"Meaningful" NOT "Material"

People say I have a knack for decorating.  When people step in my house for the first time, they seem to think I spend loads at art shows and boutiques.  Although I have what I consider a gorgeous home, I rarely spend a dime in decorating it.  My home is filled with all things Meaningful and little Material.

In economic times like these...even if you drive a Mercedes and belong to the Country Club, I think we can all step back and add a little more Meaning to our lives.  On a budget or without one, you can make your house a home with lots of effort and very little money!

I have comprised a list of steps to a MEANINGFUL home:

1.  STOP BUYING - I mean entirely!!!  You don't need a new set of dishes that have a holiday print, you don't need a new outfit for a work event...you see those people every day and they don't care what you wear.  Your child doesn't need more toys to fill the space!  Once you stop buying, you will be relieved as the weight lifts off of your house!  Don't ever buy something to fill a space!

2.  OPEN YOUR EYES - When you are out and about with friends or family, check out the curbs.  It doesn't suggest you are broke and it shouldn't be embarrassing to pick something up that has a "FREE" sign on it.  Picture the tiny dresser with a new coat of paint...or let your kids decorate it for their own room...that adds the meaning!  Also, when family or friends are passing on treasures that they no longer need...a hideous vase from your Grandma...or something totally out of style from your aunt...take it in, polish it up and add to the eclectic wonder that is your home!

3.  FRAME YOUR HUSBANDS ART - Although my husband has never aspired to be an artist, he was forced to take an art class in college.  As he was headed to the trash with his LARGE charcoal drawings, I scooped them up and framed them!  They are huge and take up massive wall space, and they are the focal point of our whole home!  Abstract art sells at auction for millions every year...I got mine for FREE!  Add a $20 frame (break rule #1) and you have an original masterpiece!  This goes for your own art, your kids art...also works for special items, just add a shadow box and you are good to go!

4.  BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME - Last year for my birthday, I asked for something home made.  My husband builds homes for a living and yet has never thought of building furniture!  He built me the most lovely bookshelf I have ever seen!  Even if you don't have the tools, borrow a neighbors, build it at your parents...take a class from the Home Depot (they are free)...you can do it!  Even small scale, build an  heirloom piece that will last a lifetime...don't buy a put-together-piece-of-junk from a superstore!  That toolbox your son built in shop class...or the bag your daughter sews in home economics...USE THEM!  Make the toolbox a table centerpiece with gourds, flowers or line it with napkins and use it for chips or buns.

5.  ASK FOR HELP - When considering a new paint color for your living room or wanting new carpet in your bedroom...do as much as you can on your own.  It will save money and create lots of funny memories with your family!  Even if you can't install new carpet yourself...rip out the old stuff...who hasn't wanted to tear something apart!  Even if you can afford it, your extended family and friends will love to help for FREE...just add Pizza.  Frame pictures of the event in that room...HELLO...conversation piece!

6.  LESS IS MORE - If you feel you need to fill a space with something...I will tell you - YOU DON'T.  Less is more and your visitors don't care if every corner has something eye catching that screams "I am from Pottery Barn/Hobby Lobby/Target".  If you really need to fill the void try one of these suggestions: a basket of yarn you already own, a basket of pine cones from your yard or a local park, a lamp from the basement (add a new shade if you have to), a bookshelf from the Salvation Army...with a new coat of paint...add your kids favorite books!

7.  LIVE IN YOUR HOUSE - Don't be afraid to put a ding in the wall or a dent in the floor.  Although it may seem like the end of the world, it really just adds flavor and a potential new family project.  Of course don't be reckless in your home, but enjoy every square inch of it!  If you are worried about your kids knocking over the "decorations" get rid of them (the decor...not the kids), they are not more precious than your child's imagination!

8.  WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, BUY LOCAL AND HAND MADE - I have to add this in...because I think it's important.  There are obviously limits to our abilities and limits to time.  When shopping crazily for holiday gifts, don't forget about the people in your life who can help you!  Hand made gifts are beautiful and one of a kind.  Support a local mom or entrepreneur.  Artisans can hand make almost any kind of gift and do it with love and joy!  So, before you pick up those 10 cheap boxes of chocolate for your co-workers...consider a Snappy Wallet from me.  :)

With my last corney comment set aside...I hope this puts some prospective on your holiday season.  Your home is a reflection of you!  I am pretty sure you didn't come from the Clearance rack at TJMax...but you do most likely take pics of your kids (that can be framed) and have some crazy art from college...not to mention the art your parents have in their attic.

Have a lovely Thanksgiving Week and be thankful for what matters...family and friends, health and peace.  Enjoy the pics below of some of my most MEANINGFUL treasures.

Custom Art Wall - These photos range from a picture of the street sign by our first house, to the tile upstairs in the Vatican.  Each photo means something special and I made a collage of them on our wall.  The photos are large and the images are strong.  I love the statement these make...they are the first thing you see as you come in our front door.

Notice, the lamps do not match...WHO CARES!  Use what you have!

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The best Birthday present ever!  This is the fabulous shelf Jahred built for me.  It holds a few photos and my fabric!  Who says you can't have fabric in your living room!  The statues were gifts when I had my son, and the stocking next to the shelf was a Thrift Store "FREE BOX" item.

Also on the shelf is a small box that was a package from Hong Kong.  It impressed me so much the way the wrap their packages that I saved it!  You never know what decor may come in the mail!

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Here is a photo (not the best quality) of Jahred's art.  It is on top of my hutch (that came from someones garage), and next to a basket of yarn.  I am really proud of this arrangement!

A little more on the hutch,  it is all open and has my wedding china in it.  I love that because I can use it every day!  Also, carved in the side of the hutch is the mans name "Pete".  This piece is my favorite and best find!

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