Changes are a part of life, and those that make life easier for everyone are always for the better.  With that said, it’s become a full-time job maintaining our website and blog over the last year.  In addition to our work on Life & Style for Less, most of us have regular jobs and families, so we don’t have as much time to devote to the website as we’d like.  As a result, we’ve decided to make some changes.  Instead of maintaining the Life & Style for Less website and blog, we’ll be maintaining our own individual blogs. This will make it easier and less time-consuming for us to continue to bring you the same great information you’ve been enjoying on the Life & Style for Less website for the last year.

Frugal Fine Living

Jane will continue to write about subjects geared toward Frugal Fine Living, which is the name of her new blog.  You can find it at http://www.frugalfineliving.com. Jane can be contacted via e-mail at jane@frugalfineliving.com.

Life in the Thrifty Nest

Sherry will continue to write about subjects that will help you save money, time, and energy.  Her new blog is called Life in the Thrifty Nest and can be found at http://thriftynest.blogspot.com.

Alaskan Cruise

Fran will continue to blog on her favorite pastime, traveling.  Her new blog, Alaskan Cruise, can be found at http://franisatravelinglady.blogspot.com/.

Mae hopes to have her new blog up and running soon.

Jan is a very busy lady and will continue to contribute her talents to our blogs as her time permits.

Have a safe and fun summer!

The Team at Life & Style for Less

Posted: June 29th, 2009 under Uncategorized.
Comments: none

Prepare some ingredients ahead of time and on Sunday morning you can surprise Dad with a nice breakfast–in a nice clean kitchen!  Omelets taste good, feel special, and are quite easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 6 Strips of Bacon
• 1/2 Block of Cracker Barrel Cheddar Cheese
• 1/4 of a White or Yellow Onion
• 6 Eggs
• 1 Tablespoon Tarragon

PrePrep:

1. Precook bacon, let cool, then chop it up.
2. Take a block of cheddar cheese and and shred it or chop it.  Put it in a bowl, covered, or in a plastic sandwich bag.
3. Chop the onion and put it in a plastic sandwich bag.
4. Clean up the kitchen.  Now, you have what you need to make a nice omelet for Dad on Sunday morning.

Cook:

I like to use an electric skillet to make one large super omelet that can be divided up among the people eating.  It lets the egg run across the whole skillet and cook faster….the non-stick doesn’t hurt my efforts, either.

1. Preheat skillet to 350º.
2. Spread the bacon and onion on the warm skillet.  If the bacon was cooked so well there is barely any fat….add a little butter; a pat or two.
3. Break up the eggs, mix well, and add the tarragon to the egg mixture.
4. Once the onion is somewhat clear or soft, pour the egg mixture slowly on top of the spread-out bacon and onions.
5. Once you are able to turn the edges up with a spatula and the eggs don’t run anymore, add the cheese.  Spread it across the whole omelet.
6. Now, here you can be as creative as possible…this omelet will taste good no matter how you flip it.  I fold from each end toward the middle.  Then I divide in half and fold again if necessary.  I’ll turn the omelet over again for a minute more…..done!

Dad can wake up to the pleasant fragrance of a warm breakfast and see that the kitchen is clean!!!  Nice!!!  Enjoy breakfast with your Dad.

Happy Father’s Day!

Fran

Posted: June 17th, 2009 under Uncategorized, cooking, holidays, meal preparation.
Comments: none

Yes, it has come to pass! My son Stephen and his fiancée Andrea were married Saturday evening, June 13, at 6:30 PM in the ballroom of the Ashland Plaza Hotel. The reception was immediately following the ceremony at the same location. It was so amazing and beautiful and bittersweet and precious…all at the same time.

The whole day was hectic from start to finish. The bride, her mother Diane, and I were treated to a morning at a local spa by the father of the bride, Gary. That was sooooo awesome! Then there was the mad rush of having the rehearsal only 3 1/2 hours before the actual ceremony because some of the attendants couldn’t get here from out of town until then.  Gary and my sister-in-law Mae (yes, from this website!) had to pick up the cake and bring it to the hotel (this bakery didn’t deliver), plus he had to pick up the bride’s bouquet and the men’s boutineers. I made two or three frantic trips home to get things and to change into my own mother-of-the-bride clothes. Regardless, both families worked together as one great team!

