Staying Home Sawyer

Real Life Living on a Real Life Budget

Birthday's, DIY

121 Birthdays

Easy DIY Birthday CardA few years ago I made a point to try to send out birthday cards to every family member, close friend, and even some random people. Like the President, Taylor Swift, Mickey Mouse, and Phil Mickelson. Oh wait…those were wedding invitations. Want to guess which two responded?

I have officially done a great job (if I do say so myself) of sending out cards to everyone. Or at least to all the birthday’s I’m aware of (thank you Facebook!). Cards can break the bank when you have 121 to buy. And yes, I totally counted. Either I hit up the Dollar Tree for 2/$1 cards, or I attempt to create something a little more personal. Who gets which card has nothing to do with how much I love them. Nothing at all. I suppose they know they’re really special when they get a gift too. If it’s handmade, extra point for them.

(Really my main goal is just to be overwhelmed with birthday cards on my own birthday. So far, this hasn’t happened. Each year I lose a little more hope.)

I found this card online (with a free printable and instructions) and I LOVE it. How fun is it? Visit Oh Happy Day in the link above for the instructions. Plus, she has cute little videos that look much more magical than my photo. I just couldn’t do it justice.

Lifestyle, Travel

Day at the Beach

Santa Cruz, California Sometimes I forget how lucky we are to live so close to the ocean. I really need to make a better effort to visit more, but life gets in the way. A short 30 minute drive is all that stands in the way of me and that salt water breeze. Other than a quick stop at the In N Out drive-through, nothing is more fulfilling. Santa Cruz, CaliforniaSince I was fortunate enough to have yesterday off (thank you very much Martin Luther King), we took a little day trip to Santa Cruz. We brought our beach chairs and books (I’m reading Jodi Picoult’s new book, “Leaving Time” – so far I love it); the water is not nearly warm enough to enjoy. Let’s be honest, it’s never warm enough to enjoy in northern California.Santa Cruz, California Of course, the water may be intolerable, but the views are spectacular. Sitting there for even an hour is as relaxing as sleeping in on a Saturday. Which tops my list of relaxing activities that I try to complete every week.Santa Cruz, California Rae of SparklesBecause my husband grew up in this area, he knows some of the ‘must-stops’ in Santa Cruz. Yesterday we stopped at Marianne’s Ice Cream for a treat on the way home. It was a holiday after all. Marianne's Ice Cream, Santa Cruz, CaliforniaMarianne’s has been around for decades, and I’m not sure anything has changed since the day they opened. The inside is almost like a hole-in-the-wall type, but the ice cream speaks for itself. With over 70 flavors each day, it would be impossible not to find something you’d enjoy. Or maybe it is impossible. There are just too many choices! Marianne's Ice Cream Santa Cruz, CaliforniaMy husband tends to stick to the basics, so while he just ordered “chocolate” (seriously? I said SEVENTY flavors), I tried the Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough. It was amazing. I’ve never had anything like it, and I will definitely be back to taste it again. You know, just to make sure it’s still up to par.Ice Cream in Santa CruzYesterday was one of those days that make you happy to be alive. Hopefully your holiday was equally as great. What did you do?Santa Cruz, California

DIY

The Lottery Stood Me Up

Dr. Pepper Thank You Gift

I thought that when I got married, I wouldn’t have to deal with getting stood up anymore. Unfortunately, the lottery keeps bailing on me. I meet for our date at the 7/11 with my ticket in hand and it’s a no-show. Sometimes it feels bad, so it gives me a buck or two out of pity. Really I think it’s just so I keep coming back.

Since the lottery keeps standing me up, I’m still pushing through the 9-5. Which is actually 8-5. Which is technically 6:45-6:15 if you include traffic. Which I do. Because that’s the reality of my week. Thank God for carpool.

So until that ticket brings me my fortune, I’m stuck working. I would even settle for my husband winning the lottery. Even though that would mean he would spend the majority of it on golf. You think it isn’t possible? Try him.

Work lately has been very busy, a little stressful, and not very fun. I don’t know what I would do without some of my co-workers, and one in particular. She has been a Godsend, helping me complete some major projects. I wanted to do something so she understood how grateful I was.

Here’s where she probably wishes I had won the lottery too, because she would have gotten something much nicer than this six pack of Dr. Pepper. But since my bank account has to be taken into consideration (it’s so greedy), I stuck with the DP. She enjoys it, so score for her. In all honesty, she could have hated it, but at least I tried to convey my appreciation! Didn’t your mother teach you that it’s the thought that counts?

I stole this tag from Heather at Moritz Fine Designs. You can print yours here. And maybe take a look around her blog. It’s the least I can do for stealing her tag.

DIY

Crabby Wednesday

Don't be Crabby DIY Card

Just in case you’re one of those people who is always losing track of time, it’s Wednesday. The middle of the week. It’s halfway to the weekend. And it may or may not be a good day for you.

I wish I was one of those people, the ones who lose track of time. Instead, I sit here counting down the minutes until Friday at 5pm. Bring on the weekend. I live for the weekend. Especially this weekend: three days off AND a Packer NFC Playoff Game? Could it get any better?

I’ve been saving this little guy for a crabby rainy day, and whaddya know? He’s making a guest appearance today. Mainly because I just need a break. I’m putting the spreadsheets and emails on hold for a few minutes. If you need me I’m not here. Leave a message at the beep.

DIY Crab Card

 Growing up in the Midwest, I came to appreciate hunting season. For women, it’s really just about shopping and having Girls Nights. In the Bay Area, hunting season transforms into Crab season. And if you’re lucky enough, someone you know will bring you fresh crab. It might just be me, but this is MUCH better than Midwest hunting season.

This year, a friend was kind enough to give me several crabs for Thanksgiving (if your mind went where mine did at that last sentence, you are on point). They were incredible, and I had to take some time to thank her. After all, she did send her husband out on a boat to catch the crabs in the middle of the ocean on a dark and stormy day. Okay, maybe closer to shore and on a nice sunny day…but still.

I found a template for all the pieces of Mr. CrankyPants here. I didn’t use it to trace the pieces, but instead did them by hand (which is why Mr. CP isn’t perfect). I used pipe cleaners to attach his claws, and sent him on his way to do his job. After all, someone has to.