Kathy Woodard's Home and Garden

Decorating Tip: Real Christmas Tree Care

2011-12-09T07:35:00.000-08:00

I love my real Christmas tree, but like a lot of people, I can't wait much beyond Thanksgiving to set up the holiday decorations... which accounts for my really dry tree! A couple of good tips to help your tree last longer?

1. When you set up your tree, be sure there is a fresh cut on the bottom of the trunk at least 1 inch deep... this allows new wood that hasn't been sealed over by sap to absorb water from the stand.

2. Get a BIG stand that can hold lots of water.

3. The first few days, your tree will be VERY thristy because of that new cut you made... check the water level 3 times a day... eventually, it will stop needing water that often.

4. Never let a day go by where you don't top off the water.

5. Preservatives placed in the water are up for debate, but they couldn't hurt! Just make sure that if you use something in the water, that it is safe in case animals in your home try to sneak a sip...

6. Keep a fire extinguisher in the home, don't leave the tree lights on when you aren't in the room, and consider using LED lights... they produce much less heat.

7. Once Christmas is over, get the tree out of the house. By then, no matter how careful you were to take good care, your tree will be crispy!

That's all you can do folks... but enjoy the tree, take a deep whiff of pine every time you walk in the house and take a trip back to your childhood... and then be prepared to vacuum up pine needles for at least 3 months afterwards... :)

Kathy Woodard
The Budget Decorator

Thanksgiving Table Decorating

2011-11-21T10:29:00.001-08:00

7 Ways to Decorate A Thanksgiving Table on a Budget!

By Kathy Woodard

From BHG.com

Thanksgiving is traditionally a day when we invite our loved ones into our home and give thanks for all we have. But with Christmas and other holidays looming just around the corner, it sometimes can be tough on the budget to put out a beautifully decorated table. No problem, The Budget Decorator is here to help you create a tablescape for your home that represents your creativity, and gives you yet another thing to be thankful for....money saved! Read,
7 Ways to Decorate A Thanksgiving Table on a Budget!

Kathy Woodard
The Budget Decorator

Repeat After Me...

2011-11-21T10:27:00.001-08:00

If all else fails, repeat after us: "It's just a meal. It's just a meal. It's just a meal..."

Kathy Woodard
The Budget Decorator

Budget Home Decorating Tip: Thanksgiving Decor Planning

2011-11-09T09:18:00.000-08:00

Today's tip from The Budget Decorator requires a little forethought... or rather, it's forethought for your Thanksgiving decorating planning!

With Thanksgiving just over 2 weeks away, now is a great time to start planning your Thanksgiving Table Decorating... and for many of us, we plan to celebrate our tables with centerpieces created from natural materials. Take the time now while out and about to start a collection of cool natural elements to use in your design. Pick up handfuls of acorns during your walk in the park, press a dozen or so beautiful fall leaves between paper towels and heavy books, and keep your eye out at the farmers markets for good prices on pumpkins and squash. Stored in the garage or on a protected porce, winter vegetables will easily last from now until Thanksgiving..

Make sure you keep them all in a box or ziploc bags, so when Thanksgiving Day rolls around and all you are thinking about is how long to cook the turkey and whos bringing the apple pie, you can easily and quickly create a Thanksgiving centerpiece that will get oo's and ahhh's from your guests... and it won't cost you an arm and a leg!

Kathy Woodard
The Budget Decorator

Last Minute Halloween Decorating

2011-10-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

Looking for quick ideas for spooking up your home and yard for the upcoming Halloween festivities? One of my fav ideas this season is making floating ghosts to blow in the wind... done in a dark corner of the yard or porch, these can be very spooky! Drape very lightweight fabric over a wire hangar, using stuffing to hold a head shape if necessary. Tip: Bend the arms upward. (The hangar arms become the ghosts shoulders). Now hang the ghost in an area where it will catch the breeze. The ghost will sway back and forth in a very spooky way! Learn more easy and cheap Halloween decorations.

