The Cottage on the Hill

Over the years the rise of bigger and better birthday parties for our children has some parents reeling. Their child comes home from these parties sugared and artificial colored up, and carrying a bag of more sugar and colorings or cheap plastic party favor toys. Some mothers take it in stride. It's all part of the fun of birthday parties. Others aren't so happy, and they are beginning to speak up. Junior is messed up for a week from all the artificial colors. The toys get lost or broken quickly and wind up taking up space in a land fill. I, personally, don't want parents or guardians to feel obligated to give my child anything for coming to the party.  We're just happy we got invited to celebrate!  We don't need tokens or gifts of our own. But, some parents feel it is necessary or just want to give back. So, here are some ideas of how to "favor up" a child without the cheap candies and toys: 1.  PHOTO BOOTH:  You can either hire one or set one up you

I'm a real estate junkie. Every weekend I look for open houses to visit. I'm very judicious, though.  I personally think it is poor form to bother realtors every weekend just to look at houses.  I'm sure they'd catch on and get a bit miffed or weirded out that this lady keeps showing up but never buying. But, if a gorgeous vintage cape cod or bungalow shows up on the market, or a pretty farm house, or colonial with many originals still intact, you bet I'm going to be there! This past weekend, my neighbor's house had their open house. The house is a 40 year old small ranch that fell into sad disrepair since the elderly who lived there couldn't keep up with it, were sort of hoarders, and had dogs that kind of did what they wanted where they wanted. A real estate company bought it, gutted it, and fixed it up and I just HAD to see the transformation. It was quite the treat to walk in, smell the fresh paint, and see everything brand new and professional done. No

One of my favorite shows to watch is BBC's Victorian Farm . I was able to acquire the companion book for it as well. In the series, Ruth Goodman explains how nothing went to waste on a Victorian Farm.  It wasn't a matter of environmental concerns so much as it was a moral economic duty to not be wasteful. It really challenged me to consider what I haphazardly toss away on a daily basis. I'm pretty frugal and environmentally careful, but there is always room for improvement. For example, I tend to use tea bags twice.  I'll make hubby's mug of tea for breakfast and then make myself a cup of tea with the same bag.  I don't require it as strong as hubby does, so it works out that I get the weaker tea.  Now, normally, I am pleased with the frugality and practicality of getting two teas out of one teabag before tossing it, but I learned through Ruth Goodman that I can save the tea leaves for another use.  Damp tea leaves sprinkled on the floors prevent du