Frugal Fashion Friday - Update Your Look for Under $50

Every season, I want a few new items to help me update my look and I know I'm not alone.  Lots of times, my budget doesn't allow for a ton of new purchases.  I search for items that will freshen my outfits and make them feel new. Remixing items you already have is also a great way to update your look but we'll talk about that in a future post. My spring budget is small this year, due to wedding expenses and other plans for music festivals and our yearly beach vaca.  I'm going to add a few inexpensive items to my wardrobe to update clothes I already own.

Click above for buying information.

For less than $50, you could grab a fun statement necklace, a bright lip color and fun nail polish.  I love these combinations.

A sheer peach lip, a bright orange necklace and a turquoise nail just scream summer to me.  Pair them with shorts and a simple white t-shirt or a pretty sundress. Total - $24.29

A bright fuchsia lip, a tough but pretty ombre chain, and white nails are an 80's throw back. Add some slouchy, ripped jeans, a loose blouse and sandals for an easy weekend look. Or pair them with a simple dress for a no thought office outfit. Total - $17.98

A necklace like this one calls for a blank canvas.  I'd pair it with an LBD for evening or crisp white, men's style dress shirt for day.  The coral nails and pink lip are great additions without going over the top.
Total - $45.58

I'm picturing this combo for my beach trip.  A maxi skirt, some sandals and a pretty tank would be perfect for this fantastic turquoise necklace, plum lip and silver nails.  I wore this exact lip color on my wedding day.  It's an amazing pinkish purple that is bold but pretty. A metallic nail is a great compliment but it doesn't compete. Total - $36.49

How are you going to update your outfits for spring and summer, in a frugal way?

DIY Wedding Weekend

This weekend we did tons of DIY projects for our wedding. We had lots of help from family but there is still a ton to do. I don't want to give everything away, so these are just teaser photos. I promise to post photos of all of the decorations, after the wedding. 

300 Peacock Feathers and We Need More

A Close Up of our Ceremony Decorations

Faux Mercury Glass Table Décor, Glasses from Goodwill



Rock n' Roll Button Favors

We survived the weekend and my family still loves me.  We have another DIY weekend planned soon. Another small victory is that my soon to be sister-in-law loves her Bridesmaid dress. Small victories! 

Wedding Invitations - Custom and Affordable

Like many brides, our wedding has a small and very tight budget.  We decided from the beginning that in addition to a meaningful ceremony, we wanted a great party.  Well {msL} isn't keen on standing up in front of everyone but she's doing it for me and wants to share that with our nearest and dearest.  But we knew our priorities were great music, great drinks and great food.  Our budget mandates that we cut back in other ways so that we can splurge on the things that matter most. Although they are important, one of the best ways to save is our invitations.  I briefly entertained the idea of designing them myself.  Then I woke from that delusion and started looking for affordable options.  I am not and have never been a graphic designer.  There are some great, affordable options out there but I was immediately in love with zazzle. Not only do they sell great products, their philosophy is great too.  They believe in affordable, local, and eco-friendly. Read about them here.

Their selection is amazing! Also, all of the invitations and paper they sell is customizable.  You can even create your own designs using your own graphics and photos. It's graphic design for dummies at an affordable price. You can even create custom stamps. Now we'll be able to order custom save the dates and invitations without the custom prices!

I love how these Save the Date cards resemble a rock poster.  They are fantastic and would fit in so well with our music inspired wedding.

Rustic Poster: Red and Black Save the Date Personalized Announcement by foreverwedding
View other Red Invitations

If you love all things vintage, zazzle has you covered. There are tons of vintage and antique style invitations and items.

Vintage Red White and Blue Wedding Invitation by foreverwedding
More Faded glory Invitations

A cute and simple invite to the rehearsal dinner. I love the use of the flourished font in the header. 

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Invitation | Wedding Vows by Plush_Paper

There is something for every style from a rustic, country wedding...

Country Wedding Invitation by labellarue

to a city themed event.