Or you can make a Halloween graveyard right in the front yard, my kids and I have had lots of fun with this in the past.

Finally, check out some ideas for some yummy Halloween treats, because let's face it, the tricks are no fun without the treats!

Kathy Woodard
The Budget Decorator

Frugal fall fix ups for the home

2011-10-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

Frugal fall fix ups for the home

Scary halloween decorating ideas - AllYou.com

2011-10-04T15:49:00.000-07:00

The Budget Decorator recommends:

Scary halloween decorating ideas - AllYou.com

Budget Decorating Daily Tip: Window Washers?

2011-10-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, what could window washers possibly have to do with home decorating? Plenty... one of the quickest and easiest ways to make a room look larger and brighter is to wash and shine every window, mirror and reflective surface in the room... You can add up to 20% more reflective light into a room with this trick, and thats really important as we head into the winter months with less natural light!

So pull out that Windex, and become your own window washer for a day, and see if it doesn't make a noticeable difference! And its free!

Kathy Woodard
The Budget Decorator

Tablescaping chic

2011-10-03T14:34:00.000-07:00

Tablescaping Chic on the Cheap!

Daily Tip: Cell Phones and Home Decorating

2011-09-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

Heres your quick home decorating tip for the day! Take a cell phone pic of every room in your home... That way, if you run across a sale, or find a gorgeous piece of fabric and can't quite remember what patterns are already in the room, you have a photo with you to help you make good choices. And good choices while decorating means no money wasted. After all, you can make yourself a decorating notebook, but who carries that around all the time? Almost everyone has their cell phone...

And if you think you can always remember just what shade of blue your throw pillows are, or that you can picture exactly what is already in an existing room, think again. 95% of people have difficult time picturing home decorating projects in their head...

Need ideas for a home decorating project for this weekend?

Kathy Woodard
The Budget Decorator

Daily Budget Home Decorating Tip: Fall Decor

2011-09-20T09:58:00.000-07:00

We're starting something new here at Kathy's Home and Garden blog... in addition to great content from our websites, we will be blogging a daily tip for all you budget home decorating fiends!

Todays tip? To add warm fall decorating style, add rich, warm color! Whatever your main wall color is in your room, paint your focal wall a deep shade of that color. No major color scheme change here, everything you already have in that room will still work because you are just amping up the present color scheme. For instance, if your walls are a pale peach, paint your focal wall a rich terra cotta. Light sage? Paint that focal wall a deep warm green. Just have white walls? Here is your chance to develop a color scheme and bring a lot of warmth into your room. Pick any one color you love, plus white, and you have a color scheme! Still love your white walls? Then paint the focal wall a rich cream, or even a chocolate brown. Remember, its just paint, and you can always paint it back in an afternoon with a cheap can of paint!

Kathy Woodard
The Budget Decorator

Quick Contemporary Fall Wreath

2011-09-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

For those of you wanting to do a fall wreath craft this year, but are looking for something a little more contemporary, here is a question recently asked on my Facebook... How can I create a fall wreath with a more contemporary look?

The secret is twofold... first, choose a shape with angles such as a square or rectangle as your base instead of round. Second, stay simple and natural. Use only one type of material on your wreathThis will add autumn warmth to your home decorating but update the look and style...

You can buy a wreath base or make one out of foam core board, stiff cardboard, scrap wood or even an old picture frame. Paint it a deep neutral color just in case some of the base shows through. Use your trusty glue gun and cover the base with a natural material such as beans, seed pods, acorn caps, sheet moss or even small stones. Glue a picture hangar onto the back for hanging.

If you are going to be doing a large wreath, wire the picture hangar onto the wreath base before glueing on all of your elements....

Easy, cheap, fun and you can even let the kids help! (Watch that glue gun!)

Here are more fall decorating ideas on a budget...

