4 Chic Budget-Friendly Ways to Decorate Your Home for the Holidays

It’s easy to overspend during the holidays. Gifts, food, and travel take a toll on your savings and boost credit card balances. You want your home to look stylish and inviting during the holidays too.

Getting a home dressed up in its holiday best can be expensive. It is possible, however, to decorate with style and stick to a budget. Here are five budget-friendly ways to decorate your home for the holidays.

Pick a Theme

When you step into a store, glittering displays and warm salespeople ready to help fill your basket will greet you. The festive atmosphere and eye-catching displays make it easy to overspend.

It helps to plan and choose a theme before you go shopping. Make a list of the items you need and stick to it. You’ll be less tempted to buy things you don’t need. Even if something is on sale, leave it on the shelf if it does not fit your decorating plans.

Use an App to Compare Prices

When you find something that’s beyond your budget, price comparison apps can help you find a lower price. Just scan the bar code with your phone. The app will display stores that carry the item along with prices. Some apps also let you set up alerts to notify you when items go on sale.

Upcycle Old Decorations

If you have worn or dated holiday decor, give it a new look with a coat of spray paint. Shiny gold or silver paint adds instant elegance. You can also use white paint and add highlights with powder blue paint and glitter to create a chic winter wonderland look.

If pieces are beyond repair, salvage what you can before you toss old items in the trash. Remove Bows, bells, and other accessories in good shape and reuse them in your homemade decor projects.

Buy Energy Efficient Holiday Lights

Image via Flickr by Greg Walters

Classic white or multicolored twinkle lights add upscale style to your holiday displays. To save money, choose energy efficient LED lights. LED lights save energy and last 85 percent longer than incandescent bulbs. For outdoor holiday decor, look for solar lights that the sun powers for free. You can’t get more budget friendly than free!

Use Natural Materials

Homemade decorations made from things you find in your garden or grocery store can save serious holiday cash. Combine Christmas tree clippings with leaves, flowers, and pinecones to make beautiful wreaths. Use glassware you already have to build natural centerpieces.

Visit the produce section to create a chic, unique tabletop theme. Add oranges decorated with cloves to create a display that looks lovely and adds a fresh scent to the room. Star anise and cinnamon also add a warm fragrance to your decor. You can lift your mood with natural fragrances and ease holiday stress too.

Use these tips to help stick to your holiday decorating budget. If you like to plan ahead, choose a theme for next year. That way, you can stock up on holiday supplies at all the post holidays sales.

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5 Reasons Why Portugal Is the Surfer’s Paradise

When you think of Portugal, you’ll no doubt think of beach holidays aimed at families. But what you might not realise is that Portugal is also fast becoming one of the most popular destinations in Europe for a surfer’s holiday. Not convinced? Here are just 5 reasons why Portugal is a surfer’s paradise:

Stunning Beaches

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It’s true; Portugal is predominately a beach resort where families go to work on their tans. However, the water and its surf-perfect swells make for superb surfing destinations, especially in areas such as the Algarve and Porto.

The picturesque beaches provide the perfect backdrop for surfers. The Algarve has around 50 surfing spots, with areas available for beginners as well as more advanced surfers. In particular, Vilamoura is extremely good for beginners during the summer months. During the autumn and winter months, although the weather is still mild, the swell becomes more suited to surfers who have more experience.

Lagos is fast becoming one of the most popular surfing towns, with numerous surf bars and restaurants popping up in the area, and just a short 20-minute drive away are popular beaches such as Zavial and Beniche. Porto has similar offerings, with Espinho and Esmoriz being particularly popular due to the fact that there are a number of surf shops and schools in the area.

Waves for all Abilities

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Portugal has all-year round surfing, and thanks to the position of the Western Algarve, there are waves suited for all abilities. If you are a beginner, it would be best to plan your trip for the summer months when the waves are a little more manageable. Places like the Algarve have 21°C waters in summer, and only drop to 15°C water in winter, which is good news for more experienced surfers. Not only will you get pleasant weather and off-peak prices, but also the waves are higher and more fun to tackle.

