Our Hopeful Home: More For Less and Lovin' It

I don’t know about you but I get “blog ideas” all the time. They just appear in my head and nag at me. “Wow, that would be such a great DIY project!" Then I let the idea fester for days, weeks, ~~months even~~ or longer. I may even go out and buy the materials needed for the job. But I don’t DO it. “What if I mess it up? What if it turns out B-A-D?” Then I see someone else writing about it on their blog. And I end up kicking myself for not doing it sooner. How dare they rock the blogosphere with my idea? {Just kidding.} Ideas are out there and we all have them at different times and in different ways.

One such idea came to me recently while looking through a Ballard Designs catalog. I started noticing a bunch of stuff in it that I had either made and/or gotten somewhere else {can you say Goodwill?} for a fraction of the price. What a great blog post that would make, I thought! But other than folding down some pages and sticking a few post-it notes here and there, I didn't actually write about it. Cut to me reading my daily blog list of blogs I love and what do I see? Home Stories A 2 Z wrote the post! And of course it rocked. I let myself bum over it for like a ~~week~~ day or two and then decided to go ahead with my idea anyway.

First off, meet my fabulous Frenchy mega wall clock.

This thing is HUGE, people -- 23'' in diameter. I absolutely love it! I found it in the Home Decorators Collection catalog for $29.00 and free shipping. $29.00!!! It was out of stock {no wonder} and I had to wait a few months for it to come in but it was totally worth it. Today they're charging $40.00, which is still a good deal when you compare it to prices like Ballard's and Pottery Barn. Look.

Ballard Designs

Next up is something that I had thought was so passe'. Then I see a resurgence of them and I'm in love. Again. Topiaries.

Goodwill

Are you ready for theirs?

Ballard Designs

Next up is my all-time-favorite Parsons Chair.

Goodwill

{Yes, you read that right.}

Now theirs.

Ballard Designs

Uh, I just saved $275.00.

Here's a small {but satisfying nonetheless} home decor item that I'm very happy I broke down and bought.

Hobby Lobby 50% off sale.

Theirs.

Ballard Designs.

And last but not least, I've always been amazed at the price of designer name "corkboards" or "memoboards," and blackboards. I've made both, but today I'll just show you one to give you an idea.

Frame: Goodwill. Corkboard and jewelry my own.

Ballard Designs

Yes, there's even more I could share but frankly I'm pooped. Maybe another post should be in the making? I WILL say that it's very satisfying to know that you've saved so much money, and created something beautiful for your home at the same time.

I hope I've inspired some of you to get out there and find some thrifty bargains. And they don't have to be the spitting image of Ballard Designs' decor. They just have to be something that you love.

Have a great week, friends.

xoxo