You don't need to spend hundreds, even thousands of money sprucing up your bathroom. Besides re-painting the walls, which is the most effective and frugal way to transform the bathroom,  this guest post from Diana Smith has other great money saving tips on how to achieve a bathroom remodel for less.
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If you are like most people, when you think about bathroom remodeling you will probably think about the daunting experience of removing every possible thing from the bathroom until all that remains are pipes sticking out of the floor. That image alone is enough to give you a headache, but when you add the thought of how much it can all cost, you will get the urge to scream. Out with the old, in with the new; out with the money from your bank account and in with shiny new faucets and tiles. Is there a way to remodel and restyle your bathroom without going bankrupt? Yes there is, and we’re here to help you.
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Reface your bathtub ​

Having an old bathtub is a drag – it can be solid and have great drainage, but it doesn’t matter if it looks awful. You might think that replacing your old tub is the only solution, but refinishing might be better. When you reface an old bathtub, it completely transforms it – the tub looks brand new and the entire room looks better because of it. It doesn’t matter how old and chipped the tub is, it can easily be turned into an appealing and fresh piece without you having to spend a fortune. When you replace an old tub, it requires a lot of work: there‘s demolishing the old tub as well as the ties surrounding it, not to mention having to pay for the new material and installation, plus having to pay to have it hauled away and dumped. After refacing an old tub, all you need are new shower curtains and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a whole new bathroom. 
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Change the lighting ​

You will be surprised once you discover how important lighting is in a bathroom. A simple act of replacing old bathroom light fixtures with brand new ones can turn a boring old room into a bathroom of your dreams. Lighting fixtures may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about remodeling (they are often considered a ‘finishing touch’), but they play a crucial role in the way the room looks. Not only will good light merely brighten the room, but it will improve your safety (you want to have a good light when shaving, don’t you?). The best thing about updating lighting is that it’s a perfect do-it-yourself project: with the right tools, some patience, a pinch of creativity, and surprisingly little money you can replace your old fixtures with new ones. You can also replace your old switch with a dimmer switch and get the perfect light for a romantic or relaxing atmosphere after a long day. 
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​Tile vs. linoleum floors

If you choose to change the base of your bathroom – the flooring – you can make a great change in the room without having to make a significant change in your wallet. As with all bathroom renovations that include tub, sink, and toilet replacement; flooring replacement can save you a couple of dollars. By picking linoleum, you don’t have to change anything: simply pick linoleum with intricate and beautiful design, roll it over your current floor and glue it down. You will need molding to hold down the edges, but that’s about it. Tiles can also be cheap and they too can go over other flooring, but you will need a professional to install them. 
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​You will not have walk around in your boring, old, outdated bathroom every morning, and you will not have to spend a fortune on your new bathroom. You will be able to get a great-looking new bathroom for very little money if you make a good plan and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your friends and family will be glad to help you with all the work and perhaps some useful information too, and when you finish you will have the bathroom of your dreams.
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About the author
​Diana Smith is a full time mom of two beautiful girls and a great animal lover. In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.
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Decorating your home is a fun and exciting activity. Yet, blowing the budget should not be an option, not when we can employ inexpensive tools to give our living environment a makeover. Whoever told you that this is impossible did not have your best interests in mind. So, do not turn a blind eye on bigger items, avoid spending money on small eye-candies, and keep a close eye on the bigger picture - your overall style. Put a focus on investments that make a real difference and summon the luxurious sensation without breaking the bank.  
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​Image credit: 1. The Frugal Lifestyle 2. Houzz

​Splendor and style

​Many things can be purchased for less, while others should not be saved on. Buying expensive artwork, for example, is not really advisable, considering that there is a wide array of cheaper alternatives. So, get your visual priorities straight, and take your time browsing the offers. Antique shops and specialty stores usually have some unique, one-of-a-kind options that will serve as heralds of the luxurious style. Also, remember that the classy look can be achieved with streamlined décor, the appeal of simplicity.

Elements like lighting are paramount, as they act as the very essence of the interior splendor. It complements all the décor components in the home, adding life and sparking interest. For the best possible effect, use ambient, overhead and floor fittings. It is possible to find some affordable and incurable solutions for lighting online, preferably the LED fittings that enable significant energy savings.  On the other hand, accents like pillows and rugs are not worth it unless you find an amazing, inexpensive piece. ​

​Image credit: Coolanz

Room by room

​In the very center of your home - the living room - there are a few bases to cover. First off, a comfortable and classy sofa is an absolute must. The investment is likely to pay off as quality furniture can last for at least a decade. Next, try to tie the room together with some wall art. Here, the situation is somewhat tricky because original works of art cost an arm and a leg. But, if you have inherited an extraordinary painting, put it in the center of the accent wall, and add some DIY art around it.

