More Style Than Cash: September 2009 Archives

How to Buy at a Live Auction

By MSTC on September 30, 2009 8:48 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks

Buying at a live auction has a thrill to it that no day at the mall could match but many people are nervous about attending auctions because they don't know the rules and regulations.

Will they get stuck with a ugly painting because the auctioneer thought they were bidding when they were only scratching their ear? Will every one recognize them as a beginner and will they make a fool out of themselves? Where are auctions held any way? and what will be available to buy?

There are some amazing deals at auctions and that's why antique dealers, bargain hunters and savvy shoppers frequently attend them.

With a little bit of knowledge you can start attending auctions like a seasoned pro and save a bundle of money.

Continue reading How to Buy at a Live Auction.

The Orchid Upstairs - Tips & Hints

By MSTC on September 29, 2009 10:27 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks

When I was in my late teens and early twenties I worked in a series of expensive flower shops and one of them sold exotic plants such as orchids and bonsais. I loved orchids.

I loved the romance of them, the tales of them and the beauty of them.

I loved reading the novels of Rex Stout because the main character Nero Wolfe grew orchids.

Nero Wolfe would fuss and coo over his precious orchids and let very few people near them.

Continue reading The Orchid Upstairs - Tips & Hints.

How to Look Great in Cheap Clothes

By MSTC on September 28, 2009 12:28 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks

There are times in your life when wearing cheap clothes is the sensible option.

When you are changing weight rapidly due to pregnancy or weight loss.

When you are out of your normal climate but need clothes for an extended period of time before you return.

When you are taking temporary work that has a different dress code than you are use to.

Or when both expensive clothes and cheap clothes are made in China and the only difference you can see in them is the price.

There are tips and tricks on how to have cheap clothes that look great.

Continue reading How to Look Great in Cheap Clothes .

Sewing Napkins for the Table

By MSTC on September 25, 2009 12:34 PM | 1 Comment | 0 TrackBacks

Environmentally paper napkins really are not a good thing. They might be pretty and they might be convenient but cloth napkins are in the long run much less expensive and less harmful to the environment.

While napkins are easy to find they can be pricey especially if you want nicer ones for more formal dinners.

There are also sometimes that you want something a bit more special to commemorate an occasion or just to dress things up a bit. It might be blush pink napkins to complete the decor of a bridal luncheon or it might be patterned card fabric for a bon voyage dinner for your parents before they head off on a cruise.

What ever the reason or the occasion it is very easy to make table napkins with just a few sewing skills. If you have a stash of cotton fabric then the cost of these is only the thread and the time that they take to make.

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Cheap Inexpensive Artwork for Your Home

By MSTC on September 23, 2009 12:15 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks

Cheap, inexpensive, great looking artwork is probably closer than you think at a lot less money than you would expect.

It doesn't matter if you have a clean, sleek modern home or a cozy turn of the century antique charmer, bare walls always make a room seem somewhat undressed.

While it would be lovely if we could all become patrons of the arts and hang on our walls the amazing masterpieces of budding young artists or the classic works of old world masters the truth is that those pieces are probably way out of our price range.

So what do you do when you want to warm up you living space with some great art work but haven't the money to do it?

Continue reading Cheap Inexpensive Artwork for Your Home.

Making Pie Crusts Perfect

By MSTC on September 21, 2009 4:28 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks

There has been so much written and discussed about pie crust you would think that they must be the hardest thing in the world to perfect! But far from it.

Pioneer women were making mouth watering pie crusts well before the invention of the refrigerator, food processor or electric stove.

Some people are so nervous about trying to make their own pie crusts they even resort to buying pre made crusts which have the taste of cardboard.

Too hard to make from scratch?....stuff and nonsense. Too much time to take?.... absolute rubbish. Pie crusts are easy and inexpensive to make. Learn how to do this from scratch and you will be able to make amazing sweet and savory pies for a fraction of the cost you would get them in stores.

Follow these simple hints and tricks and you will be ready to open your own pie store in no time.

Continue reading Making Pie Crusts Perfect.

Making Dog Collars

By MSTC on September 18, 2009 8:23 AM | 0 TrackBacks

We might not want to face that facts but the truth is our dogs at times smell bad, get into things they shouldn't and can behave in the most unbecoming ways.

If your dog has skin problems, seems to have an oily coat or loves rubbing itself in the most disgusting smells around then their collar might need to be replaced several times a year.

There is nothing worse than washing your dog or having it groomed and then placing a smelly greasy collar around their clean neck. Fancy collars can be expensive, people are willing to pay $50 or more for fine workmanship. While you would like to have something really nice for them sometimes you also need a simple serviceable collar that is easy to clean and not too expensive to replace. Making your own dog collars is an easy and inexpensive solution.

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Making Corn Husk Dolls

By MSTC on September 16, 2009 10:00 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks

Corn husk dolls have to be one of the oldest crafts in North America.

Simple to construct with just a few supplies this is an easy fall craft to make once you get the basics down.

With just corn husks and twist ties or wire you can make a bevy of these little beauties.

Slip a name card under their arms you can use them as place card holders for an autumn dinner or add a few to your Thanksgiving wreath. As corn is in season in late summer and fall plan a few extra meals around it then gather up all those husks and set some time aside for this wonderful craft.

Continue reading Making Corn Husk Dolls.

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September 2009 Archives