In a recent adventure to the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market I found some great budget accessories for my apartment including: windowsill plants/pots $1/each, drinking glasses $10/4, and a horse shoe $1. I placed the horse shoe above the door to my kitchen for good luck. I was totally exhausted after 5 hours of flea market shopping, but it was well worth it.
Jewelry tree – $29.99
Dia De Los Muertos sugar skulls – $29.99
Book side table – free (I already had them)
Hello. Yes, I’m back. I missed you too.
I am so excited about the changes I have made around my apartment in the last few months. My apartment was starting to feel a bit too much like a West Elm catalog, so I began adding whimsy accents.
Here is one of my first additions: Dia De Los Muertos sugar skull ornaments on a jewelry tree. For some reason, I have always been drawn to the bright colors and gothic themes of the Dia De Los Muertos holiday. When I mentioned this project to family/friends, everyone thought I had gone off the deep end (until they saw the finished product). I ordered these beautiful handmade sugar skull ornaments on Etsy from a designer with a wonderful Dia De Los Muertos themed Etsy shop. Then I picked up this jewelry tree from Urban Outfitters. I placed this piece on top of a side table I created out of books next to my reading chair.
What are your thoughts – cute or weird?
Hooks – $2.98/ea
Blue spray paint 0 $8.99
I found these really cute hooks at Target on sale for $2.98. The only problem was they were this really ugly bronze color. So I bought some blue spray paint that matched my kitchen and painted the hooks and the screws. Now, these hooks are perfect for showcasing my favorite aprons. Never underestimate the power of spray paint.
A good friend of mine introduced me to the site Etsy a few months ago and I am totally in love. There are so many handmade, budget friendly finds. Here are the links to today’s favs:
Basil Wooden Decorating Block $12.00
Custom Letter Pillow $22.00
I have needed a bedding makeover for awhile and I finally did it! My well-loved jersey sheets and down comforter were looking a peaked.
Purchasing new bedding might sound like a simple task, but I have to say I was completely overwhelmed. In a studio apartment, the bed becomes one of the focal points of the room. I felt like I had to make so many decisions – color, pattern, thread count, pillow arrangement and I didn’t want to screw it up!
I finally decided on Parachute Bedding from West Elm after months of scouting online with trips to BBB and Macy’s. While this was not the most budget friendly choice, my parents were wonderful enough to foot the bill for my duvet and pillows for my birthday. But I couldn’t have a new duvet and pillows with my sad looking sheets and down comfortable. It was time for an upgrade. I became a comparision shopping maniac. I found 1200 TC sheets for $89.99 on Amazon.com (orig, 349.99) and $59.99 down comforter (orig $199.99) on Overstock. Needless to say, getting out of bed in the morning has gotten a little tougher.
Target Wallpaper – $49.00/roll
Michael’s Art Canvas (50% off coupon) – $27.00
I am finally putting the finishing touches on the design of my apartment. There is a blank wall next to my bed that has driving me crazy for a couple months. All of the art I found to cover this space was priced around $300, which is more than I am willing to spend. Inspired by the current vintage wallpaper trend, I decided to create my own art.
First, I purchased vintage inspired wallpaper at Target.com ($49.00/roll) and a canvis from Michael’s craft store ($27.00 with 50% off coupon). I cut the wallpaper into pieces that would cover the canvas. I took the first piece of wall paper, wrapped the canvis like a present and secured it with tape. Then I placed the 2nd piece of wallpaper on the canvis to line up perfectly with the pattern of the first piece. I wrapped the 2nd piece around the canvis like a present and secured it with tape. It took a couple tries, but I eventually got everything lined up. Once I was satisfied with my results, I reinforced the tape with hot glue.
I am really excited because I think it turned out really cute and it only cost about $77.00. Now I just need to find someone to help me hang it.
Budget Lexicon 