Well my dears, I’m fighting off a cold with all my might (bronchitis is going around my office building!) so I’m going to take it easy. But it seemed like a good opportunity to share some exciting news (that you’ve heard already if you follow me on Twitter)!

Ryan got a job!

Long-time readers might remember the exact opposite news about this time last year. Right before Thanksgiving 2009, Ryan was told he was being laid off. He was able to work through the first week of December. This was only a few months after moving in together, and many of our exciting plans were put on hold. Then in December, my job’s hours were cut down to 32/week.

Over the last year he’s been able to pick up some temporary work (yep, he was a census worker!) but for the most part, his main role has been that of house-husband. Taking excellent care of me, our kitty, and our home. He’s learned to love to cook, he keeps the house cleaner than I do, and if he starts paper-crafting he’ll be giving Martha a run for her money. But he’s been searching seriously for a job to feel challenged and creative again (his career field is software development).

About two weeks ago he scored his first interview all year, and they hired him on the spot! He’s working part-time, so we’re not quite back to normal yet – there is a possibility of promotion in a few months if things go ok. But we’re thrilled to be able to dream a little further than just paying the bills – I finally ordered some items for the house we’ve been waiting on. And hopefully we’ll be able to plan a mini-getaway for our anniversary in January.

I’m not going to get into a lot of detail here, but it was a tough year for us. I had been used to spending money freely as I wanted, and adjusting to a strict budget, cutting out almost all “fun money” and putting our savings goals on hold for a year was a big reality check for me. The next time this happens (hopefully not ever, but you never know, and I’m not going to be comfortable saying we’re in the clear for a few months still) I want to be prepared with a substantial emergency fund. We’re still in budget mode, but we’ve purchased a few celebratory items (pictures coming soon!)

And I definitely learned that even though I’m all for budget-decorating, when your budget is $0, there’s not a whooooole lot you can do after you’ve rearranged four times!

Ok, I’m going to go take some Vitamin C and make some tea. And please feel free to share some of your own exciting news in the comments! Let’s celebrate together.

Photo from stylist Twig Hutchinson.

All the frames were purchased in black specifically to be grouped together.  And for the most part, I was liking it – but the corner felt dark and heavy in comparison to the light walls and floors – especially next to the two bookshelves that are on the adjacent wall. So the frames came down and the glass and art came out.

To paint the frames, I had to wait for a couple good-weather days in a row, since I knew that the black paint would take many coats of white to be fully covered. I used old cardboard as my “work area” – it’s been used before as my spray-paint station!

First up, a nice even coat of primer. Doesn’t have to hide all the black (and it won’t) but it needs to be evenly applied because that’s what the white paint will stick to. This way I didn’t have to do any sanding (and since I wasn’t sure how all the frames were constructed, I wouldn’t risk damaging them with sanding).

The primer was followed up with four coats of white spray paint, which I spaced out between two days. I used a satin finish because I couldn’t decide between glossy and flat! Note: if you don’t get spray-painter’s hand-cramp after this, you are super-human. Ow!

I hung the pieces back up in the same basic configuration – but once I had the old prints in the new white frames, some of the black and white (read: mostly black) photographs looked too dark for the frames. So they went to live in my “art that needs framing” file and the white frames got some more colorful pieces that I already had.

One frame just wasn’t up for the makeover (the little one in the corner with the lady holding her rosary. I thought it would look weird with a white frame) so that got set aside. To fill the blank space, I pulled out a little 8×10 canvas (got it a while ago at an arts supply store) and some acrylic paints. I’m no pro, but some swirled paints got me a little piece of custom art for next to nothing and filled out my gallery wall. No framing necessary!

This is project #2 for our dining room rehab! More to come.

I’m thinking of trying to squeeze one under our gallery wall in the dining room to double as a buffet when we have guests over. And while we’re on a strict budget right now, I may be able to fit this project in sooner rather than later. One of the extra benefits of a skirted table is that the table itself doesn’t have to be all that pretty – just sturdy and level.

And just look how pretty these can be!

Here’s one that works as a buffet. I love the trim on the bottom, and the glass top makes it easy to clean!

