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6 Tips for Yard Sale Shopping
The only thing that gets me more excited than a trip to the thrift store? A nice Saturday morning yard sale! The deals that I get at yard sales are usually much better than my thrift store deals — which is saying a lot. I’ve gotten a tall faux plant for $5, multiple free chairs, and a hand painted floral tray for $15. Here are my best tips for successful yard sale shopping. 1. Find yard sales postings online. I still see the old fashioned poster board signs hanging on telephone poles all the time. But another way to learn about yard sales is to find them listed online at…
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Cinnamon Apple Cider Sangria
The secret to a delicious, fruit infused sangria? Allow the fruit to soak in the wine for at least an hour. I’ve found that the longer my sangria sits, the more delicious it becomes, with the flavors of the fruit infusing themselves into the wine. This sangria takes apple cider to a whole new level! With the sweet taste of cider paired with a hint of cinnamon, oranges, merlot, and brandy, this refresher is perfect for any time of year. Ingredients Directions 1. Pour merlot, brandy, apple cider, and cinnamon in a large pitcher and stir together. 2. Peel and slice orange. Slice apple. Place the fruit slices in the…
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Riverton Garden Tour 2018 Highlights
Garden Tour 2018 was one of the highlights of Spring for me. This tour, hosted by the Porch Club of Riverton, was a gorgeous tour of nine different gardens in Riverton, NJ. I took hundreds of pictures, and editing down my selection was a challenge. The first stop on the tour, which I’m sharing here, was easily my favorite. This gorgeous front porch caught my eye right away. I loved the soothing color palette, which featured mint green, steel grey, and pops of blue, red, and orange with a generous sprinkling of gold metallic elements. This home inspired me to start incorporating mint into my living room decor. The walkway…
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Four Secrets to Fill Your Home With Beautiful Art on a Budget
I still remember the first time I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art with my friend from college — his name was George. At first, George and I were chatting with each other, sharing our thoughts on each exhibit. But the deeper we got into the museum, the more quiet we became. The art we encountered entranced us, pulling us deeper into our thoughts. We would silently circle through each exhibit, taking it in deeply and then without any words, we would find each other before moving on to the next room. Art holds an amazing, unspoken magic that draws you deeper into your inner world. When you hang art…
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I Tried Minimalism and Then I Quit. Here’s Why…
A lot of people are taken with the idea of minimalism. Our society is one that over-consumes, so it’s natural to respond to this imbalance by cutting things out of our lives. For a while, I was a fan of minimalism. I liked the idea of being able to pick up and go on a moment’s notice, or having a clean space that doesn’t need to be up-kept. I started to pair down my possessions. I sold many things on Ebay and gave less valuable stuff to Goodwill. At first, it felt great. Truthfully, I was a bit of a hoarder before. I had way too much stuff, and I…
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3 Gypsy Chic Canopy and Window Treatment Ideas
There’s something special about a room full of canopies and drapery. Clean lines and solid colors are straightforward, but soft lines, interesting textures, and multiple colors and patterns are alluring and mysterious. To me, this is the epitome of femininity. Rather than being simple and easy to take in, the complexity and beauty of it creates a sense of wonder and invites one to explore. Make your living space just a bit more intriguing with these creative curtains and canopies. Scarf Curtain Panels Thrifted scarves are the perfect way to create a hippie chic curtain or canopy for your bed. At about $3 apiece, this was much cheaper than purchasing…
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How to Cultivate Intrigue With Your Decorating
We all have that friend who seems to have an eye for decorating. It’s not just that her decor is pretty – there’s a certain je ne sais quoi to the way her home is arranged. You find yourself drawn in to the story of her life, entranced by the assortment of mementos, found items, and unique pieces. It might seem like magic, but there is a bit of a science behind the art of intrigue. Here a few tips for creating a magical home that captivates your visitors. Say no to matching sets Matching sets make a room easier to pull together, but they are far less interesting. The…
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8 Insider Tips for Becoming An Expert Secondhand Shopper
My wardrobe is so extensive that I had to create a second closet in my tiny apartment just to store it all. It’s also constantly growing. When my friends notice my ever-evolving assortment of clothing, this usually leads to inquiries. Where did you get that? How come it always seems like you’re wearing new clothes? How is it possible that you aren’t completely broke? The truth is, about 90% of my wardrobe is secondhand. If it weren’t, I’d be living on the streets with the amount of time I spend shopping. Thrift stores are a great way to get more bang for your buck, but many people find them overwhelming…