NYC Skyline Wedding Invitation by oddowl
Browse Nyc wedding Invitations

From a wedding for two modern hipsters...

Lips and Mustache Wedding Invitation by poptasticbride

to a vintage Steampunk couple.

Victorian Steampunk Wedding Invites by poptasticbride

There is even a fun selection of LGBT invites.

Wedding Rainbow LGBT Pride Basic Paper Custom Announcements by gayweddings

There are options for all sorts of themes, tastes and styles.  The possibilities are endless. You can even order coordinating stationary, cards, favors and other items. The zazzle Wedding Center has everything in one place.

A little note, this post is sponsored by zazzle.  But as weird coincidence would have it, I stumbled upon zazzle about a week before I was contacted to do a post.  I'd already picked out a few Save the Dates to show to {msL} and I'd decided that zazzle was on the top of my list for selection, customization and affordable prices. If you're looking for wedding invite options, you should check them out!

DIY - Mercury Glass

I've been collecting tons of DIY ideas on Pinterest for our upcoming wedding but one of the projects I'm planning would be great for our everyday home as well.  Vintage mercury glass is beautiful and timeless.  Holiday ornaments are pretty easy to find on ebay and etsy but mercury glass vessels are more elusive. Even reproduction mercury glass is out of our budget. We are going to have long tables and I envision placing mismatched sizes of mercury glass vessels with candles all along the tables.

At a cost of $5 to over $100 per candle holder, purchasing the 100 or so mercury glass vessels I want to use would blow our whole budget.  I'm never one to shy away from DIY and I knew someone out there had created mercury glass at home.  I went searching for a tutorial and found this great one on "Take the Side Street".  I followed Anna's guidance.  I also found a few tricks of my own along the way.

Vintage Mercury Glass

Supplies
glass vessels - I used rocks glasses and a hurricane from Goodwill - $4.50 (1 hurricane and 4 glasses)
Krylon Looking Glass spray paint (it must be this type) - $7.99
rubbing alcohol
painters tape or masking tape
newspaper
spray bottle filled with 50/50 vinegar and water
paper towels

I prepped and covered the glassware. I wiped the inside of each vessel with rubbing alcohol to make sure the paint would stick well. Then I covered each one with paper and tape.

Then I painted the inside of each glass with short bursts, moving the glass to get even coverage. Make sure to use Krylon Looking Glass spray paint.  Other types of silver paint don't give the same mirror effect.  I found it at Wal-Mart for $7.99 a can but it's also available on-line at retailers like Amazon.com.

The paint dries very fast but you should ensure each coat is dry before the next.  This is the most thin and runny paint I've ever used. That is the reason you need very thin coats. If you don't use thin coats, it will run.

If you do see drips and runs, don't worry, future coats will create an even finish. When I had runs, I'd tip the glass the ensure coverage to the edge.

It took about 5 - 7 thin coats to get full coverage. You can go for more if you want a thick finish.  Hold your glass up to the light to make sure the coverage is solid.  The newspaper can make you think that you have full coverage but as you can see by the glass above, that's not always the case. If this happens to you, don't worry. Since you are going to distress the glass, this uneven coverage won't be an issue.

Once the painting is finished, you'll begin the distressing process.  Using a spray bottle (I got mine at the dollar store) with a mixture of 50% water and 50% vinegar lightly spray the inside of the vessels. You'll see the mixture bead up on top of the paint.  Let it sit for a few minutes.  Spray a paper towel with the same mixture.  Using your finger pads, rub in a circular motion on painted and treated glass.  You'll see the paint start to flake off.

You can create the effect that you like best depending on how much paint you remove.  After they sit for about 24 hours you can use candles in the holders.

I'm thrilled that this DIY turned out so well.  I spent about $13 on supplies.  I created one hurricane and four votives.  I still have lots of paint left over for more glassware. I know that I'll be able to create these for our wedding. They'll be affordable and they'll look beautiful. 

