Pearls Lovely Pearls
I think it’s safe to say that the majority of women love gemstones of all kinds. There is simply one problem, they can get quite expensive, but I think there is one gemstone that is occasionally overlooked, that is the classically elegant pearl. Pearls are more affordable than ever because of the method which has been developed to culture the pearl.
The Culturing of the Savage Pearl
A pearl has a subtle elegance that no other gemstone matches. Pearls use to only be available at the whims of nature. Fortunately though a process has been developed which allows experts to cultivate, or culture, these fine treasures, enabling us to enjoy pearls more often and more reasonably priced.
The culturing process has a long history behind it thatbegins in Australia. William Saville-Kent actually discovered the methods behind pearl culturing, but it is actually two men from Japan, Tokichi Nishikawa and Tatsuhei Mise, who are responsible for its true beginning as a commercial process.They were awarded the patent in Japan for culturing pearls in 1916, and Nishikawa’s Father-in-law then began to apply this technology to akoya pearl oysters. This technology was then applied to the south sea oyster in 1917 however it took another 11 years before a commercial crop of pearls was produced.
The oyster is brought out of the water, and a small irritant, usually a piece of shell or oyster tissue is inserted into the oyster. The oyster then activates its natural defense system and starts to coat the intruder with a layer of nacre. It keeps doing this until a full pearl is formed. This process can take anywhere from 2 to 7 years. While sand can cause a pearl to be formed it is much more likely that a bead, piece of shell, or chunk of tissue was used. These provide more reliable pearls, and pearl shapes, great for pearl necklaces and pearl earrings.
The culturing of pearls has provided a unique opportunity for those who desire this jewel. They are able to have a real pearl made through the same process as natural pearls without having to wait as long. It also provides the chance to have longer strands of matching pearls. Whatever the case may be, the culturing of pearls has truly made the jewelry world a better place.
The Mighty Futon
When it comes to saving space, and providing a nice place for guests to sleep, I can’t think of many things better than futons. Now, don’t get me wrong, I know that futons have gotten a bad wrap from a design stand-point in the past, but they really have come a long way.
Many people think of the cheap black metal frames, when they hear the word “futon.” This is because most futons people have seen are those found within college dorm rooms. However this is not the best example of what a futon is. There are many different styles of futons, and each part has multiple variations, allowing for an infinite amount of combinations, and in turn ensuring there’s a futon that’s perfect for you.
First there’s the frame. While many futons do have a metal frame, they’re also available in wood. Wooden frames are sturdy and look good in a variety of settings. Also, wooden frames use slats to support the mattress which results in a more even and therefore a more comfortable, surface to lie on.
Speaking of the mattress, they’re no longer limited to cotton and polyfil. You can get them with an exterior made of several fabrics, including leather, and numerous fillings. Some have bed springs like traditional mattress, while others are made of space-age memory foam. They come in all levels of firmness from the most soft to the most firm, which means you can find one that suits you.
The last part of the futon is the futon cover. Most people either don’t know these exist, or forget about them, because most college students don’t have the budget for them. However they are an essential part, as they keep the futon safe and clean. They come in a wide variety of materials and designs.
So as you can see. Futons are a very versatile and stylish piece of furniture to have in your home, and not just for the college dorm room.
All-Purpose Disinfectant
Here is a great recipe for a disinfectant spray that can be used for anything from cutting boards to toilets.
2 c. water
2 or 3 drops natural soap
12-15 drops of tea tree essential oil
12-15 drops of lavender essential oil
Mix the ingredients in a bottle and spray away!
Filed under DIY, Household Products | Tags: Cheap Projects, diy disinfectant | Comment (0)Inexpensive Picture Wall
I am in love with this picture wall. I actually showed my mother one similar to this one and said, “Someday I will have that in my house!” Well, my three kids are there, my family is there, my idea is there, but that is NOT my wall. The beauty about my mom is that she actually follows through with the ideas she gets. Me. . .Not-so-much.
I wanted to post this, not only because it looks so darn fabulous, but also because it is a really inexpensive way to fill up a blank wall.
The frames are available at IKEA for only $2.99 for a set of 2 9×9 frames.
Then, all you have to do is print some pictures that you love. I sent these to Costco. Since the frames were 9×9, and they didn’t print 9×9 photos, I simply put a 3 inch border around the picture and had them printed 12×12 then cut the border off. The prints were only $2.99 as well.
I really LOVE this idea, and I can’t wait to get one up in my own house, that is if I ever follow through:)
Filed under Bargains, Wall Art | Tags: Cheap Crafts, Cheap Projects, Home Decor, Photos, Wall Art | Comment (0)Sew Cheap!
I made this skirt for my little girl for less than $0.75! For a full tutorial on how to make one of your own, click here!
