I Transformed a Broken Wall Clock and Wrought Iron Stand into Beautiful Farmhouse Style Decorations!

I turned 2 broken things into these! FARMHOUSE HOME DECOR - Trash to Treasure Transformation

Ever since I started doing DIY projects I have had a recurring theme. Either do a project using cheap materials or repurposing old stuff to create new ones. That is why I came up with these projects for this specific video.

How to Transform an Old Wall Clock into a Shadow Box Display Case

The first project is repurposing a broken wall clock. Ever since I bought this wall clock, it had a problem with draining the batteries too soon. After multiple battery replacements, I thought it would be better and cheaper to repurpose it. I removed the mechanism of the clock itself and left the housing to be used in this project. I then, painted it white and added letter stickers I got from Dollar Tree to spell out "HOME SWEET HOME" on the inside. I embellished with sprigs of lavender. I hung it on the wall and voila! Great decor and since it is spacious on the inside you can basically decorate it however you want. I was so happy with the outcome. What do you think?

                                                                       BEFORE

                                                                   
                                                                         AFTER

How to Transform an Old Iron Stand and Old Baking Pans into a 3-Tiered Tray

The second project is a 3-tiered wrought iron stand that I transformed into a 3-tiered tray display. I bought the wrought iron stand about a decade ago and, if I remember correctly, I paid around $6 to $7 for it. It is perfect for farmhouse decor. I used my old baking pans that have been sitting for quite a while to create a 3-tiered all-season display tray. You can use this for different occasions. I also went for a rustic look on the wrought iron stand. I painted it white first and then added a bit of a brown color to create a faux patina. I never thought that I would use that iron stand until I was almost going to get rid of the old baking pans from Dollar Tree. I'm glad that I was able to revive not just the dingy baking pans but also the broken stand! Below are photos of the different ways I decorated this 3-tiered stand. I staged it for different seasons.
                                                                     
                                                                         BEFORE

AFTER

WINTER

SUMMER (SPA)

SUMMER (KITCHEN)

FALL

SPRING

So there you have it! My two latest trash-to-treasure projects. Hopefully, I have inspired you to repurpose things around the house that you would normally throw away. With a bit of imagination and creativity, these so-called broken things can be used in many other ways

To watch the full video click on the thumbnail below.

Don't forget to subscribe to this blog and my YouTube channel for more projects like these!
Thank you so much for your support!

Until next time. Bye!

DIY DOLLAR TREE TALL TERRARIUM LANTERN

I have a penchant for terrariums and lanterns that's why I love making them. 

I decided to make another one because I want a terrarium that also functions as a lantern. I also want it huge! This one measures 10 inches across by 19 inches high. I want it tall so that I can add potted plants and give them room to grow. I also plan to use it as a display case for my miniature projects.

To make the terrarium lantern I used picture frames that I purchased from Dollar Tree. You will need seven 8"x10" picture frames, E6000 or any stronghold glue. You will also need glue sticks and a glue gun to reinforce it.

Just a quick reminder, in the video you will see me use just the hot glue. That is only for demo purposes. To make sure that the frames will be secured when you create this terrarium you will need E6000 or any other stronghold glue.

To turn it into a lantern, I added remote-controlled lights that I received from Onforu. Check the video description for the link to Amazon and for the detailed list of materials.

I really enjoyed making this terrarium. The good thing about it is that you can adorn it with additional highlights that reflect the season. So, you can use it all year long. Add live plants or plastic plants...whichever tickles your fancy. The good thing about DIYs like this is that you're only limited by your creativity.

To watch the full video, please click on the video thumbnail below.

I hope you enjoyed this project as much as I enjoyed making it.

Don't forget to subscribe to this blog and my YouTube channel!

Until next time. Bye!

Last Minute Holiday Decorations that Last Through Winter Season Part 3

This is part 3 of a 3-part series. Click on part 1 and part 2 to get more inspirations in decorating your home for the holidays that will last through the entire Winter season.