Kathy Woodard
The Budget Decorator

Quick Teen Wall Decor

2011-08-09T21:06:00.000-07:00

So your teen wants to up the oomph in their room, but your budget is tight? A quick, easy, and cool funky idea for wall art for a teens room is to use self adhesive craft foam. You can pick it up at any craft store, it comes in cool colors and thin sheets, and you just peel off the paper backing and stick to the wall. Try working out a design on the floor with the foam sheets before your remove the backing and stick them up... You could even cut them into shapes with scissors!

Kathy Woodard
The Budget Decorator

Living Room Decorating- Going on the Slant

2011-07-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

So if you are like me, and every once in awhile you just get a little bored with your living room decorating, I have a great tip for you, and it's completely free! Try moving your entire furniture arrangement on the diagonal in the room. Trust me, it adds interest and movement to a room and wakes it up faster that anything other than paint and color. If you have an area rug in your room like I do, move that onto the diagonaly as well. It may take a little tweaking with your side table, etc... but not only is it well worth the effort, its fun! I walked into my living room this morning, asked my daughter Rachel, "should we?" and in 5 minutes we had it all done, and we both love it. (My kids are used to this, lol...)

Here's how to arrange furniture if you need tips on how to pull it all together...

Kathy Woodard
The Budget Decorator

Two grandbabies this fall!

2011-07-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd take a moment to share with all my readers... some of you who follow me on Facebook already know my daughter and her husband are expecting my first grandson in August (Wyatt!) but my oldest son is also expecting a baby girl in November! Pictures will be posted here, lol... It's going to be an exciting fall!

Kathy
The Budget Decorator

Decorating Tip: Dollar Store Wall Decor

2011-07-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick tip anyone can use to make bring style and or color to your room, for just a few bucks! Dollar store wall decor: Pick up black picture frames from the dollar shop, and frame postcards, catalog pages, or even book pages! Use black and white photos for a modern look, or bring color to the walls for a livelier feel. Tip: Group odd numbers of frames together for a more natural look...Find out how to hang photos... Have a great day!

Kathy Woodard
The Budget Decorator

Quick Gardening Tip: Yard Art... How Much?

2011-06-27T21:47:00.000-07:00

I love yard art as much as the next girl... in fact, I have dreams about whole gardens designed around art! However, it has come to my attention that a few guidelines for the average gardener in the area of "How much is too much?" is in order! If you are one of the guilty, who have 15 frogs, squirrels and cute little children sprinkled throughout your front yard, please forgive me in advance... What Im talking about here people is a little restraint... less is more! A good rule of thumb is to use no more than 2 or 3 pieces of well chosen art in your public garden spaces, and they will look much more stylish if they all are brought together by some theme, tied into the landscape. So if gnomes are your thing, by all means, tuck one or two under the big leaf of a hosta like they live in a fantasy lilliputian world. And if you love animals, (and who doesn't?) a couple of quail running through your bed of lavender or a metal sculpture of a heron next to your water garden are all perfectly appropriate! But... and here it is... If you are the one who has the next door neighbor who has two pink flamingos, a full size replica of a fawn, three different lawn children, a couple of happy frogs and three of the most adorable bunnies you ever saw? Well then, I suggest you print out a copy of this blog, and leave it on their porch with their Sunday paper... :)

Kathy Woodard
The Garden Glove

Fourth of July Decorating

2011-06-22T16:07:00.000-07:00

Decorating for Fourth of July? You are probably looking for some easy, low cost Fourth of July decorating ideas! We also have some terrific inspiration for decorating your porch for Fourth of July, and entertaining on the cheap!

My fav tip for the July Fourth weekend? Well, I have three... first of all, comfort food. Whether that's barbeque, or jello molds, or just some old fashioned popsicles, let summer ring in the season! Second... Have fun. Period.
(But be safe!) Third, from one of our articles...

"Cover coffee cans, boxes or other containers with patriotic paper, and use to hold utensils, napkins, or condiment bottles."

Plan a wonderful Fourth of July!

Kathy Woodard
The Budget Decorator

Shopko Patio Furniture 50% off

2011-06-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

Quick note for my readers... to expand on my tip about Targets patio clearance... Shopko just upped the ante and put all their patio furniture up at 50% off, starting today!