Furthermore, kitchens are the new domestic hubs. Now, upgrading to stainless steel appliances is a costly proposition, but kitchen projects offer an unparalleled return on the investment. A state-of-the-art design increases the value of the property considerably, and presents one of the most desirable features in the market. If the budget does not allow it, turn to replacing faucets, taps, and countertops.  Pick kitchen cabinets with eye-catching handles, or a functional and attractive dining table.
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Image credit: 1. Decoholic  2. This Old House 3. Real Simple

​Finally, one thing you do not want to compromise is a good night’ rest. Therefore, invest in a nice, soft mattress, picturesque headboard, and new duvet cover and bedding. Your bed is the focal point of the room, so do not hesitate to spend funds on items like stylish linens. At last, see what changes can be made in a bathroom, another soothing zone of relaxation. Try to obtain some cutting-edge modern taps and stylish faucets. Also, invest in a shower stall with swell tilting, and make your time spent in the bath the favorite part of the day.
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Let the magic happen

Budgetary constraints should not prevent you from injecting luxury in the home. Make it happen through the art of mixing and matching textures, colors and shapes.  Do not neglect the lighting, which does wonders for the home’s attractiveness. Invest the most money in the centerpieces of your home’s visual identity, and cut the spending on extra features. There is no need to clutter the living space, and purchase a myriad of accent pieces. With the ultimate reward - the majestic interior bliss - you will enjoy the time spent inside like never before.

   

     

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​Once you own a home, it can be difficult and costly to make and keep everything looking just so. Home improvements, home décor, cleaning and gardening can all add up and put a strain on your budget. But it’s the time of year for getting our houses in order and enjoying both our indoor and outdoor space. How can we do this whilst still being frugal?

The great news is, there are plenty of things you can do to improve your living space even if you’re working to a tight budget. We’ve scoured the dollar stores and pound shops to find 50 (yes, 50!) spare change home improvements that will cost you less than 1 British Pound or 1 US Dollar. Skip your trip to the coffee shop in the morning and you could make a couple of small home improvements instead. Miss that meal out and you could tackle a whole lot of the list below. And when you’re finished, your efforts will make your home a more pleasing place to be every day.
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Are you ready to improve your home with the spare change you’ve got in your pocket or your money box? Take a look at the infographic below to get started. You can read the original article here.

     

Sundays are the perfect day to go flea market shopping! I've been to my share of great flea markets in So. California as well as Paris. For inspiration on how to "display" your flea market finds, here are my top 5 favorite decorating books that has an emphasis on flea market style. Not only is it more frugal but it's also a unique way to showcase your decorating style. Plus, the books themselves make great display statements on coffee tables or anywhere in your home or office.

1. Flea Market Decorating: Creating Style with Vintage Finds

This is one of my all time favorite decorating books. It gives practical flea-market shopping tips and advice. This book has 275 inspiring color photos of homes and rooms featuring creative decorating ideas. Hundreds of ideas for giving a room character and personality with vintage finds. It gives easy how-to for evaluating, salvaging, and refurbishing finds. It has a list of favorite flea markets and antique fairs around the country. 

Click HERE to buy this book.

2. Flea Market Style: Decorating with a Creative Edge

This book offers exciting new ideas for choosing and decorating with flea market finds, illustrated with lush photographs of a variety of interiors from formal to funky. Part collector's guide, part decorating manual, Flea Market Style celebrates the marriage of two great passions - shopping and home design. It highlights flea market categories, from old textiles and paper goods to sports memorabilia, garden ornaments, collectibles, and major pieces of furniture, among others. This book proves anyone can use flea market finds to give their home a distinctive, personal style.

Click HERE to buy this book.

3. Flea Market Style

This book has great inspirations to furnish and decorate your home with "found" objects instead of new items bought in stores. It explains how to find fresh and unexpected uses of second-hand pieces and antiques, and reveal how to mix old and new with flair and panache. The author explain how to locate bargain copies of modern classics (or the real things) and how to mix flea market or thrift store finds with high-end basics.

Click HERE to buy this book.

4. Flea Market Chic

This book is about saving you money, along with recycling and repurposing. But its also about a sense of history and place, about individuality and creating a home that reflects your life and personality. Every piece in this book's interior has a story: the colorful pitcher found at a garage sale or the little chair found in a country junk store.  Discover how to spot clever finds in a pile of junk and how to re-discover and re-use things your or your family already have.

Click HERE to buy this book.

5. Paris Flea Market Style

If you love flea market bargain hunting and French interior design, this is the book for you! Shop and dream your way around the Paris flea markets like a pro with this colorful stroll through the city's best markets. Get tips on where to find what, trade secrets, favorite dealers and advice on shipping items home. Even if you can't make it to Paris, this book is truly inspirational. Take a seat and take a trip to Paris!

