Update your decorating for next to nothing

A can of spray paint can really do alot. I have alot of cheap frames that seem to look a littler classier when I paint them a nice glossy black. If the frames match, you can set up a nice decorative niche with various photo's, postcard or wrapping paper as the items framed. Try it!

My favorite "next to free" piece of artwork was a sheet of paper the dollar store used to wrap a plate I bought. It was an abstract of shapes that matched the colors in my bathrooom. I used a wider black frame that I found at a craft store on clearance. I now have a beautiful wall hanging for less than $4.

Keep an eye out for for fabric, paper or cards that would fit in with your house. It is so cool to repurpose frames that just need a spray of paint.

Cofee filters

I love to repurpose. Coffee filters can really be a useful tool around the home.

Use them to cover stuff in your micowave to cut down on spattering.
When making a bag of popcorn at work, use the filters as little serving bowls for your co-workers.
They make great wipes for your face when your have a "shine" you want to get rid of.

Goodwill finds

I'm on vacation this week and today it started to rain. It continued to rain ALL day. I knew I needed to find some decent capri's and tops to update my wardrobe for the summer. I decided to checkout my local Goodwill Store. I really focused on looking for brand names that I have in my closet that work well for me. You can avoid trying stuff on in the store, which is a big plus for me. I love certain brand name tee's and can find used ones that are a fraction of the cost.

I found a pair of capri's and four tops. Of the five items only one top didn't work out but it was no big loss as it was half off the 5.99 price tag. It was more of blouse I would wear to work, so I will either add it to my thrift sale pile or re-donate it.

I also ran across a hardcover book that is a biography of an actor I greatly admire.

The next score was the "high sided" cat litter box that can replace the one I already have when I want to scrub it out and let it dry out in the sun. These can be a little pricey at a regular store. The high sided ones really cut down on cleaning time, not alot of extra cat litter on the floor etc.

The next great find was a permanent coffee filter. We had been using one for quite some time but replaced our coffee maker recently. The filter I found was still in the box and not used. The filter fits fine, and I can use the brown paper filters I had been using for a bunch of stuff around the house. (see next post re: coffee filters). I also found some garden themed artwork with a nice matting that is designed to fit in a 4x6 frame. (see new post on how to update your decorating for nex to nothing.)

Here is the breakdown:

Apparel 21.95
Book .99
artwork 2.47
litter box 2.99
sub total 28.40
with tax my total came to 29.96.

Not too shabby at all.

Gardening

Now is the time to go to church/community thrift sales that mention "plant sale." Today I scored a wide variety of plants and expert advise at my local senior center. I paid less then five bucks and walked out with a tray full of plants. This is a great way to get perennials at a fraction of the cost you would pay at a nursery or big box store. If you have the chance, research what you want, and then go to the sale. If its just a random drop in, like mine was today, keep in mind of what you want to do and check over the labels to make sure you are getting what your garden can work with. Don't be afraid to ask questions. The folks who took the time to pot up their plants for sale are hardcore gardeners in your area who can really give you the feedback you need. I had the best day ever today, part of it was my gardening score :)