How to Decorate for FREE!

I love decorating and decorating in a way that looks collected. Sometimes a collected look that adds lots of character to a home, can be pricey. But I tell my clients to try and find items for FREE!

I know this sounds crazy, but it's easier than it sounds. I have a reputation for wanting things old and new. I make sure to tell all my friends, family and even my neighbors...

"Before you throw it out or give it away, please ask me first!"

I always offer to pay for the items I want, but often I find people are wanting to get them out of their house. These can be items people no longer have a use for or just get tired of. Sometimes people find it easier to toss items than donate. So, I tell my friends to call me first!

This also turns into my friends and family telling their friends about my want of seconds and junk. This works for my homeschooling materials too! It's great! It never hurts to ask or just put it out there...

I also find things in my neighbors trash. I know his sounds disgusting. Now don't picture me digging through my neighbors trash..., LOL! I'm finding these items on the curb. I either knock on the door and ask if I can snag it, or I text message them. Most of the time they just laugh at me and say "sure, no problem!" Then, I find them texting me with pictures, saying do you want this....before I throw it out?

I LOVE that!!!

So what do I have that was FREE?

This awesome copper pot has a small patch of black paint on the back, and my neighbor had it in her trash. Lucky me, I saw it first!

{Bonnie is a picture hog, and was following me taking pictures around the house...so funny!}

French antique table I'm sure I've bragged about before. But I seriously adore this table! I got this for free from a friend of a family member. She was redecorating, got tired of the table and wanted it gone before her new table arrived. According to the family member, she paid $10,000.00 ....OMG! I got it and the dining chairs she was tired of too, for FREE!

These chairs had a wine bottle print fabric on them. I recovered them and paired them with a table my husband found on ebay. They were not my favorite style, but I bought two arm chairs to coordinate, and the fact that I got 6 dining chairs for free, is fabulous!

When we built the house, we had leftover plywood. I asked the trim carpenter to cut me a HUGE circle out of it. I painted the face of the clock, purchased the mechanism from a local clock repairman, it required a much larger mechanism than the hobby stores sold, and the nail heads were some I found laying around an antique shop...only a couple nailheads, but it adds to the distressed look. I get asked a lot where I got the clock from. So not completely free...but mostly free!

Thanks to my sister Heather, I got these awesome baskets for the..."oh my gosh, what do I put there?"...space, above our front door.

These urns, I'm sure I've mentioned before too; but, I got these out of my other neighbors trash before she moved. I called her and asked permission to grab them, and YAY, they were mine! I use them all over my house. They've been on my back patio, various centerpieces on dining and entrance tables, as well as above my living room entertainment center.

This bed, I got for free from a friend who was tired of it. I painted it a deep red and I think it turned out to be the perfect fit for another twin in my sons room. This added another sleeping spot for cousin sleep-overs too!

The tiny roll top desk was my grandfather's, my Dad's, and now my sons get to have it. The chair I found for $10 at an antique mall, to finish off the look. Not quite the right height...but it works!

So don't be afraid to ask for Free items, or used items you can acquire for inexpensive. Once you get the word out, people remember, and will ask you if you want their stuff!

Don't be afraid to look past the fabric, paint, and any minor imperfections. A little paint, glue, and fabric can go a long way. Plus some imperfections give an item age and character. This is true for modern design as well. If you want a more modern look, a glossy white or black paint really changes even the most traditional pieces.

So have fun getting the word out that your Cheap...I mean Frugal; and are looking for unique items for free or a great Low price!

Happy Hunting and Have a Fantastic Week!

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Do You Teach Music & Foreign Languages in Your Homeschool?

Most of us have seen the Duggars. They were my first real look at homeschooling.

Intimidating much?

They are ALL so well mannered, self-sufficient, self-motivated, musical...extremely musical and they study foreign languages too!

When you are new to homeschooling, you realize very quickly, that most children that were homeschooled from an early age, know how to play musical instruments very well, they know a foreign language, and are involved in many extra curricular activities.