I love to upcycle, refresh, revamp, recycle things and that includes my DIY projects. I would like to show you how I refreshed two projects that, incidentally, I also refreshed this last Spring. I love using inexpensive items, mostly from Dollar Tree to keep me on my low budget!

First, I replaced the wreath that I attached to the four wooden frames from Dollar Tree. The first time I used these four frames was in Winter last year when I created the deer in the forest faux window frame scenery, which I entitled Dollar Tree DIY Winter Wonderland Window Frame. Then, in the Spring of 2019, I recycled it to decorate for Spring.

Next, I made a pair of mini cypress topiaries using the mini Christmas Trees and two similar white cups from Dollar Tree. I filled in the empty spaces inside the cups using some of the red napkins with snowflakes that I got from Dollar Tree also. The napkins came 20 in a pack. Then, I placed bows made of Dollar Tree red \-and-white strings on top of the trees.  I love making simple but beautiful things out of inexpensive items!

Then, I revamped the wall hanging I created using an 11"x14" black picture frame from Dollar Tree. I used a Dollar Tree placemat as an insert. Then, I added three hooks from Dollar Tree below the frame and hung three paddle-shaped cutting boards also from Dollar Tree. I kept the same placemat but revamped and redecorated the cutting boards by covering the cups that I used to mimic small pots. I used burlap and added embellishments.

The first time I used this wall hanging was in December of 2018 when I created the "JOY" sign.
I hung this on our kitchen wall next to the sliding door.

And...here are some photos of my decorated fireplace mantle where I used the wreath frame and the topiaries! I added my galvanized miniature houses from Target Dollar Spot last year and a small white bottle brush tree to balance it out!

And here is the collage of all the projects!

Click on the thumbnail below to watch the full tutorial on my YouTube channel.

So, that's it, folks! I hope you enjoyed these 3-part series as much as I enjoyed making them for you! I also hope that I gave you some ideas to make decorations for the holidays that you can keep all Winter long!

Don't forget to subscribe to this blog and my YouTube channel!


HAPPY HOLIDAYS and ENJOY YOUR WINTER!!!

Last Minute Holiday Decorations that Last Through Winter Season Part 2

Oh, the holidays...doesn't this time of the year fills your heart with gladness? The atmosphere at the malls, retail shops, restaurants, tourist spots, and the workplaces decorated for the season is so festive and makes you want to take each piece of inspiration home with you. Taking pictures of these decorated places and posting them on your social media accounts are some of the ways you can keep them with you. But, there is even a better way-- making them yourself on a smaller scale!

Here's part 2 of a three-part series. Click part 1 if you haven't read it yet! Here on part 2, I am showing you how I decorated our buffet console table and the wall shelf hanging above it. I used the four projects from part 1 and added three more easy DIYs to complete the look!

 

One of the DIYs I used on the wall is the tobacco basket swag I created in part 1. I hung it above the black shelf. I wanted to decorate the shelf simply, so I made a burlap garland to drape over it. I used a couple of yards of burlap and several wired garlands from Dollar Tree that I connected together.

Next, I decorated a DIY 3-Tiered Tray that I made back in Fall. On the top tier, I hot glued my DIY little red house from part 1. I also used the birdcage cardinal from the same tutorial. I added some faux greenery, LED candles, and some berries from Dollar Tree. The outcome is stunning! I love it!

Here's another version that I did not include in the video. I added a snowman from Dollar Tree.

Next, I made a miniature cypress topiary tree. I used a small Christmas tree and a snowman cup both from Dollar Tree. This is a simple DIY that took only a couple of minutes to complete. Here's the outcome!

