From the category archives:

trash to treasure

DIY Pedestal Cake Plate – Easy Centerpieces

February 6, 2010

Creating a frugal, yet elegant tablescape begins with a wonderful centerpiece. I shared how one of the easiest ways to achieve that look is by layering cake stands, yet I realize that many of you many not have any cake plates yet (since you haven’t had time to hit those yard sales).

Creating your [...]

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Finding Great Clothes at a Thrift Store

January 29, 2010

Thrifting just runs in my blood. I think it’s an additional gene I was given in the womb. My mind thinks in second hand images, so I thought I would take you along for a sneak peak into one of my latest visits to Goodwill. I have the best friends who agreed to model for [...]

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Quick and Easy Centerpieces

January 14, 2010

Decorating on a Dime takes time, tenacity and tutelage from those who’ve gone before you. Mix that with a little imagination and you are raring to go with any aspect of your home.
Yes, squashing the hidden retail shopper inside you is necessary if you want to be set apart from “Decorating like a Designer” and [...]

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Creative Christmas Decorating Ideas

December 13, 2009

You all know how I love to incorporate frugal, fancy, creative decorating ideas, so what better treat then a combination of my own creative inspiration and that of a place where dreams come true – Disney.

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Can you paint a metal tray?

December 6, 2009

Buying an ugly, old, tray and transforming it into something beautiful brings me joy.

I love simple pleasures, and taking something that was heading for the trash and turning it into a treasure for under one dollar is simple bliss.

When I saw this old tray at a yard sale, I almost walked right past it. But then the “thinking outside the box” mentality kicked into full gear, found out it was one little quarter, and I snatched it with joy.

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Pottery Barn Inspired Bedroom Decor

November 30, 2009

Hearing that a post has inspired both creativity and frugality in one of my readers delights me to no end.
When Cara emailed me that she had some Pottery Barn inspired bedroom decor and had conquered a Pottery Barn chandelier for under $10, I was delighted when she shared the pictures.

I am in the process (yes, the process has been stalled on quite a few occasions) of finishing my girls’ room with a Pottery Barn inspired butterfly theme. I can’t wait to show you how an entire Pottery Barn room makeover can happen for under $100 (with furniture).

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Easy Thanksgiving Table Decor

November 19, 2009

I am scrambling to highlight our Thanksgiving table with some quick, easy and frugal decor.

Our first step to easy Thanksgiving table decor is to “shop our house and yard.” As much as I desire a Better Homes and Garden look, a simple approach to decorating assures all of us that we don’t have to be designers to create a welcoming home. We can add much more glamor than what I am showing, butmy desire is to encourage everyone of you that with just a few extra minutes, you can set a beautiful table.

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Finding Thankfulness Through a Thrift Store?

November 18, 2009

…The melting pot mentality of America is embodied in a thrift store. One can look around the parking lot and observe vehicles ranging from BMW’s to Beretta’s, shelves stocked with both jewels and junk, while purchasers carrying either Amex Gold cards or Food Stamps stock up their carts. People have shared their life story with [...]

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Kid’s Stuf Creativity

October 25, 2009

Years of my life have included some sort of acting/drama ministry, which you probably didn’t know. During the past three years, my husband and I have been involved in a multi-generational family worship experience called “Kids Stuf.”

For two years, we did a full length 50 minute production every week, but for the last year, that commitment is now only once a month. Whew!

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How easy is it to paint wood furniture?

October 21, 2009

How easy is it to paint furniture? First, he completely painted over the white furniture with the free red paint, and then the black (latex eggshell finish). This allowed the red to peek through with the aged, distressed look he was going for. He purposely wiped away sections of the black/red so that some of the original wood shone through. Check with your paint store assistant for the best type of paint. If you don’t mind paying extra (instead of the Oops), they may recommend enamel.

The beauty of the distressed look is that it takes away the perfectionist mentality. You don’t want it to be perfect; that would completely defeat the purpose. Painting like this, there are no mistakes, and therefore, it is just perfect!