Budget Wise Home — Decorating on a Budget

Minted Wedding Inspiration

Spring is in the air and I’m starting to see little buds popping out all over.  I just love seeing those fresh colors after a long, and very cold winter.  So when minted contacted me and asked me to share a favorite wedding inspiration board from their site, of course, I gravitated straight towards florals and pinks.  I couldn’t stop swooning over this one.

There are so many things I adore.  First, that cake!  It has to be one of the most unique and beautiful cakes I have ever seen.   It’s almost too lovely to eat.  And the pairing with that turquoise cake stand is simply magic.  Ok, lets talk about the pink shoes next.  There’s just something about a pair of brightly colored shoes under a wedding dress that makes me so happy.  Why didn’t I do that when I got married?!  And last, but certainly not least, is the lovely bouquet of peonies.  Pure perfection–makes me want to get married again and do things totally different.

There are so many more amazing wedding inspiration boards over at minted, so make sure you check them out!  Happy Spring!

Wake Up Your Outfit

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of No nonsense for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

When January rolls around, I often find myself in a winter style rut.  It's cold outside and I feel like I need a new wardrobe to go with the new year.  Obviously, I can't just run out and buy a whole new wardrobe, but there is an easy way to make my wardrobe fresh and new.  How do I do it?  With tights!  It's amazing what a fun, colorful pair of tights can do for an outfit.  Just by changing the color, you have a fresh, new look that looks amazing.  Of course, I'm drawn to color.  I'll always love a good pair of black or gray leggings, but the vibrant hues really add pop and can wake up a tired outfit.  I put together an outfit on polyvore, inspired by No nonsense tights and leggings.  The yellow was my fav and I used that as my jumping off point. 

 

Shot of Yellow

Anna Field turquoise cardigan
$24 - zalando.co.uk

 

 

Woven shirt
$32 - houseoffraser.co.uk

 

 

3 1 phillip lim
$310 - net-a-porter.com

 

 

Opaque tight
nononsense.com

 

 

Gucci lace up boots
$435 - net-a-porter.com

 

 

Bright jewelry
etsy.com

 

 

Armenta diamond earrings
neimanmarcus.com

 

 

I always LOVE pairing yellow with gray.  I'm loving the gray wool skirt paired with the yellow tights.  This time I threw in a shot of coral and turquoise into the mix.  I like to wear a neutral base and then throw in the color with the accessories–same is true when I decorate!  So can you guess what the most affordable piece of the outfit is?  The tights!  They are probably the biggest statement of the whole thing, and they cost the least.  That is why I love them so much.

 

You can find No nonsense tights and leggings at most food and drug, and retail stores.  I love them.

No nonsense is now partnering with Jill Martin. She is a style expert that knows how to make the most of every outfit in her closet without spending a fortune.  She will be featured in a series of online vignettes that will show women how to wear the latest trends including fashion tights and essential leggings.  I think that will be fun to follow. 

 Make sure you head over and follow No nonsense on Facebook and on Twitter @benononsense

And check out this video for more style tips. 

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Purina Mobile Pet Apps

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Purina. All opinions are 100% mine.

Apps are all the rage these days and it seems there is an app for just about everything–including your pets!  Purina Pet Apps is the latest things that allows you to keep your furry friends in tip top shape.  You can keep all of your pets' important health information right at your fingertips on your phone.

This new app allows you to enter detailed pet-specific and health history information so you can keep track of all your cats and dogs' medical and wellness needs. 

You can also enter upcoming veterinarian appointments and set reminders for things like going to the groomer, taking walks, etc.  Convenient, right?!

Plus, you can even find the closest veterinarian or pet hospital in case of an emergency.  

So do you think the Purina Health and Wellness App could be integrated into your routine?  I think the convenience of having everything right on your phone and with you on the go is the best.  Although I don't actually own a pet, I think it sounds great.  I think I need an app like this for my kids.  I'm all for the little things that help to make life a little easier.  

The app is available for both iPhone and Android operating systems. 

Make sure you head over and download the Purina Pet Apps.

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Introducing Fabric Warehouse Direct

I’m so excited to introduce my newest sponsor, Fabric Warehouse Direct (FWD).  FWD is a discount fabric boutique and the home of “Designer Fabrics Below Wholesale Prices.” They offer exquisite first quality, brand-name closeout upholstery, drapery, wallpaper as well as other home decorating products at more than 50% off retail prices. They only buy first quality designer goods from trusted sources that have been in the business for years. As a result, they pass on tremendous savings to their customers – you!

