I’m not the kind of gal that goes into a furniture store and picks out her home furniture.  My hubby and I find this to be a bit of a “cookie cutter” style for us.  We prefer to find unique pieces that are functional.  Of course, they need to be inexpensive.  TodayI’m going to show you how to take a few old pieces and make them into something great.  I hope this will inspire you to look around your home to repurpose some items.

Here are two apple crates that we’re using as bookcases.  My hubby and I found these in …read more

Sunday I attended a baby shower and they had some really cute pacifier favors and pink confetti decorating the table.  I thought the pacifier favors were so cute (and inexpensive) that I had to share them with you.  These are made using white peppermint lifesavers, mini jelly beans, melted white chocolate, and ribbon. 

Directions:

Unwrap your peppermint lifesavers and set aside.
Precut your ribbon and set aside. (You can use your craft store coupons to save money on ribbon.)  The ribbon should be about four inches long. 
Melt the chocolate.  Put a little dab of melted chocolate in the center of some of the peppermints.  …read more

The season is changing. The air is a bit cooler, the days are getting shorter, and I’m feeling the need to see the colors red, orange, and yellow.  Here are some tips for keeping the costs down with your fall decorating.

7)  Grow your own.  It’s a little late in the year for this option, but next year you might want to consider planting some things that you could use for decorating.  Perhaps you could have a garden with pumpkins and gourds.
8)  Take something you have and give it a new purpose.  That plain glass bowl you have would look great …read more

It’s time for another season of the year.  Why not bring some color to your home with some fall decorations?  Here are some ideas for saving money while decorating for fall.

4)  Look for sales.  A few years ago, I needed to plan an inexpensive fall craft for our women’s church group.  I found that some craft stores have their fall flowers and accessories 50% off at the start of the season.  I bought bunches of fall flowers and we made fall wreaths.
5)  Check Craigslist or Freecycle. People are constantly getting rid of things and you never know what kind of …read more

Fall is my favorite season. I just love the smell, the crisp air, and the beautiful bright colors. If you’re looking to bring some of fall into your home or work place, you might try some of these tips for saving money on your decorating.

1)  Do it yourself. I’m certainly not the most crafty or creative person, but many times if I can see an idea I can copy it or make it my own.  There’s no need in paying $50-60 for a fall wreath when you can make your own for $15.  Look online for do-it-yourself fall decorating ideas.
2)  Check …read more

Last week, I discussed some ways to save on decorating your home.  We learned that money could be saved from shopping for used items by using Craigslist, yard sales, and thrift stores and also how an inexpensive item like paint can transform a room.  Today we’re going to see that there are more ways to decorate on the cheap.

4.  Repurpose what you have.  Paint that old lamp or picture frame. Change your night stand into a bookshelf.  Recover your old pillows with fabric. Use a sheet for window treatments. 
5.  Get an outside opinion.  It helps to ask someone else’s opinion for ways …read more

Many of us think of our home as our castle.  We want it to look warm, inviting, and relaxing, yet we don’t have a lot of money to spend on decorating.  Today, I’ll begin to share with you some tips for decorating and furnishing your home on the cheap.

1.  Shop yard sales and thrift stores.  I’ve been doing this for years.  Just a few months ago I was at a yard sale and found a really nice living room couch and oversized chair.  The person I bought it from had only used it for a year.  She paid $1200 for it and …read more

If you’re longing for a new kitchen but don’t have the budget try some easy, low-cost DIY fixes. The DIY part is key. Make sure you choose updates you can actually do yourself. As soon as you bring in others to do the work for you, the costs climb. The ideas below are easy enough that most folks can do them on their own.

Paint – SO EASY and can make a huge difference. Choose a low or zero VOC paint because if you’re repainting, why not paint clean? Choose bright colors for a smaller kitchen or even go two toned …read more

Christmas crafts, decorating ideas, and homemade gifts
50 Things You Can Make Yourself
Thrifty Gift Canister
Hot Chocolate Mix
How to Make Soap
Muffins in a Jar
Zucchini Bread
Is there something that you’re making this year to give away?  Tell us about it.

A few years we went to my brother’s house for Thanksgiving and I remember my sister-in-law had the prettiest cranberry decorations.  She took a clear glass bowl, filled it partially with water, and had cranberries and floating candles in the bowl.  It was pretty, colorful, and simple.  Check out these other decorating ideas from Better Homes & Gardens.