Kathy Woodard
The Budget Decorator

Target: Clearance on Patio and Barbeque

2011-06-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

I know, I know... it's only the middle of June... but guess what I saw in my local Target yesterday? They are already starting to put their patio furniture, accessories and barbeques on clearance! Right now, it's only 30% off... watch your local store, bigger discounts are coming soon. But be careful, that also means they aren't getting any more seasonal stock in, so if they run, out, they run out!

Photo by Target

Kathy Woodard

The Budget Decorator

Small Space Gardens: How to Make Cheap Containers

2011-06-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

I don't have a huge garden this year... and my backyard is almost entirely container gardens! However, buying the containers can cost more than the plants! I believe in DIY gardening, and that means coming up with solutions to beat my budget. Find out how to make cheap containers, that don't look cheap!

My fav tip for this article is important if you don't want your yard to look like a mish mash...

"Use a common element to keep things pulled together. Use the same color family, same style of decorating the pots, or use an unusual shape for the pots to make it all look deliberate. You don't want it to look like a hodgepodge."

Kathy Woodard
The Garden Glove

Decorating a Contemporary Kitchen

2011-06-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

A lot of you either have country style kitchens you've grown bored with, or just have never been able to pull together a kitchen look that makes you happy. Either it's too cold and sterile, or it's too much for a utilitarian space. Decorating a contemporary kitchen is the perfect solution... If you're thinking of contemporary as a modern, minimalist design, you are like many other people...mistaken! Contemporary means updated style, and today that's a blend of simple and clean, and warm and personal. That's what we mean when we say "contemporary style"!

My fav tip from this article?

"Try to double duty ordinary items in a decorative way as well, such as a stainless magnetic knife rack over your stove, or a beautiful bamboo cutting board propped against the backsplash." Find out more about contemporary kitchen style...

Kathy Woodard

The Budget Decorator

Hanging wall art; quick tip

2011-06-16T20:18:00.000-07:00

My oldest daughter is decorating the nursery for her first baby ( and doing a great job, I might add!) and had a question for me about hanging wall art... I thought the answer might help a lot of you. She was hanging a larger mirror on the wall, and wanted to hang a grouping of frames around the mirror so it looks like a cool collage... she was frustrated at not knowing how to figure out the arrangement. I suggested she take the mirror off the wall, lay it on the floor, then lay the frames around it to find the perfect wall art arrangement. When she found one she liked, take a shot of it with her cell phone in case she forgot the placement while they were hanging... She said it worked... Tip passed on...

Kathy
The Budget Decorator

Quick tips on home and garden

2011-06-16T20:11:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Here at The Budget Decorator, Decorating Your Small Space and The Garden Glove, we want to start helping you all out with daily quick tips on our blog! Lots of tips around everything about budget home decorating, decorating small rooms and homes, and DIY gardening (on a budget, of course) and also keep you informed when we find a good bargain, or have the chance to review cool products...whatever we think might interest our readers!

So subscribe to the blog, and watch for great, easy and low cost tips for your home and garden, many that you won't find on the websites!

Kathy
The Budget Decorator

Modern Home Decorating

2010-01-08T11:21:00.000-08:00

So I have a little personal story about my experience with modern home decorating. Until recently, I hated it. Couldnt stand it. Thought it was cold, and impersonal, and sterile. And then someone special came into my life that has shared with me his love for the style, and I have found that in my stubbornness, I have overlooked the simplicity and calmness that modern home decorating provides. Now, does that mean I've abandoned my love for cottage style decorating, or european country, or Tuscan style? Not a chance. But it does mean I've taken a bit of what modern home decorating offers, and begun to appreciate it.

So if you have ever wanted to try modern home style, here are some great ideas to get you started. And remember, it doesnt have to be all or nothing. Maybe you will find a few elements of modern that does the trick in updating your room with a fresh look, or maybe you will fall in love with the simple nature of modern decorating.

