Un-Shopping: Tips for Using What You Already Own

How nice would it be to give your apartment a whole new look without spending any money? This article from Apartment Therapy focuses on rearranging what you already have (no shopping necessary!) to make an old space feel brand new.

If your shopping eyes are bigger than your budgetary stomach, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you can pull together just by rethinking how and where you display what you already have.

A few months ago I visited my best friend and helped her decorate her otherwise sparse apartment. Given her tight budget, we made only one big-ticket purchase, which she had been saving up for. Mostly what I did was to help her find the best way to use what she had on hand but wasn't sure how to showcase. Here are some ideas for taking what you've got to make your home more like what you want.

Collections: My friend happens to have a trove of colorful, patterned cigar boxes. Instead of letting them keep languishing in a drawer, I stacked several of them around her apartment. Maybe you collect figurines or stones, ticket stubs or records; whatever it is, displaying them in an organized way will add a creative personalized touch. See the links below for ideas for corralling your collection.

Souvenirs: Travel finds are another great ways to add character to your home — highlight them! My friend is lucky enough to have traveled to some very interesting places, and I helped her find spots on her tables and shelves for her Russian nesting dolls, Tanzanian "crown" and necklace, and Uzbek tile. We also used colorful foreign money as art in an Ikea frame.

Your wardrobe: When your budget and your space are tight, make your stylish duds and accessories do double-time as decor. Hang them neatly and the clothes' and jewelry will add color and texture to the room.

Storage: If you, like me, have lots of little knickknacks, try rotating them. Keeping a portion stored away can not only help you avoid clutter but also make your possessions feel like new when you rediscover them.

Read more http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/un-shopping-tips-for-using-wha-164243

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What is Your New Year Resolution

Happy New Year everyone!  Do you have a New Year Resolution yet?  Share it with us!  And if you are still thinking about how you can make 2012 the best year ever, here are some ideas:

1. Lose Weight

This is probably one of the resolutions which are common to many people who always dream of having a beautiful and lean body. Was this one of your resolutions from past year? If so, be encouraged this year to follow it until you see positive results. Make a plan of what you will give up (late night snacks, that extra meal) in exchange for a lean body. You only have to make this shift once in your lifetime to get lasting results.

2. Getting Organized

Punctuality and organization is very crucial in a man’s life. People should always organize things accordingly and never delay any work what so ever. Work planning is very important both in office and also in home. The 2012 resolution must also include being organized and well planned. This will not only help in becoming a disciplined person but can also help in earning appreciation. In life problems are inevitable but handling these problems in planned and organized way is the main thing. Therefore a person’s resolution must include being disciplined. Simple things such as making a daily goal list before you start the day can go a long way.

3. Spend Less, Save More

How did you do financially in 2010? Many people spend money on unnecessary things without any justification. Money is an important thing in life and should be spent very carefully no matter how rich a person may be. Here’s a simple rule for you to follow in 2012. Before you buy something, always spend some time justifying the reason. You should spend the same amount of time it took you to earn that money on reasoning before you buy. If you do this, you will be able to cut most of the impulse purchases and you will be drawn to a better deal elsewhere.

4. Learn Something Exciting

Time waits for none and it should never be wasted. There are so many things that a person might engage himself or herself into apart from what they do. Where do you waste most of your time everyday? Do you spend idle time during waiting for the bus or train? Carry a book or an audio book on your career or profession every time you travel. Can you cut down on the time you spend watching TV, and learn a new skill? You’re never too young or old to learn a new skill. Therefore, make a resolution to upgrade your skills.

Check out the whole article with even more resolution ideas here :  http://www.2011resolutions.org/top-10-new-years-resolutions-for-2011/

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