Feb 19, 2012

El Cheapo

Good Sunday to you all.   I bought a new laptop!  Of course it was the cheapest one that has been collecting dust, probably fell off the shelf a few times, has seen newer versions come by twice, and all its siblings are retired or traded in, but I got it!  I would love a Mac but will not spend that kind of money when a cheaper item gives the same results.  I'm sure there are advantages, but still not worth the extra moolah.  Yes, I am cheap.  For years I've been paying off my sister's maxed cards and helping her son and grandson with cars and such, but when it comes to me - El Cheapo.  Don't misunderstand - I am no where near "well-off" as they say.  Difference is, she needs the help, it's neccessities - not pleasure spending.  She is 73, my brother is 70, and I am 60.   The age difference is because my mother saw her younger sister Helen's new baby and had to have another.  Moi.  Anyway, since I am the Queen of Returns, it's staying in the box for a few days.  It's never buyer's remorse, it's DOLLARS remorse!!   Unless my husband once again says "I think we should start looking for a used car for your sister", then the box will fly open (when it hits him).  On to other topics.
Aren't these sweet?   I didn't think I would like the small version but I love them!  
Maybe this is what stitching on 40 count and up would look like.  The boxes are 4", 5", and 6", standing only 8" tall when stacked.   The second picture gives you a better idea of scale next to the sliding box that measures 7" x 9" tall.

Hmmmm.   What should I do with them?   While I'm thinking, here's a look at the Overshot Heart.




Many of you wouldn't consider using a smaller count linen and I am now understanding the appeal of the higher count with those tight stitches.  But for this design, I like the way the stitches allow the linen to show through the threads and make it appear closer to a woven piece.  Did I just hear someone say yuck?  I'll bet I know who!
While I was thinking, look what showed up.  Another set! 
Hmmmmm.
What to do, what to do.
I'm getting an idea.......



And finally, El Cheapo got a bargain at Hobby Lobby.  We have one about a half hour from here and I don't visit often, but received a 40% off coupon.   Can't pass up a coupon.  Look what I found.  Lambswool 32 count in a half yard - $32.99 less 40%!  The red felt was Michael's with a 50% coupon at the same plaza.  The little felt heart was 50% off at Apple Basket Primitives in Vienna Ohio.  Bargains! 
I have a mess to clean up, coffee to drink, and a heart to stitch, so I will close and in a day or two, let you know what I decided about those little boxes.  Hmmmm.  There's a winner to be drawn on Wednesday.  Entry time will close on Tuesday at midnight, Eastern time.  I'll announce the winner Wednesday morning.  Hmmmm.  I'll be back before then, and until then, be safe, thank you for visiting, and enjoy your Sunday.

30 comments:

Sweet Sue said...

Congrats on your new puter and thrifty finds, penny pinchers unite! I'm weak, can't leave without hoping for a chance:)

Deb said...

Nothing wrong with being El Cheapo in my book. I'm the queen of bargain hunting so I'm right there with you sista'. Love, love those boxes. I think they're just the sweetest things. You know, I don't go to Hobby Lobby much, but coupons have been appearing in my mailbox. I guess I'm going to have to see what kind of bargain hunting I can do when I'm on that side of town.

Starry-eyed stitcher said...

Oh go on - open up the box and have a play!
I love those little boxes, where are you getting them from? I have been admiring the header on your blog for ages too, the colours and syles really appeal to me. Love Irene xxx

Laurie in Iowa said...

Congrats on your new computer purchase... and hopefully it will make it out of the box and stay.
I call using the HL and Micheal's coupons very wise shopping.
Your boxes look fabulous.

Barb said...

The little boxes are great and I love the overshot heart!

Catherine said...

Sweet boxes and goodies!

cucki said...

aww beautiful box and goodies..
hugs xx

Glenna said...

Lovely bargains! I never venture into Hobby Lobby because ours is awful, but maybe I should take another look. Being a cheapo is wise...

Pamela said...

Good luck with your new computer! Love your great bargain finds,especially the heart.

Solstitches said...