The hotel was super. The staff was very helpful and accommodating, the room was a perfect size, and the food was excellent. Their involvement took a lot of the work and worries from the bride’s family.

The rehearsal was fun, and the minister, George Steele, was awesome. He organized everything according  to the wishes of the bride and groom, and he had a wealth of helpful suggestions when a little help was needed.  His experience and sense of humor were invaluable.

The ceremony was incredible. The bride was lovely, the groom was handsome, and the attendants were perfect. George chose the best Bible verses to read and the prayers were just right. The bride and groom also wrote their own vows and shared them with each other. By 7:00 PM, surrounded by friends and family, they were pronounced husband and wife!

The reception was so much fun! Andrea and Stephen were toasted (and a little bit roasted!) by their maid of honor (her sister Christina) and best man (Stephen’s cousin Chris). There was lots of good food, music, and dancing.  There was even a Conga line at one point!

Around 11:00 PM, it was time for Stephen and Andrea to leave. The couple had to catch their plane to Florida for the honeymoon. It was difficult watching them leave, but it was also a happy moment, too. Knowing they were starting their lives as a married couple with all the wonderful things that come with that bond was very special.

It’s also good knowing that both of them have joined families that love them. We love Andrea dearly, and her family adores Stephen. Both families mesh so well!

Soon they’ll be returning to the real world and taking up the responsibilities of life. But, for now, Stephen and Andrea are enjoying themselves and soaking up the sunshine and fresh, salty air of the Gulf of Mexico. Thanks so much to all of you who have sent good thoughts, prayers, and wishes for them. I would also like to express my appreciation to all the wonderful family members and friends who took part in any way to help make Andrea and Stephen’s wedding so successful. Many hugs to all!

Sherry

Posted: June 15th, 2009 under family, family fun, people, relationships, special occasions.
Comments: 3

Shopping for clothing is one of my favorite things to do!  However, despite my ability to shop smart, a trip to my favorite discount clothing store is not always within my budget.  When I am feeling the urge to shop, I know I can always do it at home. I’m not talking about Internet shopping, but shopping right in my own closet!  You can do it, too!  Before you begin, here are a few tips for success:

1. Get inspired. Look in fashion magazines.  A good choice is Lucky Magazine.  You can find it in newsstands and at the grocery store.  However, It’s only $14.95 for a two-year subscription, which is a substantial savings compared to the newsstand price. Lucky Magazine offers current tips and tricks for up-to-date styling.  It also has great ideas for putting together fabulous outfits.  If you don’t want to spend money on a magazine, look online for style ideas and color combination trends.  Instyle.com and style.com are great sites for gleaning fashion ideas.  Additionally, many retail clothing stores online, such as anthropologie.com, offer ideas for coordinating outfits.  Just look for a link titled outfits.

2. Organize your closet. I find it helpful to arrange everything by color. This includes clothing,  shoes, scarfs, and jewelry. Having everything grouped by color makes it easy to coordinate outfits and choose accessories.

3. Review your inspiration with color in mind. Look for interesting new color combinations in your inspiration photos. Now, go to your newly-organized closet, find items in these colorways. and put them together.

4. Be creative. Think about shape and texture.  Look at similarly toned clothing in your closet and think about how it could be layered or re-tailored (ex/shorten pants into capris)  to create a totally new look.  Pair your clothing choices with interesting jewelry combinations.

5. Take notes. Write down the combination of elements in the new outfits you’ve created. Organize the list in groups, such as dressy or casual, or by style trends, such as boho or preppy.  Make a separate list for needs you think of as you try things on.  This will make a practical shopping list for items you might want to buy that will work with pieces you already own.

Have fun!

Jane

Posted: June 12th, 2009 under being green, budget, budget shopping, fashion.
Comments: none

Fresh strawberries from your own garden are the sweetest and most delicious strawberries you will ever taste.  The big red juicy berries are growing in my small patio garden, which I planted a couple years ago.  The strawberry plants were purchased at a local plant nursery.  The plants have spread during the past couple years making more and more plants.  I have transplanted them to make a bigger and bigger strawberry patch.

