Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Taking a $$ Break

As I'm sure everyone reading this blog knows, it's expensive to furnish/fix up/make your home feel like your home. Of course I'm biased, but I think it's a great investment - in your own happiness and (sometimes) in equity!

But sometimes you have to take a break.. and that is so me right now! I'm finishing up our master bedroom and as you know just finished the powder room and laundry room. I did all the rooms on a tight budget, but I'm ready for a break from spending.

Luckily, there are a lot of things that need to be done around the house that are pretty much free. So that's what I'll be working on during the month of July!

Here is my list:

+ Finish black doors (paint already purchased)

+ Paint New TV Stand/Dresser

+ Pinch Pleat and Hem (already purchased) Curtains for Living Room - I will be doing a tutorial on this!

+ Paint Trim: Kitchen, Staircase, Family Room, Upstairs Hallway

+ Make a painting for our family room (with already purchased canvas and paint)

+ Sew Family Room pillows (again, fabric and forms I have on hand already)

Knowing myself, I won't finish everything in the list all at once, but it will keep be busy and spending-free for a while :)

Here are some inspiration pictures I have saved up for the above projects..

Paint detail for a dresser for our TV:


[ via ]

The perfect pinch pleats from Erika:

[ via ]

I have no idea what I want to do for a painting. Something somewhat large and abstract. Perhaps inspired by....


[ siiso ]


[ sally benedict ]

All of these things won't take a lot of money, but you better believe they will be done with a lot of love! :)

18 comments:

  1. Desiree @ Hubby, Me & ThreeJune 29, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    You know, I was just thinking the same thing this morning.  I have so many projects that need to be completed or even started on.  I spend so much time buying new things or things that I need to redo, that they all get pushed to the side and never get done.  I could save some much money and still have decorate my home if I just  make a list and finish or start on projects around my house.  Thanks for your post!  This inspires me to just work on what I have first.  I'm going to make a list and give myself a month of no spending.  Then after I finish these projects, I'll celebrate by going shopping! 

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  2. I am so with you. spending can be exhausting.

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  3. Sounds like a great plan- I need to take a break myself! Can't wait to see the "after" photos

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  4. I'm in the same boat as you! My credit card is about to explode due to all of the projects I've been spending on for our house over the past few months and I put myself on a self-imposed spending freeze, so I'm trying to do no-cost or very cheap things for the next couple months.  Can't wait to see your tutorial on the pinch-pleat curtains! I am going to take a beginning sewing class while I'm on my spending freeze so I can't wait to work on some sewing projects for the house.

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  5. Agree w/ Desiree's comments too...I have so many things to get done around the house and "half" finished projects that I just need to focus and get them done.   I think I've made the decision to try to stay at home during our downtime this weekend in between picnics.

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  6. Ah, yes, the ever dreaded spending freeze!  We all need one now and then.  I can't wait to see how your "free" projects turn out.  Looking forward to the pinch pleat tutorial. 

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  7. I'm so with you on this, Bryn.  I actually told myself this a few weeks ago and still haven't done it! Okay, I will.  I WILL!!!

    Thanks for the reminder:)

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  8. We are just happy to see updates!!

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  9. I am SO excited about the pinch pleat tutorial!!!! I have fabric awaiting me for curtains as well!! I selfishly hope you will do this soon :) :)

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  10. I think we all have to take spending breaks every now and then.  Looking forward to your tutorials! 

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  11. Good for you! We are saving up to do tile in our bathroom and carpet in the master bedroom. Owning  a house is expensive! 

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  12. I always love seeing how you do all of your projects on a budget.  I can't wait to see how your "free" projects turn out!  Thanks for always keeping it real :)

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  13. I'm in the same boat! I've made my list for July of things that we can do to spruce up on a budget. I think the best advice my mom has given me about home ownership is to save up for pieces that you'll love for years rather than rushing out and buying something to fill space. My patience has been tested for sure, but I'm like you and find it so satisfying to put some love into projects and see progress!!

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  14. I'm looking forward to the curtain tutorial!  And I know exactly what you mean about budget, both of money and time.  Sometimes you just have to sit back and realize you need a break.

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  15. I am unofficially doing the same thing but maybe if I set an actual goal -- no buying (not that I need anything) until A B and C are done -- it will motivate me to get them DONE!

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  16. I love that you talk about what you can do without spending money - sometimes those are my favorite projects!  Have fun - looking forward to seeing the results.  :)

    http://bjdhausdesign.blogspot.com/

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  17. helloloverofbeautifulthingsJuly 1, 2011 at 12:34 AM

    Bryn - I am write there with you!  We moved into our home about 2 1/2 years ago and have constantly been putting money/time into it since.  I've completely neglected my blog for months now because I'm so busy with our home!  Tomorrow is the last day of the work we've been doing in our upper level and I cannot wait.  I love the progress but am so over the expense, time commitment, and always having something to do in our house right now.  I cannot wait to concentrate on little mini projects around the house, get back to blogging, and take a spending break!  If I had a trillion dollars - I would be in a different place, I'd pick out whatever I wanted and pay whoever I wanted to do it, but until then diy and working with vendors on a tight budget it is.

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  18. melissa hershbergerJuly 1, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    I'm *very* excited for the pinch-pleat tutorial! And it's also refreshing to know that I'm not the only one with unlimited funds. :)

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THANK YOU for taking the time to share your thoughts. I appreciate each and every comment.

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