Your boxes are fabulous and look wonderful displayed on the shelf with the sampler.
At the risk of appearing dumb I need to ask what the wooden thing is that is sitting beside the sampler?
Lovely that you found yourself a new laptop.
I'm dreaming of an iPad but that's just what it will be - a dream.

Margaret

Margaret said...

I hope you end up liking your new computer. Sorry, I'm an Apple girl and I think it's worth the extra money. lolol! Love the little boxes -- I love anything small of course. The overshot heart looks great! And great finds at Michael's! I bet they don't carry 40ct linen.....

samplerlover said...

Nothing wrong with being cheap. There is nothing like a good bargain. Love your little boxes. They are quite lovely. - Sandra.

Anonymous said...

our not el cheapo just wise. I know a man that is truely a self made millionaire...he has taught me a few things about how to look at time and money. One motto of his I remember vividly is that you have to pinch a penny to have a penny.

I love the little boxes and I love designs stitched on 40 ct.
Glad to hear about your bargain fids, I'll have to check out the 2 HL around me for linen...love their coupons.

Carole Z. said...

Great buy on the fabric. Haven't been to the Apple
Basket for awhile. Thanks for the post!

Vickie said...

Wow Marly! You are a wonderful sister, Aunt and Great Aunt. :)

~*Sharee*~ said...

Oh my gosh hun; Whenever I go home to visit my mom we always go to the Apple Basket...where do you live?? My mom lives in Orwell & my brother in Kinsman. Small world and I love the stack boxes, too cute.

Hugs, Shar

Rugs and Pugs said...

Marly ~
What a kind, generous soul you are. I hope they appreciate all you do for them!
Love the boxes!!!
Hugs :)
Lauren

Kristy said...

I watch every penny too...I call it being a wise steward of the gifts we are given. Those boxes are absolutely adorable. They would fit into my decor perfectly.

Ginny said...

I'm with you on looking for bargains and using coupons. I could do more in that department, but I'm trying. I do wish our Hobby Lobby weren't 30 minutes away like yours is. There are good deals to be found there! On the other hand, if it were closer, I'd spend more money, so distance can be good. Your small boxes are wonderful! It's not difficult to find a place to put them when they're that small.

Teresa S. said...

I completely missed out on your last box sale :( So I'm hoping that another one will be coming along soon, hint, hint :)

Love to see your bargains--makes me a little jealous as there is no Hobby Lobby around Seattle, so no lambswool. :)

Isobel -Argante- said...

I love so much these boxes... too beautiful! I'd like to learn to cover some boxes with prim fabrics.. :-)

Happy week!

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

oh I love your box and stitching ..

bisous xxx de France

Shirlee said...

I know how you feel about a new computer. I got one for Christmas & I'm still trying to get used to it. My old one flatlined last week. Thankfully I had most of my photos & documents backed up but not all the links I had saved : ( Blessings, Shirlee

Gettysburg Homestead said...

LOVE the boxes!!!! LOVE the colors you chose for your overshot :)

Mary

Loraine said...

I am El Cheapo too! I don't buy clothes,unless they are deeply discounted. I actually hate to do any kind of shopping, except for a fun quilt or needlework store once in a while.
Love the boxes! I will have to head to Hobby Lobby and see if we have anything like that here.
I hope your new laptop works great. I would love a Mac too, but they are too much!

barbara said...

Congratulations on your bargains!!

TN Primitives said...

I just Love, Love those Little Boxes. Please enter me in the Giveaway.
Thanks, Marion

Susan At Glen Oaks Primitives said...

You are so wonderful to help the way that you do. Please open the box and keep the laptop for you!
I can't wait for the giveaway. I'm awful, I can't help it. I love getting giveaways!
Hugs,
Susan

Siobhán said...

We love good deals--so go for it, El Cheapo!! ;) My husband actually likes for me to leave tags on things if I get a good price, just so he can revel in the savings. LOL Yeah, we're weird.

Stitchinowl said...

Hooray for El Cheapo! If I can't get a bargain myself, I still love to hear about other people getting a bargain. The Lambswool linen is so pretty. Enjoy your great deals!
Carolyn

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