Insourcing #24...my value in the home...

 

Good morning everyone, and Happy February!

I adore February. We have 5 birthdays this month, not including my own, and it means I have a month of planning and creating birthday cakes. I can't wait! This year will be a year for fairy tale castles, tie dye fondant in vivid colours, giant peonies, cherubs and daisies. I'm not sure I can do it, but I'm going to give it one heck of a try!

This week I generated over $1000 worth of value for my family and friends, even though I was sick. And for those of you who doubt this sum, I double dog dare you to price some of the pretties I came up with this week!

I made a silk tulle bridal veil in softest ivory, stitching the sequins you see above like droplets, to tone with her baby blue gown. I'll photograph it when the 'bride' is finished with it. I saved her $280. 

I catered a lunch for ten theatre friends for under $100. We savoured slow roasted lamb shoulder, Greek chicken pie, salad greens, apricot Eton Mess, and a fab cheese platter in the cool of our air conditioned lounge room, while the Queensland Summer slugged us with 36C+ temperatures outside. Many laughs were had, and don't you always feel good after an afternoon with friends? A similar lunch for 10 would have had to be over $350 at even a casual bistro. So I'm callling that a value of $250 after expenses.

I made some posies as welcome back gifts for teachers. I spent $20 on the flowers, and used greenery from the garden. I managed five posies for that, and modelled them on ones I saw at the Florist warehouse that were priced at $25 each. So that's a value of $105 after expenses.

I added three newly made candles in cut glass sugar bowls to my gift stash. Each of these would sell, I estimate, for around $55 retail. My sugar bowls were under $1 each, and the candle making supplies were $45. So for less than the price of one, I've made three. A value of $117 after purchase of the wax and so forth. A post coming up on those, so you'll have to wait for the pretty photos!

I cleaned and cooked and made school lunches, which I always think generates a value, if it had to be outsourced for whatever reason, of at least $300. So I'm adding that in too. Why wouldn't I?

I was on a bit of a creative roll, but whilst the mind was willing, the body was saying SLEEP! So sleep I did. I'm raring to go now, though so wait till you see what gets done this week!

That's a value of $1052 for me this week. 

What value can you place on what you did last week? Come on. As the advertisement says...you're worth it.

P.S. Thankyou all from the bottom of my heart for your outpouring of affection and support over the weekend, following my exit from Simple Savings. I will respond to everyone who commented here or emailed me privately, over the next few days. I am both enormously flattered and completely humbled by your heartfelt good wishes. For those of you who know me through here, A Tray of Bliss, do not be alarmed. Nothing has changed. Love, Mimi xxx