Frugal Fashion Friday - Friday's Fancies Edition Budget Picnic

My blogger friend {av} of long distance loving, hosts a great link up each Friday.  It's called Friday's Fancies and each week there  is a theme.  Quite some time ago I did a Friday's Fancies post for Gal Time. It was so much fun, I decided that I would like to start doing it on a semi-regular basis.  This week the theme is Primped for a Picnic.  All I needed to do was to select a fun outfit to wear to a picnic.  Of course I had to do it Real Girl style and find great style for less.  I decided to select designer items and then find their duplicates for less. I've assembled the budget version. Just click the links below to see the designer inspirations. Since maxi dresses are a favorite spring and summer staple for me, I started with a great version.  A convertible maxi dress!

The Budget Versions

Dress
Designer - Butter by Nadia Jersey Wrap Gown (Cherry) $315
Budget - Target Mossimo Multi Style Convertible Maxi Dress (Florida Coral) $35
How can you go wrong with a maxi dress that can be wrapped and twisted to create 10 or more different looks? It's like getting 10 dresses in one! The Target version comes in eight colors.  I love Florida Coral and Bookoo Leaf.

Sandals
Designer - Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal Studded Toe Ring Thong (Turquoise) $650
Budget - Carlos by Carlos Santana Florida Flat Sandal (Parrot Blue) $49
Crystal studded flat sandals in a fun blue color.  They work with pants, shorts and dresses.  I love all of my flat sandals and live in them all summer.

Earrings
Designer - Ippolita Sterling Silver Cascade Earrings $495
Budget -   Paula's Oversized Silver Disc Charm Chandelier Earrings $28.95
Bright silver chandelier earrings are a little boho and always fun.  They go with everything from t-shirts to a beautiful dress. 

Ring
Designer - John Hardy Dragon Head Ring $795
Budget -  Giant Dragon Head Pewter Ring $13.57
I'm a huge fan of statement rings.  They are always conversation starters and they will never over power your outfit. 

Watch
Designer - Michael Kors Runway Two Tone Chronograph Watch $250
Budget - Vernier Two Tone Chrono Bracelet Watch $29.99
This watch is classic styling with the modern twist of mixed metals and the oversized look.  It's a watch that will be on your arm for years to come.

Sunglasses
Designer - Prada Arm Detail Sunglasses $290
Budget -  GirlPROPS Curlycue Big Lense Sunglasses  $17.99
I fell in love with these unique sunnies a while ago.  But the curly side and the "it" factor kept me from spending the big bucks. Lucky for me there is a great duplicate available.

Champagne
Designer - Dom Perignon $181.99
Budget -Nicolas Feuillatte Brut $22.99
Quite a few years ago a sommelier recommended this champagne to me.  He said it was one of his favorites and he liked it even better than Dom Perignon.  I was shocked but gave it a try.  Up until that point champagne wasn't my favorite but that was because I'd only had sparkling wine. I fell in love and now it's a staple at my house and parties. True champagne is from the Champagne region of France.  It's leaps better than any sparkling wine.


TOTALS
Designer    $2934.99
Budget         $197.49
Savings      $2737.50

An entire outfit for just a little more than the cost of the champagne alone!!!  Now that's budget shopping.

Happy Friday Real Girls!!!

A Swapping Kind of Weekend in the DC Area

If you live in the DC area there are two great clothing swaps going on this Saturday!  Two chances to snag some great clothes for free or almost free. Each event is a bit different so there is something for everyone!  Below are the details.

The dewdrop DC swap will be held in Arlington, Virginia at the Hilton. The cost is $10 with five items for swap and $15 without swap items.  Tickets are available via event brite. Be sure to note, there is a drop off time for this swap.

The Frugal Fashionista swap will be held in Springfield at West Springfield HS. There is no charge to attend but you are required to bring items to swap and you must RSVP via Meetup.com.

If you don't live in the DC area you can search for an upcoming clothing swap in your area via swap.com or the swapaholics.  