                                             

I also hung the little red truck DIY wall art that I made on part 1. I hung it just below the shelf.
                                               

Then, below it, I placed three LED miniature houses that I purchased last year from Target Dollar Spot. I used a white ceramic food tray and propped the houses with some ired garland ties from Dollar Tree. I placed the houses in between the tiered trays and the topiary! The lantern next to the topiary is from the 99 Cents Only Store last year. I embellished it with a wired garland tie that I shaped into a small wreath and topped with some berries on top. The golden wooden "home" sign was from Target Dollar Spot last year too! I really love this ensemble!

I added a few more items after I posted my YouTube video. That's what's good about having a blog, I get to share additional ideas that happened before or after I upload my videos! Like the photos shown below:

I removed 2 of the 3 houses and placed a red-and-white buffalo check deer on the left of the remaining house and a pair of red-and-white snow booties on its right! I then moved the wooden home sign in front of it.


Then, this happened...

I moved the deer on the left side of the shelf and the booties to the right. I laid them on top of the garland on the shelf. I also added LED clip-on candles I got at Amazon.

So, it proves to show that you can change your mind to achieve the look that you want.
Click the thumbnail below to watch the entire process:

Thanks again for watching! Don't forget to subscribe to this blog and my YouTube channel for more budget-friendly ideas.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Next...part 3!

Last Minute Holiday Decorations that Last Through Winter Season Part 1

If you feel that you are too late to decorate for the holidays, don't fret! Here are a few holiday decorations that you can easily make in time for the holidays! These projects are easy on the budget and you can keep them up all through the Winter season. Here's part 1 of a 3 part series.

For our family room and kitchen, I decided to go a bit bold by using bright red. Think of the cardinal, it's red feathers are bright against the snow-covered thistles of the pine trees. So, I decided to make that red as my inspiration! I went to my Dollar Tree to buy cardinal ornaments, red berries, two green mini Christmas trees, and some wired garland branches. I also got a little red truck ornament to match!

First, I made this swag by inverting one of the small trees and then tying it into this white basket tray that looks like a tobacco basket, which I bought at Walmart last Spring. I used one of the garland ties from Dollar Tree to tie it the tree to the basket. Then, I topped it with a black-and-white buffalo check bow that I created from a roll of ribbon that I got on clearance at Hobby Lobby last year. I also got the small wooden tag ornament that says "JOY" at Walmart. It came in a set of 6 for $1.98. Then, I added a cluster of berries for the pop of red!

Next, I revamped a little old wooden house art piece from Dollar Tree. I cut an old shoebox in red-and-black buffalo check in the same shape as the wooden house to use it as a backing.

 I cut out in the same shape of the house a piece of red napkin with white snowflakes to use as an inner lining for the house. It will serve as a backdrop of a small wreath I created using a piece of wired garland from Dollar Tree. I added berries and also another small wooden tag ornament from Walmart. I love how it turned out!

Next, I decorated a white birdcage that I purchased at the 99 Cents Only Store last Spring. I created a small nest out of a wired garland tie from Dollar Tree. Then, I placed it inside the birdcage and added the cardinal on top of the nest. Finally, I embellished the top with a polka-dotted gray ribbon and some berries. Isn't it adorable?

Lastly, I made a holiday wall art using a faux shiplap wooden frame I made last Summer as a backdrop. I used the garland ties to create three small trees. I cut them to shape and attached them to wooden dowels I got at Dollar Tree. Then I hot glued them onto the frame. Then, I glued the little red truck ornament in front of the trees. I added 3 wired garlands and a black-and-white buffalo check bow on the top of the frame to finish it off! 

Watch the full tutorials on my YouTube channel by clicking on the thumbnail below!

                                         

Don't forget to subscribe to this blog and my YouTube channel so you don't miss out on more budget-friendly DIYs. Part 2 and part 3 to follow.

BE THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS WITH THESE PARTY HELPERS

With the holidays fast approaching and you need help in organizing your buffet table, may it be for a small or big gathering, I have great news for you! This DIY Kitchen Organizer video tutorial has four (4) projects that you can choose from to make hosting your next party a breeze!

