I finished my daughter's Easter dress the other day and this is the first chance I've had to post photos of it.  The material is a cotton blend and we found it on sale for $1 yard.  So this was a very frugal dress to make.  (We bought enough for me to have a dress, too -- but I haven't time to make it yet.

I can't believe how much she is growing.  She's turning into quite a young lady -- a young lady in training!  Tonight she will be making venison stew for the family.  We're altering her Home Economics book recipe to fit what we have on hand and what we like.  I think those are two essential skills necessary when one becomes a wife and a mother.

This morning I rode to town with my husband -- he had two early appointments and plans to be home mid afternoon anyway.  My children are with my parents and I had a chance to do some sales shopping.  Produce was on sale -- so I found great snacks for the week -- apples, oranges, carrots, and yogurt.  A few toiletries were on sale.  All in all a good shopping day.  My only impulse purchase was washing powder...which was on sale and on my list for next month anyway. 

Our goal is to have everything ready for my husband to retire in 10 or less years if he should decide.  So I am really working on frugal healthy shopping.  We're growing a garden this year and canning our produce which will help.  (It will also help me with my diet.  I love to eat fresh veggies and can fill up on them.)

My husband surprised me with a new pantry.  Sounds odd I know, but since we bought the new office, he doesn't want to keep using the 'study' at home -- so he is converting it into a full sized pantry for me!  I'm so excited -- I'm already planning the shelving and dreaming of our spring garden.  I'm even beginning to research a herb garden. 

While I was in town I had an hour of library time.  I picked up a couple of good books and I am hoping to share some of what I learn as I go into next week.