Home-made magic cleaner!

Okay, so I have seen this magic cleaner recipe on Pinterest a few times and I am not sure which one is the original poster, but it all the posts claim that this is magical tub or shower cleaner and that will get scum off super easily. I wanted to try it. Our house is SO old and the shower/tub is in bad shape. I won't go into detail but it's impossible to get it to look clean, even if you scrub for ten hours straight. So I tried this stuff and the verdict is that I LOVE IT! I love it for the tub, shower, sink, kitchen counters, floors, everything! It works like a charm. I'm never going to buy another bottle of all-purpose cleaner again. It's so much cheaper too. Here's the how-to:

Football Truffles

College football season starts today. You know what this means don't you? A very happy and excited husband. I love to have something to look forward too. I am always counting down to something, even if its just the next episode of American Idol. So, I love it when he looks forward to something, and he has been reminding me about this day for about a month.

Of course we have a score of "game time foods" that are fun to make and eat, but still cheaper than getting wings, pizza etc. For dinner tonight we are having brats. I wanted to make something special and fun for dessert as well, and my mind immediately went to oreo truffles.

Saving Money In College: Amazon is King

It's back to school again. I'm having a crazy first week, anyone else? Anyway, my favorite shopping center- Amazon has so many great deals for back to school, especially if you are a college student! They offer textbook rental now, and I went around to all the major rental sources yesterday comparing my own book prices and they are indeed the cheapest, not to mention that if you sign up for Amazon Prime for students you are eligible for free 2-day shipping on most of them. Yessss. More money for sushi, or any food in general, which is important for your livelihood.

Inspiration

 Image found here. 

It used to drive me absolutely nuts to go online and look at websites like Houzz and Pinterest and see all the gorgeous home pictures from all the zillion dollar mansions. I thought to myself, "yeah, they are gorgeous, but so unrealistic, why would I pin that?"

Since then, I have learned so much about how to take a beautiful image (even if it is unrealistic) and let it inspire me to improve upon my own spaces.

I have been spending a lot of time doing this lately since we have a new house. I love my blank canvas, but I can't wait to make it a gorgeous portrait! When searching for inspiration, I look for images that have something in common with my space aka same room size/shape, same color scheme, same window placement etc. When I find things that are similar it is so much easier to see how the designers intent could be mirrored in my spaces.

Here are a few images that have inspired me lately.

Our Week in Pins and Photographs

I love the idea of using vintage trunks as decor in guest bedrooms. I thought stacking them for a side table was fun and inventive. My local thrift store has these types of suitcases all-the-time, for like $2.00 a piece! Go now, get yours! However you use them, they add to any space. 

 

Thanks, Country Living! 

A burst of inspiration for sticking to my budget.

This is going to get personal.

I've decided to quit my job. I have been working at a bank for three years and it's been a great job. I worked part-time and had health benefits which is so hard to find. That job has been helping my husband and I through school for the last three years. Now I am about to begin my last semester of my undergrad, and I have too much on my plate. The decision was a tough one, after all, I could always drop a few classes and continue to work there, keep my paycheck and benefits coming, and finish school in the spring instead. However, I have been going to school more than full-time for the last three semesters so that I could reach my goal of finishing in 2012. I know it might seem silly, but I just can't part with that goal. I really want to make it happen. My five classes and two different internships that I'll be starting this week are going to be important for me to perform well in if I ever want to have a future in the field I've chosen. Considering that I do not think of my bank job as something I want long-term, and that my education is supposed to be preparing me for what I do want long-term, I chose school.

The Secret to Amazing Crepes

In this house, we LOVE crepes. My husband lived in Europe for 2 years and became a professional caliber crepe maker in my humble opinion.  I swear I could eat them every day. So here are a few secrets to making the world's most delicious crepes.

1.) Buy a crepe pan. I usually don't recommend buying things on this blog, but if you love crepes and make them frequently, you will be glad you did.

2.) Soda water. In any crepe recipe, you can substitute water for soda water, this helps your crepes texture to be just right. (When we don't have soda water we make them without and they are still totally delicious.

3.) Don't use skim milk. Again, crepes will work with skim milk, but they won't taste the same. I am actually pretty firm on this point. If you are trying to be healthy, don't make crepes (haha, j/k) but just know you will sacrifice a bit of the taste if you use skim. We use 2%.

4.) Refrigerate your batter before cooking crepes. If possible, we mix our batter the night before and refrigerate over night. If that isn't possible though, stick them in the fridge for at least an hour, this makes a huge difference.

