WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TRUNK-OR-TREAT

 

Trunk or treat is often hosted by community groups and churches. Because trunk or treating is seen as a safer alternative to trick or treating some have called for more city and community groups to sponsor trunk or treats.   It's a fun way to bring families in the community together to celebrate Halloween. Trunk or treat is an alternative to trick or treating.  Often times people decorate their trunks and give out candy to kids in costume.

WHAT ARE THE RULES

Children "trick-or-treat" by going from car trunk to car trunk instead of door to door. Some events require a ticket purchase, but some are free. Most require you to bring an unopened bag of candy.  

HOW DO YOU PARTICIPATE

Most trunk-or-treat events want you to register your vehicle.  Then bring a bag of candy and some comfortable chairs and wait for the "Trunk-or-treating".  Don't forget to come in a costume and decorate your vehicle.

 

Some of the best themes for dressing up your trunk on a budget are listed below.  

1. Decorate your car with a ghost theme. You can get this look cheaply for under $10     dollars.

2. Everyone loves Charlie Brown.  Decorate your car with the movie "A Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.

3, This blog has a number of ideas on decorating your car for trunk-or-treat cheaply.  

4. A typical Halloween theme is always great.  Decorate with all Halloween colors.

 

5. Buy balloons and wrap them.  This is a easy and cheap way to create a gumball machine.

6. A hayride is always nice.

7.A Pumpkin patch is affordable.  You can Diy the pumpkins or get real pumpkins at the   pumpkin patch or store.  If you use real pumpkins don't forget to carve or paint the pumpkins

8.Wizard of Oz

9.Teenage mutant ninja turtles

10. Christmas themed

11.Hocus Pocus 

If you don't want to make your own decorations for trunk-or-treat there are some trunk-or-treat kits at Amazon for you to buy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHEAP DECORATING IDEAS FOR LIVING ROOM WALLS

 

I believe that the most beautiful spaces have custom art or at least unique pieces on walls.  Most custom pieces cost a fortune but if you're a creative person with talent browse the internet looking for pieces you can DIY and try. 

 

IDEAS TO DECORATE THOSE BLANK WALLS

PAINT DECALS AND STICKERS

Wall decals and stickers make stylish decorations simple. Most paint decals and stickers are easy to remove and even reusable. This is great for apartment dwellers. Wall decals and stickers are affordable ways to transform a dull wall in minutes. 

STENCILS          

Stencils are making a comeback, thanks to more modern designs. They are a budget-friendly way to dress a wall.  You can stencil an entire room with just one reusable repeat stencil, instead of purchasing rolls of expensive wallpaper or peel-and-stick wallpaper. Stenciling a room is one of the most popular ways to create a signature look, and with the variety of stencil designs available, there has never been more choices.  Wall stencils can be found at most craft stores.

PEEL-AND-STICK WALLPAPER AND TILE

This is a very popular way to add a little pizzazz to a wall. Because of it's removable nature, peel-and-stick wallpaper and tiles are highly recommended for apartment dwellers looking to spruce up their space.  Removable wallpaper is an low-budget way to totally transform your space.  These wallpaper and tiles can be found in any discount store.

GALLERY WALLS

You can make a gallery wall for very little.  There are many ways to create a gallery wall and most show the personality of the personality of owner of the space.  You can add in saying or pictures of your family. You can also get prints off the internet or DIY your own artwork. The biggest expense is the frames and they can be bought in bulk at most discount and even craft stores for a reasonable price.  


RUGS

This is something you may want to consider if you happen to have rug that has little or no wear and tear. Go big or small, just make sure you hang them properly. 

CHEAP BACKSPLASH IDEAS

Not only do backsplashes look pretty, but they can also keep the walls behind the stove from fading. This is reason enough to get a backsplash. With all of the options, there really is no need to go without one.  

Below are some ideas that you may use in determining which Kitchen backsplash is for you.

PEEL-AND-STICK TILES

Peel-and-stick tiles are very popular. A huge advantage of using peel-and-stick tile is the cost. The peel-and-stick tile's popularity also comes from its ease of use and the variety of types that are offered. 

