KooKooNoodle

The Joys of Greed

I’ve been looking for positive quotes about greed. Gordon Gekko of the movie, “Wall Street” said “greed is good.” But in the quote world, that’s about it in the greed department. There aren’t many upbeat greed quotes out there. In fact, most talk about avarice, greed as a mortal or deadly […]

Frugal Battles

I’ve been reading many “frugal-living” websites, some with coupons, some with strategies, and some with musings. But what’s most entertaining is the underlying competition between these sites for the title of Frugal Queen/King. There are veiled references to “that other frugal mom,” and criticisms of her way of spending, and how those who […]

Money Saving Websites

I’ve been doing a lot of research online about how to save money, and I’ve found a bunch of cool sites and articles. Here are the highlights:
Money Saving Mom - This mom offers very detailed and user-friendly tips for saving at the grocery store, CVS, Walgreens and other stores. She feeds her family […]

NO-Spending Project

It feels as though my wallet has wings these days - opening and shutting with the wind, soaring high and ending up light and empty. I think it’s been a case of retail therapy gone mad, and it has extending over the last few months. Fifty dollars here, a hundred there, and suddenly […]

The Difference Between 20-Something and 30-Something…

Shayne and I went to a fun, funky, potluckish dinner party last night at my friend Vanessa’s house. She’s got supercool friends and it was a great evening. One of my favorite moments was when talking to her new neighbors, a twenty-something newly-married couple with very white teeth and friendly smiles.
My good friend […]

The Piano Tuner

I got the piano tuned the other day. Hurray! It sounds wonderful and it’s actually easier to play now that the tension on each key has been adjusted. But taking advantage of an open piano, I asked the tuner if he minded if I took some pictures over his shoulder. It was a great opportunity […]

Potato Sack

We’re Mr. Potato Head crazy at my house! As any self-respecting 2-year old knows, Mr. Potato Head is awesome. I had forgotten just how awesome until we went to Disneyland and found that in Toontown, you can buy a whole huge box of Potato-y accessories for the low low price of $16.95. […]

Ta-Da!

It took 28 days, but the bathroom is just about done! Only a few finishing touches left, like glass drawer pulls, shelves in the closet area, towel hooks, and some art on the walls. I love the new paint, and the whole room looks crisp and fresh. Such a huge improvement. […]

Remodel

BANG BANG BANG BANG crumble crumble
Goodbye Standing Shower…
As I sit here in the living room on the couch, a strange man is clobbering the hell out of my bathroom. Probably taking some deep seated joy in utter destruction, he whacks the heck out of the tile, the standing shower. and a wall.
CRASH CRASH, […]

Entering the World of Moms

I’ve been happily isolated (for the most part) in my simple life at home with Chloe for these two years but with the move of our friends and their daughter a couple of weeks ago, it became apparent that it is time to leap into the world again. Chloe needs some playmates and I […]