I go out and pick fresh strawberries every other day.  They just seem to keep bearing as fast as I can pick them.  My son loves to go out and pick the strawberries and eat them right there off the vines.  The strawberries can be used in many different recipes, such as cakes, pies, fruit salads, etc.  My favorite way is to take stems off, wash, and put into a bowl with a little sugar and cream or milk.  The berries are so sweet and delicious with every bite you take.

Strawberries are a very healthy summer snack for those kids home from school.  Just take the stems off, clean, put into a bowl and watch the berries disappear as the kids enjoy each delicious strawberry.

Mae

Posted: June 11th, 2009 under family, food, food preparation, garden, gardening, health, nutrition, recipe.
Comments: 1

Last night I graduated from the RISD Continuing Education Advertising Design Program.  It was a special ceremony and felt like quite an accomplishment.  I took a few years to complete the program.  There were many late nights working in projects and evenings when I couldn’t be with family or friends due to class schedules. Many family and friends had to sit through my practice presentations.  In the end, I learned some things.  I learned how to use many types of software, color theory, how to communicate a message (quickly), and how to take critique. I made some friends and now have valuable resources at my fingertips.

The certificate programs at Rhode Island School of Design prepared me for entering the field of Advertising Design.  The instructors had such a variety of talent and skill; it was a pleasure to learn from them.  My husband, of course, was my biggest supporter.  I so appreciate his cheering me on when I felt like I couldn’t do the work.  The software frustrated me the most.  Then, when the class concluded with me getting an A, the efforts and frustration was worth it.  Overall, the classes were stimulating and rewarding.

I suddenly feel free…but, I’ll adjust!

See the video of the evening on youtube.com.

Cheers,

Fran

Posted: June 10th, 2009 under Uncategorized, current events, education, family, friendships, job skills.
Comments: 4

Well, it seems most everything is in place for Stephen and Andrea’s wedding this coming Saturday. The wedding gown, bride’s maids gowns, tuxes for the guys, and parents’ clothes are pretty much all organized (except a small alteration or two), the food for the reception is arranged with the caterer, the flowers and cake are taken care of, the ceremony and reception are set, and the photographer is chosen. The plane tickets are purchased for the honeymoon, the rental car is lined up, and the condo is reserved. By this time next weekend, Stephen and Andrea will be in Fort Myers, Florida, on their honeymoon. They plan to spend a week there, then fly back to Columbus, Ohio, and spend a week searching for an apartment or house. And just relaxing and having fun, of course.  I’m so happy for them!

Being the mother of the groom, I’m not in as deeply with the planning as the bride, groom, and bride’s family are. But, I don’t mind, to be honest. I remember planning my own wedding as clearly as if it were yesterday. It’s fun, but my goodness! The headaches! (I think if I ever remarry, I’m going to elope!) There are definitely certain advantages to being the mother of the groom. But I love it that they keep me involved and informed, and they welcome my input. I have been able to make a significant contribution or two. For one thing, I was able to get them a wonderful, special minister for the ceremony! He’s a friend of the family from “way back, and he didn’t hesitate when I asked.

And, being the thoughtful people that Andrea and Stephen are, they’ve done some amazing budget-trimming things that I hope to share with you at a future date. They are having a big wedding, but it is costing far less than one would expect.

In the meantime….

I’ve been getting Stephen to do all sorts of little jobs around the house for me–you know, lifting the heavy stuff, doing the stuff I’m not crazy about (like mowing and trimming the lawn), etc. He’s such a good sport about it. He’s always been good to do things like that anyway, but he just wants to make sure many of those tasks are caught up and done for me. Isn’t he something?  When he finishes moving out, I’ll probably go a little nuts. Who knows how many walls will get repainted, extra stuff donated, and cabinets cleaned out?  My house is going to be cleaner than it’s ever been. I can see it coming. Busy work for Mom. You know, the old empty nest syndrome. But, it’s okay. It’s probably normal and natural. Probably. I’m new at this sort of thing!

