Today the Lifestyles Channel is holding a potluck / picnic of sorts. Each of the channel blogs will be somehow discussing potlucks and picnics today – a favorite recipe, or maybe some planning tips. Here at Simply Thrifty, we’ll look at how to dress up your event on the cheap.
Potlucks are known as a thrifty alternative to other dinner parties, but rarely do the terms elegant (or cool), and potluck go together. Here are some inexpensive ways to liven up the typical potluck event.
Have a theme. Same old potluck = dull. Create a theme; like an around the world potluck, …read more

My blogging buddies here at the B5media Lifestyles channel, have done some awe inspiring posts on how to celebrate Independence Day. I’d like to thank Heather, for creating this list of blogs posts!
Marcie at A Child Chosen, shares her reason for loving the 4th of July, with a sweet and reminiscent post about her anniversary.
Heather at A Creative Journal, writes about using holiday memories as a writing prompt.
Chloe of Tangled Thread shares a few festive fireworks and needlework patterns.
Kerri and Cory at Marriage Actually talk about why having a shared past is one of the best parts about being married.
Christine …read more

I know I haven’t been too liberal with my weekend link love the past couple of weeks. Blame the weather! I’ve been enjoying myself outside by gardening or going on hikes or visiting the park.  I hope to be doing some of that stuff today too, but not before I offer up some holiday weekend Thrifty Links:

An adoption agency checklist at A Child Chosen
Homemade Organic Honey at Tree Hugging Family
A Single’s Guide to Dating on a Budget at Dating Dames
A crocheted wasp – be – gone nest at Hankering for Yarn
A Green Wedding Tip at Tree Hugging Family
Green Homes for …read more

In the U.S. we are preparing for the official launch of summertime with our Memorial Day Holiday coming up this next weekend.
To welcome the most beloved season, b5media Lifestyles Channel decided to usher Summertime in with a very special tribute to The Good Old Summertime.

Mary Emma Allen at One Book Two Book reminds you to check our your local library for their summer reading programs which can be great fun for youngsters, parents, and grandparents.
Be gone foul wasp!  Noreen Crone-Findlay at Hankering for Yarn has designed a crocheted fake wasp nest to trick the wasps …read more

b5Media’s Lifestyles Channel is having a party this month, a 3 Doors Down party. This means we get to introduce you to some of the blogs three doors down from ours.
As someone who likes to cross stitch now and then and also has a sewing basket practically piled to the ceiling, Tangled Thread is one of the blogs on my RSS feed. As a Mom, I also like the easy kids crafts like this simple felt flower, for instance. Right now, Chloe has a major How to Make Silk Paper series going on. Do it yourselfers don’t …read more

Today, we’re going to take a field trip. We’re going to the visit with blog three doors down from Simply Thrifty, Guerilla Parenting. Originally known as Super Nanny Rules, moms Kadi and Gayla dispense tough love parenting advice. In fact, Kadi, mom of seven, was actually on Super Nanny so she can truly share what she learned with others. Gayla has been sharing the benefit of her parenting experience for years over at MomGadget, and she’s someone I’m happy and proud to call friend.
I don’t know that I’m a big fan of guerilla parenting methods, but I do …read more

Ever wonder what your favorite blogger or writer’s office looks like? Do you picture them in an elaborate wood paneled and leathered study? Or perhaps a coffee shop in the city? My office isn’t that interesting. Made up of second hand furniture and discards from our basement, my working space is nice and quiet and away from the hubbub of family life, but close enough that I’m here when I’m needed.
Would you like to see where I work? It’s right here on video.

Buy From Art.com

Good morning frugal friends. So much going on in the world of cheapness and frugality. Hope you’re taking some time out to have some fun too!
Don’t forget, Simply Thrifty’s most prolific commentator for April gets an Amazon gift certificate so go ahead and comment – even if I didn’t post one day.
Here’s what I’m reading:

Pillow Care Tips at Keeping the Castle
Pillsbury’s $1,000,000 cookie at Foodie Obsessed
Harley at Behind the Vines is wondering where your money goes. Take the poll.
Please visit the Lifestyle Channel’s latest blog: Toolbelt Tips. Lordy will my family need this one. …read more

Good morning, thrifty friends. What a week it’s been! This fence project is keeping us busy – well keeping my husband busy. I’m keeping my son busy so my husband can get more done. I’ll get you a video update on that during the week. Meanwhile…
Here’s what I’m reading this weekend:

At Keeping the Castle, Maricar lists Consumer Reports list of Top Everyday Products. I always find lists like this fascinating.
We’re thrifty folks so we probably won’t indulge, or not often, but Brew-Ha-Ha has discovered the world’s most expensive beer.
Heather at the food bowl has a recipe …read more

Good evening, frugal friends. We made it through another week. Hope yours was great and your weekend is everything you want it to be.
Here’s what I’m reading this week:
 

The List Maven (That would be me) is giving away three hats.
It’s not too early to plan your Easter egg hunt at She Knows Parties.
All Holiday Cafe celebrates National Almond Day.
De-Clutter it has a tutorial on storing your fine china.
A possible wind-powered high school at Unplugged Living.
Homemade organic facial toner at Tree Hugging Family.

Enjoy!
- Deb