You all know how much I love to attend clothing swaps.  They are a great way to try get some new items and to purge your closet a bit. I can't attend these events this weekend, due to other plans, I'm really sad.  If you've never been to a swap before here are some tips. 

• Check the details of the swap you are attending.  Each swap is a little different and you'll need to follow their guidelines. 

• Only take gently used items to a swap.  It's not a place to dump your ripped t-shirts and pilled sweaters. If you are getting rid of an item because it's past it's prime and worn out, don't take it to the swap, throw it away or donate it.

• Your items should be clean (either laundered or dry cleaned) and current.

• Do not swap swim wear or undergarments.YUK!  Enough said.

• Do not swap used beauty items (no lipstick, nail polish, etc.).

• Make sure the handbags you are swapping are completely empty and clean inside and out.

• If you are swapping shoes, remove any insoles or padding that you've added to the shoes (not the originals) and wipe the shoes out.  Also make sure they are in good shape. 

• Place jewelry in individual bags (zip loc bags are perfect) and clean any earring posts.

• Wear easy to remove clothing for try-ons.  Some swaps don't have changing areas so wearing leggings and a tank top under your outfit is helpful. 

• Bring a bag to haul home your purchases. 

• If you see something you like pick it up.  The item might not be there when you return and if you decide it's not right, you can always put it back. 

• Be courteous. Swaps aren't an excuse for bad behavior, no matter how much you want that designer top.

• Have fun and be adventurous!!  You might get a great new item that you would never take a chance on if you were shopping.  Remember, you can always swap it again if you find out later it's just not you.

I hope you'll attend a swap soon, no matter where you live.  They are budget shopping at it's best.

Frugal Fashion Friday Guest Post - Intimate Budget DC Wedding Venues

Today I'm going to ask your forgiveness for straying from fashion but we are still being frugal. I'm thrilled that guest blogging today here on RGR is my friend, Bree of Washington, DC wedding blog, Capitol Romance. I've met some amazing people through blogging and Bree is one of the best. She writes a fantastic blog that I enjoy reading (even before I was wedding planning) and she's a super cool person. I'm sure you'll enjoy this post and when you're done be sure to run over and check out Capitol Romance.  Here's Bree!

One of the biggest hurdles to overcome for small-budget weddings in Washington, DC, is finding a venue to accommodate a smaller, intimate wedding with a lower price tag too! Unfortunately Google tends to return not much help in that department – and the more well known venues in DC {the ballrooms, the hotels, the historic buildings, etc} tend to run pricey AND are better suited for larger weddings.

Fortunately for you, I have done some research, digging to find smaller, offbeat wedding venues in Washington, DC. I’ve featured a few smaller weddings on my blog that have been able to scour our city’s venues and find the ones that are more appropriate for smaller/intimate weddings!

1)  The Articulate Gallery 

Located just blocks from the White House – this gallery is one of my favorite low-budget, intimate wedding venues in DC! It has a bright modern feel to it – and art galleries are always good options for low-budget brides, as they are already decorated! Check out more pictures and information on the rental space here.    

Check out Jack and Liz’s wedding at the Articulate Gallery here.

2)  The Human Rights Campaign – Equality Center 

Located in Logan Circle, there is a modern building called The Human Rights Campaign – inside is a center, awesomely named, the Equality Center, and you can rent it for events! There is so much that I love about the name/history of this place and what it stands for. I even considered this as my own wedding venue because I loved the idea of getting married in a place that fought for human rights and equality for all!    

  

3)  Fathom Gallery 

Another art gallery option for DC area couples, searching for that small, intimate wedding venue – without the sky-high prices. Plus, like I mentioned with #1, art galleries rule for low-budget weddings because no additional decor [or at least not a ton of it] is really needed! 

4)  The Parks House  

The Parks House is in Georgetown, on “Embassy Row” and it has “historic Washington, DC” written all over it. There are multiple rooms and a gorgeous garden (a garden ceremony? In love with the idea!) and would make for an ideal intimate venue in DC proper. 