Click HERE to buy this book.

   

This guest post is from a home ideas website called Modernize. Read on for some great and practical home upgrade tips.

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While it would be nice to spend tens of thousands of dollars remodeling our homes, this is not something that is realistic for the majority of our budgets. Thankfully, a large budget is not necessary in order to make noticeable home improvements that will drastically change the way your home looks and feels. The following are a few upgrades that you can do for $100 or less.

1. Hang Curtains

Even inexpensive curtains can totally change the way a room looks. The right curtains can take a room that looks cold and functional and turn it into an attractive place that is warm and inviting. Find affordable ones at Target, Ikea, World Market, or Kohl’s. If you have basic sewing skills, you can also make your own.

2. Make Your Laundry Room Fancy

When it comes to home improvements, everybody thinks about the kitchen, the bathroom and the master bedroom. However, very few people think about the laundry room. A perfect way to add class to the laundry room is to install a laundry room chandelier. For right around $80, a Small Capiz Lotus Hanging Pendant Lantern from World Market can be installed that will spruce up your laundry room's appearance.


3. From Closet to Office

Not using your closet space? Well, why not turn it into a home office space? By simply removing the closet door and removing the hanging rods, and then installing two shelves, a narrow one higher up for storage and a deeper one that can serve as a desktop, you can turn unused closet space into an attractive home office. If you do the work yourself, you could purchase the shelves from The Container Store and install them for around $95.


4. Instant Kitchen Shelf

Nothing makes a kitchen feel open like shelving. Instead of installing new shelving, why not simply remove the doors from some of the upper cabinets that get little use. Then purchase acrylic paint that has a semi gloss sheen and paint the cabinets. With just a few hours of work, your kitchens will look like new.


5. An Eye-Catching Exterior

Every person who visits your home will see its exterior. For less than $100 you can make sure that the exterior of your home is something that will impress them. Exterior paint at most hardware stores will run approximately or less than $25 a gallon. With between 3 to 4 gallons of paint you can paint the trim and shutters of an average size home. For added impact, instead of selecting neutral colors, pick bold colors that will make your home catch a passerby’s eye. Obviously, you don’t want your home to be an eyesore. Select colors that match the rest of the home. If you do the work yourself, expect to spend at least one day on the project.


6. What a Difference a Tree Makes

A simple way to add curb appeal to your home while at the same time doing your part to protect the environment is planting a tree. Make sure the tree you plant is the right size for your yard. For example, planting a mango tree in a small yard is probably not a good idea since within 15 years the tree will grow to encompass a good portion of the yard. Most trees can be purchased for around $25. Planting a tree is a simple project that takes only a couple of hours and can drastically improve the appearance of your home and garden.


7. A Ceiling Fan

Install a vintage looking ceiling fan — Lamps Plus has one for $99, and it can not only improve your decor, but circulate warm air during the winter. If the blades are reversed, it can be used to conserve cool air during the summer, thereby reducing heating and cooling costs.


8. Tidy up Your Garage

A disorganized garage is an ugly garage. Why not spruce up the appearance of the garage by removing the clutter and organizing your tools using a simple pegboard rack. Pegboard wall panels can be purchased for about $16 for a 4 foot by 8 foot piece. Throw in a few more dollars for hooks and organizers and you have a garage that even your mother would be proud of.


Tim Smith writes for Modernize.

Happy December Tuesday! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. My tradition each year is to break out the holiday decor exactly on December 1st. Since our spanish house is small, I don't decorate with a traditional large Christmas tree, instead I used smaller trees and wreaths throughout.  

I want to share a few items on my coffee table vignette (see photo above) that I've collected over the years, either from thrift stores, yard sales or gifts from friends. Since my current home decor has hints of Paris, I incorporated them with my holiday decor in the living room pulling the red color to unify the look.  Look for more photos and tips throughout this holiday season. 

• Faux tree with burlap base - $9 from Big Lots!
  
• Basket jug (I added twigs) - $5 from Veterans thrift store
  
• Two candle holders (I painted them white) - gift from a friend
  
• Large tray on coffee table - $3 from garage sale
  
• Ceramic baby Jesus - gift from friend
• White coffee table (not shown) - $8 from yard sale
• Eiffel Tower burlap pillow on wing chair - $15 from Marshall's
  
• Fleur di lis ceramic coasters - $6 on sale from Carlsbad antique shop
  

Happy Thrifty Tuesday! I want to share some money saving tips when it comes to staging a home to sell. When my boyfriend Jim and I bought a house to flip a few years back, I not only wanted to save money on "staging" or furnishing the tiny cottage, but I wanted to spend practically zero money! 