Okay, now for an awesome recipe! Sarah actually gave us this recipe in a recipe book she made for me when we got married and its so yummy, I hope you enjoy these.

What you'll need: 

Before and After: DIY Dining Table Makeover

Hey guys! We are so excited to have our guest, Tara here with us today to share how she got her dream dining table for under $60! We are inspired to say the least. So without further ado...

I am so excited to be blogging here at Pretty Providence today! Jessica and Sarah definitely help my family stay frugal! My name is Tara Creel and I am a wife to my best friend, mother to three boys, an author and hobby collector. You can find me blogging with my sister over at Sister Mommies. One of the hobbies I've collected lately is refinishing furniture. It is a really great way to save A TON of money.

My husband and I have wanted a dining room set for a few years now, but we haven't found one that we love the price of as much as how it looks. Tables can run up to $1600 and chairs can be $280 each. Yikes! Definitely not in our budget. I have the answer for you to get the furniture you want for a price you can live with.

(Inspiration table: This table costs $3300 for table and chairs!)

How to Decorate a Wedding For Cheap!

This weekend I had the opportunity to see my little brother get married, as some of you readers may already know. I also got to plan the luncheon for after the ceremony for 100 guests. I love planning events! Granted, it can be a little stressful at times- like when it is 95 degrees that day and your luncheon is in a barn and your helpers text you saying that the heat is on in the barn and won't go off. Some things you can't control. You have to chill. Thanks to my husband for reminding me of that. And luckily, the heat went off about half hour before everyone showed up, thank the high heavens. Anyway, I was so pleased with how it all turned out and it was super cheap so I am going to share pictures today and a cost breakdown of how I did it so cheaply, with general tips. I hope this helps anyone who is planning this type of event to think outside the box and find ways to save dough. It's one party. It's one day. It will be amazing, and you don't need to spend a fortune on it!

Free photo prints and cheap music!

Right now get $3 off any MP3 album of $5.99 or more with this AmazonLocal free voucher! This deal is only available for another 16 hours, and since it's free to get the voucher so even if you aren't sure what to use it on, it's worth it to grab it while you can. The voucher will be valid til September 2, 2012.

Here are a few of the albums that would only be $2.99 after this deal:

Fun, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, The Civil Wars, Ellie Goulding, The Band Perry, Demi Lovato, Bob Marley, Old Crow Medicine Show

Also, Walgreens Photo is offering another free 8x10 photo print when you use coupon code GETONEFREE at checkout. This is good through 8/31!

Happy listening and printing!

-Sarah

Road Trip Playlist

Hello party people!!!! I am so beyond STOKED (can you tell?) because as you are reading this I will finally be on my beach vacation that I have been talking about for months!

We are driving there and back so an awesome road trip playlist is a MUST. I like to have a little bit of everything on my playlists so there is something for everybody. I hope there is something you'll like as well.

Our Week in Pins and Photographs

I thought these road trip treat caddies were such a great idea! Kids can have variety, and (depending on kids ages) they can have all their options right in their lap. On our road trips it was always "mom pass me," "I want those," "who has the...". Made out of tackle boxes, they would be perfect to hold snacks for little ones at the beach/pool/park as well! 

  Thanks, PMK Crafts! 

DIY Chalkboard (from thrifted frame!)

Okay,  I am super happy with how this project turned out, especially since it only cost me $5 to do. I found the frame at the thrift store and bought a can of chalkboard spray paint from Wal-Mart. I am so excited for all the possible ways I can use it. Menu planning, writing fun messages, inspirational quotes, song lyrics, etc!

 

Doing it Yourself the Hard Way.

I mentioned that we were moving into our house this week, what I didn't mention is that we are repainting the entire house. We actually bought this house from our neighbors, and completely loved it. The previous owners had so much personality and every room was a different color. Even though I liked some of the colors, they didn't really jive with my decor and personal tastes. So, we knew from the start we would have to paint.

Here are some before pictures for you:

(closed) PANACHE Giveaway!

Okay people today is your lucky day because Panache boutique is sponsoring a $50.00 giveaway starting right now! 

Haven't heard of Panache? Here are a few of our favorite items:

 

Aren't all those adorable?? I am obsessed with maxi skirts and dresses right now! 

So here are the details: 

The giveaway will run from now until Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Standard Time. We will e-mail the winner to notify them, so please leave an e-mail address in each entry comment or we will have to choose a new winner. 