In any case...I stand corrected. :)

Kathy Wilson

The Budget Decorator

Small Bedroom Ideas

2010-01-08T11:08:00.000-08:00

I know a lot of us have downsized into smaller homes, but that doesnt mean that we can't have a beautiful one full of style! Small bedroom ideas can help you make a small problem a big reward... Decorating your small space doesn't have to be a chore, it can actually have some real pros! It's much easier to implement a decorating plan in a small space than it is a large one, and its kinder to the budget as well.

So if you have a small bedroom and you need ideas for home decorating, visit me at Decorating Your Small Space!

Kathy Wilson
Decorating Your Small Space

Emotional Abuse: Signs Women Need to Know

2009-10-26T11:56:00.000-07:00

Emotional Abuse: Signs Women Need to Know. From personal experience I have written an article that I hope will help not only individual women, but also help strengthen support for women who suffer from emotional abuse.

Please read the article on emotional abuse, if not for yourself, for someone you know.

http://www.women-on-the-net.com/emotional-abuse-signs-women-need.html

Kathy Wilson
Women-on-the-Net.com

Fall Decorating

2009-10-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

Well fall is finally here and fall decorating can't be far behind! I love this time of year, there is something so comforting about cooler weather setting in, even though I will miss those warm Margarita nights!

Home decorating ideas for fall abound on The Budget Decorator this month, so take a few moments and look through all our fall decorating ideas. I also have some ideas on making nature wreaths and decorating with nature finds as well for all you outdoor types! (Like me!)

And if you are REALLY into fall decorating, learn how to make a scarecrow out of things you probably already own!

Halloween decorating is just around the corner!

Inexpensive Summer Kids Activities

2009-07-27T15:37:00.000-07:00

It doesn't matter if your a work at home mom, or just a hard working mom...these days we all need some ideas for inexpensive summer kids activities. For most of us, this year will not be the year for the extensive vacation and most families are planning summer activities nearer to home. My personal philosophy reflects that this is a good thing...I know a lot of you agree that getting back to more family oriented, simpler activities is good for all of us, and our kids in particular. You can visit me at Women-on-the-Net for more money saving ideas! One more not on my list...many towns and cities have free movie morning during the summer for families...this is a great way to get the kids out doing something fun, and not spend a dime! (Wouldn't it be great to say EVERY week...hey, let's go to the movies!)

Fourth of July Decorating

2009-06-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

Most of us love Fourth of July decorating, maybe it's the only summer holiday I spend time decorating for. Not only is it important for all of us to spend time honoring our patriotism, Fourth of July offers us wonderful childhood memories of sparklers and fireworks, barbeques and picnics, family and friends. So join up with the kids, or make it a neighborhood project and spend some time on your Fourth of July decorating this year!

Budget Chef Recipes

2009-03-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

I hate boring food. I hate big food bills! The Budget Chef has some great recipes this week, including one of my own, that I recently discovered a cool twist to that made all the difference! My Hearty Lentil Soup recipe is easy, healthy and cheap, but not boring. Don't forget St. Patty's Day right around the corner! Our entertaining expert Patrica Mendez has some great ideas and St. Patty's Day recipes for you this week as well. Finally, before I run off to start my pot of lentil soup for dinner, we have a free restarant recipe ebook on the site to thank you all for being loyal readers.

Kathy Wilson

The Budget Chef

http://www.thebudgetchef.com/

Country Home Magazine

2009-03-13T06:14:00.000-07:00

A lot of you may not know, but Country Home Magazine just published it's final issue. I also happen to think it's one of the best they have done in awhile, because not only does it focus on budget decorating, but the amount of advertising in the issue is significantly reduced. We're gonna miss that mag, but luckily we have other resources, including the latest issue of Country Almanac, in which I was quoted (unkown to me until I happened to read the article!) Al Fresco decorating was the article...check it out on stands now, I love my copy!

Kathy Wilson
The Budget Decorator
http://www.thebudgetdecorator.com/

Back to Blogging!