Here is one in Lonny Editor Michelle Adam’s home, as a bar and storage:

And the same table in an earlier configuration that I saw on her blog, MA Belle, as a desk:

And lastly, as a tv console. The trim here is a pretty touch as well:

The skirt itself doesn’t need to be expensive either. I’ve heard of using canvas dropcloths as curtains before, but Bryn Alexandra just posted yesterday about using one to cover an old console. It would be a similar look to those above – a beige neutral. We were at Lowe’s last night and I wandered down the paint supply aisle, and sure enough, a small drop cloth in a basic canvas was only $5 (larger sizes went up to $20). Add some pretty trim like ribbon (or even fabric paint stenciled on – maybe in a Greek key?) and you could have a lovely “new” table from Craigslist looking pretty spiffy.

Don’t you think I could fit one in under this picture arrangement?

Wow, that reminds me I need to take some new (non-blurry) up-to-date pictures of this room! Stay tuned for some changes we’ve made, and if you want to add some encouraging words on adding a skirted table, it would sure help me in making my case to Ryan that we should take on another project right now!

Photos from: Nesting Newbies, Lonny Magazine, MA Belle, So Haute, and Maggie Rose.

P.S. Sign up for the Maggie Rose email newsletter for more tips on decor, as well as the “Best Of” round up (last month was barware!)

Ryan is still looking for that job!

Way back before the holidays I shared with you guys that my man Ryan had lost his job. Shortly after that bomb dropped, I got word that my hours were being reduced at MY job. It was a sobering position to find ourselves in.

No word on the job front yet (anyone looking for a smart and savvy computer software engineer in Seattle who is interested in design and user interface?) but we are still kicking. We had just signed a new lease and spent money on our move (truck, furnishings, etc). Since then we’ve made quite a few adjustments to stay afloat. Since I know many of you may be in a similar situation, I thought I’d share some of our tricks.

1. Giving within our means. Since our news came right before the holidays, we knew we had to trim back and not go hog-wild on Christmas gifts and decorations. Therefore, our tree was decorated with mostly family ornaments. We made our gifts (Ryan made fudge and peppermint bark and I embroidered dishtowels). We only gave family gifts. We set a small gift budget for stocking stuffers for each other – our other gift was adopting Thisbe the following month. The holidays were just as special and crazy gifts weren’t necessary.

2. Creating a budget. It’s not rocket science. Read any financial advice blog or article and they’ll all swear that a budget will help curb your expenditures. We use an Excel document in Google Documents to track what each paycheck is covering. It’s also helpful to get the big picture, especially when factoring in those occasional costs like dental appointments or car maintenance.

3. Trim, trim, trim. As soon as we got all our recurring costs on a spreadsheet along with an estimated “misc” section, it was easy to see that some things needed to go. We already didn’t have costs like cable tv (we have an antenna), gym fees (not that we couldn’t use it), or crazy car payments. But Ryan had some video game and book subscriptions that could be cancelled. And I had some shopping habits to be curbed. We also set a goal of $200 for food for the month, which meant little to no eating out (once a large portion of our expenses). Everyone’s spending habits are different, but most people have some flexibility in trimming extras.

4. Grocery shop. One of the benefits of Ryan being home all day is that he has lots of time to plan our meals and cook for us, so unless we want sushi or pizza we’re pretty much set (we haven’t tackled pizza yet, but I’m sure he could do that too). Though we’ve only ever dabbled in coupon-cutting before, we now check the periodical ads and look for the best deals on our usual buys and for any special treats that we might plan our meals around. We also look for deals on anything we could freeze (such as ground beef) and have later. We try hard to plan meals so that we’re using up all our produce or foodstuffs that might otherwise go bad and waste money. We used some of our Christmas money on a trip to Costco to stock up on canned corn and diced tomatoes, cereal, chai tea (my special treat), and frozen chicken. Those staples stretch our monthly food budget even further.

