Frugal Friday

Over at The Shabby Nest is Frugal Friday. I came across Wendy's blog through a series of reading many other blogs in search of being frugal. 

Our frugality started after lots, and lots, and LOTS of medical bills. Last year, though a great year with the birth of our 4th child, we were burdened with many medical bills. I had pneumonia at the end of the pregnancy, then the delivery expenses (C-Section), then Gregory had a febrile seizure (5 days after Rodger's birth) and rushed by ambulance to the ER, then I had hernia repair surgery, followed by Gregory breaking his arm (the SAME day as my surgery), and then Tim having shoulder surgery with physical therapy. *SIGH* Of course, we thought we were in the clear for this year only to have Bridget need extensive dental work and be under anesthesia, Gregory had an allergic reaction and swelled up like a balloon and Morgan has been hit by allergies and taken to the doc to find some relief. Of course, being a new year we have to hit our deductible. 

So, my quest for repurposing items, using freecycle, shopping Craigslist and thrift stores began. Here is my repurposed silver platter that my cousin and his wife gave us for a wedding gift. It has sat in my garage that entire time. Silver- just not my thing. We are not fancy people. We don't have china (except for my grandmother's which is still packed). Finally, I came across Phillips Phamily Phive. I went out to the garage grabbed my platter, grabbed some chalkboard paint we had and went to town. I didn't even tape the edges. Just went with the flow. I did 5 coats, since there was a pattern underneath and let it cure for 3 days. Placed it on our secretary (Craiglist $150) with a plate holder I already had. I can change the wording for holidays, birthdays or anything else I may fancy. VOILA!