As we got closer to furnishing the house, I was telling Jim... wouldn't it be nice if I could "find" a couch, table, desk, etc.. to save money. Well, wouldn't you know it - the very next day, someone left a perfectly good couch and side table right outside on the curb! Can you believe how the universe was working in my favor!! 

Most of the furniture were generously donated from friends or "found treasures" curbside. They just had to be refinished or painted for a brand new look. You can view the before and after photos on facebook.

Here are my frugal tips on how I saved money (or spent no money at all) on this house flip:

    

Happy Thrifty Tuesday! I wanted to highlight some of my favorite thrift store finds. These are items I've scored from thrift stores throughout the years and have proudly displayed them in my home. They were all in pretty good condition. I only painted the stool and table to coordinate with the color palette of the bedroom. I've acquired these items from Goodwill, Salvation Army, Disabled American Veterans, and others. Not only are these items frugal, but they are one-of-a-kind treasures!

    

Happy Frugal Friday! Summer (un)officially starts this Memorial Day weekend. Here in Southern California, the weather already feels like summer came early. There are so many frugal ways to enjoy this summer season. Get ready, summer fun is here!

You don't have to spend a lot of money (or any money) to enjoy summertime activities. If your budget is tight, but you still want to feel like you're on a mini vacation or staycation. Here are 10 fun, fabulous and free ways to enjoy summer.

1. The Beach - If you are lucky enough to live within driving distance to a beach (or a lake or a river or even just a pool), take advantage as much as you can this summer. Go early so you can find a good parking spot nearby, for free of course! Pack some essentials - such as food, drinks, reading materials, sunglasses, beach chairs, towels, etc.. and just relax and maybe even work on your tan!
2. Street Fairs - Check online for local summer fairs in nearby towns or cities. Admission is usually free and there are always lots to see and taste. We recently came back from the nations largest single day street faire in Carlsbad, CA. We didn't buy anything, but many vendors offer free samples. It's a fun way to spend the day and a great way to walk off the delicious rotisserie chicken lunch that we shared for only $6.00 !!
3. Summer Concerts - Many local communities offer free outdoor summer concerts. This is a fabulous way to enjoy your city's music scene and learn about new bands and hear great music. Check your local listings throughout the summer.
4. Stroll Old Town - This is one of my favorite things to do, in any season! Most areas have a downtown or old town with quaint local stores (vs. chain stores). Leisurely stroll and stop in at the shops and maybe grab a little bite to eat at one of the cozy cafes. I enjoy checking out little antique shops. This is a great way to discover little gems for one-of-a-kind treasures.
5. Farmers Markets - Hit your local farmers market early so you get the freshest produce. Support local growers (vs. big box supermarkets), often times they are cheaper and offer a much better quality. Most vendors offer samples too! You can also shop for healthier organic options. Make a shopping list of items you might need ahead of time, so you won't overspend.
6. Scenic Drives - Go a little off the beaten path to areas where you normally wouldn't drive to. Make sure it's not too far so you won't waste money on gas. Map out your destination ahead of time. Make sure to stop when you can to take in the sights.
7. Picnics At The Park - Pack a light picnic lunch and drive (or walk) to your favorite park. Pick a quiet, shaded spot and enjoy your meal. Bring some music or reading material if you plan to go by yourself.
8. Explore New Neighborhoods - This is a great way to feel like you are exploring a new neighborhood in another state or country! Pick a neighborhood, park your car, then meander around their downtown or residential area. I love walking around quaint residential streets with beautiful homes, I get inspirations on how I can improve my own home's curb appeal.
9. Flea Markets - One of my favorite destinations to shop! There are several flea markets or swap meets happening every Sunday. I usually find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts or something for myself for dirt cheap. Don't be afraid to negotiate with the vendor. Most of them would rather sell the item(s) vs. take it back home with them.
10. Go To The Museum or Zoo - Most communities offer "free to the public" admission days. Call your local zoo or museum ahead of time and take advantage of these great local attractions.

Happy Frugal Friday! Although I've haven't been to Paris or anywhere in France yet, I love all things french!

For the past 5 years I've kept my eye out for frugal Parisian items for the home. I've also been researching quaint apartments to stay in when we finally do make it to Paris, which I hope is within the next couple of years.  I was considering an apartment in the Latin Quarter. I welcome suggestions and recommendations on which is the best, most centrally located arrondissement for the money. Please send me your recommendations here.

In the meantime, I satisfy my french dreams by surrounding myself with beautiful french inspirations. My best friend Jeanine treated me to a delicious birthday lunch at Paris in a Cup Tea Salon in old towne Orange. To top off our great afternoon tea sandwiches, we split a scrumptious petite chocolate truffle cake (see photo).

Below are a couple of areas in my home where I did french-inspired yet frugal display vignettes that j'aime! 

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