Filed under DIY | Tags: baby gear, Cheap Crafts, Cheap Projects, Clothing, Inexpensive Clothing, Sewing, Skirt | Comment (0)Happy New Years!
I just wanted to wish everybody a happy and safe holiday! I know this is a bit last minute, but if you’re a procrastinator like I tend to be, check out this great article for ways to throw an inexpensive New Year’s Eve party!
Filed under Uncategorized | Comment (0)Inexpensive Home Fragrance
Here is a great way to keep your home smelling delicious during the holidays!
Directions
- Bring a saucepan full of water to a boil, then add the ingredients from a recipe of your choice. Bring the water and ingredients to a boil, maintain the boil for a few minutes then turn down the heat and simmer all day. Just be sure to add water as needed.
- Caution: Set your timer for 30 minutes so you remember to top up with water. You don’t want the pot burning dry. Do not leave the house with this left heating on the stove.
Recipe 1- Christmas Potpourri Simmering Pot
3 sprigs evergreen or handful pine needles
2 cinnamon sticks
2 TBS whole cloves
2 bay leaves
2 pieces orange rind
2 pieces lemon rind
Recipe 2-
Cinnamon sticks
Apple peels
Orange rinds
Whole cloves
Recipe 3-
Peel from 1 lemon
Peel from 1 orange
2 bay leaves
3 cinnamon sticks
2 TBS whole cloves
Recipe 4-
Apple juice
Cinnamon sticks
Whole cloves
Recipe 5-
Whole cloves
1 tsp nutmeg
Recipe 6-
5 to 6 cinnamon sticks, broken
1 tbsp. lemon peel
1 tbsp. orange peel
1/2 c. whole cloves
1 tbsp. nutmeg
1/4 c. whole allspice
1 tbsp. bay leaf pieces
2 slices dried apples, optional
Recipe 7-
Peel from a whole orange
Whole cloves
2 Cinnamon sticks
Recipe 8-
2 tbsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 c. whole allspice berries
10 (2″) cinnamon sticks
2 tbsp. whole cloves
1/4 c. canella or nandina berries
10 sm. pinecones
7 drops cinnamon oil
Recipe 9-
6 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp vanilla
Recipe 10-
2 sticks cinnamon
Peel from one lemon
Fresh rosemary
Whole cloves
Adorable Post-it Note Holders
Look at how ADORABLE these custome post-it note holders are! I absolutely love this idea becaue it is inexpensive, practical, and SO cute! Check out the full tutorial at sistersstuff.blogspot.com, and if this isn’t enough, make sure to check out Whitney’s cute cookie mix neighbor gift idea.
Pottery Barn Inspired Wreath
I know, I know, how GEOURGOUS right? Well, if you have an extra $80 buckaroos to smack down at the Pottery Barn, this little beauty can be all yours!
Yeah, me neither!
Well, another alternative I found is this STUNNING d.i.y. version.
Head over to Made with Love and Glue to see the tutorial. She managed to make hers for a budget friendly $4.00!! I would TOTALLY spend that to have something so fabulous hanging on my front door!
Oh, and a side note. I know I have already posted about the gifts in a jar, but I found this cute idea to go along the same lines:
Click HERE to see the full story!
Filed under Christmas | Tags: Pottery Barn Wreath | Comment (0)Giving Thanks
First of all, I want to say Happy Thanksgiving, and I hope that you save bundles of money this weekend on all of your Christmas wants and needs. Second of all, I wanted to share a few thoughts about Thanksgiving :
Is it just me, or does it seem like this year the Christmas decorations began popping up BEFORE Halloween was even over? The commercialism of the Christmas season seems to be overpowering many beautiful things about the Holidays, including Thanksgiving. Now, don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the Christmas season, but I think it’s a little bit sad that we skip over the one holiday that is dedicated to being mindful of the things we have to be thankful for.
I believe that celebrating Thanksgiving as a time of reflection and maybe even soul searching about the things we are truly thankful for, is vital.
I am willing to bet that for one reason or another, this year has been hard for many people. I know it’s been hard for us at times. But I have found that it is during the hard times that being thankful is the most important.
I am thankful for having to tighten our belts a bit when it comes to spending. That has helped me learn the value of hard work, and more importantly, it has shown me what things are really important. Most of the time the things that are important aren’t things.
I am thankful that my husband has been working long hours to provide for our family. That has helped me realize how much I love to have him around, and what a valiant man he is.
Finally, I am thankful that my kids argue, while politeness is a virtue, I am so glad that they are passionate people. When channeled in the right avenues, I know that will take them far.
I’m thankful for the noise that accompanies that passion because it reminds me that my hous isn’t empty and I’m not alone.
So, I would like to encourage youto think about the things that might be making your life difficult, then think about how you can learn to be grateful for them. It may just change your life.
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