Pinterest

As you may be able to tell from my last painting post, we have been making some minor changes that make a big impact in Casa de Collins (photos to come if I get around to it ;) ). 


Many of my ideas and inspiration have come from a wonderful (and addicting) web site called  Pinterest. 


Don't know what Pinterest is? You should! It's fantastic!

Image courtesy here

What is Pinterest? "Pinterest is a virtual pinboard. Pinterest allows you to organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. You can browse pinboards created by other people to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests." 

-from Pinterest's help section

The great thing is that whatever images you pin will link you directly back to the web site source, so you can access any needed information or instructions that go with the image. 

Pinterest has been helpful to this busygal in the following ways:
Home decor inspiration
Good ideas for space saving and organizing
New recipes to try
Party planning
Techniques to use as a therapist (crafts, etc)
Gift ideas for staff at the schools I work at
Fashion inspiration
Parenting ideas for the future
Hairstyle ideas
It's FUN!

From my days as a substance abuse counselor..."Hi, my name is Carly, and I'm a Pinterest addict." 
There, I said it :)


Here is a link to the inspiration board for our bedroom redecoration


You can see how this site has been helping me as a therapist by checking out my other blog, Therapeutic Interventions.


Have you checked out Pinterest yet? What do you think? I'd love to hear how it has made your life as a busygal a bit easier!

Busygals Decorate with High-End Consignment Stores

A quick tip from BusyGalTips' biggest fan and supporter...my mama, Roberta :)


She has discovered and shared with me (and now you!) the beauty of high-end consignment stores. She has found some great treasures (furniture, dishes/china, etc) that are now in her beautiful home. 

What is a consignment store, you ask?

According to Wikipedia, "consignment is the act of consigning, which is placing a person or thing in the hand of another, but retaining ownership until the goods are sold or person is transferred." 

Basically, someone with a piece of furniture or other item consigns it to a shop, who sells it for the owner, and keeps a portion of the selling price for helping them out. You, in the meantime, get a sweet deal on oftentimes one-of-a-kind decorative pieces! Also, if you head to a consignment shop in a well-to-do area near you (i.e. Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, etc), chances are you'll find some high-quality, (originally) high-priced items for a fraction of the original price.


Get decorating, Busygals (and Thanks Mom!)

Busygals, Brighten Up Your Home (Busyguys, Score Points)

I don't know about you, but I love to have fresh flowers in my house. However, I don't like the cost that often comes with flowers, and they never last that long. For those days you want some fresh flowers in your home for company you are hosting, or just because, or...ahem...hint, hint...Busyguys reading this...to surprise your Busygal and make her day...Trader Joe's has GREAT deals on flowers! 

Image courtesy of funkydivagirl.com

For as low as about $5, you can get a simple bouquet of gerbera daisies, lilies, sunflowers, and other beautiful flowers. If you really want to "splurge," you can get a full huge bouquet, complete with greenery, for around $10. That's about 30-50% cheaper than a florist, and nobody will know the difference. 


Busyguys, if you don't want her to know you got them on the cheap, grab up an affordable vase to throw them in before you get home, and maybe tie a ribbon around the vase...I guarantee she'll never know, but she'll certainly be happy and surprised :)

BusyGal's Halloween Party on a Budget

Want to throw a little Halloween shindig, but don't want to break the bank decorating your place? Then we speak the same language, Busygals!






We're having a pumpkin carving party at our place, and I wanted to get some pumpkin carving kits for everyone to use. I had also seen a couple of blog posts from CiaoBella in her "Glam Decor" section for fun Halloween decor ideas, and I was inspired!

Image courtesy of superdealbox.com

I walked into my local 99¢ Only store, hoping I would find just pumpkin carving kits. Not only did I find the kits, but I was absolutely blown away by the an ENTIRE aisle of an amazing selection of Halloween decor and costumes! I got a TON of items, including 7 pumpkin carving kits, party plates, napkins, 2 tablecloths, plastic forks and knives, 3 fake black glittery roses, glittery spiders, tealight holders with glitter skulls on them, 2 packages of spider webs, and a sparkly Halloween sign...all for...GET THIS...$25!!!! I would have easily spent at least $50-$75 if I would have bought the same items at a party store.

The next time you have any party, I would definitely suggest heading to your 99¢ Only store, you'll be amazed at the selection and quality of items they offer...and all for 99¢ each!!

Busygals don't have to spend a fortune to party in style!