“Seasonal Decorating For Less”
was
our topic
during LIFT
on Wednesday
November 20.
 |
| Speaker Susan Penning |
Susan
Penning, creator of an inspirational and humorous frugal living
website shared budget-friendly decorating, organizing and home
improvement tips.
Visit her website
to learn more:
Here are 10 helpful tips Susan gave us:
- Don't Jump The Gun. Stores start to sell early, so stay away from these isles. You first need to get into the holiday stuff you already have. Figure out what you want to keep or get rid of. Then you're ready to shop. If you need motivation, buy one small item to put out (like a Christmas tea towel).
- Shop After Season Sales. You now have a vision of what your house looks like and you know what you need for next year.
- Shop the Cheapest Stores First. Often big department stores will have the same or similar items for much more than discount stores.
4. Set a Spending Limit And stick to it. 5. Keep It Simple. Don't go overboard with decorating. Stay in the word of God to help you guard yourself from materialism. Spend money wisely on a few things instead of a lot of trinkets. What is your focal point? Decorate that. Too much makes it hard for you and your family to focus on the true meaning of the season.
"Too much stuff makes it hard for you
and your family to focus on
the true meaning of the season. "
7. Think Locally. Go outside for pine cones, greens, etc. Buying locally, you will get a better/nicer selection that's often cheaper.
8. Use Your Decorations In A New Way. Spray paint can create a whole new look. Ornaments in a glass vase look nice too.
 |
| "Your decorations should work for more than one season." |
10. Make Seasonal Decor Do Double Duty. Your decorations should work for more than one season. Throw blankets, rugs, and pillows in reds and browns can go through fall and Christmas. Then you can focus on the season instead of worrying about changing decorations. This saves on storage as well.
Susan also provided us with a BONUS CRAFT!!
Thank you Susan!!
 |
| A Fun Time Creating A Simple Christmas Craft "for less"!! |
Supplies:
* 2x6 board trimmed to 7” long, sanded
* 2x6 board trimmed to 7” long, sanded
*5x7
Chalkboard Print (printed for only $0.58 at Walmart!!)
Susan's free printables came from HERE. Find more on Pinterest "Christmas Chalkboards"
Susan's free printables came from HERE. Find more on Pinterest "Christmas Chalkboards"
*Midwax
Jell Stain (give a thicker paint look)
*Modge
Podge (this is a glue and sealer in one that is safe on photos) Matte
finish
*Paint
brush
Susan
had painted the boards for us. We sanded the edges of the wood to
give an aged look.
Then
we put the glue on the board, placed the print on top of the glue,
and brushed more glue on top of the print! Dry. That's it!!
 |
| A Simple, Easy, Elegant, and Inexpensive Craft - PERFECT!! |
 |
| Christmas Angel Project |
Next Month's LIFT is the SECOND Wednesday of the month
December
11
9:00am-11:00am
Little
Brunch, Much Celebrating
Each
lady may bring a food to share for our Christmas
brunch. We also will collect donations for the Juniata County Food
Pantry (food, toiletry items, cleaning products, or money).
****LIFT
will be creating a cookbook in January.
Please bring your
favorite recipes (no more than 5)
or email the recipes to Mashelle
