Design on a dime! {Budget decorating} that's what I do & why!

Design on a dime is  one my all time favorite HGTV shows.

 I absolutely love it!

 I share a lot of design on a dime projects here at Debbiedoo's.

Thrift store finds, free finds, dollar tree, you name it, you probably have seen it here.

 Design on a Dime has never been more relevant than it is right now.  People are spending less money and more time at home. 




{Goodwill table, & free pallet above}

There was a time I could shop and buy more.
 However, even more times than Not, I chose not too spend a lot of money.

Since the bad economy, which has been for the past 5 years basically, my husbands income has even taken a hit.

"Over time", was once a plenty for him.  In fact so much so, he was barely home.

There were days he worked 23 days in a row. We had what we called our "FUN" money.
We ate out when we wanted, took weekend trips when we wanted, and if there was something we wanted to buy, we could if we so chose to.

Because we knew there would be overtime next time.

Those good ole' days are since gone.

Don't get me wrong, my husband has a  good job, and I thank GOD for that. I count my blessings every day, believe me I do. In fact, not one time have I complained or even said I miss overtime.

It was a luxury we had and I am thankful for those days.
I never based our expenses and cost of living on his overtime...

A steady paycheck is always a good thing.



I remember one time long ago, when I was active on the Site Rate my space, I received a comment....
 " Why do you buy all this junk"
 You can obviously afford better"?
Well you see, I love it, and I love the creative aspect of transforming it.

I make it my own, and have fun in the process.

HONESTLY, even if I was a millionaire, I would still be the same. Probably just have a bigger load of junk in one trip.
"You can't teach an old dog new tricks" as they say!~

What I am getting at is the fact that a lot of people have been affected in some way or another. I see it in our small community.  Businesses,coming and going, plaza's built up, yet never occupied,etc. etc.

Loss of jobs, cuts in pay, mortgage payments late, foreclosures, etc.
It's been bad for many!

Blogher recently asked me to write and help spread the word...

 BlogHer is proudly partnering with the folks at Starbucks and Opportunity Finance Network to get the word out about the new "Create Jobs for USA" initiative that is now launched. 

What is this all about?

In a nutshell, Starbucks is donating five million dollars to seed a fund at the Opportunity Finance Network, which in turn will provide capital grants to select Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). The CDFIs will provide loans to underserved community businesses, including: small business loans, community center financing, housing project financing and microfinance. Beginning November 1st, you may donate to this fund through the createjobsforusa.org website, or at Starbucks, and 100% of your donation will go directly to the fund. Donors who contribute $5 or more will receive a red, white and blue wristband with the message “Indivisible.”  The really cool thing about this is that every $5 donation will result in $35 in financing to support community businesses, because the CDFI lenders will issue $30 in financing, on average, for each $5 donation.  You can read about some of the fantastic success stories at the Create Jobs for America site:  http://www.createjobsforusa.org/Success-Stories/success-stories,default,pg.html.


GO check it out!

In the meantime, do know, you can have a nice home on a small budget! Just use your creative juices and a little imagination.
Look beyond the piece, beyond the color...

Goodwill, salvation army, are all great go to places to start.
Some of my favorite things in our home, are the cheapest of the decor.
If you would like to share how you have been affected by the economy, by all means, do share,
Enjoy your Saturday.