Anyway, this coming week is going to be full of preparing, packing, and organizing, and next Saturday is going to be a whirlwind from morning until after midnight. Rented and borrowed wedding items will need to be returned on Sunday and Monday.  I’m not sure when any of us are going to be able to come up for air until maybe…next Tuesday!

Please send your good wishes to my son and his bride-to-be. They’re good kids, and they deserve a good life together.

And wish the rest of us good luck!

Sherry

Posted: June 9th, 2009 under family, relationships, special occasions.
Comments: 1

Today we conducted our annual GED graduation. As you might know, I am an Adult Education instructor, and one of the components of the program I teach for is that we assist folks with earning their GED.  A GED is a document similar to a high school diploma. People over the age of 16 who have had to drop out of high school can earn it by study and passing a comprehensive test.

It’s definitely not the easiest thing in the world to do because the material it covers is basically the equivalent of material a graduating high school senior is supposed to be able to do. In fact, the way the GED test is checked for validity is by giving it to high school seniors every few years (this is during the time when the GED test is “upgraded” to stay current with what is being taught in today’s high schools). What is disturbing is that 60% of those seniors cannot pass the GED test! (Which is another thing Adult Education programs do today–help people with a high school diploma prepare for college.) People who earn the GED have worked very hard, and they have to know the math, science, social studies, reading, and writing skills well to pass the test.  I teach these things, and I know what a task it is to master it all. You really have to admire someone who earns the GED!

Our little ceremony consists of Pomp and Circumstance, caps with tassels and gowns, guest speakers, and that all-important walk across the stage. We have a photographer who takes their pictures digitally for them, and we give them a CD with their picture on it so they can have it printed out however they choose. We have a small reception afterward for our graduates and their friends and families. It’s a pretty special, very emotional time for our students and their loved ones (and us), and we look forward to it every year.

If you’d like to know more about the GED, go to the official website at ACE/GED Testing Service. Check for information at your state’s Department of Education web site, too. You should also be able to find a local Adult Education Program in your phone book.

A word of caution: You cannot earn the GED though the Internet or by sending money to a company. There are companies who will, for a fee, let you do a “GED” study program and test through the mail or online. Those documents are not legally valid, regardless of how much you pay for them. We had a student who did that only to find out his GED was worthless. Before he was able to enter college, he had to go through our program and earn an authentic GED. He’s doing fine now, but he innocently wasted hundreds of dollars and quite a bit of time because of a dishonest company. Studying through an Adult Education program is free. The only fee you should have to pay is for the actual, in-person test, and that fee will vary from state to state.

In this day and age with the economy the way it is, Adult Education programs are suffering from major funding shortfalls. Staff numbers are shrinking drastically and money for teaching supplies is becoming scarce.  These funding problems mean fewer people are meeting their educational and employability needs. I’d like to urge you to support your local GED/Adult Education program in any way you can. Volunteer, donate office supplies, or just contact them and say, “What can I do to help?” You’ll be taking part in helping people reach their educational goals, find better jobs, be good examples for their children, and achieve their dreams. And that’s a very good thing, don’t you think?

Sherry

Posted: June 8th, 2009 under current events, education.
Comments: 1

With present struggling economy, who couldn’t use a little extra cash? Having a yard sale is an excellent way to make a few extra bucks, while clearing out unnecessary clutter in your home, garage, basement, or shed.

Here are a few tips for hosting a successful yard sale:

1. Promotion is key. – Get the word out about your upcoming yard sale. You can advertise online for free on Craig’s List or Facebook. Place an ad in your local newspaper in the yard sale section. Using large, neon-colored poster board, make some signs using large, bold letters advertising your yard sale. Place them on well-traveled roads in your neighborhood, as well as along your street.
2. Make the sale visible. - On the day of the yard sale, tie a few brightly colored helium balloons to your mailbox. Write the words “yard sale” on them in heavy print with a black sharpie. An easel-type sign will also attract drivers passing by.
3. Display your items well. - Items that are pleasing to the eye will attract buyers. Make sure everything is clean. Display coordinating items in groups. For example, if you’ve recently redecorated a room and are selling the accessories you are no longer using, group them together, so that buyers will have a vision as to how they will look together in a room. Also, group like items together on one table, such as kitchen items. Table linens, bedspreads and curtains should be freshly laundered and packaged in clear plastic bags. Make a label for the bag. If possible, add a photo that shows how the item looks when in use. Hang clothing on hangers. Go the extra mile and iron them, grouping together some of the clothing as outfits. You’d be surprised at how this will help them sell!
4. Accurately price your items. - Use labels, so that prices are visible to buyers. Remember that those who visit yard sales are looking for a bargain, so do not overprice your items. Always be willing to negotiate with buyers. Always remember that your goal is to sell everything.
5. Make your customers’ shopping experience pleasant. – A pitcher of lemonade and some freshly baked cookies would put a smile on anyone’s face. Have a CD player on hand to play some relaxing music. Engage in friendly and helpful conversation with visitors.
6. Have bags and tissue paper handy. – Shoppers will appreciate being able to have smaller items bagged, so they can easily transport them to their car. Wrap breakable items in tissue paper before bagging them.
7. Make sure your cash is secure. – A fanny pack purse works great for keeping cash while you are tending your yard sale. Make sure you have enough change, as well as ten, five and one dollar bills.
8. Don’t be afraid to mark items down that are not selling. - The last few hours of your yard sale, focus on getting rid of everything by marking down your remaining items. Or, if you prefer, print up a sign that reads “Everything must go. If you see something you like, feel free to make me an offer.”

Jane

Posted: June 5th, 2009 under budget shopping, family fun, getting the most for your money, make money, thrifty living.
Comments: none

Take a Wacky Tour in the US

There are some unusual landmarks to see in the United States.  Here are 16 “Wacky Landmarks Across the USA” that you can drive to, take a picture of or learn about.  Let me know if there are some that should be added to the list.

• 1.  Extraterrestrial Highway in Nevada
• 2.  Lucy The Elephant in New Jersey
• 3.  The Big Chair in Washington, D.C.
• 4.  Floating Wedding Chapel in Florida
• 5.  Largest Beagle in World in Idaho
• 6.  Enchanted Highway in North Dakota
• 7.  Pensacola Beach Sign in Florida
• 8.  Tree Spirits in Georgia
• 9.  Mothman Statue in West Virginia
• 10.Gravity Hill in Pennsylvania
• 11.Cadillac Ranch in Texas
• 12.Carhenge in Nebraska
• 13.Bishop’s Castle in Colorado
• 14.Largest Cast Iron Statue in Alabama
• 15.Largest Amount of Original Totem Poles in Alaska
• 16.Largest Waterfall in a Metropolitan Area in Minnesota

Take an Unusual Museum Tour in the US

There are some unusual museums to see in the United States.  Here are 12 of the most “Unusual and Interesting Museums” in the USA to spend some time in, add to your scrapbook or just learn more about. Let me know if there are some that should be added to the list.

• 1. The Adirondack Museum, Blue Mountain Lake, New York
• 2. American Hop Museum, Toppenish, Washington
• 3. Kenneth G. Fiske Museum of Musical Instruments, Claremont College, California
• 4. Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum, Galveston, Texas
• 5. Old Salem Museum and Gardens, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
• 6. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), Scottsdale, Arizona
• 7. Seashore Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport, Maine
• 8. Salem Witch Museum, Salem, Massachusetts
• 9. Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center, Woodland Park, Colorado
• 10. Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium, San Jose, California
• 11. DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum, Fenwick Island, Delaware
• 12. Money Museum, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Travel on a Famous Route in the United States

There are some famous roads and routes to see in the United States.  Here are 5 “Famous US Highways” you can drive on, touch, see or learn more about.  Let me know if there are some that should be added to the list.

• 1. Route 66
• 2. The Great River Road
• 3. Big Sur
• 4. The Loneliest Road in America, US 50
• 5. The Great Northern US 2

Plan a fun and unique vacation for your family and have fun this summer!

Cheers,

Fran

Posted: June 3rd, 2009 under family fun, the good life on a budget, travel, vacations.
Comments: none