Romance Novel Author - Lifestyle Blog: Dagmar's Home
Ever wondered what it would take to make one of those awesome glass jar pendant lights you see all over Pinterest? I’ll show you how to make a DIY Mason Jar Pendant Light in just minutes – this is so easy!
Mason jar pendant lights are all the rage and sell for a lot of money. Some 5-jar pendant lamps costs $150!
I’m here to encourage you to make your own mason jar lamp in minutes.
It took me longer to gather the supplies for this lamp than it did to make it.
I came up with a healthy Fourth of July dessert that avoids all those toxic blue and red food colorings.
I’m a fan of fool-proof, easy recipes because I don’t have the time to make elaborate meals.
I usually try to get around slaving in the kitchen for hours and like to whip up something fast that still makes a big impression.
It has to be easy and healthy — and for Fourth of July, I wanted to come up with something that doesn’t involve yucky food coloring that has been proven to cause all kinds of health problems.
Pinterest is overflowing with Fourth of July food full of blue and red food dyes, and I want no part of it.
Would you actually eat this?!
I wouldn’t. This I’d eat in a second:
Patriotic Fourth of July Dessert
I love thrifting — the act of shopping for items for less at tag sales, in thrift stores, or at flea markets. It has become a way of life for me, and it’s so much fun.
In this post I’ll give you five reasons why you should try it as well to decorate your home, buy items and gifts for your children, and more.
You’ve never been to a flea market? You don’t stop for yard sales? Oh, you don’t know what you are missing!
Years ago, after moving to one of the most expensive areas in America — Westchester, NY — and wanting to stay home with my little son instead of putting him into daycare, I had to come up with a plan.
I had to find a way to make one income stretch for three people in an area where Richard Gere and Martha Stewart live in mansions.
Since then, I’ve become an expert at cutting coupons and finding healthy food for less. And “thrifting” at tag sales and thrift stores is part of my weekly ritual.
My son sometimes tags along, often coming home with the biggest score of the day.
I’ve managed to purchase so many interesting items for way less than I would’ve normally paid for in stores.
I even hosted a weekly “Thrifty & Vintage Finds” link party on this blog for years where I showed off my latest scores.
1. The Love of the Hunt
There’s nothing better than finding something unexpected and getting it for just a few dollars.
Last week I went to a local flea market after seeing a sign for it the day before and came home with a beautiful 20-pound cast iron farmhouse.
I spotted it among a whole bunch of other items, and I’m so glad I asked the vendor for the price. I ended up paying $3 for it!
2. It’s a Creative and Unique Way to Decorate Your Home
Pulling together patriotic decor for Fourth of July can be pretty easy. I bet you already have some red, white, and blue items at home you can repurpose.
Here is how I decorated my home for Independence Day.
I redecorated our living room with patriotic decor in anticipation of Fourth of July.
Welcome to the Blue Cottage!
I pulled together some red, white, and blue items like the little red stool and books, and added a few new inexpensive items, like the two inexpensive flags. [Read more…]
If you don’t have a lot of space in your home, or you are thinking of downsizing, you’ll love these storage ideas for small spaces!
Since making the jump to America 25+ years ago, I’ve moved many, many times.
In Los Angeles, I first lived in two homes with roommate, then in two tiny guest cottages, and then in a small apartment.
Yes, I moved about every year! I actually love moving — but that is another post, ha!
In New York, I lived in a condo for three months and then in a tiny upstairs apartment.
All of these places had one thing in common: not enough space!
But I have always been able to decorate and organize my small homes without having to spend a lot of money.
In this post, I’ll show you how and share my tips. [Read more…]