5)  The Tabard Inn 

The Tabard Inn is actually a boutique hotel in Dupont Circle. But it is available to rent as an event space for smaller events. The banquet halls are the perfect mixture of traditional and offbeat – as you can see here with the crown molding, but lime green paint.

 

Check out a real wedding at the Tabard Inn here. 

6)  The Cranford House  - The Cranford House is home to the American News Woman’s Club and is an architectural treasure! It’s a historic, 4-story townhouse outside Dupont Circle in Embassy Row. Perfect if you want the elegance of a French revival home, for a more intimate setting for your wedding.

Click here for a real wedding at the Cranford House.

Thanks Bree, for helping me keep my sanity and giving me great venue suggestions! Don't forget to check out Washington DC wedding blog, Capitol Romance.

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Frugal Fashion Friday - Thrifty Wedding and a bit of Insanity

I'm writing this post in the hope that you can all help me to regain my sanity. As you know we are planning a wedding. I've been engaged for a year now and as of April we are one year away from our wedding date. I feel like the line in the song "Long Day" by Matchbox 20. "It's me, yeah and I can't get myself to go away"  Even though I try not too, random wedding planning thoughts keep popping into my head. How do I get them to stop?

Me and My Honey

 

I'm equally parts excited and terrified. Terrified about the wedding planning, not getting married.  That, I'm 100% sure about. Our budget is very tight and the DC area is very expensive. I love planning and throwing parties but this is no normal party. I know two things. I don't want to spend our entire wedding budget on a venue just because it's pretty.  I also know that I don't want to spend our wedding day cooking and decorating. So I have to do two things that are very hard for me, be super organized and ask for help (aka relinquish control ). I'm sure you're wondering what this all has to do with Frugal Fashion Friday.  Well, we are going to be doing lots of DIY projects over the next year and getting help from people that love us (thank goodness they love us).  One of the things we want to have at the wedding is a dessert bar.  During the Holidays I make lots of homemade cookies and candy as gifts for friends and family.  I've collected great recipes from the Internet and some are recipes I've been making for years. Luckily my wonderful friend (and future daughter in law) is going to help me make all of these goodies ahead of time. 

Homemade Snickers Bars

I want it to be a pretty display.  I saw this great picture of colorful cake stands and got the idea to use them as a display for the goodies.  I'm on the hunt for them at thrift stores, flea markets, and on sites like ebay and Craig's list. 

I've already found a few platters and a cake stand at Goodwill.  Luckily, I have lots of time for hunting. There are so many other ideas flying around in my head.  I won't bore you with all of the details. This is not a wedding blog.  There are lots of great ones out there, like my friend Bree's site, Capitol Romance!  Bree will be guest posting the first week of April.  

Have any of you ladies out there felt like you were losing your mind while you were wedding planning? If you had tight budgets how did you do it? 

Happy Friday Real Girls!!

Rewind Via Instagram - Mid February

The last few weeks have been fun and busy. Tuesday will be a nutty day so I thought I'd share some of my favorite photos from the recent past. These were taken via Instagram (an iPhone app).  You can view all of my Instagram photos here.  As I mentioned before I'm not crazy about Valentine's Day and we are a budget couple right now.  We didn't give presents. We gave each other cards, went ice skating using Groupon, and I made dinner and brownies for us. You read about some of my couponing adventures in last week's Frugal Fashion Friday post and I've had another victory since then (FREE is the word). Yesterday, I did some discount shopping at one of my favorite stores, Loehmann's and could only afford to buy one thing (to be revealed soon, my girls).  I had to leave some amazing items behind.

Fave DIY Purchases Lately - Glue pen and glitter to create cards and decorations.