If you’re a beginner, but still want to go in off-season, it’s advisable to book yourself into a surf school. Not only will you be around experts, it’s also a wonderful way to make new friends too.

Loads of Islands to Choose From

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Of course, if Portugal’s expansive coastline and hundreds of surf-ready beaches weren’t enough to tempt you, there are also some amazing islands just off Portugal – perfect for the holidaying surfer.

Madeira, which is most commonly known as a paradise for honeymooners, has a great expanse of surfing hotspots, mostly on the southwest coast. This area has the most consistent conditions for surfing – and other water sports – while still being sheltered from harsher north-eastern winds. Ponta Pequena and Paul do Mor are the most popular beaches, but keep in mind that all the surfing spots on Maderia are pretty harsh, so this island should be kept for the more experienced.

The Azores has more areas available for beginners, with a few surf schools nearby. Here the surf is best during autumn and winter. There can be good surfing spots in summer, however, these are not guaranteed so if you’re coming predominately to spend time in the sea, opt for the cooler months.

Low Cost of Living

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One of the main reasons that families are so readily attracted to Portugal is the low cost of living. True, the sun is a big pull, but with such budget flights, cheap accommodation and low prices for restaurants, Portugal is one of the best places to visit if you’re looking to stay on a budget.

Western Algarve is known to be more budget-friendly than Eastern Algarve – this, combined with quieter beaches, makes Lagos a popular place to stay for surfers. It’s incredibly easy to find affordable villas close to the beach – perfect for groups and those that like to bag the best beach spots at the crack of dawn, before the tourists get there.

For an even more memorable experience, you can rent your own campervan and travel up and down all the popular beaches on Portugal’s beautiful coastline.

Top Surf Champions Love Portugal too!

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The last decade has seen Portugal rise as an incredibly popular destination for surfers. Indeed, three major surfing events have taken place during this time, and the World Tour has visited Peniche every year since 2009. This event brings some of the biggest names in surfing to Portugal’s shores and is a magnificent event for those who can make it.

Of course, Portugal’s fame as a surfing paradise was truly cemented when Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara was videoed surfing an 80ft wave in Nazaré, showing just how epic Portugal’s waters can be. It really is a must-visit for any surfing fan.

 

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15 Fantastic DIY Summer Dress Designs With Sewing Tutorials

There’s no point in asking if you have enough dresses for the summer because the answer is always no. But you don’t always have to spend a lot of money on expensive dresses, especially on ones that you only intend to wear at home or to the beach, park or on a picnic. Instead, you can start sewing your own casual dresses for the summer. The benefits of doing this are very clear.
First of all, you save money but that is not the only reason to DIY your own summer dress. By sewing it by yourself, you have a lot more freedom in making the design. You don’t like how something looks? Don’t add it. You want a different accent color? No problem.

Welcome to a new collection of DIY projects in which we want to show you how to sew these 15 Fantastic DIY Summer Dress Designs With Sewing Tutorials. Perhaps the best part about the dresses that you’ll see below is that they come together with complete and free patterns and tutorials that will show you how to sew them by yourself. They are perfect for beginners as well as an expert. Check them out and treat yourself a new summer dress!

1. Kimono Sundress

Tutorial

2. Handpainted Front Zip Lemon Dress

Tutorial

3. Easy Caftan Dress

Tutorial

4. Halter Maxi DIY Summer Dress

Tutorial

5. Tee Dress In A Woven Simple Summer Sew

Tutorial

6. Strapless Blue Dress

Tutorial

7. Coral Off The Sleeve Summer Dress

Tutorial

8. Easy Knit Sundress

Tutorial

9. Summer Swing Dress

Tutorial

10. Beach Towel Dress

Tutorial

11. Flower Dress

Tutorial

12. Hi Lo Bandeau Dress

Tutorial

13. Fiona Summer Dress

Tutorial

14. Summer Float Dress

Tutorial

15. Boho Maxi Dress

Tutorial

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4 Tips For a Stylish and Functional Bathroom Makeover

Any housing renovation is capable of paying for itself. For example, a bathroom renovation in Baltimore allowed a homeowner to recoup 182 percent of the cost. The family made money by changing the bathroom. You can do this too. You just need a plan. Here are four tips for a stylish and functional bathroom makeover.

