Just for fun, here’s a little list of random bits and bobs I’ve come across (or done) this week:

The above picture is a picture that makes me very happy, indeed! While my daughter was taking a free crochet class at the library, the Bubby and I hit the stacks. I picked up Vern Yip’s Design Wise; The Urban Homesteading Cookbook; Wheat Belly 10-Day Grain Detox; and 101 Easy Homemade Products for your Skin, Health & Home. I’ve already finished Design Wise – some loooovely photos and great tips for decorating, no matter what your style. See those two pieces of pottery? The yarn bowl is from Knitting Lagniappe – I purchased it at a fiber festival in Texas a few years back and so enjoy using it. The piece on the left is a mug I received for Christmas; instead of a handle, it has a piece that wraps around your hand so you can use the whole mug as a hand warmer. Perfect for my cold hands and achy joints! (If this sounds useful, my folks ordered it from Lehman’s. It was hand made by a potter in Washington state.) Lastly, those of you with sharp eyes may have noticed that my shawl is larger than it was Tuesday morning – eight more rows done on the Knúsa!

If you haven’t already noticed the Blogroll tab here on my site, I’d like to encourage you to go check it out. The blogosphere is chock full of amazing people – I bet you’ll stumble across a few that you’ll enjoy reading as much as I do. To get you started, I’d recommend:

• Terri’s post at Blue House Journal challenging us to examine our wardrobe habits – and though she discusses the ladies of Downton Abbey, there’s no reason you gents won’t benefit from her thoughts as well. She’s got me polishing my old silver and turquoise jewelry this week. Can’t move to the Southwest and be all tarnished!
• A week-long “ode to the Back to Basics Bundle” at Strangers & Pilgrims on Earth – If you’ve seen the marketing emails going around the various internet communities, from homeschooling to homesteading and parenting to chicken processing, you might have wanted a little closer peek at some of the offerings. No affiliate link from me, but they are all over the place; use the ones there or choose from your favorite bundle affiliate. Either way, do check out the “ode” posts, because there are recipes and giveaways you might benefit from!
• A reminder to fight the good fight – and to pay attention – from Wendy at Surviving the Suburbs. No matter how you feel about the results of the U.S. election season, if you’re even vaguely homestead-minded, you may sometimes feel like quite the rebel or outsider. You’re not alone, I promise.

One last thing before you go: remember that post of mine about how my Uber Frugal Month was going? I got my final statement from the phone company and my official balance due is -$3.20! Not much, but I’ll gladly take that check and stick it in savings. Every little bit counts, right?

Happy Wednesday, everyone!