If you've been reading this blog for awhile, then you know that I'm a real geek for things like origami, napkin folding, and small little details to show guests how much I enjoy having them over. I was excited (because it doesn't take much I guess!) to find this fun book at our library last week:
Isn't it cool? It is a book after my own heart. There are 25 cute and elegant napkin folds in the book, but these were the ones I gave a try, just as a trial run. I can't wait to try them out next time I have guests over.... the themed meal ideas are already turning in my head (and for the real thing I'll definitely use cuter napkins with color!):
This heart would be so cute in red for an anniversary or valentine dinner. You could even scribble a sweet or sexy message on it for your honey!
These little sailboats would be fun for a beach party theme. You could even put little guys in the boats because you know the kids would get a kick out of that:
How about a Friday night fish fry (that is a huge thing here in the Northwoods!), with this cute fish design..a conversation piece for sure:
For a more elegant look, this one is called the angel wing fold. You could really decorate this one up and create a beautiful tablescape with it. The fold was really easy also:
Summer is winding down, and I'm glad. Not only can I not wait for Fall, but I'm anxious to go back to work. Unfortunately things are a bit unstable there right now, with budget cuts and many changes taking place! It really makes me nervous, considering we are Union and I'm at the bottom of the seniority ladder. Of course I would find another job asap, but I LOVE my job and the children I work with!
Having the summer off, along with the high prices of everything lately, has been rough on the pocket book. Therefore, I'm challenging myself to be as frugal and thrifty as I can be!
In light of this, I want to hear from YOU! I would love to hear any tips you have on saving money and being frugal. No matter how big or small, I want to hear it! Honestly, I love the idea of being a tightwad. It's just easier to say than to do! So please help me out and share with me, my blog-world friends!
How I wish I could have each of you over for a themed meal with origami napkins. Wouldn't that be fun?
Posts
14 comments:
I'm living frugally too, out of necessity. Instead of buying a watering can I came up with this idea:
http://jengrantmorris.blogspot.com/2008/06/ghetto-watering-can.html
I love finding ways to repurpose things or alter what I already have, rather than buy new. I also find it satisfying to buy clothes from thrift stores - the thrill of the hunt is fun and I like that the clothes are being recycled.
Awesome napkins! I especially love the boat and angel wings ones!!
Ugh, I'm trying SO hard to be frugal and the only thing I'm halfway succeeding at is staying home a bit and saving on gas $$. Makes it easier with a broken foot. ;)
I've also been trying to cut down on the grocery bill by only buying things on sale and then stocking up on those sale items. It's been working pretty well.
Very cool! I have an award for you on my blog.
Well, I am trying to be frugal but then I see a book on your blog that I may have to buy...
Really, I am biking to work, staying home more, and the usual reuse, recycle and reduce.
I try to only buy on sale items at the grocery store and one store in our area has a 10+ lb. price for produce so I buy bananas in big bags.
Great napkins! This is a touch that can transform a whole table. I may have to give some of these a try just to show off!
Wow I love these ideas! It really has never crossed my mind to fold napkins, but now that I see it here, I really do love it and will start adding touches like this.
I don't think you're a geek at all!!! I think you are one of the most talented and unique women I've seen on a blog and I really admire you and your talents. You actually make me want to bake and try new things. You motivate me! Thanks for this!
with 2 little ones we have been hitting the library, playgrounds and lake beaches...free, free and free! We also look for community events, shows, ethnic fairs, concerts...lots of free events! This weekend we are going to try hiking (a very short hike) with the kids. And trying to cook at home instead of going out to eat.....thanks for all the inspiration!!! -jess
great blog - I need to learn how to cook so this should help
Fun way to fold the napkins! I actually have two blogs. one is all about table decor. www.beyondthetable.blogspot.com and the other is all about decorating, entertaining, thrift store purchaes. www.thestylesisters.blogspot.com So come check out some of the ideas I have posted. I will be highlighting your napkin folds on my beyond the table. Hope you are o.k with that.
Karin
Have used your Pantry challenge with great success Tanya - so you have helped my budget, thanks so much!
Millie ^_^
well.. I bought a front loader washer.. and it saved me $200 in water the past 4months on my every 6 months water bill... I was SOOOO EXCITED!
I'm canning everything from my garden.. I went in half with friends and chickens.. ( with the way I cook it has been a BLESSING)...
Like you.. making things from scratch...
And using coupons.. I'm almost at my coupon goal for the year...
I've been finding cheap entertainment for the kids this summer... and really saying NO to things I WANT vs what I NEED.. with tough times.. knowing I Have to pay for oil.. I put things back.. that I want to buy at the spur of the moment!!
Hi Tanya....love this blog. I am a "dork" too....love making stuff like this and making my family and guests feel special. It just takes a bit of candle-light or nicely set table or both to make even a soup and bread meal special. I highly suggest Amy Dacyzyn's book "The Tightwad Gazette". You can usually find a copy at the library or for very cheap on Amazon. Some of her ideas fall in to the "could not hurt/may help" catagory, but a lot of them are very inspiring. I am a homemaker too and am blessed to be able to spend the summer days with my kids. Today we are picking plums for spiced plum butter and jam, and green beans and of course, no suprise, more Zuchinni! smile! :)
Nice work! It's gratifying to see someone enjoying the designs in the book, and it's even better to see pictures of your own folds!
Nice work! I'm glad you're enjoying the book. It's gratifying to see someone else folding the projects!
Post a Comment