry!

I will dress up cute in one of my favorite sassy outfits.  

Splash on a little makeup and be ready to flash my smile. 

While I am out, I pick up my favorite beverage and treat.

In fact the other day I juggled My McDonalds Iced Coffee & Discount Donuts
While Wearing my Little black Dress, a pair of heels,
I Happen to SCORE BIG TIME
On some Faux Corner Trees for Home Staging!
It was rather Humourous Thinking of what The other shoppers may have Witnessed!
BUT I MADE IT WORK!
Those 6ft tall ficus DO FIT IN A SEDAN!
I did not lose a tree, a heel, the coffee or a donut in the fiasco!

I’m in a great mood while dealing w/ cranky sales people,
Because I know I can come home & Spend some time Blogging about my own adventures!

Wait
What?
Carry on~

~Dawn

Cherry Tuffle covered Taxes?

I intend to spend 15 minutes working in my office. 

 Which room are you going to tackle today?

Yes Yes Yes today is a day of Massive organization of Office Equipment and filing systems!

Tax Season is here & our tax guy deserves accurate book keeping as well as I deserve a Cherry Truffle.

Well, He'll get Organized records 

But I'm not sure I'll get that Truffle reward!

I've got to keep in mind, 15 mins to organize my papers just is not enough time

SO Thankfully, I invested a few dollars in a Ledger Work Book!

Availible at Office Max stores everywhere!


Computer keeping is One thing
But when Your hand is doing the actual writing of your daily or weekly transactions
You tend to keep better score of your Winnings & Losses



Computers are great, but one crash,
You've lost it all!

Keep a Hand Ledger
It may be more work
But the budget will Thank You for taking the time 

~~~~~~~~

Some Little tax tips?

Oh Sure, The season calls for it!

~~~~~~~

1) Keep business a way from Personal, I mean Far Away ~ So Far it's NOT in the Business room!

2) Keep business bank statements All in one file! ~ Bank Statements are the vital records to back up all those nasty receipts! Easy enough right!

3) Make sure, You Never EVER EVER Eat a Cherry Truffel IN THE BUSINESS ROOM!

~ Just saying~

~Dawn

Quick Cookie Cover Your Eyes

The Worlds BEST PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE RECIPE

BUDGET AND BE A STAR!

Kelley shared this recipe with me the other day

I had to hurry and get something pulled together for the house showing

And we are told COOKIES help sell the house!

The Aroma, The Lure, The Capture & The Closing!

This is a recipe found all over the internet!

I can't believe I missed it!

But that's what this blog is all about

Finding those easy peesy and sometimes cheesy ideas and keeping them going.

3 INGREDIENTS!

3 

I did not think they would ever work!

But I am Sometimes
(Sometimes, hardly ever, but sometimes ummmm Not so Correct)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1 cup peanut butter

