Suzanne Schaffer

We've a mish-mash of finds this week. Not all from the same place and not all to resell. While looking through some Dr Seuss books that I obtained I found that one had a signature and a sketch in it. Very cool.  This I found on a friend's porch on Memorial Day while I was fighting sleep. Some of the best decor are simple things. I love this idea. Found this at the auction last week. I didn't buy it, just snapped a picture. Would you not just love to receive a box of chocolates like this? I know I would. Not sure what I'd love better, the chocolate or this vintage box.  Another thing that I didn't buy at the auction, this muff. I did love it though. And I did stand there on that very cold day and warm my hands in it. I should have bid on it. I think it needed me. I bought these on Amazon after savoring a cup of this tea while at the Spa at Bedford Springs. Much cheaper on AZ than at the spa. These I did buy at the auction and promptly sh...

Vitamin B6 is known as the happy vitamin. I started taking this last fall after researching different supplements (this is the brand that I use). The difference that it has made in my life is really miraculous.  I ran out of it sometime in March and didn't order it for a few weeks and during that time was a different person. My attitude was grumpy. My thoughts during a certain time of the month were scary. Yet as soon as I started taking it again they all disappeared.  When I went to my yearly gynecological appointment I mentioned this to the nurse who was checking my vitals before the appointment. She told me that women who are on anti-depressants and then become pregnant take this during their pregnancies. It's that good. Okay, two side notes here: 1. I have decided that from now on whenever I have to go to THAT appointment I will afterwards reward myself with a new pair of shoes. And for the mammogram? I will get a pink pair of shoes. It just seems that I should g...

This was at a yard sale. Are you old enough to remember Tab? These shoes at a yard sale. Only one shoe was displayed. Like a department store shoe section. Because? Yes. We would love to buy your old leftover wallpaper rolls. Because as everyone knows, wallpaper is always a good idea.  This coat that I did buy. Because it's pink. I love it. These books at a yard sale. I did not buy them because really, what's worse than a serious Christian? Lighten up, it's good for you.  This creepy alien doll that I did not bid on. Didn't want it in my house. Ick. This lamp at the auction that I did not bid on. It sold for $90 and even came with the flowers. I'm still wondering why.

Here's a picture from the auction that I went to last week. A pig in a bathtub. I don't know why. You're welcome.

Over the years I've learned that there is a lot of money to be saved by shopping at ethnic grocery stores. You can save up to half (sometimes even more!) by searching out items that you use and getting them this way. This is some tea that I purchased at an Eastern European store. The big one-pound box of loose leaf tea from India was only $9.99 The Christmas tea was on clearance for $3.99 and the other one (that I have no idea what it says...) was $3.99 Less than $20 for all of this tea. And it's good. So good. I know a lot of people use coupons and scour the weekly ads to save money. I'm not interested in that. most of what I buy is fresh produce and natural and organic things, I haven't found a coupon on fennel or kale or sweet potatoes. I do what I can for my family. What is one clever way that you save money on your grocery bill?

Anyone who's been in ministry for any amount of time has had to deal with anonymous letters. In the beginning of your ministry you take them to heart.  After you've been seasoned for some time you learn to just toss them in the trash and never give them a second thought.  Usually they are critical of something in the church. The music is too loud. The preacher is preaching too long. We need to sing more hymns. The pastor should wear a tie. The pastor's kids should be in ministry. The pastor's wife needs to do ______. Those are just a few of the ones we've received over the past couple decades. This is not going to get his attention.  I'm just saying. They will only end up in the trash. If you want to address something that's bothering you then you might want to make an appointment with one of the pastoral staff and sit down and talk about it. They are pretty nice guys and will listen and maybe even explain to you why things are the way the...

Yes. This happened. Birthday party! Yes, to prove that I wouldn't make the same mistake twice in one day.