5. Coupons. Like I mentioned, we’re not crazy coupon cutters. I don’t have time, and Ryan isn’t that fussy. But we do have an Entertainment book that I bought in the fall, and instead of “oops, forgot the book at home” we have pulled out the coupons that we definitely want to use (the zoo, Safeway) and know that is our first resource when planning a date. Most of them are buy-one-get-one-free coupons, which is great if a bunch of friends are going to a movie and we don’t want to be party poopers. We chose our anniversary dinner date out of the Entertainment book. I bought the book from a co-worker whose daughter was selling them for a school fundraiser. And it allows us to still splurge on a date once in a while without breaking the bank.

6. Bring the media home. One of the budget items that avoided the chopping block was our Netflix account. We did, however, commit to really using it and watching many movies to get as much from our money as possible. We also stream tv shows on Ryan’s xBox through Netflix, which helps make up for not having cable. For all the movies we see, we save a bundle not seeing them in theaters. We’re also big library users. Ryan loves to get cds from the library, and I usually bring home a stack of design books. Libraries have changed a ton since we were kids – the online resources are outstanding. Many even have passes you can check out for local museums or attractions FOR FREE. You’re already paying taxes for library service, why not make the most of it? (Disclaimer: I work at a library, so I’m all kinds of geeky for the cool resources you can find).

These are just some of the ways we’ve been able to save major dough each month without feeling the pinch TOO much. I’m sure you guys have a lot of great ideas too. And speaking of the whole economy business, how are you doing? Do you feel like the worst is over? How have you been staying afloat in the time being?

Valentine’s Day is now less than two weeks away so if you’re planning to order something online, now is the time to do it. Ditto if you’re making your gift!

We’ve never made a huge deal about Valentine’s Day – since our anniversary lands so close we’ve always placed more emphasis on that. Especially this year we’re trying not to focus on the material side of a (let’s face it) rather material holiday. But no matter your financial situation, what better way to show your loved ones how much you care than by planning something sweet, special and from the heart? Even if you’re low on funds you can make these ideas happen!

1. Cook it: The classic alternative to dinner-out is cooking something yourself. But you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg at the gourmet grocer to make a meal memorable. Even your lover’s favorite delivery pizza will be romantic when served by candlelight and to the tune of soft-music. Definitely want to cook? Spaghetti and meatballs is cost-effective and you can practice your very own Lady and the Tramp moment.

2. Frame it: Maybe you still have tickets to the first movie you guys saw. Or a card or love note you sent early in your courtship. Maybe there is a favorite poem or movie quote that your honey has always admired. Your gift can be as inexpensive as a pretty frame for any of these items. More original than a photo but particularly meaningful to both of you. Plus, you can probably find a coupon for a framing store (or craft store like Michael’s) to make your dollar stretch a little further.

3. Bake it: On our first date, Ryan and I made chocolate chip cookies. Not even from scratch, just break-and-bake style. There is nothing sweeter than eating gooey cookies right out of the oven with the person you love. Don’t be a perfectionist (that ruins the fun), but do make sure you have milk on hand. Even sweeter if you tie a little love note to the milk jug and ask your babe to get it from the fridge.

5. Scratch it: Looking for a symbolic way to show your sweetheart that you’re in it for the long haul? How about some scratch tickets and a little piggy bank? Even if the tickets are duds you can name the bank your future-fund, for a vacation together, house, or wedding (that part is up to you!)

6. Go for it: Maybe it’s the chick flick/action movie that he or she has been begging to watch but you just. can’t. take. it.  Or the chore or job around the house that has been on your honey-do list for a few months. Here’s your chance to go above and beyond and show how much you care. Not just the movie, but snacks, pjs, and NO eye-rolling or complaining. Not just the chore but also a schedule of how you’ll be doing this task (toilet scrubbing comes to mind) for the whole year. You could also tack on an extra. Toilet scrubbed AND the shower drain cleared out? Twilight AND New Moon? You’re golden.

There are lots of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but you can’t fail if you take some time to think about what would be meaningful to your loved one and act accordingly. We all know the folks that swear that they don’t want ANYTHING. Well I bet they wouldn’t mind having the toilet scrubbed in the name of love. Am I right?

Photo from Bliss.

From domino.