The average Peel-and-stick tiles can last for around three to four years.  The tiles that you get from the dollar store basically last for three months, so I think you may want to get these at another store.

 There are a lot of tutorials on the internet to help you if you choose this option. However, the basics of using peel-and-stick tiles are peeling the back off to reveal the adhesive backing and firmly pressing against the wall.

PEEL-AND-STICK WALLPAPER

Peel-and-Stick wallpaper is a great kitchen backsplash idea. Although regular wallpaper can last almost forever, peel-and-sick wallpaper lasts around three years. Unlike regular wallpaper it is easier to take down and is more renter friendly.  This option has more patterns and prints than the peel-and-stick tiles and peel-and-stick wallpaper doesn't even have to be waterproofed.

TIN

Another inexpensive kitchen backsplash is a tin backsplash. Tin backsplash panels will cost around $10 to $50 each depending on size of the panel (12x12 or 24x24), finish, coating and design. This is a very durable kitchen backsplash that should last the lifetime of the kitchen. 

You're going to need to seal this backsplash. To seal you'll need to apply a bead of clear caulk around any exposed edges, often along the sides, top and bottom of the entire backsplash, to ensure that water does not get behind the metal and eat away at the adhesive.       


CONTACT PAPER

Contact paper last for about a year.  Contact paper comes in many different patterns and prints, with the most popular being marble. You install contact paper similar to wallpaper using a credit card or a plastic spatula to flatten the paper and get the bubbles out. 

Contact paper can go over tile walls. It is easy to clean and last for around two years.

WOOD

When properly sealed and maintained, wood can be used for a backsplash. It's great for a  diy backsplash material because of its workability.

The best types of wood to use would be plywood, Shiplap, Beadboard, and Barnwood. If installing behind a stove make sure it's a minimum distance of 18 inches.

CERAMIC TILES

Ceramic tiles can cost around $400 and over to installed.  The tiles may be the most expensive on the list. I included them only because they are the cheapest of all the traditional tiles.

If you are looking for an easy way to instantly increase the value of your home, then adding a kitchen backsplash is a great idea! 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  

NO-CARVE PUMPKINS DECORATING IDEAS

No-carve pumpkins have become popular in modern days.  I think the no-carve pumpkin is a cheaper and more fun way to have pumpkins as your Halloween decorations or fall decorations. Besides going to a pumpkin patch is a great family outing.

Below are ideas to make your no-carve pumpkin.  

PAINT AND SPRAY PAINT

There are many designs you can decorate your no-carve pumpkin.  One I kept coming across is a face much like the one in the picture at the top. With spray paint and paint you can create a number of beautiful no-carve pumpkins.  Some ideas are polka-dots, black and white pumpkins, candy corn, and colorful faces. An example of a colorful face is the one in the picture above. If you are going to spray paint take care and do it in a ventilated room.

NOTE: Use caution when spray painting a pumpkin.  Oil-based paint can prevent the pumpkin from 'Breathing" as the pumpkin decomposes it can cause the gases to build up and explode.

GLITTER

Glitter pumpkins aren't as plentiful as the painted no-caved pumpkins. The main thing that is needed is some type of adhesive. The biggest types of glitter pumpkins are different color pumpkins. In this type, you put adhesive all over the pumpkin. With words on your no-carve pumpkin, you just need to write in the adhesive and put glitter on it. There are other types if you want to try something else.  

LACE

A simple and quick pumpkin decoration idea is to wrap your pumpkin in any color lace fabric and close it with a ribbon. Although black is seen more, I think a different color would make this pumpkin style stand out more.

STICKERS

Use stickers, stamps, or acrylic stencils available at any discount store to create intricate patterns.

LEAVES

Get some leaves or faux leaves from any discount store along with a glue gun to make this style of pumpkin.

RIBBON

Start at the top near the stem with your ribbon. Use a hot glue gun to attach the ribbons to the creases of the pumpkin and secure them at the bottom.