From an organizer for your utensils, plates, and napkins to a hot drink station, the uses for these projects are endless.

In addition, making these projects are easy on the budget. You can purchase all the items that I used at Dollar Tree! You'll be the hostess with the mostess on your next gathering when you make and use any of these DIY party or kitchen organizer projects! ENJOY!

Don't forget to subscribe to this blog and my YouTube Channel, so that you will get notified whenever I post a new blog or upload new videos! Thank you so much!

Until next time. Bye!!!

DIY Winter Decor Ideas for $10 or Less Collaboration

WINTER DECOR COLLABORATION

Hello everyone. Josie again here to provide you more DIYs for the winter season. This one is very special to me because it's a collaboration with some of my fellow YouTubers who are also some of my greatest friends. I sent out a message to all of them hoping that they would do a collaboration with me. To my surprise, they all said yes. Even if they were all busy they took the time to join me. It almost brought me to tears as you can see in the video.

The challenge was to create winter decor DIYs for $10 or less. As of now, this collaboration video is one of, if not the best, highlights of my YouTube channel.

I want to give each one of them a shout out and a huge THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

Listed below are our channel names that you can search on YouTube:
Abellee25
Araceli Chan DIY
Belinda's DIY's
Designs and Inspirations - GreenCrystalRose
Elaine Petrakis Midnight Crafter
Kristin Kay
LifeAt50&Beyond
Measure & Mix
Mimys Glam and Designs
Petalisbless
Teresa Plans

To see all of our DIYs just click on the link to the playlist in this video's description box. Once you click it, all videos will automatically play one after the other. Make sure to leave all of us some love by commenting, liking, and sharing the videos. Also, don't forget to subscribe to all our channels. 

It has been a very rewarding year so far. This will not be all possible without all of you. Thank you for all the love and support.

Don't forget to subscribe to this blog and my YouTube Channel, so that you will get notified whenever I post a new blog or upload new videos! Thank you so much!

Until next time! Bye!

Get Ready for Winter with 8 Glam Winter Decor DIYs, Walmart and Lakeside Collection Hauls, and a Personal Planner!

Hi there again! Josie here for another update. These series of videos that I have posted to my YouTube channel are for the winter season. Since the year 2019 is about to close I thought why not end the year with some great DIY decors for your home to celebrate the winter. Here are some recent videos to entertain and inspire you. ENJOY!

This video consists of 8 quick DIY tips. These simple ways to celebrate the season. You don't have to spend so much time or money to decorate your home for winter. Any of these 8 decor projects will suit your needs. I have compiled the 8 glam style winter decor projects from last year. Some of them are pure glam and some have a touch of farmhouse style...giving it a glam farmhouse vibe!

I also want to share this video of my haul from Walmart. I got some cute, affordable ornaments. Although, I was kind of disappointed in their ornaments this year.  In my honest opinion, last year they had better options to choose from.  Still, I found a handful that I added to my collection. Watch out for them on future builds.

I also shared on this video the planner I got from Personal Planner. This Personal Planner will be my go-to planner for 2020. Personal Planner and I have partnered a few times in the past and, I must say, their products are some of the best qualities out there. It's easy to order and choose the style you want. Just go to their website https://www.personalplanner.com/ to check them out. Did you know that they also ship worldwide? Personal Planner also sponsored a giveaway that ended on 11/10/19. Shawna Rice won the giveaway. Watch out for more planner videos on my channel. I am sure planner addicts like me would enjoy some planner layout videos, so stay tuned!

Before I write anything about this specific video, I want to make clear that I am not an affiliate of the Lakeside Collection nor did they sponsored this video. I bought these from their website using my own money. The idea for this video is to share with an online shop that I also buy from where you can buy affordable home decor and organizers that make great gifts. These are perfect since the season of giving is fast approaching. I really scored on these items, so watch how I also share my invoice that showed the prices of each one! Stay tuned for future videos where I will show how I used them. 

