Doing the grunt work

Oh the drama of reality shows…..
Some people like this person, some like that person… everyone has their own opinion. I find it best to just keep my “blinders” on and keep my attention set on the end goal- and that is to produce a 100% stylin’ model home for less money than anyone else.

I actually have a big surprise- being smart about my budget has afforded me to do a few things in my model that I think will set mine apart from the pack. But when should I reveal this big surprise? I’m worried about revealing it too soon- then I might not be the only one to do it! Stay tuned…. not sure if the big surprise will be revealed on this Monday’s episode or not- still pondering when to send that highly sensitive footage in to the producers. ;-)

So how was I able to really kick butt on that $5000 budget and not take any freebies? Doing the grunt work! No one should think they are too good, or too professional, or too spoiled to do a little hard work. That’s where half the fun comes in! Put on some clothes you don’t mind getting ruined and get some dirt on your hands! Come on- I would rather do a little bit of the grunt work and really get way more for my money- wouldn’t you?

If you don’t mind doing a little work yourself- here are ways to make your money stretch!

1. Scour craigslist for diamonds in the rough. Yes it takes some patience, but when you find that perfect piece you were looking for and it only costs you about 10-20% of buying it new- what a great feeling! I’ve found that I have more luck sticking to non-upholstered items- things like wooden chairs, cabinets, tables, etc seem to be in better shape.
2. Auctions!!! I have said this before- but auctions are so fun! Check out auctions in your area and get really nice furniture for drastically reduced prices.
3. Consignment shops. Just because a piece doesn’t work for one person doesn’t mean it won’t work for you!
4. Paint!!! Come on people- who can’t paint? Make it fun, get your friends over, plug in your ipod to the speakers and make some fun memories!!!
5. Get creative when it comes to artwork. There are a lot of “stock” image websites that you can scour and buy images for as little as $1 each (try www.istockphoto.com). Send those to kinkos- have them printed on nice paper, and frame them yourself. Art is so subjective and personal- this gives you a way to truly make a piece your own.
6. Hit the fabric stores! We are fortunate in Wilmington to have an abundance of  fabric stores (my favorite is Fabric Solutions on Market Street, everything is $7.99/yard!). I love going in and getting inspired by all the textures and patterns. Also try www.fabric.com- they have free shipping over $35 and free returns- so you don’t feel like you are “stuck” if you don’t like something. My sister Janie is a wonderful seamstress and was sweet enough to help me do some sewing when she came for a visit last week.

Good luck! Take responsibility for your own space, make it gorgeous,  and most importantly, have FUN doing it! I mean come on- why bother if you aren’t having FUN???!!!!! 

Speaking of fun…. here are me and Janie having lots of fun working on some of the window treatments- getting a little silly, it had been a long day…..

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