FLOWERS

If you have any artificial flowers lying around now is the time to use them. Use adhesive to put the artificial flowers on the pumpkin.

DECOUPAGED PAPER PUMPKINS                                  

This type of no-carved pumpkin is one of the cheapest no-carve pumpkin ideas. Use napkins, tissue paper, or any other paper you can come up with and mod-podge your pumpkin for the fall season or Halloween holiday.  
 

I hope you were inspired by one of my ideas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE LAUNDRY ROOM: DECORATING ON A BUDGET

 tbyyf. com

Most laundry rooms are catch-all spaces that we really don't want to see. Redoing the laundry room not only takes half the chore of washing clothes away but can reunite you with some items you forgot you had. Redoing the laundry room can be expensive, but a functional and beautiful laundry room can be yours for cheap.

 

Below are some ideas for decorating the laundry room on a budget.

CONTAINERS

Use containers to hold necessary items, such as pods, detergents, bleach, dryer sheets, and stain removers. Not only will these items be more accessible, but they're better looking than the laundry room packages that you buy at the store. This small action adds a lot to the laundry room.

TRASHCANS

No matter how many times you tell your family to clean out their pockets they always seem to do so.  A nice trashcan will come in handy.  Just don't throw anything of value. Keep another small container for valuables.

CARTS/SHELVES

If you don't have a finished laundry room you may have to buy a storage unit to hold necessary items.  This is a lot better than using the top of the dryer and it looks better too.  If you are lucky enough to have a laundry room that is finished try using shelves for these items. Both can be purchased at any discount store.
 

BASKETS

Use baskets to organize all of the items that aren't laundry related and put them on the shelves or storage unit.

RUG

Not only are most laundry room floors hard but they are cold. give this area a small rug to warm things up.  

BUTCHER BLOCK

A butcher block looks good and it shows you really care about your laundry room.  A search on the internet should give you places with the Blocks can be found.
 

TALL CABINETS

Tall cabinets can be brought at any discount store. It's a great way to put away items such as brooms and vacuum cleaners.

  

PEEL AND STICK WALLPAPER AND FLOORS

Cover ugly floors or/and walls with peel and stick wallpaper and floors.

 

These inexpensive items will help you decorate your laundry room on a budget.








 


 
















   

 

 

 

 

 

DECORATING YOUR DORM ROOM FOR CHEAP

inspired - beauty.com

After tuition and other college-related fees, buying decorations for a dorm room may seem impossible. However, you really should invest in some decor items.  There are several reasons you should invest in decorating the room.  Most dorm rooms lack ...everything. The rooms are small and the floor and walls are just cold.  Unless things have changed big time since I went to college you're going to want a little something.  Below are some ideas for decorating your dorm room for cheap.

 

DECORATE THE WALLS

To dress up the cold walls of your dorm room, try using DIY frames, photo collages, and wall decals.

 

HEADBOARD

There are several tutorials on YouTube, all are within anyone's budget.


RUG

Like I said above, dorm floors are cold, and if you are lucky enough to have a dorm room with a carpet a nice rug wouldn't hurt. Most door rugs can be brought very cheaply. Because the room is so small a small rug may be necessary.   

 

CURTAINS

For a little pop of color, you can drape fabric over the window.  However, if you know someone skilled in sewing you should get them to sew a curtain.

 

LOFT BED

This can be functional as well as decorative.  I recommend this in my organize for college post as well.  Depending on the height, you can put furniture under it or use it for storage.  A lot of people buy dorm skirts, but you can take a regular sheet to cover.  Make sure it's nice.

 

ADD FULL-LENGTH MIRROR

This is another one of those functional, but decorative things you may want to bring.  Mirrors often make a space look bigger and create the illusion that an area is better lighted. In a dorm room lighting can be important, besides everyone needs to know how they look.

 

STRING LIGHTS

Again any wall decor would be great.  Most Dorms probably won't have much space to decorate.  So the walls is key.  

 

PILLOWS

I think you should have pillows. Although I think you should keep it down to a maximum of two or three. You can get pillows from any clearance section of a discount store, or make them yourself.