I hope you guys enjoyed these updates. Don't forget to subscribe to this blog and my YouTube Channel, so that you will get notified whenever I post a new blog or upload new videos! Thank you so much!

Til next time. Bye!

DOLLAR TREE DIY FARMHOUSE STYLE FALL DECORATIONS

Hi everyone.! Josie here!

I have been very busy with uploading videos on YouTube that I have neglected this blog. But not to worry, moving forward I will maintain both my YouTube channel and this blog so that I can provide you with budget-friendly and easy DIYs. I'm also planning on doing a written step-by-step complete with photos for those of you who like that style of the tutorial. You can print it and keep it in your folder or notebook for future reference.  I am hoping to get that going in mid-December 2019 or early 2020. 

In the meantime, here's my line-up for Fall 2019. Below are the links to the videos with a brief description of what the videos contain. You can watch and follow along with each tutorial! ENJOY!

https://youtu.be/aXE4HGddSmM

This video will definitely show you that even with modestly priced materials you can create decorations for Fall. I love how versatile and easy to make this 3-tiered tray. Even if it's not Fall season it can be used all year round since I went for a neutral scheme. Just add your seasonal decorations and you're set!

https://youtu.be/fbXp8rMqUF0

This video is a collaboration with my YouTube gal pal Elaine Petrakis. This is a centerpiece with a pumpkin theme. Most of the materials that I used for this project were from Dollar Tree.

https://youtu.be/VFiaihtAFfQ

This video is another collaboration. This time it's with ABELLEE25. At about the same time last year, we also did a collaboration. It's another beautiful centerpiece project with Fall in mind.

https://youtu.be/Nl7Rm6O8B94

This video is a quick one. This project is another reversible centerpiece. This will benefit people who do not have a lot of space for example, in a dorm or small apartment. You can also use this to decorate your child's room.

So there we go folks. Within a couple of days, I will be updating the blog to show my projects for Winter. We need to clear the backlogs so that we can make sure both the blog and the channel are updated on a weekly basis.

Don't forget to subscribe to this blog and my YouTube Channel, so that you will get notified whenever I post a new blog or upload new videos!

Thanks for all the support. Without you, this blog and the channel will be for naught.

Until next time! Hugs and Bye! 

Happy Spring!

Spring has sprung a week ago and, at least where I live, it's really in the air! To those of you who have been following me on my YouTube channel know that of all the four seasons, my favorite is Fall and my least favorite is Summer. My second and third favorites are Winter and Spring respectively. I love the sign of new life when the flowers are blooming and birds and insects busily hovering around to help with pollination during Spring, but I don't enjoy having to deal with my seasonal allergies when pollens are floating in the air.

Although Spring isn't my top favorite season of all, I love it for a couple of reasons-- my YouTube channel's anniversary and it's the time I refresh/revamp! I started my YouTube channel Spring of 2016, April 8 to be exact; I posted my very first video, which was an organization video, a month later, May 13 to be exact. Each year since then, I've analyzed how my channel had performed and then I use the time to brainstorm and plan what I need to do to keep my channel successful not only in terms of numbers of subscribers or total views but in terms of what my channel offer. I do a lot of DIYs, the majority are Dollar Tree organization and home decor hacks. Majority of the feedback I received is very positive.

As I am inching towards my 3rd year anniversary as a YouTuber, I thought I'd share some plans for my channel. I plan to upload videos weekly-- a minimum of one, an average of two, and a maximum of three. I might stretch to four or five, but that would be very very rare. Besides, I need to post more blogs, at least once a week. A month shouldn't go by without me blogging. I will stay active on my YouTube community posts and use the other social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest) to promote my channel and connect with you all. I am happy to say that so far I have been fulfilling these since the beginning of March this year as part of my New Year's resolutions.