2009-03-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

Fo r all my loyal readers...sorry I fell off the blogging wagon for awhile there...my husband and I decided to go our separate ways back in November, and I have been spending as much time with my kids as possible. But I'm back, and will be updating regularly on my great sites with great ideas for you all in these times, all designed to save money! The Budget Decorator, The Garden Glove and Women on the Net are all active, and I am happy to announce my new site, The Budget Chef!

So now that we are up and bloggin again, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss all the good stuff at all my sites!

Thanks loyal readers!

Kathy Wilson

Winter Decorating Ideas

2008-10-27T14:27:00.000-07:00

I feel like fall is just flying by this year! If you are trying to think of winter decorating ideas, The Budget Decorator has some tips for you. Home decorating is the most fun during this time of year when we spend more time indoors enjoying our creativity!

We spend a lot of time inside our homes during the winter months, but it doesn’t have to be cold and dreary, no matter what your budget. There are plenty of terrific ways to warm up your décor for very little cash! Pick a room, pick a few ideas, and carve out a cozy spot to make this your most promising winter yet!

1.Try a new arrangement of furniture. This is free, and a great way to add new charm to any space. If your old arrangement focused on the tv, how about make the fireplace or a shelf full of candles the new focus? Bring furniture away from the walls and concentrate on creating comfortable conversation areas…a favorite pastime during those indoor months! Try switching a piece of furniture with another room, you may find it works much better in your new space!

2.Paint just one wall or a focus piece of furniture a deep, rich version of the present color scheme in the room. Midnight blue, forest green, ruby red, deep golden…all of these colors add depth, richness, and warmth to a room. And keeping it to one wall or one piece won’t overwhelm the room, and will make it easy to change back when the weather warms, if you wish. (But you might love it so much, you’ll keep it all year!)

3.Don’t be afraid to add layers to your windows. This can be done easily by draping quilts, tablecloths, or even bedsheets artfully over the curtain rod, then just pull them back with tiebacks during the day with the rest of the curtains. No sewing, little money, easy, and layering fabric is a designer’s secret for adding warmth to a room. The extra layers will also help save you money with the heating bill! Isn’t that how our Grandmother’s did it?

4.Make a few quick change winter accessories. Read the rest of the article here...

Womans Day Magazine!

2008-10-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share with my readers that I and The Budget Decorator appear in an article in the November 1 issue of Womans Day magazine! You can pick it up on the stands, and you'll find me on page 97...Thanks for all your support!

Kathy Wilson
The Budget Decorator

Super Mom Stress!

2008-10-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

Super Mom to the rescue! Is that your costume this Halloween...or, everyday? Ok ladies, time to cut ourselves some slack. Stress relief for women is more important now than ever! Here's an excerpt from one of my latest articles..." It’s ok not to be perfect. Let me say that again. It’s ok, not to be perfect. I think many of us hold ourselves up to a level of perfection that merely hurts our ability to be a good Mom." Does that statement make you perk up and take notice? Then you need to read the rest of the article on How to Deal with Super Mom Stress. Whether you are wanting to learn how to make money on the internet like many of us, or just need a little pep talk, take a moment and give it a read.

Halloween Decorating Ideas

2008-10-22T13:27:00.000-07:00

I think we all could use a little fun these days...especially the kids. They feel the stress of the financial situation now too, and there are easy and fun ways to save money on Halloween decorating ideas this year! The Budget Decorator has ideas on making your own graveyard, garage door bats, and more... My tip for Halloween? If you kids are dying to decorate, but you don't want orange and black in every corner of the house, assign one room to be "spook central". I like the entry way. The kids have a blast going all out, you all get in the spirit and share it with visitors...but you can still enjoy your dining room without a spider hangin' over your dinner plate!

