Taking the Off-Fence

We all need space--creating our distance and privacy from others in this small urban world. What better to divide but with a fence. But not just your ordinary fence. (If I see another white picket fence, I'm going to ram my car into it.) It's time to grow past the standard epitome of the "American Dream" and think up some new ways of dividing and conquering. These two designs that I passed by recently are two great examples of using materials that are re-used. One is natural and the other manmade.

This is one of my favorite designs. Simply stack rocks in between parallel-mounted hogwire fencing. Instant privacy.

With the amount of consuming and producing that we create, what happens to the shells or skeletons of sheet metal that pieces and parts are torch-cut from? This is a terrific method of re-use while keeping a line drawn on what's yours.

The Twofer One Deal

Ideas are one of those unexplainable and invisible fields that come to us from nowhere. We love the thought of new and creative methods in going about our lives. Not to say that bad ideas don't exist, but about 98 % of ideas appear to be terrific thoughts, right off the bat.

When combining my ideas with my instinctive ability to save money, I consider myself thrifty. Some may say I could be a cheapskate. Though a term with negative connotation, I believe a cheapskate is a good quality, especially when times are tough. (Ah-hem.)

This post starts off the first of my series of Cheapskate Tips. These are tried and true tips that cost very little--or free--and are as good as the real deal.

Cheapskate Tip #1: Hit up your local thrift store at least once per week. Many corporate retail outlets donate items that don't sell on their "Sale" racks. These donations of brand new clothing is a tax write-off deluxe. Take advantage of this inventory.

I found this Express skirt that apparently was on sale for $64.99 according to the tag that was on it at the retail store. Cheap right? The Goodwill tag had a price of $2.99. The upper portion of the skirt had a terrific smocked structure and design. It dawned on me that it would make a terrific strapless summer dress. Just added a belt to cinch in the waist. All in all, a great-looking summer outfit all for the price of $2.99 plus tax! When you feel great, spend this little, and your money spent goes toward a cause, there is not a better feeling out there.

The Little Garden That Couldn't

After much research and thought, I have decided to make the first giant step toward self-sufficiency. Maintaining a garden of our own is not only rewarding, but we would be free of pesticides, ethylene gas, radiation and wax. My significant guy built the 8'X4' raised bed of reclaimed and new lumber, metal posts and corrugated sheet metal. Shortly after everything sprouted and well on their way, Central Texas started reaching triple-digit temps, and has been for approximately 15 days straight, combined with a deficit of 4" in rainfall. Everything is getting fried. These puppies don't even want to think about blooming. Forget experiencing the fruits (er, vegetables) of our labor.
Outside of the raised garden bed, lies the Viva Italia tomato variety, however, I have experienced all of the end products turning out like this--termed as "blossom end rot." The soil is the tall tale sign: salt and/or calcium imbalance, or not the right amount of moisture or temperature range. These tomatoes aren't any larger than 1" in diameter! For shame...
Combine rookie gardening with mother nature and voila!...you get the new and improved "Viva Italia Tittymato" variety. Tell me about your gardening mishaps.

Simulation of Flora and Architecture

There is something undeniable in choosing plants that are compatible with your home. It's a type of reinforcement. Maybe even an unconscious choice with some. Like peanut butter 'n jelly, nonetheless...