One of my favorite things about owning a house is being able to make it into my own. I’ve spent the last three years painting, replacing flooring, tiling, and doing all the other fun stuff that’s necessary when you own a house. I’ve just now been able to start decorating and making it feel more like home.

The only problem that I’ve run into is that a lot of home goods are expensive!  Wall art is probably the biggest piece of the puzzle as far as bringing a room together.  It’s just not in me to spend $50 or $60 on a piece of wall art.  I try to make do with what I have and come up with creative ways to make my house look good without raiding my bank account.

This weekend I went through my fabric stash and decided I was going to use some of it to make embroidery wall hoops.  I did have to go buy the embroidery hoops (they were $1.00 each).

I took the fabric, stretched it over the embroidery hoops, trimmed it in the back to go around the hoop, and glued the pieces over the edge in.  It was so simple!  I think they go well with the quilt, which is a handmade quilt from my aunt.  The only thing is that it took me forever to get them on the wall right!

Mr. Money is undecided on whether or not he likes them.  I just think they may be too girly for him.  I’d love to have your opinion!

Do you like my frugal wall art?

photo credit: masterplaan

Phantom electricity can suck the energy out of your home like an energy vampire. What is phantom electricity? It’s the energy that’s used when appliances are plugged in and not being used. Do you leave your cell phone charger plugged in and not charging the phone? Chances are you’re a victim of phantom electricity.

Here are some ways to combat the energy vampire:

-Unplug your cell phone charger, toaster, and blender when not in use.  Small appliances can still cause a big drain.

-If you live with someone that leaves things plugged in when they’re not using them (*cough* Mr. Money), make sure you do a sweep of your house before you turn in at night.

-Completely shut down your computer at night and unplug it.  Not only does this help keep your electric bill low, but you also lower your threat to hackers and viruses.

-Install power strips in areas such as the living room, and connect your tv, receiver, Wii, gaming systems, and other devices to it.  When you go to bed, you can flip the switch to turn everything off and even unplug if you wish.

-Install Energy Star appliances when your old appliances bite the dust. Don’t go out and just buy new ones to replace your current ones- that’s not green or frugal!

Lowering your electric bill and carbon footprint feels great.  Don’t let phantom electricity take a bite out of your budget.  Combat it before it begins!

What steps do you take to lower your electric bill and fight phantom electricity?