Our Pre-Valentine's Date - Ice skating and hot chocolate

A Gift for My Honey - Heart shaped brownies (handmade, from a mix)

FREE (full size) Hair Products! - Using coupons and a store sale (note: I'm in love with the volumizing powder)

An AMAZING Bracelet - Didn't buy it but I might have to go back for it.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Discounts on Beauty Items

Last year I did a post about saving on fashion and online shopping.  In the post I was a critical of the people on the TLC show "Extreme Couponing".  I've always been one to admit when I'm wrong. While I still don't understand stock piling items you'll never use, I have changed my mind and thinking on using coupons at grocery and drugstores.  Financially things have been tight for us for the past year or so.  I know it's been tough for lots of people.  But I decided to do some things to reduce our grocery and drugstore budget. When I first started watching the show, I thought the people featured were over the top. I soon realized that I could use some of their strategies, on a much smaller scale, to save on my regular grocery and drugstore runs.  I didn't have any illusion that I'd get $3,000 worth of groceries for $10.  I thought if I could save a large percentage, maybe $50 or more on an average shopping trip, I'd be thrilled.  I started by clipping coupons from the Sunday paper and matching them with store deals. I also read local blogs to get the scoop on other deals. My favorites in the DC area are Beltway Bargain Mom and Capitally Frugal. There are great blogs in every area. Just do a search to find some close to you.

I've started regularly using beauty item coupons at CVS and matching those deals to earn CVS Extra Care Bucks (ECB). CVS has a fairly liberal coupon policy.  They also have a money back guarantee on beauty products. Have you ever bought a new tube of lipstick, just to get it home and hate it? Have you bought the wrong foundation?  Their guarantee covers, cosmetics, skin, healthy skin, sun care, hair care, hair accessories, hair color, ethnic hair care, and fragrance. You can return your product for a full refund within 60 days.They also have a Beauty Club. Just link your CVS card to the Beauty Club.  You'll get a 10% off coupon just for signing up.  For every $50 in beauty products you purchase you get $5 in Extra Care Bucks. You can also earn Extra Care Bucks by purchasing certain amounts of products.

Yesterday I took a little trip to CVS. One of the things I always do when I walk into CVS is to scan my CVS Care Card at the coupon kiosk. Yesterday I got $5 in Extra Care Bucks and a coupon for $2 off of hair color. Using the coupons I'd clipped, sales that were going on at the store, and Extra Care Bucks (including the the $5 ECB I got that day), I purchased $73.31 worth of beauty products for $36.06 (before tax)!

Here is the tally...

At checkout I also received a $10 CVS Cash Card (like a gift card) and another $5 in Extra Care Bucks. I got these by completing two deals. The first was to purchase $30 worth of certain products and get a $10 card.  The second was to purchase $15 in John Frieda products and get $5 in Extra Care Bucks. I'd purchased a portion of both of these deals in previous shopping trips. My purchases yesterday completed those deals and earned me the card and ECBs.  The greatest part is that the dollar amount used to calculate those deals is taken prior to any coupons you use.  I needed $12 in John Frieda products to complete the $15 needed for the $5 ECB.  I got two products totalling $12, then used $4 in coupons, paying $8 and got $5 in ECBs for a future purchase.  You can use as many ECB coupons as you'd like in an order and you don't have to make a minimum purchase to use them.

I don't spend tons of time every week clipping coupons.  I get a few copies of the Sunday paper. In the DC area we get our coupons on Saturday. I sort though and pull the ones that are for products we use.  Then on Sunday or Monday evening, while watching guilty pleasure TV, I clip coupons. I wouldn't consider myself an extreme couponer but it sure does feel good to get products at a huge discount. One of my most exciting CVS trips was when I purchased a couple of hair products and a magazine and paid only $.19!  Yes, you read that correctly, 19 cents!  On top of that I also got $5 in Extra Care Bucks.  Using coupons, store deals and ECBs, I paid 19 cents and had $5 to spend on my next purchase. Who doesn't love free or discount beauty products?!

My couponing journey has been aided by some good friends who share stories, tips, and coupons.  This post is for you, Marissa, Denise, and David!

HAPPY FRIDAY REAL GIRLS!!

Full Disclosure Note:  The opinions expressed are my own. I did not receive any compensation from CVS or any of the product companies featured.