I thought this was HOMEschool?

Watching and hearing about these familes can be intimidating, as a first time homeschooler. In public school, I had my boys home, in the driveway, at 4pm. There was hardly any time left for anything but homework.

At first I felt obligated to try many things...but mostly excited at all the opportunities we have available to round out their education.

We picked guitar, then piano and piano has been fantastic. It is also fantastic that their piano teacher comes to the home too!

So rule #1: find an instrument they like and stick with it! Consistency for a college resume is KEY! You read enough articles and you figure this rule out, really quickly!

Now what about a foreign language? I heard: wait until high school, start as soon as possible, learn Latin, etc..... At first, I had suggestions from others, that French was the go to language...but, we live in Texas, huh?...Now that I'm thoroughly confused...what do I do? ACK!

I finally got advice from my wonderful sister in law Hannah, who is currently at Harvard. She recommended, as did her friend, another student at Harvard that was homeschooled, *committing, to a foreign language that is a living language, ie. not Latin!

~ A living language, is a language that is spoken daily around the world. eg. Spanish, German, French, Japanese, etc.

* {A long term commitment in musical instruments and a foreign language is key to a great looking college resume!}

Me: "No Latin? But, so many homeschoolers push Latin..is it bad if we don't?"

Their explanation on this recommendation is this:

Latin is great for doctors and lawyers, but a living language will open doors to travel, and career opportunities, as well as career advancement. Here in Texas, Spanish is a great option. They have signs in Espanol at our local stores.

I must say, even my friends who are Dr.s have said it's not necessary to learn Latin for medical school early on. When you learn a foreign language like Spanish or French, they are Latin based, so learning Latin terms later, is easy. So focus on the living languages.

Rule #2: Follow your children's interests and take into consideration where you live. I hear French is great for East Coast residents, I guess because of European travelers?? But here in Texas, Spanish made the most sense!

Chosing Spanish was the easy part. Now where do we find the right instructor?

There are many avenues for a foreign language study.

There is the Rosetta Stone route, or through your local library, there may be online free language programs. Our library had Mango. We used Mango on and off over the last year. We also used a tutoring facility that connected us with a Spanish tutor. She was fantastic, but it just was a little too costly. When you use a tutoring facility, you are paying them to do the research, the use of the building, and don't forget they have to make a profit!

You have to remember, I'm cheap! My husband always tells me to say, FRUGAL...not cheap!

So we took a long break, and realized after trying it on our own, we needed a live tutor. Spanish is not my first language, nor my second. So me trying to help with pronunciation was reallllly funny!

I decided to try and find someone who could come to the house. I began by using my gift of chatting and started asking!

I mentioned it in talking with the boys hairdresser, who mentioned it to another client, and that client is now our Spanish tutor! Luckily, she is a trained teacher and travels to students homes.

Jasmine, our new Spanish tutor, has only given them one lesson, but I can already see that she is a great fit! She will come to our home once a week and give homework. They were very anxious to get started and couldn't stop talking about how much fun she made the class.

This week it's making flashcards and working on memorizing them.

We are excited for the boys to get a foreign language under their belt and we are grateful for having wonderful people around us, always helping us get closer to our goals.

It takes a village!

So, the key in homeschooling your children is networking, chatting, & always putting out there what your needs are...you never know what will land in your lap.

Happy Saturday! Or should I say...Felize Sabado!

 

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Inspirational Monday: Keep Calm~

Keep Calm!...Ya right!

The "Keep Calm..." campaign seems to be everywhere; but, this t-shirt one I found on Pinterest just made me laugh! It was describing ME!

I think it's funny how, no matter how much I plan or organize, I'm always worried I've forgotten something. I guess that is just part of being a busy mom and wife. However, it is nice to have a laugh about my nerves and at the same time, I'm also very thankful for smart phones and calendar alerts!

Here are a few reasons from the last two weeks, that I may be having a little anxiety and yet, they make me SMILE!