1 cup Sugar

1 Egg

~~~~~~

Mix them together 

~ Roll into Balls

~ Set on cookie sheet (ungreased)

~ Bake 350 for approx 10 mins

~ Let sit for a few minutes

Put them on a Lace Doilies on one of your
Fabulously created display dishes

AND WAL LA!

No flour mess to clean up!

No mixing dishes

And they actually taste Better than the 20 Ingredient ~ Back breaking ~ Do all the dishes afterwards Cookies!

You can Still add anything you want to them
OMG Try these cookies with Banana!

Oh Shoot I'm thinking a Raisin Nut Peanut butter coming on
CALM DOWN DAWN!

For the time saved w/less ingredients
The more time you have to add what ever you want to the mix!

~For Christmas~
My favorite Reese Piece Miniature cups Squished flat and put in the CENTER
of 2 cookie dough balls... Squish down again
~Bake~
The sprinkled or Covered in Snow (powdered sugar)
(DROOLING)

You know Kelley, She can't bake worth a darn 

(rumor has it, Her No bake cookies Never set ~ She burnt water once & actually clogged a toilet w/spagetti ~ Long story)
I'll have to see if she still has the pictures from that event

But She can pull these off!

Christmas Trees & Ugly Sweaters

Christmas Easy to do decorations

Best hand crafted gifts ever

** Craft Images found on Google Search**

Here's a Cute little Idea!
You know those Smaller glass candle Jars w/lids
We just never know what to do with after the wick is burn to the bottom!
Well Dollar Tree has MINATURES!
Minature Snowmen, people, dogs playing in the snow!
My girlfriend Kelley actually made something similar to the Snowman in Jar picture below

She Used 6000 series glue, added a Mini snowman to the inside bottom
Of a cleaned out baby food jar
Then added White Powdered LAUNDRY SOAP & Gold Glitter
To play as the snow
Easy as Pie to do and the Kids Love picking out their own people to use in their jars!

NOSEW GLUE!!
I Love NoSew Glue! Easy as Pie Felt Stockings!
If you have tons of old pillow cases, Torn shirts, Ready to Toss Blue Jeans
STOP NOW!

Do Not Throw them away
Run do not walk to WALMART
In the sewing section they have the GLUE
That takes the OUCH out of Stitching
1)Cut your Stocking pattern,
(remember to cut the pattern about 1.5" bigger than what you really want it)
2) Apply the glue, to the edges and press together
(I use a heavy book on top)
3) Let sit about 20 mins.
4) MEANWHILE Cut your Fun applications from a fun contrasting fabric
5) The turn the stocking Inside out so the seam is on the inside
Your stocking should have No seam holes
This glue is amazing even on the most fragile of fabrics
Apply your applications & Ta Da!
Just fill with fun stuff and hang!

I love this cute sidewalk greeting
I the idea is pretty obvious
You can Pick up the dow rods at walmart for about 25cents each

White is always beautiful for Christmas Elegance!
Silver toned piller style candle holders can be picked up at any thrift for Under $1
The Big craze is NOT to have uniform or Matching candle holders
Mixing up the styles Is THE THING.
You can repaint them a high gloss Silver or Gold,
Or perhaps You really want to go all out on the Red green & white Christmas Theme
I'm Telling ya,
There is a Spray Paint for that!
 

I found this wreath by going through tons of Photos
It is So Holiday
So I chose it to give an idea on how easy Wreaths can be thrown together
If you have a vision and a dollar store / thrift close by

The Wreaths Oh Goodness Let me tell you
Even if you find the beat up old bones of a wreath at the thrift (49cents),
The dollar stores sell Garland
GRAB 2 or 3 ($3)
1 Box of individually Sealed candy canes ($1)
The Red balls can be found in packages for ($1)
Never use spray paint on foam products ~ The spray paint literally reduces the foam to a liquid!
USE that Fab 6000series glue (2.49)
1 Metal over the door hanger ($1)
Total Under $10
and you have a wreath Someone who is not so crafty would have paid $30 for.

The fireplace ipod video in a sweater pouch

Now I thought this was hilarious!

Take an Ugly christmas sweater and your no sew glue! 

Add a pouch to the center of your sweater, cutting out a rectangle center

(to create a type of fabric picture frame)

Add Your Ipad ~ Set it to Fireplace, family photo slideshow or anything representing the season

Got more Ideas?
Let's Jingle Them around
~Dawn

Score On the Dehydrator! Bananas & Everything I can find!

Well, 

Not everything turns out to be Fabulously Clever! 

 The new to me dehydrator ($1 Score, So I thought)
Sounds like a huge fan blowing for hours which is testing my sanity!!!

Hence TA DA!
After hours and hours of A High vibrating Hum
I got my BANANA CHIPS!

I'm so proud of my little conconction I've even gave them an OFFICIAL NAME!
***Drum Roll Please***
~ Sanity Breaking Dehydrated Banana Chips~
Yes, Yes, But the hum kind of worked like White Noise as

The Roofers banged away doing their job after that last hail producing storm!

 Let's hope the beef jerky goes a little easier.

 I've got to say,
the Menu sign I crafted sure is earning it's Keep around here!
Not to mention This little Lady and her Mad Display dish Upcycles!
You like?
SUPA EASY!

As we are getting closer to Moving day,

I am Pulling out the frozens from the freezer and Dehydrating Everything!
The event should be rather productive & save us money on snacks as we Travel to Texas!

Now where'd I store those Baggies!

~Dawn

A Non- Nude Facebook Group! Come Like us!

DID YOU SCORE!
Come share Your Newest 2nd Hand Item
You just can't believe you got for the price You did!
Nothing! Nothing excites us More than Seeing Your Scores!
Promote your favorite Thrift Store
Give a Shout Out
WHATEVER!
(Family friendly ~ No Nudes Need Apply)
~Just saying

You'll have to sign in
click the Facebook Logo
and
Join in the Networking
Share your crafts, Projects and special Tips
Network with others
Get your name out there
Get Known
Like for a Like, Quizzes, Promotions & More!

Or Just click below

https://www.facebook.com/groups/394125210634279/

~Dawn

Sept 25th, Dirt Devil Floors & the Oh No You DIDN'T Choir

 I'm half done with all of the floors.

*( Not really my floors but sure as Heck Felt like it)

In 15 Minutes I chose to PICK THIS UP!
The "new-to-me" Dirt Devil Steam mop doesn't make steam,

So,  I'm back to the Swiffer and bleachy water! Which is NEVER disappointing!

Gotta say though, I did get it for a Dollar and though it does not workIt was a SCORE HIGH for me ~ At the time

SUCCESS! (I was Jumping, Hollaring and Hooting! ON THE INSIDE OF COURSE)
 I got It !!  I really got It!!!
Only Spent a Dollar!
 Only a Dollar!~~~while all the chorus  in the back ground sang ~~~
~~~She did it, she reallly did it ~ Uh - Huh - Uh - HUHhhhhhh~~~