One of my favorite inexpensive art tricks is to use words as inspiration. I mean, I was a Creative Writing major in college…

Like my stenciled art I did for my living room, this photo from Domino shows that the “text” doesn’t even have to be legible to count as art. Sort of a “text goes here” filler squiggle.  But it goes to show that anything done on sort-of nice paper and put in a nice frame can work as art in your home, especially if it has special meaning to you. Here’s some ideas…

Written words to feature as art in your home

A favorite poem

Part of a love note from your significant other

A song lyric

A movie line

An inspirational quote

A nursery rhyme

Something in a foreign language you’ve always wanted to learn to speak

Passage from a favorite novel

“Commissioned” art by your kids

Other ideas?

Bride Rachael asked for some tips for throwing a bachelorette party on a budget. But not just any bachelorette party — one that’s chic and classy. No light-up penis necklaces, strippers, or boozy vomiting.

With my first plan shot (I kid, I kid), I decided to do a variation on what her ideal party would be like: a day at the spa followed by an elegant dinner out with the girls. Let’s see what we can do.

1. Instead of the full day at the spa, why not go out for just pedicures or manicures? Everyone still feels pampered without the hefty bill at the end. Be sure to pick up Essie nail color “Bachelorette Bash” to keep your toes in the spirit of the occasion.

2. Or have a home-spa day. Light scented candles and play some flute music, and stock up on girly magazines. Spending the afternoon painting your nails and hydrating in an avacado face-mask is sure to leave you all feeling girly and blissed out.

3. For a little extra cost, find a friend-of-a-friend or cousin who does hair on the side. See if she’d come do hair for the group for a low cost (say, $15 per girl) to help you all get gussied up. Buy her a sweet gift (like a gift certificate for a pedicure) to make her feel appreciated.

4. Once your hair is done,  take a trip to the MAC counter (or Clinique or Bobbi Brown) and have your makeup done by the pros. If you buy some items, the little makeover will be free, and you get to take the products home!

5. While you’re at the mall, split into teams and have a budget-shopping competition. In one hour, who can find the best deal on a hot outfit or top for the evening?

6. Instead of a super-fancy dinner, try to go a little early or late and hit up happy hour. Search online ahead of time for the best food deals if you sit in the bar (yelp.com is a good resource, or ask around).

7. A fancy dinner will be cheaper if you go somewhere that lets you share dishes. Asian restaurants are great for this, and fun to try new things. Try Thai or Indian food too!

8. Or have a simple dinner at home and then splurge on yummy dessert and coffee late at night, dressed in your best duds. Chocolate fondu? Don’t mind if I do.

9. Don’t waste money on something like a limo. Stay close to home or stay at a friend’s in the city if you want to finish the night with some dancing. Taxis are cheaper if you don’t have to go too far, or if parking isn’t an issue, have a friend or two stay sober to drive (maybe someone can borrow Mom’s minivan). Hand out cards with the host’s address and phone to everyone at the beginning on the night in case you get separated.

10. Keep the invitation cost low by calling and personally inviting everyone, then following up on facebook or email with the details. You can send a pretty card after the party thanking them for being there.

Now I know there are some married ladies in the crowd… how did you celebrate your bachelorette? Any chic cheap tips for our bride?

P.S. You can buy a light-up flashing bride-to-be tiara (or one like it) in most *ahem* adult stores. At least that’s what I hear.

I just got my July issue of Lucky magazine and it is fabulous. Every item in the issue is UNDER $100. Tops, bags, makeup, you name it. Many items are much cheaper, and there was a page of beauty items under $5.

My only complaint? I wish every issue was like this. It’s so frustrating to read an article about “frugal finds” or what have you, only to see a $500 dress mixed with plastic jewelry from Forever21. “Mix high and low” doesn’t really work when the actual CLOTHING is high and the unnecessary junk is low.  Some magazines (Lucky, Glamour, for example) are better at budget-conscious features than others. But for a girl with an average income, many items that they feature are still woefully unattainable.

This Ann Taylor Loft dress is only $69!

So cheers to Lucky for breaking the $100 barrier! Hope to see a regular feature like this!

(And, uh, if you need another blogger or anything, I’d be happy to help out. Take one for the team. You know. )