 

CONTACT PAPER

Putting contact paper on your furniture will take your dorm room to another level.  You can find contact paper at any dollar store, or discount store.


PIECES FROM HOME

Don't bring too much.  A practical approach is always necessary. However, decor from home is the cheapest way to decorate a room.  Also you have the added bonus of having things from home around, in case you get homesick.

You may want to buy cheaply, but personally, I think you should splurge on some items.  The items I suggest are those you can see using after college.  Everything else well...this post is about decorating your dorm room for cheap.

 

 

 

PRACTICAL DORM ROOM ORGANIZATIONAL ESSENTAILS

 

Before you buy anything you should view the space that you will be staying in first.  Ideally, talk with your roommate.  One suggestion I would give to anyone going to college is to stay a night or two if possible, this way you can see what you really need.  Until then bring the bare minimum.  When are going to buy these organizational products will come in very handy.

 

Under the bed

Flip the bed to make room under the bed for cheap. Or if you want a loft bed you can get bed raisers and store items under and even put a desk or dresser for maximum space.
    

Plastic dresser

It is a great storage space to organize items.  It can even serve as a nightstand.

Storage ottomans

Storage ottomans can be used for organization and double as seating.

Shoe rack

Investing in a shoe rack is a great way to organize your shoes and avoid clutter.  Shoe racks are a great way to organize your shoes and are an efficient use of space!

Velvet hangers

Velvet hangers decrease space giving you more room for other organizing items and other organizing containers. However, the most budget-friendly way is to limit the amount of clothing that you bring.

Utility Cart

Most utility carts can fit in small spaces.  They can be used for all sorts of items to fill your organizational needs.

Storage Trunk

A storage trunk is one of my favorite storage ideas. They are very durable, hold a ton of stuff, and can be used as extra seating when you have friends over.  As an added bonus this can be used as a suitcase.

Bedside Caddy

If you like to do a lot of reading in bed this handy organizer may be for you.

Cosmetic Organizer

It doesn't have to hold only make-up. It can hold any small item that you want to organize.  This item can be purchased cheaply from the dollar store or dollar general.

Investing in these organizational items will help to keep organized while in college, but some will be carried over to the first apartment.

 

 


 


 


 

HOW TO CREATE A GUEST BEDROOM ON A BUDGET

 

Your guest room may not be the most used space in the home, but it certainly is important.  

It often times is a representation of how others view your home.  Guest may see a untidy 

room as a sign of how you keep the rest of your home.  So, it may be a good idea to pay 

some attention to this room.

Creating a special space for your close friends and family doesn’t have to take a huge 

budget.  In fact, some of the things you'll need, you already have. 

 

Below are items that are must-haves in a guest bedroom.

BED

If you google cheap beds you should be able to find a bed within your budget. There is also 

discount stores and other odd places where you can secure a bed. One idea I heard of is 

taking a futon and a mattress in a box from target to get a budget-friendly comfy bed.

Ikea and Wayfair seems to be a great place to look for a budget-friendly bed. 

 

BEDDING 

Make sure that bedding is clean and comfortable. You should have at least four pillows, 

more if you can afford it. Stores I suggest are Ross and TjMaxx.  Both normally have name-

brand sheets, pillows, and duvet covering.  

 

Pillows 

I think that pillows are a must-have. You would be surprise how much this matters.  

Discount stores will have deals on these. 

 

De-clutter

This should one of first things you tend to.  Your guest bedroom shouldn't be a dumping 

ground for all the things you don't use.  If you have this much stuff its time to sell or 

donate. No one wants to walk over your things to get around the room, quick way to a bad 

reputation. 

These are things that are good to have, but are not ALL of them are necessary:

 

Storage

Unless you want your guest to live out of their suitcase, have a place for guest to put their 

clothes away.  This means a clear closet or some what clear closet with a few hangers. This 

comes at little to no expense.    