Huge savings here, folks, on all the big names like Kravet, Brunschwg & Fils, Lee Jofa, Ralph Lauren, Titley Marr, Osborne + Little etc.  I urge you to check out the site at www.fabricwarehousedirect.com.

They are having their annual holiday 30% off blowout on Saturday 12/1/12 so prices will be bargain basement on a huge selection of designer fabrics and wallpapers.   It is ONE DAY ONLY!!

Here’s a preview of what’s up there!

I’m loving this upholstery fabric from Kravet

And this floral is just so lovely.  I would love to reupholster an accent chair in this fabric.

I think this green ikat from Kravet would make gorgeous drapes.  And it is so crazy cheap for this brand!  I can’t get over the price.

There are also a bunch of fun cotton prints for just $6.00/yard.  I love this bold wavy pattern.  It also comes in a blue colorway.

And this blue paisley is so cute.

Not only can you get crazy deals on high end designer fabric, but you can also snag some amazing wallpaper.

I am totally in love with this geometric block wallpaper.  There MUST be a space in my new home for this paper on a feature wall.  Love, love love!  And again, the price is ridiculous (in a good way).

Please show Fabric Warehouse Direct some love and check out more fantastic fabrics and deals.  Seriously, you can’t find “to the trade” designer fabrics anywhere for these prices.

 And with their annual 30% off sale tomorrow only (Saturday), you can get some amazing deals.

.

 

Cyber Monday Pillow Sale!

In honor of Cyber Monday, all pillows in my shop are 10% off today only!

Use coupon code “SHOP10″ at checkout to get your discount.

Happy Shopping!!

Curbside Chaos and a Special Offer

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bulbs. Dig, Drop, Done.. All opinions are 100% mine.

You might remember a post I did a while back about Curbside Chaos and the great gardening resource the site is.  They had a contest and one lucky person won a complete backyard makeover with the help of HGTV's Taniya Nayak.  Here is the video of her and the lucky winner.

 

Taniya talks a little about using bulbs and how easy they are to plant and maintain–that's my kind of gardening.  I was going to try using bulbs in a planter, but I never got around to it.  It's still something that's on my list though.  I really want to try it out.  

 

If you want to plant bulbs, be sure to check out the Garden Guru Tool located in the bottom left corner on Curbside Chaos.  This will help you figure out which kind of bulbs to use at your home depending on where you live.    Here are the four simple steps:

  1. Pick you country.
  2. Pick your location within that country.
  3. Choose the type of bulb you want to grow.
  4. Check out the planing guide which shows you how to grow your bulbs.  

And remember that bulbs aren't just for garden pros.  They can very simple plants that can be used in a surprising number of ways, including planters.  They make a great gift and can also be a fun way to involve children in a little gardening project.  

Speaking of children, through 11/30/12 you can receive a free gardening themed Scholastic book with every Dig. Drop. Done. flower bulb purchase, while supplies last.  Just clip the Dig. Drop. Done. logo from your bulb package and send it in for your free book.  Visit scholastic.com/digdropdone for official rules.  Offer is open to anyone eighteen years of age or older who is a legal resident of the United States or Washington D.C.

There is also a great opportinity to give back and contribute to a great cause this holiday season.  Every share on Twitter with the hashtag #CurbsideChaos, Bulbs. Dig, Drop, Done." will donate $1.00 to Rebuilding Together, the nation's leading nonprofit, working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize communities.

visit www.digdropdone.com to learn more

 

 

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Happy Birthday To Me!

Well today is my birthday–it’s the big 35 for me this year and I can hardly believe I am in my mid thirties!  But age aside, I absolutely LOVE my birthday.  I’m planning a day off spent with my most favorite people in the world, my family.

I thought the best way to celebrate here on this blog was to give you guys a little present as well.  I’ve just added LOTS of new pillows to my shop and today ONLY you can get 10% off your total purchase!  Hooray!  Just use coupon code BIRTHDAY10 at checkout.  Here are a few of my latest fav’s.

Colorful Chevron Ikat 

Navy Blue Greek Key

Coral, White, Yellow Floral

Red & Orange Diamond Ikat

I’ll be back on Friday with the pics of my sister’s kitchen.

Have a happy day!

Stylish Adjustable Beds

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Leggett & Platt. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you remember when adjustable beds used to be just for grandama?  I remember seeing commercials for these when I was young and thinking they were for old people.  But they are actually becoming quite popular for everyone these days and you don’t have to sacrifice style either.  If you are someone who likes to read, surf the web, or watch TV in bed, an adjustable bed is a great option.  I love to read before bed and it would be so nice to have a bed that made it a lot more cofortable.

