A few weeks ago, we did a little re-organizing of the home office to make space for the children to use our home office and also because it was Chinese New Year and a tradition in our home to clean up.   We also bought the kids their own printer with extra  ink cartridges so that they can’t say that they run out because of the other siblings.  These days we only get the real cartridges for the printer and not the generic type for it does seems that we get to print more out of the cartridges and it doesn’t get dry up fast and ruin the head of the printer.   I’m not very good at changing printer cartridges when the spouse isn’t around – so for the price I am paying for real cartridges – I think it is worth it.   Now that we’ve re-organized the home office, everyone is happy and there should be no more fighting for printer time no more.

Some people are so talented and in their free time they make these console tables for sale locally.  You’ve gotta admire them for the work they do – and these tables are on sale for only $40 – no tax.   I say they are quite beautifully done but I don’t know how solid they are.  If they are just using plywood – then i’ll say it would be so study but for a console table by the door or at the entrance way – I think it would be a great piece to have.   Those who are interested – I can get you in touch with the owners of these tables.

We have been hunting for a good and cheap bean bag couch like the above – but preferably brown in color for my kids.  They had been asking for it for years now and I missed this one selling cheap in our local yard sale.  So now I have no choice but to get something to engrave the bean bag couch if I go ahead and order them online or from Sears.

Chinese New Year being early this year – about 10 days from today, I had actually wanted to get some Chinese calligraphy for my home and a few friends who had adopted kids from China.  Unfortunately, Etsy’s owner who does this Calligraphy didn’t reply to my many message inquiring about his work – so I’m kinda disappointed.  I’m not going to make it on time for Chinese New Year – but I really hope to get a good piece to frame and to get a few more pieces for friends.

Yes! the best time to buy Christmas decor is after Christmas and we all know that – but did you consider buying cheaper handmade Christmas decor after Christmas ?  yes – those are the ones you want to look out for during yard sale – you can get those cheap too.  Like the ones after – that used to be for sale for $9.99 and is now on sale for $5.  So if you like the handmade stuff – follow the seller on facebook and after Christmas – I’m sure she would want to get rid of it too and will sell them cheap.

We bought this for Christmas and the kids are reluctant to let me keep it away since Christmas is over – the loved their Santa toilet cover and mat.  But for any kind of toilet cover and mat – you and I know that it has to be washed quickly because of all the bacteria that may have landed on the mat and seat.   I myself do not encourage toilet seats like that all year round – except for Christmas.  What about you? what is your take on toilet seat covers and mat?

So everyone wants to know what I got for Christmas – well, this is it – and antique cello from the spouse.  You see, i had been eying this for the longest time from a local antique shop in Toronto and the spouse knows about it.  But I was unwilling to pay so much for a cello that I probably wouldn’t play so often  – isn’t it priceless when the spouse buys it for you  and tells you nothing matters but you?  Yup ! very sweet indeed – but darn ! exorbitant price to pay for – this will sit in our dining room and maybe if you are lucky I will record a song or two on youtube for you.

At 50% off the original price – the after Christmas sale had already started yesterday – so I rushed in to all major stores – and locally owned craft stores to check out for good buys.  Loved the candle like lamp and bought it for like 60% discount – great buy – so everyone look out for the pre-Christmas sale happening this week.

For those who are waiting for a good sale for your Christmas decors – Wicker emporium is now having a 50% discount – so make sure you stock up for next Christmas now.   We usually don’t get new items till they go on sale – and only use them the following year – I think that this is smart buying and I certainly wouldn’t pay full prices for seasonal decoration.   As a woman/mother and wife – one has to learn how to save a penny whenever we can.  Wicker Emporium has some really good stuff this year – so check it out before they are all taken.

Feeling under-decorate for Christmas this year  – I took an idea from a hand made basket by a lady in a local yard sale and did my own basket – to decorate every corner of my house that seems and looked bare.   It’s very easy to do – and you don’t need to spend a lot of money either, just some leftover Christmas decoration and a walk in the woods for some greens and you are all set to decorate your basket.  Can’t find a basket?  look for one from the dollar store – I figured if the lady could sell it for $15 – I definitely can make one for less and I was right.  So if you feel that your home is not ready for Christmas – try this DIY basket of Christmas greens and decor.