DIY - Holiday Decorations, a Recap

As you all know I took a little break over the Holidays. I didn't post much between Christmas and NYE. I think I needed a little techno break and I was nursing a terrible cold during that time as well. With all of the Holiday prep and scrambling at work, I was toast.  I didn't get a post done showing you all my Holiday decorations.  I grabbed some items from the thrift store. I also purchased a few inexpensive items from discount retailers like Target as well as some spray paint (of course). Combining them I created some unique decorations that didn't bust my budget.

Tray and candle holders from Goodwill

Supply List

• Candle holders from Goodwill
• Tray from Goodwill
• Christmas lights (two strands)
• Christmas ornaments (balls - glitter, metallic and snowflake ornaments)
• Ribbon (one roll 2")
• Spray Paint (Krylon Chrome and Glitter Blast)
• Candles (tapers and votive)

In an earlier post, I told you about this year's blue and silver theme. I wanted to do things a little different and I liked the idea of blue and silver.  The snow and icicles make for a pretty combination. Plus, I LOVE sparkle but you all know that too.

 We have a large staircase railing and it needed a little something. I took a roll of ribbon, one strand of lights and 2 packages of snowflake ornaments (4 snowflakes per package at $1 each) and decorated the railing.

Staircase railing - 1 roll of ribbon, 2 packages of snowflake ornaments and one string of lights that we already own

We have a shelf in our entry area that holds our charging station, boxes of scarves and our keys.  It is usually decorated with a large red vase with reeds.  I grabbed a clear vase from the cabinet, stuffed it with one strand of blue lights and topped it with glitter ornaments. I ran the chord behind the vase and plugged it in.

Entry way Decoration - Clear vase that we already own, a few ornaments and one string of blue lights

Using the Goodwill candlesticks and a couple we already own, I spray painted and glitter painted some of them.  I have to say, Krylon Chrome and Glitter Blast are some of the coolest DIY items on the planet.  They transformed some of the sticks. My friend the DC Goodwill Fashionista says that I'm the queen of spray paint.  I have to say, that I don't think there is much that can't be improved with some great spray paint.  Check out the before and after of the candlesticks and I'm sure you'll agree. The dark glitter stick right front in the picture below was transformed from a chipped frosted glass stick that I grabbed at Goodwill.  The chips were eliminated by the Glitter Blast paint. You can't even see them now. 

NYE Decorations - Goodwill candlesticks (some painted), A few candlesticks we own (spray painted), Christmas ornaments, Candles from the dollar store, and one candle that was a gift

 I think I amazed myself a bit with the transformation of this tray.  It was a blah wood tray and now it's a WOW tray.  I love it!  This one will stay on our coffee table for many months to come.  I added a few ornaments and the holiday theme continued. A $3 tray and a ($4, originally $7.99 before coupon) can of Krylon Chrome became a great coffee table focal point. 

Using some tape and the same glitter and metallic ornaments I used on the entry way, I created a decoration for our entertainment cabinet.  I stuck the ornaments together, using the tape and placed them on the cabinet.  The ones hanging are attached using the strings that came in the box.

The Tally

• Candle - Goodwill  $9
• Candle holders (own)  $0
• Mosaic candle (gift)  $0
• Vase (own) $0
• Tray - Goodwill $3
• Christmas lights (two strands - one purchased) $4
• Christmas ornaments (balls - glitter, metallic and snowflake ornaments) $14
• Ribbon (one roll 2") $3
• Spray Paint - Krylon Chrome and Glitter Blast $8 (with coupons)
• Candles (tapers and votive) $5

TOTAL COST -  $46

The bonus is that all of the items can be used again. I also have enough spray paint left for other projects. For less that $50 I decorated the entire house for Christmas and New Year's Eve. You can find great buys at your local Goodwill or thrift stores.  With a little spray paint and some creativity, you can decorate your home any time of year.

I have more DIY coming soon.  What's your next project?