Bed room resized

These beds have really evoloved in style and comfort and are a smart option for people who like to unwind in bed before sleeping.  Leggett & Platt offers a full line of products and styles across different price points, providing many choices and ensuring you a quality experience.  You can choose from four on-trend colors and headboard styles to create a personalized bedroom retreat.

So here’s the really fun part.  HGTV’s Emily Henderson, host of Secrets of a Stylist and a Leggett & Platt home style expert, wants to put YOUR bedroom design skills to the test through the “Design Your Dream Space” Pinterest Contest!

Emily Henderson 2 resized

Here’s how it works:

  • Creat a board under one of three themes (Coastal Getaway, Modern Elegance, or Eclectic Inspiration).
  • Include at least one image of a Leggett & Platt bed that you’d like to design a room around.
  • Pin a minimum of 7 additional itemsof your liking to help decorate your bedroom.
  • “Like” the Leggett & Platt Facebook page.  Click on the Contest Tab and follow the instructions to enter.

Emily will choose a grand prize winner, who will receive a FREE Leggett & Platt queen sized adjustable bed base and headboard, along with $1500 cash towards their own bedroom makeover!  Two runners up will receive a $500 gift card.  The contest endson October 15th and the winners will be announced after October 31st.  Good luck!

Do any of you already have an adjustable bed?  Do you love it?  Please comment and share your experience!

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My Sister’s House–Finally!

I’m officially back from my long blogging hiatus!  Hooray!  With so many changes, our move, starting school, etc, I just needed a break and time to breathe.  But now I’m ready to get back into blogging mode.  I have a bunch of fun projects to share with you, including the long awaited reveal of my sister’s house.  So let’s get started with her living room.

First, I must explain a little about my sister and our plan.  She is a single (and beautiful) working woman living with 3 other roommates.  So we didn’t need to accomodate the tastes of any men in this house.  Sure, the guys will come over, but she wanted a girly space that she could literally do whatever she wanted with.  So that’s exactly what we did.  We have different styles, but we both share a deep love for color.  She was drawn to floral everything, and I tried it balance it out with some geometric patterns.  Girlfriends, pull up a chair!

Let first start with the before pictures so we can appreciate how far we’ve come.

It was pretty much just a big open room with very high ceilings, a dated fireplace surround, and awkward windows.

And here it is after!

We balanced out the assymetical window placement by hanging extra long floor to ceiling drapes.  She found the blue console table at a thrift store and we added the middle shelf so she could use it for her TV and those accessories.

All pillows and the floral side chairs are from Pier One.  The sofa is from Ikea and the rug is from RugsUSA.  The coffee table was a craigslist find that my sister painted turquoise.

The wood chest of drawers is one of my favorite pieces in the room–also found second-hand.  I convinced her not to paint it and I’m happy she listened.  It adds some warmth to the space.

Table lamp shade is from Target.

She painted out the wood fireplace surround and mantle, and then added a glaze to give it an antique look.

And there you have it.  Very colorful, very girly, and perfectly my sister’s style.

Come back tomorrow to see her kitchen!

Fall Gardening

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miracle-Gro. All opinions are 100% mine.

Now that we're settled in here at my mom's house, it's time to start making things pretty.  My mom has a far better green thumb than I do and I need to soak in all her skills before we leave.  She lives in a condo with a small yard, but she had a perfect size flower garden in her fron yard.  It's a mix of perennials and berry bushes, and a few container pots as well surrounding the porch. 

MG_Flower_Veg_Garden_Soil.jpg

You know I'm all about container gardening!  We didn't have a spot to plant anything at our old house, so that was the only option.  But now I need to expand my garding skills.  Still, the container option allows you to add color to a porch or deck, which I love.  It's so welcoming to have something pretty to pass by as you enter your home. 

 

If you are searching for help for your fall garden, the Gardenieres is a fantastic resource to get you started.  I just watched the container gardening 101 video and learned about some great miracle-gro products to ensure success.

 

Another thing I love doing each year is creating a potted herb garden.  I've always used Miracle-Gro Potting Mix for this and my other flower pots and have loved it.  This mix is ideal for all kinds of container or potted plants and feeds them for up to 6 months with the Miracle-Gro Continuous Release Plant Food.  The organic materials in the mix also help improve drainage and air flow.

There's really nothing like the smell of fresh herbs and they taste so much better than what you can buy at the grocery store.  Here is great herb garden video you can view to help get you started with that.

There are lots more videos filled with fall gardening tips.  It really is a great resource and you are learning from the experts.

(1) Miracle-Gro

You can head over to the Miracle-Gro Facebook page to chat with other gardeing fans and share stories. 

Happy gardening!

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