( Uh - Huh - Uh - HUHhhhhhh)

What Can I say, Sometimes You Score some,, Some times You lose..
But the excitement of the Find is Always A Thrill!

And by the way
If you know anyone Who can get my floors THAT CLEAN!
Send them ON OVER!
I'm Tired!

~~Dawn

1st day of Fall + Brazil + Cookie Trays = CHORES

Surprise!!I hope everyone is enjoying their first  weekend of fall!

The first EVER Saturday chore list.

Yes, 

I know I am evil.

I've got the house mostly ready for Gregg's return from Brazil. 

Did You know Dollar Tree Has Contests!!

Well this is MY Saturdays Chosen Activity!

I Chose Have some Fun!

I AM SOOO CRAFTING TODAY!

Then,  listing My crafted candy trays on the bay

Dieting and crafting Candy made bowls do NOT go well together

But Hey I heard

Peppermints are good for Heartburn & Has 0 Calories!

SO YEY!

 haha.

~ DAWN

Dollar Tree Dessert Diva to the Rescue

The Hubby called last minute to say there was a potluck at work tomorrow 

and he wanted some cake pops w/ a Nice Display. You know, something that really stands out and says "I'm the Man" ( :) Luvvels you Greggy)

 Okay....Cake Pops! 

 If anyone of you have ever made these delightful treats you know how time consuming they are.

 I headed on over to the baking cabinet & realize all of my baking & decorating supplies had  been packed away for our move.

YEY!  Dollar Tree, here I come! 

 While I walked the aisles, racking brain trying to figure out how to make these cake pops w/dollar store items. 

 I realized when they had no sticks or treat bags But they had cupcake papers!
And Yellow ones at that!

Yellow Yellow And More Yellow!
Okay It's not Spring, but it is September,
Yellow Would be a good Visual against all the fall dishes!
That's bound to stand out!

LEMON It Will BE!

Infact Let's do this if We are going to do it right!

The OFFICIAL Title of my dollar store Treat Dish for a bunch of Office Personal?

 Lemon Chiffon cake pop truffles w/ Lemon Buttercream center, a white chocolate coating

 and Dusted in a Lemon turbinato sugar. 

 Total cost for this sweet and tart concoction...$7.56. 

(And this was BEFORE I found out Dollar Tree takes COUPONS (ERG))

I was able to produce 24 handmade large cake pop truffles.

 With all that Yellow There is a slight aura & reflection on the backsplash wall!

Won't He be SUPRISED! He'll Pucker with Excitement as he takes his first bite!

Yeah That's right Hubby of mine, I came through Yet again! Under my $10 Budget! HA!

~Dawn