Saturday Spotlight: Daniela from Frugal Ain't Cheap

Hi, everyone!  Myself and (Kris) Junk Chic Cottage wanted to do a regular feature on our blogs, something unique that hasn't been
 done before.   So we came up with an idea to 'spotlight the real life behind the blogger' in a more personal way.

There is so much talent and inspiration in blogland, and we thought it would be fun to bring you a closer look at the person behind the blog.

Every week on Saturday we will spotlight a blogger and have them tell us a little bit about themselves and their blogs.  You will be able to see and read about each of the bloggers on both Kris's and my blog. 

Today I'm happy to introduce you to Daniela  from Frugal Ain't Cheap.  I may be a wee bit envious of Dani and all her 'skills'!   She does it all...she sews, she cooks, she makes things and posts her DIY projects...you get the idea!  (I tease her that she's the Italian Martha Stewart! :)  You'll always learn something new and interesting on her blog.  I'm just hoping to someday to be treated to one of her fabulous Italian meals-lol!

Please sit back, relax, and enjoy getting to know Daniela better!

Thank you Susan for having me.

I am Daniela from Frugal Ain't Cheap.

I love projects that are made from either free, recycled or used stuff, keeping my budget to a minimum, not necessarily because I need to, but because I want to. 

It challenges my creativity and it's just a great way to make the most of what I already own.

I was born and raised in Northern Italy, by 100% Italian parents, 

and moved to US in my late teens to go to College. 

I put myself through (Private) College by working anywhere between 40 to 60 hours a week, while being a full time student and keeping up with my grades. 

My undergraduate degree was in Interior Design/Art, followed by a Master of Science in Education.

I have always considered myself a well rounded person. 

Not necessarily one with the smartest IQ, 

I really am an average person, 

but I believe that hard work and great work ethic is a wonderful way of life.
A few "fun" facts about myself:

I just recently (8 months ago) got addicted to running 

(don't ask me how, I used to think runners were crazy...now I joined the team).
Planning on running my first full marathon in April...26.2miles all in one time.

I play both violin and piano.

I speak (and understand) a handful of languages, but I will say I am fluent in only 2: Italian and English.

I have lived in Europe (Italy) and spent few months in West Africa, where I volunteered in an Orphanage and women's Shelter. 

I have been in the US of A for 15 years now...all spent in the South. 

What can I say, I love biscuits and gravy.
(Although pizza has a special place in my heart).

If you are one of my followers, you already know that I love to cook and I love to use power tools, not at the same time. That would be interesting and make me VERY unique.

I enjoy doing pretty much anything with my hands and I am a visual learner 100%. 
I am married to this cutie,

 and I have been a stay at home mom since our first child was born. I recently started homeschool with our oldest. 

Somehow, I still manage to find time to let my creativity roll. 

Which is very important for my sanity.

I started Frugal Ain't Cheap blog to keep track of my projects and recipes...both on a small budget.

Thanks for reading, and thank you Susan for having me today on your LOVELY blog!!

Stay Frugal,
Daniela

Daniela, thank you so much for sharing more of your story with us!  Please visit her at Frugal Ain't Cheap, then head over to Kris's blog to read more about Sherry from Thrift My House.
Have a great day! :)