~ Miss Bonnie got spayed. It seemed easy enough until they said 4 days of bed rest. Are you kidding me? It was certainly a challenge!

~ Mr. Darby decided he was a mole hunter...poor mole. And a bath it is!

~ After a quick bath, Mr. Darby, {not even completely dry}, was ringing the bell to go out, vigorously! He was recruiting Miss Bonnie to help hunt for critters...ummm, NO!

 

~ This is BEFORE the boys got their braces on...yes, both at the same time...what was I thinking? Poor guys were in pain for 4 days! And not exactly happy.

~ This was them AFTER, 4 days later and eating a liquid lunch before their golf lesson.

~ The never ending laundry! I sure wish my bank account would keep accumulating unexpectedly, like my laundry basket! It is never done...

Oh, and did I mention that I homeschool, LOL! I have to continually research, lesson plan, grade papers, etc. So the moments when I'm asking myself why I'm feeling overwhelmed, {like lately}, I look at my last two weeks and I'm reminded...oh, yes...that's why!

But, then it's those moments I remind myself, that someone has a crazier schedule than me, and life just IS crazy busy. So deal with it...hopefully not making me nuts in the process, heehee!

So this is how I "Stay Calm":

~ Occasionally I get to try new baking recipes...which by the way, this cake was fantastic! It is part of my husbands and my wheat free diet.

A lemon, ricotta, and almond flourless cake. I have this pinned on my Wheat Free board on Pinterest. The color in this picture came out strange, those are sliced almonds on top. I didn't use the powdered sugar, but it was so delicious with coffee and tea!

~ I also turn on one of my favorite movies, "Sense and Sensibility" or "Pride and Prejudice", to relax and fold a little laundry at the same time...trying to kill to birds with one stone.

~ And occasionally I get to take me time too...in my favorite clawfoot tub! I take a detox bath several times a week. It helps with my dry skin from my asthma medications, and supposedly helps rid you of toxins. All I know, is it makes my skin feel great and it relaxes me.

I use Epsom Salts, Hydrogen Peroxide and a dash of Mr. Bubble, it reminds me of being a little girl, I love the smell!

Monday's Inspiration:

Try not to stress, but if you do, try to laugh at yourself! Remind yourself, that life's daily stresses are usually linked to people, animals, and things we love; so in the end, it's worth your time. Life is short, so take a long hot bath, {showers tend to make me feel rushed}. And maybe try to learn something new, like a fun recipe, which may give you another excuse to slow down and watch your favorite "feel good" movie.

Happy Monday and Keep Calm~

 

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Inspirational Monday~

I always find it inspiring, when simple quotes make a BIG impact! If you watch the news, sometimes it feels less informative of the necessities in life, and more of a delivery of doom and gloom.

So often we hear of people wanting more money, more promotions, more "THINGS", (not excluding personal relationships), for nothing. No hard work, no manners, no effort! How did we end up like this?

I know I mention my 3rd Great Grandfather often, but I am constantly impressed and inspired by his fortitude. He had barely finished elementary school, and yet went on to own two successful businesses and from what I've been told was an amazingly funny and kind man.

This is what he told my Dad...as I know I've quoted many times before...when my Dad was home from college, telling his Great Grandfather all about his schooling.

" Blair, you keep telling me what college tells you, you can't do...

I didn't know I couldn't do anything, so I did everything!"

"Dad", as everyone called him, was exactly the kind of person I'm inspired by, and exactly the kind of man I try to teach my boys to aspire to be. He died a few months shy of his 101st Birthday. His father was a teacher and farmer, who also died at 101, days after shucking an entire field of wheat. Giving up was not in the genes; but, hard work and kindness was definitely strongly woven into the DNA.

He always showed by example the elements in the inspirational quote from Pinterest, that I posted above. Hard work, using manners your parents taught you,(one more that I've added), and being kind, will bring amazing people and things to your life.

"Dad" Borthwick's home, that I was lucky enough to grow up visiting every Summer as a kid. These are my two boys getting to visit our old family home.