Mandatory entries:

1.) Like Panache on Facebook

2.) Follow this blog (see right sidebar)

Bonus entries: 

3.) Like Pretty Providence on Facebook and post the link to this giveaway on your status

4.) Follow Pretty Providence on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway

5.) Follow Pretty Providence on Pinterest

6.) Follow Panache on Twitter

{Please leave a separate comment with your e-mail in it for each entry because we will be using a random number generator to determine the winner, and you want to make sure all your entries count! We will not send out any e-mails other than to notify winners.}

What are you waiting for? Enter & win! 

-Jessica & Sarah

Amazon Music Freebie!

Get a free $1.29 music credit to Amazon MP3 store from Pepsi right now by following @Pepsi on Twitter and tweeting them anything with the hashtag #PepsiMusicNOW in it. (How bout "THANK YOU!") You have to follow them first or it won't count. They will then send you a code for your free music and you can redeem it here! Yesss. New Taylor Swift song anyone?? It's free. Me too.

Cheap Striped Straws: A Price Comparison

Cheap striped straws...they exist! If you read this post, you know I like to buy party supplies on the cheap and stockpile them until needed. I fell in love with striped straws a few years ago and I haven't stopped loving them since. They are mostly available in the paper variety and can get pricy. I never bought them, only stared at them through the screen wishing they were more sensible and affordable. They are definitely one of the cutest details you can have for an event though so I thought someday I'd have an occasion they'd be worth splurging for. Well now we don't have to splurge y'all. Here's my comparison. You can buy them three ways: 

Fabric Scrap Headband Tutorial

Just in case you missed my guest post over at See Vanessa Craft, I thought I would re-post it today, hope you guys enjoy it! 

The project I am going to share today is SO easy. I made six headbands for under $4.00. True story.

Our Week in Pins and Photographs

I have been working so hard to stock my freezer, and I am learning new things all the time! I found this site on pinterest and a few of the things on the freezable list shocked and excited me. Do any of you freeze milk or cream? I never thought of freezing herbs either, but that will come in handy since I hardly ever use them all before they go bad, and I hate that. 

 

Thanks, Simple Organized Living! 

Avocado Cilantro-Lime Salsa

This recipe is my new favorite, I've made it over and over again since I first tried it. It's super cheap to make, tastes so fresh and delicious, and of course it's easy. Since I'm not a huge tomato eater I prefer sweet salsas with corn and black beans. This is a quick, easy go-to dish for any gatherings you might have this summer or just for an afternoon snack!

Book Worm

I haven't had much time to read lately, which is a bummer, because reading is just about my favorite thing. We have a week long vacation to the beach coming up in a few weeks and I can't wait to lay out and tear through as many books as possible!

I am more than a little bit excited about this. I love books. I love how they transport you to other worlds and let you see through the eyes of strangers. In honor of my read-a-thon beach week I thought I would share some of my must-read books with you guys by genre so there is something for everyone!

FANTASY: Anything by Brandon Sanderson.

I have a confession to make. He single handedly converted me to fantasy literature. I first picked up one of his books simply because he got the same undergraduate degree I did, and I wanted to support a brand new author from my alumni. Since then, I have read every book he has written so far. Then, I read the entire Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan because he was chosen to finish it. Then I went to the good old fashioned book store and browsed the fantasy section for anything that sounded good. Basically, now I am a junkie. I am thinking about making a paper chain to count down to when the next book is supposed to come out, but they keep changing the day on me. (How dare they?) If you are interested in trying him out, I would recommend Warbreaker because it is one of his stand alone novels and you might want to see if you like him before you invest in a series.

Healthy Homemade Ketchup: A Guest Post by Rachel Schultz

Hey ladies! We are so excited to introduce our guest posting friend Rachel today! She has developed a recipe for healthier homemade ketchup, something I never would have thought of- so smart! She has an awesome blog of her own so we recommend checking it out after the jump!

We may not associate ketchup with being a really-bad-for-us junk food, but it absolutely is. Just 3 tablespoons of the stuff has 570mg of sodium and 12 grams of sugar. I don't know about you, but I 'd rather save the sugar intake so I can have dessert!