Nightstand

This is always good to have. Guest need a place to put things on.  You can find cheap 

nightstands at most discount stores.  Facebook market place is a good place to look as well 

thrift stores, and other second hand stores.  It's always great if you have a close family 

member to get this from. Or you can look into a DYI project.

Wi-fi password written

Most guest need this. So I urge you to come up with a way to display the password, so 

guest don't have to ask you the password.  Guest hate asking for things.

Lots of Blankets

Different people are a custom to different temperatures.  This gives guest the ability to 

control there temperature.  Since this isn't a must have I would put a blanket in the room 

and pick up more whenever, I saw a deal on Blankets.

Clock

Guest may want to know the time without looking at their phone. 

Clean trashcan

Guest may want to... isn't it obvious. 

Lighting

Make sure it's easy for your guest to find the lighting.  A simple table lamp is a quick fix.  

A ceiling fan is also nice, but make sure your guest know how to use it. 

Mirror

Guest want need to see how they look.  

Plant and some art

This is another nice to have.  You may want some decorations in your guestroom

Throw pillows

Throw pillows are nice you can find some somewhat cheaply, these add to the decor of the room. 

Welcome Basket

This is just nice to have.  Just get a bowl or basket if you have one. You may fill this with 

water bottles and snacks.  You may want to even include other things you think they may 

need or like.  Go to the Dollar General to pick up these items.  This will enhance there stay 

and the quality of your guest bedroom.    

 

 

Plant

So,  now that you have learned these basic elements, you should be well on your way to creating a Guest bedroom that your friends and family should enjoy for many years to come.

 

       

HOW TO UPDATE A BATHROOM ON A BUDGET

 

 

Tired of looking at that old bathroom, but don't have the money to put into it? Below are ideas under 

$50 to give your bathroom a much needed facelift, can you think of more leave a comment below. 

CLEAN YOUR BATHROOM

A clean bathroom always looks better than a cluttered or dirty bathroom.  This little detail will quickly 

freshen up your bathroom.  If you a have a lot of makeup you can use storage box organizers. Put away 

of all things you don't use daily. Under the sink is a great place to put items you don't use daily. 

BATHROOM ORGANIZER

I love organizers.  I think they can make your home look more spacious and cleaner.  So, if you have a 

lot to put away under the sink, invest in under the sink organizers. 

SHELVES

There also some are nice shelves that will spruce up your bathroom.  These are great for small 

bathrooms or rooms with little to no storage, or just a place to put decorations. 

ADD A PLANT

A nice plant or some flowers are a great way to enhance the look of your bathroom.  Flowery 

arrangements or plants can enhance the look of you bathroom. Plants and flowers generally thrive on 

the regular amount of moisture that come from your shower.  If a real plant or bouquet of flowers are 

not your thing, get a fake plant.

TRAY

Rooms just look better with trays.  Trays are trendy and kinda practical in the bathroom.   For under 

$50 why not?  

REPLACE YOUR MIRROR 

This is a game changer.  This option can be under $50 if shopping the right places.  Places like the thrift

store and facebook marketplace will definitely have mirrors to fit the budget.  Discount stores may 

carry quality mirrors also.  Either way this option is one that should be thought about.

CLEAN YOUR GROUT

This can make your bathroom look new.  Dirty grout makes a bathroom look very old and dated.  

Freshen up your bathroom with this simple solution. Buy a grout pen to put over your grout. Try 

matching the grout to the tile in the floor; but make sure your original grout is cleaned. 

PEEL AND STICK TILES

A bathroom can be transformed to look like new with this method.  Peel and stick tiles can come in 

many different styles.  They can go on your floor, walls or tiles in bath (make sure they are water- 

proof).

PAINT CABINETS 

Like the peel and stick tiles, this is another affordable way to transform your bathroom. Try using 

overlays with the paint job, I think you can make your cabinet really look new.

CHANGE SHOWER CURTAIN AND TOWELS

This is a quick way to update your bathroom.  Old shower curtains and towels make your bathroom 

look dated. 

Try these things and watch as you bathroom is updated into the beautiful bathroom you always

wanted.