Kathy Wilson

The Budget Decorator

Family is what it's all about

2008-10-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

Hi All!
I know we're all worried about whats going on in the financial world..I am no exception. But I have had a couple of experiences the last couple of weeks that has helped me to keep my perspective. First, my oldest daughter got engaged to a great guy, and she's moving into her first place! And then, my oldest son came home from Colorado where he's stationed with the Air Force...and brought his beautiful fiancee with him. I hadn't seen him in a year and a half, and this is the first time I got to meet his bride to be! So I've spent the last week making family dinners, watching gorgeous loved ones try on wedding gowns, and enjoying the warmth and love of my kids.

Thats it. Thats why I work so hard. Thats why I try to make my life make a difference. Five of the greatest kids a Mom could have. All I have to say today...take a deep breath, and count your blessings!

Kathy Wilson
TheBudgetDecorator.com
Women-on-the-Net.com

Getting Started Making Money on the Internet

2008-09-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

When I am coaching women on how to start an internet business, the most common question I get is "How do I get started?" It seems to be the biggest obstacle for many women...making those choices and moving forward. My first piece of advice if to find your passion, then build an online business around it. Few people can sustain the energy it takes to run a business if they don't love what they do. Now don't get me wrong, you are NOT going to love every part of running a business. But to feel you are finding your purpose is part of what success really is.

Once you have found your purpose and made some decisions, you can use Women on the Net's "Getting Started" section and our "Quick Start Checklist" to help you move forward!

How to Make a Coffee Table

2008-09-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

You all know I am not one to spend large amounts of money on decorating if I don't have to! Furniture takes a big chunk out of all our budget though. If you want to get some easy instructions on How to Make a Coffee Table, The Budget Decorator has you covered.

Use your imagination in making a coffee table as well...almost anything that is a hard surface could be potentially used as a table top. Glass is not too expensive to have cut at the glass shop in your town. Tip: Be sure to have the edges burnished so they aren't a danger.

Another tip... use WATER based polyurethane instead of oil based if kids eat on your coffee table like they do mine...in addition, water based dries MUCH faster and is water clean up as well. I just use a foam brush to apply the poly, then throw it away when I'm done, they don't usually give you too many uses. Ok, since they cost about 50 cents!

Fall Decorating Ideas

2008-09-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

Well, its been a long couple of weeks getting the kids ack to school, diving back into routine...yadda, yadda...you all know how it goes! But now we go into my favorite time of year for decorating...fall and winter. For those of you looking for some easy, quick and cheap fall decorating ideas, be sure to check out The Budget Decorator's fall decorating idea archive!

I also want to say something about stress relief right now, cause I know I sure have been feeling it. We are ALL worried about money. But keep in mind, creating a warm and comfortable home for yourself and your family shouldn't be something you set aside. Why? Cause you can decorate your home without spending a lot of money, and the rewards both in exercising your creativity, which is a stress reliever, and creating a home that can be a refuge for your family outweigh the financial considerations. I am NOT suggesting you go spend whats let of your life savings on a new kitchen remodel! But there are a lot of ways to decorate on a budget. Don't give up, things will get better!

Best Way to Save Money on Groceries

2008-08-03T12:12:00.000-07:00

I've been running budget minded websites for over 10 years now, but the fact of the matter is, I became an expert on things like budget decorating out of neccessity. 5 kids and 3 stepkids on one income create a pretty big need! So in learning where I could save money the most, I found I could save money on groceries by practicing one little trick. You can read all about my secret at Women on the Net. In fact, I discovered this trick while trying to get more organized to run my online business. It saves me 30% on my grocery bill, and the best part is that it also keep the house running more smoothly ,and my family a lot happier than the nights I pull out boxes of mac n cheese! (And yes, I have done that...a lot. :))

Hopefully no matter if you are trying to learn how to make money on the internet, or just need to save your family budget, this tip will help you all as well.

Home Decorating on a Budget: Three Common Problems

2008-07-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

It seems like the more I talk to people who want to decorate their homes on a budget, the more I hear the same thing...fear. I can relate...believe it or not, the first time I decorated a room in my home I thought the same thing a lot of you do...that I was NOT one of those people, who just were born knowing how to do this. But I learned. And you can all learn to overcome your home decorating problems as well, no matter how tight your budget!