Free Wedding Invitations, Customizable and Printable!

bunting - antlers - bicycle - guess what - chevron - ombre - monogram - mason jar - floral monogram - kites

I used to be a connoisseur of wedding blogs three years ago when I was planning my own. Since then I have lost touch, but sometimes I miss them. Everything is so pretty, but usually so expensive. My brother's wedding is coming up in a little more than a week and it's been so fun to be a part of planning the big party again. I was looking for some cute table numbers and place cards the other day to print for free when I stumbled upon The Wedding Chicks blog, and what an amazing resource it is! They have free printables in every wedding category, and you can even customize most of them to your own colors! It's incredible. So for anyone out there planning a wedding (or really any big event) you should check out this site. I just had to share it. And I chose my ten favorite invitation designs to share with you just for fun. The nine you see in the image plus one more. I had my invitations done for free as well but it took a little more work than this would. Thanks Wedding Chicks!

I am hoping to do a few more wedding-related posts in the future because they are fun, and there is a lot of good information to be shared. What are some of the ways you saved money planning a wedding?

10 Freezer Meals in 2 Hours - It's True!

Freezer Meals You'll LOVE!

As you all know I have been wanting/trying to stock my freezer chock full before this baby arrives. My preparations have really been a little here a little there, stocking up on sales, not full meals like I had really wanted. I FINALLY got around to trying bulk freezer meal cooking with my neighbor and good friend, Pam, from Over the Big Moon. I'll tell you what, this won't be the last time! I felt so good after we finished them. It went so fast and I love knowing I have some meals in my freezer that are not only quick, but delicious! We did it in two little sessions. Session one we did Cilantro Lime Chicken w/ Corn and Black Beans, Pineapple Chicken and Beef Enchiladas. The second little session we did World's Best Chicken and Garlic Lime Chicken.

Cilantro Lime Chicken w/Corn and Black Beans

Recipe: 

Our Week in Pins and Photographs

One of the things I am so excited about in our new house is that it has a mantle! Hooray! I have always wanted one and never had one. Ideas for decorating it abound, of course. I loved this idea I found on pinterest for fall. I frequently decorate using glass jars/vases etc. and I just love this color combo. Bonus, what a cheap and beautiful way to fill a hurricane jar.

 

Thanks, My Heart's Desire! 

freebies & deals for your weekend!

Tomorrow Ace Hardware is giving out free quarts of paint while supplies last! Go to their Facebook page to print your coupon and I'm guessing those of us who want it will have to get there early!

Get 60 bonus Swagbucks when you sign up TODAY! (If you don't know what Swagbucks is, I posted about it here.) Just enter code SBISONTHEGO at registration and you'll be off to a great start! Yesterday I ordered a pair of shoes from Amazon and didn't pay a cent because I had been earning gift cards through Swagbucks. Want to see them? Okay. Now sign up so you can get free stuff too! 

Behold, the free-est, cutest wedges. I have wanted you for so long! Find them here.

Click "read more" to see the rest of this weekend's awesome freebies!

DIY: Vintage Suitcase Makeover

A few years ago I started collecting vintage suitcases, I have about four of them now. I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do with them, only that they were cute and could be used for a variety of things including home decor. So I finally pulled one of them out of the cellar. Yes, I have a cellar. And no, I didn't pull it out really, husband did because I am terrified of the cellar.

Fried Rice

My husband doesn't even like rice, but he requests my homemade fried rice all the time. It is such a yummy and unique weeknight meal. We typically eat the rice for the main course, but for special occasions I make it as a side to my sweet and sour chicken and cook up some pot stickers. Either way you serve it, you won't be disappointed!

Here's what you'll need:

Research Your Purchases!

Hey everyone! We have another inspiring guest poster here today to share with us how she makes her small student budget work! If you missed the first posts of the series here's where you can find them:

My Monthly Budget--A Love Letter To Myself

Budgeting on a Budget

A Thrifty Tip from Across the Water

High Fashion, Low Budget...It's Possible! 

 

 Today we are excited to introduce Kayleigh! She is so sweet and funny and just like all of us, trying to make it on a budget! Let's get to it...

Hey Everyone! Bare with me as this is my first guest post anywhere so I am something of a newbie and have a tendency to ramble on…

I’m KayleighAnn, a student trying to save for a deposit for my first home whilst studying, interning in a beautiful craft gallery and in my spare time volunteering, crafting and blogging, all whilst living on a budget.

The hardest thing about budgeting is feeling the limits on what I can do; I have to be really strict with myself so as not to be wasteful. 

I find alternatives and live with some brilliant girls who keep me entertained socially but sometimes, you know, when there is a new book you’re dying to read, or the beautiful dress is screaming ‘BUY ME’ through the shop front and you know you have to wait it out for the sale, save up or forget it-it can be so hard. 

Luckily I am away with the fairies and tend to forget things easily.