Decide What You Can and Cannot Do

Image via Flickr by njhomepictures

A professional installation of new bathroom equipment isn’t a bad idea. It’s just more expensive. Your goal in a bathroom makeover is to increase the value of your house. You don’t want to spend too much money though. If you do, you waste all the potential savings.

A DIY approach is fine. Most bathroom modifications are ones that any self-respecting DIYer can do. Still, you should outsource a couple of tasks. Any plumbing or electrical works is better left to the experts. Similarly, if you need HVAC repair or any type of service in your bathroom, your only choice is a service technician. Otherwise, you could do more harm than good. Make sure to hire the best contractor for this service.

Add Lights

For some reason, many people think that a bathroom should look like a dungeon. It’s often a dark area that desperately needs more lighting. A ceiling fixture is usually the only device that emits light. You can fix that with a few DIY enhancements.

Buy a vanity mirror that has sidelights. These devices will do more than brighten your bathroom. They’ll also help you look your best each day. You can shave or apply makeup more accurately. You’ll also notice any flaws or imperfections with your outfits. Accent lighting is another good addition. These fixtures are often the most attractive ones, and you only need a ladder and a few tools to install them.

Finally, install some dimmer light switches and change your bulbs to a higher wattage. Brighter bulbs will illuminate the room better, which is an important consideration since you’re renovating it. You want to show off the changes. With dimmer light switches, you can control the brightness over the course of the day.

Repurpose Some Old Furniture

Do you like the look and style of an old piece of furniture? Did you replace it in the home but don’t have the heart to get rid of it? Now is the perfect time to repurpose that item to give it new utility. DIY experts have plenty of ideas for repurposing furniture. With a simple internet search, you’re likely to find an idea that seems perfect for your bathroom. Then, your favorite old piece will become a fascinating new one whose story you can still tell.

Change the Colors

A coat of paint is the cheapest way to change your bathroom. You may believe that it won’t make much difference, but that’s wrong. The perfect pastel color can add an airy backdrop to your new bathroom. By investing a few dollars in paint, you can accentuate your larger changes. In combination with the added light, the new paint job will make your bathroom seem warm and inviting.

Some of the best bathroom renovations are cheap. None of the suggestions listed here will cost much money, but they will make your bathroom seem nicer.

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Khloe Kardashian Is Going to Mentor Aspiring Designers

Say what you will about the Kardashian-Jenners, but there's no denying that just about every member of this family/reality show cast has a successful business venture under her belt within fashion or beauty.And for the first time, it sounds like one of them will take what she's learned and pass it ...

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AM:PR IS LOOKING FOR SOCIAL MEDIA INTERNS IN NYC (TO START IMMEDIATELY)

AM:PR is a full-service boutique fashion public relations agency. Based out of New York City, AM:PR caters to both established and emerging designers for their branding needs. Since its inception, AM:PR’s track record for success in celebrity, editorial and event driven public relations has grown ...

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AM:PR IS LOOKING FOR SOCIAL MEDIA INTERNS IN NYC (TO START IMMEDIATELY) posted first on http://fashionista.com

Review: VSCO Mobile Presets for Lightroom

Arguably, VSCO's mobile presets are perhaps the most popular options as opposed to the company's film packs. Perhaps that's why they brought them to Adobe Lightroom recently. The presets are a number of the company's best products and have been casually slapped onto images all across the web for years now. But for a while, the company seemed to target the film presets at the desktop based crowd via Lightroom and the mobile presets at perhaps the less serious crowd via the phone. Years have gone by and now we're starting to see the worlds sort of crash into one another.
Review: VSCO Mobile Presets for Lightroom posted first on http://thephoblographer.com