I have a quick tip for you this week...my youngest daughter was getting tired of her princess room, and I was getting tired of the stuff. So I took a couple of hours, came away with bags of toys for Goodwill, a couple more bags of trash full of broken toys or ones with lost pieces, and a little room to make some changes. I rearranged the furniture, peeled off her princess wall stickers and stenciled on some quick pink and purple butterflies, and added some dollar store wired "flower faces" around the room. She thought it was whole new room, for a couple dollars and a couple hours of work! You would have thought Extreme Home Makeover had been there, I wish I had taped her reaction! (BTW, anyone need about 400 stuffed animals?:))

In any case, it doesn't take much to decorate your home, you just have to DO something. Even if its just throw away clutter and rearragne the furniture.

Dorm Room Decorating

2008-07-22T07:48:00.001-07:00

Helping one of your own decorate a dorm this fall? Or maybe you are the one decorating a dorm? I have to admit, I never had the experience of living in a dorm, but I can imagine its both a blast and a curse! I have a few good ideas for those of you decorating on a budget for those dorm decor issues. So check out great dorm decorating ideas here, and get at it! School isn't too far away. (Those of us who are parents are just a little glad...don't tell anyone. :))

Because, let's be honest...no matter how many parties a dorm room can host, you really don't want it to look like this...do you? :)

My hopes for women and online business

2008-07-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

I get a lot of email from women on my Women on the Net email list about not having the motivation to get started. I have to wonder what blocks the motivation? For me, for a long time, it was lack of organization. STILL is a problem! :) But most women write me and tell me they plan to get started, but something else more improtant gets in the way. Don't get me wrong, I have 5 kids, and they ALWAYS come first. ALWAYS. And you would never want to be a workaholic, either, and miss the special and soulful things that make life worthwhile. But at the same time, I think we just need to do something. Get started. Today. If you have only 15 minutes today, and you want to start an online business and empower yourself to make a change in your life, then use that 15 mintues wisely. I wasn't willing to devote myself full time to my business when I first got started, as I stayed home with my kids. But I started. Some days I couldn't work at all. But I stuck with it and now, 11 years later, I am in a position to start a transformation in my career, from helping out my families income, to changing my families world. And I hope by starting women on the net, I can help some of you change yours.

But you have to start. Now. Read my first in series of stpe by step in getting started making money on the internet. Its an easy read... then watch for the next step soon. And get started girls, we can make a difference in our own lives! My huge hope is that I convince more women that they can...

Decorating on a Budget?

2008-07-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

Every time I open the newspaper lately, my stomach sinks. It's a little scary out there in todays economy! I find myself spending a little less time on things like decorating and gardening, and then today I ran across my latest column Cottage Decorating on a Budget for Lifetime TV and read it again. It made me feel like sprucing up the house. I mean, after all, The Budget Decorator has always been about making your house a home, and decorating on a budget, right? And when, in recent years, have we needed a house to feel lke a home more?

So, long story short, if you have been spending too much time worrying about your money lately, you're not alone. Even I, yes, the queen of budget decorating, falls off the budget wagon every once in awhile and forgets what its really about.

SO, I'm off to rearrage the family room, and pick some flowers for vase. Thats free, right? :)

Welcome to Kathy Wilsons Blog!

2008-07-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my first blog...for those of you who don't know me, I am a home and garden writer, webprenuer and mom, earning my living out here on the internet! I hope to give you all a taste of what I do, and who I am! I spend most of my time on my freelance career, where I write for such sites as LifetimeTV.com, HGTV.com and Relocation.com, among others. I also am editor of several websites and the ezines that I publish for each one. I look forward to sharing this journey with you all, and hope I can make a difference in the lives of other women. You'll be getting tips and glimpses of my life (including stuff you don't get on my newsletters!) and I will also be sharing what I do with my websites. Got a few of them, I keep really busy running online business'! Check back often!