One of "Dad" Borthwick's businesses that still holds his name, in Honolulu.

So today, I hope you think of who or what inspires you to be a better person. Don't forget, that when you feel better about your own life and life choices, it somehow automatically rubs off on to others in your life.

Happy Inspirational Monday!

 

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Fresh Ideas For The Same Old Stuff!

As an interior designer, I get asked quite a bit, how to get your home looking FRESH, without breaking the bank. As a mom, and a "homeschooling mom", I'm always looking how to save money or not spend any money at all, and still get a fresh look in my home for very little money & effort.

This time of year, you've taken down all the Christmas decorations, and your still locked up in the house, (in most places in the U.S.), due to Old Man Winter. When you have the winter blues, a good way to bring some sunshine into the home is with a little greenery and a little furniture "switcheroo"!

It's a great time of year for cleaning, purging, and organizing too. I organized my master closet, and bought a few more organizational items.

The canvas boxes are a great way to store flip-flops, slippers, or any shoes your not using on a daily basis. This keeps your closet looking clutter free and your items dust free.

{Because we have a, "no shoes worn in the house" policy, I have the boys shoes in the canvas boxes and boots on the shelves below. This keeps the dirt, germs, etc. on our floors down to a minimum.}

The canvas garment bags, keep my summer items dust free and ready to wear.

I organized Glen's side too. It was really just dusting and de-cluttering. I added a night light and changed out the shade for a Crown Royal glass. The glass gives off more light and gives a masculine touch to his space. I added a few old books and the photograph of my Great-Great-Great Uncle George Freeth. He was the first lifeguard in California. My husband loves his story, and I thought a picture of George would be another old-fashioned masculine touch. I have always been inspired by Ralph Lauren's style...everything old is new again, and classy and luxurious spaces do not mean you have to sacrifice comfort.

I wasn't sure what he would think, and it turns out he loved it!

 

Our schoolroom got a new addition from a Hobby Lobby sale...Our new Chalkboard Map! Right now we are studying the 13 colonies and it is a great way to reemphasize our studies in geography and social studies/history.

 

 

Our living room got a new sofa before the holidays, so a little switching of the chairs from in the school room, lightened up the space even more. I brought back into the room, a little table for chess and a few playing cards, placed in an old condiment carrier, and of course a little chalkboard for score keeping. We are ready for games by the fire....My feeble attempt to snag those boys away from the video games!

 

I picked up this great longhorn at the Fort Worth Stock Show. I love using natural elements from your area, used as unique display pieces.

I couldn't pass this longhorn up...it too was picked up at the Fort Worth Stock Show. I still use winter greenery and freshen them with a few other pieces of floral arrangement greenery. Adding the pheasant feathers gives it a rustic look. I love moss decorative pieces! Moss is a great way to bring life to your home during the winter months, reminding you Spring is on its way!

Keeping the teal color and my new white vases from Walmart...I LOVE Walmart, you never know what your going to find. Then, the last touch was a big white bowl full of lemons. We go through lemons like crazy! I use them a lot in cooking and lots of water and tea drinks with lemon. Lemons are bright, smell great and always make spaces feel clean and fresh.

NOTE: I have fake lemons too. Funny thing is, I get so many compliments on decorations where I use lemons! Who knew? So forget the bowl full of cherries....use LEMONS!!!!

In the formal dining room, I kept the aqua scarf on the table, brought in some outdoor urns I already had, stuffed newspaper inside them...added my humongous pinecones from the holidays and more pheasant feathers. On the buffet, I brought in a wire urn I normally use outside and more lemons! It keeps the feeling of Winter and yet I feel it's uncluttered and fresh feeling. Maybe it's just because it feels new. Sometimes the fresh feeling we are looking for, is just some space that feels "new". This can be using the same old stuff, in new ways and in non-traditional spaces.

Have a great rest of your weekend. You still have time to freshen up your home before the weekend is over!

Happy Decorating!

 

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