Kids have 1/2 day school tomorrow, I get to take the whole day off. So goodbye bus commute. But my workday is increasing next school year so I will not be able to take the bus (until both kids are in a longer school day). Drat.

Anyway I have a sweet fun idea to kick start their summer vacation and it's free. Of course! But first, the nasty details.

First few days of vacation are consumed with expenseless tasks;

...get down and completely wash, rinse and dry the tile floors (hoping to bleach out a few grout stains too). This is going to take one whole day (partial). But fun allowed after the work, perhaps a trip to pick out paint colors for the kitchen (see below).

...move all the furniture and polish the wood floors with a bit of cleaner and perhaps something to buff (like muscle powered rags dampened with Pledge). Ummm, dontcha hate it when down there how you notice the dirty baseboards???? A Mr. Clean Magic Sponge will be right next to me the whole time.

Two days shot already.

...Insert a family trip to Wash DC for a week. Yippee! We will take a DC by Foot (free) tour, as well as many free museums. I splurged on tix for the new Spy Museum but got free gallery seats in the Capitol Building from my congressman. We'll also visit the Library of Congress, and who knows!

...Next is a craft booth at our town's July 4 party (it's huge) and sell lots of stuff! Here are a few of the better items I may take;

Agate Cameo

Personally collected on the sandy beach and tumbled to a gloss polish, this stone is held by 14K GK wire weave.

Agate Pod

Sterling Silver weave accented with a pink sparkling swarovski crystal enhance a polished oval beach stone.

...Paint the kitchen. Yes. It's been 15 years and still has the original when we bought the place. It's not alot of walls, but you know what happens when you take everything off the counters, curtains down, etc. UGHHHH. It's so dirty. So at least a whole day to clean and prep the place.

A couple weeks into summer vacation by now.

...reupholster the dining room seats and the futon cover. I did this myself about 10 years ago and they are due for a change. You wouldn't believe how much material it takes for just 6 dining room chair seats. This one is going to cost some bucks. And I'd love to obtain enough of the same material to make a new full size futon cover because the dining and den are next to each other.

Three or four weeks used now, and a hundred bucks (2 if the futon thing works out).

...various kid's camps and activities on the calendar, such as chess club, ice skate lessons, jr lifeguards.

I'll stop there, but here's the first fun thing I promised to divulge - we're going to the Humane Society and hang out with the cats and dogs for a couple hours. We are hoping to foster a dog this summer (as a pal for my DS) and get a cat in the not too distant future. The only thing in the way is my current dog's temperament, high strung. He has to accept whomever we adopt. Wish us luck!

What are these numbers? Starting from the top, the last was a bigger than expected check received from the art association for last month's sales. WOOT! I keep a written inventory of things in the gallery and add things up in my head when I stop in every couple weeks and notice what's sold, but I didn't think THAT much had sold this past month. Gotta go in and replace!

The second to last number? The retail price of a 'Planted' Frame I am designing and producing, part of the Pretty Cheap collection of home accessories. See one here...



(anyone have a better name for this new line?)

The $1 refers to the raw materials for the frame, not bad!! Although about another $1 of hard varnish finish is used.

And for free? Near the end of 2008 or 2009 the dollar store gives away their surplus calendars free. I picked up a few and have saved them awaiting a good use.

VOILA! One of the calendars was pictures of sharpei dogs. Just perfect for showing in the new frames.

Am pleased to show my latest finished work. Watches are a timeless gift, suitable for all occasion. And as you should suspect, these are great quality though priced very affordably. I remain true to my name ...

Warm red and peach tones are an eye catching attraction on a fancy bracelet band. Oval abalone accented with two-tone stripes, large faceted rondelles, coral and sparkling glass dress up a day just enough.


Understated simplicity, rich style. Classic design of 3 strands pale mint colored flourite stone bands with antique silvertone accents throughout.


Modern and casual. Serpentine stone bars separated with matte glass pearl and a single rich mauve colored glass bead on each band.


Formal black and white fashion perfect for evening and special occasion. Polished black stone edged with sparkling crystals, silvertone accents throughout.

All watches size medium, feature toggle clasps. Battery included.

DAYBREAK SPECIAL - DAYBREAK SPECIAL - DAYBREAK SPECIAL
...................................................
Order any of the above items and get a second watch free (shown below). All watches gift boxed. All watches priced $25.00 (shipping not included). OFFER EXPIRES JUNE 5 DAYBREAK.


Free Watch features earthtones in stone and glass around an antiqued silvertone face. Fancy numbers, detailed rim and toggle clasp.

Contact me at prettycheapjewelry@gmail.com to order.

A twitter follower asked for a good homemade dog biscuit recipe and I have three (will send her the link to this post).

Meat Lovers
Dogs are carnivores face it, and can't resist the flavor. You should never pour the bacon fat, beef trimmings or chicken drippings away again.

Ingredients:
2 1/2 C whole wheat flour
1 tsp brown sugar
1/2 C powdered milk
6 Tbsp meat drippings
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg, beaten
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 C ice water

Steps:
1. Lightly oil cookie sheet.
2. Combine flour, powdered milk, salt, garlic powder and sugar in a large bowl.
3. Cut in meat drippings.
4. Mix in egg.
5. Add enough ice water so mixture forms a ball.
6. Pat dough to 1/2" thick.
7. Cut with cookie cutter (I have a dog bone shape!).
8. Bake 25-30 min @350 deg F.
9. Cool. Store in refrig.

Cheese Lovers
If you have cut way back on the red meat but still want to make irresistable treats, this one's for you.

Ingredients:
4 C whole wheat flour
3/4 C vegetable oil
3 tsp garlic powder
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/4 C shredded cheese
1 1/4 C milk

Steps:
1. Lightly oil cookie sheet.
2. Combine flour and garlic powder in a large bowl.
3. Gradually stir in oil, cheese, egg and milk.
4. Blend well.
5. Roll out dough gently. (Don't worry about making a tender flaky dough, the dog will eat it anyway!)
6. Cut with cookie cutter.
7. Bake 25 min @400 deg F. Time may vary due to thickness.
8. Cool. Store in refrig.

Peanut Butter Dog Cookies for the Vegetarian Homes
Yes, you can please just about anyone!

Ingredients:
2 1/4 C whole wheat flour
3/4 C white flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1 1/4 C peanut butter
1 C milk

Steps:
1. Line a cookie sheet with foil.
2. Combine flours and baking powder in a large bowl.
3. Combine milk and peanut butter in a separate bowl and mix until smooth.
4. Gradually stir peanut butter mixture into flour mixture.
5. Knead by hand and roll out on a floured surface. (Don't worry about making a tender flaky dough, the dog will eat it anyway!)
6. Cut with cookie cutter.
7. Bake 15 min @400 deg F. Time may vary due to thickness.
8. Cool. Store in refrig.

My dog loves all three.
TIP: GREAT easy fun for kids to do by themselves. Yes, the dog will eat them no matter what!!

TIP: GREAT for gifts at winter holidays (NO ICING). Fill cello bags and tie with happy dog bone tags.

Thanks and happy dog cookie days.