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Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Being on the Cheap isn't always so bad! (repost)

I am reposting this for those of you that mentioned last fall when I orginally posted this, that you hoped to remember this idea for summer. I wanted to help you out! It surely isn't because I am a lazy blogger these days....nope....just me being helpful! wink wink......



It is common knowledge that I am officially "on the cheap", and I have a grave disorder I so lovingly refer to as "my fear of spending." It is a real blessing thorn in my side. It often cripples me to a point that is hard to explain. I can agonize over the simplest purchases. If you haven't read about this crazy little quirk, go right ahead and read about it. It is really something that sets me apart from EVERYONE I know. (A little update for you...I finally did purchase that DSLR and of course I am loving it. The funny tidbit is this...I purchased my camera through Amazon. I signed up for the Amazon credit card, and saved $30 off the top, then....then....I used my Amazon points to get a FREE Waffle Iron! tee hee, so don't fret....I'm no longer deprived of waffles.)

This crazy non-spendiness covers all areas of my life. Since having Sugar Bear, I am constantly eager to take hand me downs when offered, shop second hand, and often...and I mean OFTEN I choose to just MAKE her what I want her to have. Here are a few of the examples of this particular illness.

There was the "I'm not paying THAT for a Boutique Bow" phase:






The beginning of the "I'm not paying THAT for portraits" era (my photograph skills have come a LONG way, huh?):





The "I'm not paying THAT for Boutique Overalls" era:









Then to top that all off, I usually end up making these things to sell, so that I can actually MAKE money. It really gets crazy here in my little head.

This past summer, the preschool teacher in me was going crazy. I badly wanted to give Sugar Bear the sensory stimulation that a Sand and Water Table could provide. You know what I'm talking about, this little thingy. The only thing holding me back was the pesky price tag. All the ones I could find, cost at least $50, and I just couldn't justify spending that much money for something she may or may not like, and would soon outgrow. I did a lot of thinking. I picked my hubby's brain, and this little set up is the result. Not only was the price right, it is quite functional.



We purchased four clear storage totes. Two of the large ones, and two of the shallow ones. As you can see in the photos, the smaller ones fit right down into the larger ones leaving some space in the bottom.



We use one as a water table. I simply filled the shallow tote with water and added some cheap water toys. When she was done playing, we would dump the water and store the toys in the bottom of the larger tote.



We use one as a sand table. We "borrowed" some sand from the beach. We put the extra in the bottom of the larger tote, so if the sand slowly disappeared, due to a young child not quite keeping it in the container all the time, we had extra to replace it with easily. The sand toys were also stored in the bottom of the water table tote. We simply place the lid on after playing, to keep the cat from using it as a litter box.



I can not recommend this set up enough. Not only was it about $20, it can be used for storage both now and when she is no longer interested. Sugar has been playing with her sand and water tables for over 5 months now, and still loves it. If it is too short of her by next summer, we'll just put the totes up on something to lift it to the right height. Possible some wood blocks or some bricks we have laying around here.



I know this post would probably be better timed if it were sand and water table season, but I just edited these photos recently, and wanted to share our great idea. I'd love to hear what you think....go ahead leave me a little comment. wink wink...even if it is just to tell me that I am the weirdest person you know.



14 Live It or Love It:

Lindy said...

thanks for the repost- I might just try this.

AnnD said...

Such great ideas!!!!!!!!!! Corey...pay for photographs?!! Not needed AT ALL!! In fact, people should be paying YOU!

KatieBug said...

Those are great ideas! I might have to make a set of sand and water buckets for my kids.

Laura said...

I'm so glad you re-posted this!! Thanks, friend!

Gen said...

You're so creative! Awesome ideas!

Anonymous said...

What a great idea!! Where was this idea 2 years ago when Kira got hers??
I love seeing the old pictures too!! Sugar is such a doll!!

Anonymous said...

That giant bow still puts a grin on my face, even second time around! :D

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you reposted this! I have been thinking about a sand and water table for the kids, but am holding off because of the price - this is the perfect solution! Thank you!

Jeni said...

This is a great idea - I eventually want to build a big sandbox for my girlie, but this would be a quick, easy fix for now! Thanks!

CMB said...

Great idea! It's funny that I am reading this now. My husband just called to tell me the kids are outside playing with the water/sand table David got for his 2nd birthday. How weird!

Jo Beaufoix said...

I loved this last time and you're right, I'd forgotten. I just bought the girls a sand and water table for $14.99 ($30) but I it's tiny, so I might make it just water and then add set up a sand box. Brilliant idea Cor. x

holly said...

this is so weird because i was *thinking* of this post on *that* day!!!

oh my BOB the thrower is going to be in 7th heaven when i set this up for him on sunday (i have to go to the west coast of wales for two days. it *has* to wait!!)

thanks corey!!!

Christina said...

I just discovered your blog, and I love it! Not only is your daughter adorable and your photography beautiful, but I too have the FEAR OF SPENDING! It's nice to find a kindred soul - most people look at me like I'm crazy. ;o) Unfortunately my husband has the exact opposite sepending habits, LOL.

Anyway, the sand and water table is a great idea - I've been thinking my girl would love one, but of course balking at the price!

Jules said...

Hey Cory: I think it's the teacher thing. I'm the same way. Free? Second hand and free? Pass it my way, 'cause I love those kind of things.

Good job on the table...... oh, and you're the wierdest person I know. LOL

Just kidding, but I saw that no one else had said that so I thought I'd put it in so that you could say someone told you so. :)

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