I will keep on uploading Dollar Tree DIYs for home decor and organization but I will also upload trash-to-treasure themed videos. I will continue doing upcycle/recycle/repurpose videos. I have read a lot of positive comments whenever I did those. My channel has been gaining international subscribers so I would like to feature DIYs that anyone can do wherever they may be. That's why I plan to include upcycling and trash-to-treasure videos consistently on my channel. I'd like for my channel to stay relevant and be of inspiration to anyone, anywhere and not just cater to a select few.

Lastly, I plan to do home improvement videos to show our home renovation projects as we refresh and revamp our current home. In a year or so, we might move to a different city or town, not sure yet if we will stay in California or move to another State. We are not sure yet if we will sell our home or not. We plan to do simple home renovations, mostly cosmetic types so that, whether we put the home for sale or rent, we are ready!

As far as scheduling the uploads, I cannot promise a set schedule. The main reason is that my time revolves around my family, church, and full-time job. I just need to balance things out. As I have already mentioned, I will post videos on my YouTube channel one to three times a week!

Wish me luck as I bring you more worthwhile content on my YouTube channel. I am forever grateful for your love and support. Blessings and hugs~ Josie :)

I am Getting Back On Track with Blogging in 2019

Hi everyone. It seems blogging never really took off as I had planned back in 2017; and in 2018, I totally skipped it. Thankfully, whenever possible, I had added some links of my DIYs for your perusal (check the DIY Tutorials tab). Then, life happened! Funny, how it often interrupts plans. Yes, LIFE interrupts LIFE!  I was doing too many things on my own. I am often full of plans and, sometimes, not everything materializes, not because of lack of motivation, but due to lack of time and capacity! Last year, I decided to concentrate on making my YouTube channel stronger. In that process, I learned a lot! I really dug deeper into what my channel should be and what it should represent.

When I first started my YouTube channel back in April 2016, I was not planning on becoming a YouTuber, at least not as a content creator. I created my channel so that I can subscribe and create a playlist, and leave comments on the channels that I followed. Back then, it was my daughter who wanted to become a YouTuber. She created a gaming channel. But then, her own life happens. Studying pre-med and being a YouTuber was not an easy feat due to her numerous activities and volunteer work. She has managed to upload a few gaming videos and some vlogs until she couldn't do it no more. Then, I got curious. Since I paid for the rig she was using for her YouTube channel, I might as well not let it go to waste. I started creating contents with things that are near and dear to my heart.

I created the monicker LifeAt50&Beyond since I am already past my 50 but I did not want my age to define what I can or cannot do! It is somewhat of a testament that at 50, I can still do anything as long as I put my mind, heart, and soul into. I knew nothing about being a YouTuber. My daughter helped me get set up my channel and also taught me how to use the video editing software that she used for her channel. Soon, I was rocking and rolling.

For my first upload in May 2016, I decided to give a tour of my pantry that I had organized. Home organization is not only a passion but also a necessity. All the more since we have downsized when we moved to a town near my daughter's university. Then, I started doing haul videos, from things purchased at Target and Dollar Tree. I did not know how many YouTubers were into Dollar Tree and Target Dollar Spot (Bullseye's Playground) and then a big community of self-proclaimed Dollar Tree addicts. I created an Instagram account and learned to post there too. I expounded to doing journals and planners and DIYs. Until I made my first DIY organizers, I was just doing whatever came to mind. No planning, just having fun and meeting new people. But, then, my channel became my passion and it helps too that I can make money on the side. I thought this can be a good income generator and can prepare me for my retirement. I have something to do even after I retire from my full-time job!

I am really enjoying this newfound hobby/passion/livelihood. I am forever grateful to my daughter for thinking of becoming a YouTuber and taking a break from it. Without her, I wouldn't have been inspired to do so.

Now, I need to improve some more and get back on track with Blogging. I intend to blog at least once a week. I hope to inspire and help people with their organization and decorating dilemmas. People who love to create things on a budget. I'd like to have you all be part of this journey with me.