Budget Decorating

Trying to keep the children entertained during summer's hot, extended days can take a toil on even the most creative and energetic mom, so I put together a playful collection of outdoor activities and outdoor decor ideas that are just for kids.

Of course, most of these activities and easy-to-DIY outdoor ideas are fun for adults also, so grab your kiddos and head out into your yard to create a little summertime fun.

When warmer weather and the longer days of summer hit, I immediately get into the party mood. However, decorating for a party can be daunting, especially when you are on a tight budget.

With our DIY party decor and party decorating ideas, you can be the host with the most without breaking the bank. Plan a gathering, garden party or outdoor cookout with these ideas for throwing a party without going broke in the process.

When it comes to outdoor furniture around my home, it not only has to be cheap but it also has to last. With numerous children and pets running around along with a yard full of trees that constantly drop pollen, leaves and sap, I need affordability and durability.

So I went hunting for great outdoor furniture and decor that wouldn't make me break open my piggy bank. After a bit of research, I found inspiration and super-cheap ideas in the most surprising places so I thought I would share my tips and resources with you.

The most important tip? Be willing to wait. The really great outdoor furniture and decor savings don't start until summer begins to fade away. However if you need to furnish your outdoor space now, here's how to shop and save even in the high season.

I am tickled to announce that Target has partnered with FEED Projects, the parent company to the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, to create a FEED USA + Target collection. Available for a limited time only, these products offer Target customers an exclusive, stylish collection that also supports an important cause.

Featuring a strong Americana look, the collection is perfect for the upcoming summer holidays. Also, each product displays the number of meals that will be donated to children and families as a result of the purchase. The collection, with its modern, casual and handcrafted feel, was co-designed by FEED founder Lauren Bush Lauren.

The Target + FEED collection will offer a wide range of clothing, sports equipment, home decor and more. A sample of the many home items that will be available are featured below. The products will be in stores and online beginning June 30.

Wire storage bin, $25; Provides 20 meals.

Melamine appetizer plates, set of four $10; Provides 8 meals.

Stoneware pan, $17; Provides 13 meals.

More Summer Inspiration
Summertime Inspired Decor
Fun 4th of July Decor
Outdoor Decorating Ideas

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Photos © Target

Oh how I love the foods of summertime! The farmer's markets have opened in my area, and the u-picks are opening in a few weeks. I'm ready to bake a few berry pies and bite into a crisp, sweet watermelon.

I ran across these cute cross stitch patterns at Sewingseed, and they inspired me to put seek out a collection of food and garden inspired decor.

If you are also a fresh food fan, these food and garden-themed home decor finds should satisfy your decorating taste buds and remind you of the bounty of summer harvest all year long.

A reader recently sent me her decorating project, and this is such a fun idea I just have to share it with you! She crafted a really unique feature wall decoration from her mother's old earrings that were given to her girls. She also graciously tells us how she did it so you can easily recreate this project in your own home.

Have you completed a decorating project lately? If so, I would love to see it. Just fill out my simple form and attach a photo to share your project with us. And much thanks! It is creative and daring DIYers like yourself that inspire me, as well!

I love designer Amy Butler's pretty patterns, so I was immediately smitten with her new stationary and gift collection offered through Chronicle Books. The sets are super affordable and would make great gifts for a graduate. For example, the Cameo stationary set pictured retails for only $14.95, but the sticky notes set is now situated at my desk and costs a mere $12.95.

Chronicle Books also offers a great gift finder on their website to help you find the perfect gift for someone this season. (Graduation season may be coming to a close, but the wedding season is just kicking off!) If you are interested in more fun and frugal gift ideas, see the links below.

If you are on the hunt for new furnishings or decor, plan a little shopping this Memorial Day and take advantage of some great sales. About.com's furniture expert, Abe Abbas, has put together a guide to finding the best deals this Memorial Day, and I've shared the link to his article below along with other tips to help you save big on furniture and decor.

Of course, this holiday isn't really about shopping. I give thanks to those who have served and fought for the safety and freedom of our country, and I remember with grave appreciation those who have died while doing so. And to all of those who are still serving, many heartfelt thanks from me to you, and many blessings of safety on you and your family this Memorial Day and beyond!

Many of you may be finishing up school and preparing to leave for college (congrats!), or you may be sending a child off to school for the first time (sob!).

Decorating a dorm room or apartment need not be expensive, and when you make good use of your space, living in tight quarters can be a bit fun. To help you along, we've put together a complete resource for all of your dorm room decorating and planning needs.

So check out our articles, make a plan, and then go shopping... on a budget, of course! Living comfortably your first year in college can help ease the pressures of school and the challenges of change. Best of luck to you!

After an unseasonably long cold stretch, the temperature in my city finally oh finally switched back to warm this week. I've been waiting for this to get working on my backyard.

We have spent the past two years completely relandscaping the front yard (that's my before and after in the photo), and now it is my long-neglected backyard's turn. Husband already bought the supplies to set the foundation for our new deck, but I'm going to be busy installing pavers that will eventually form the flooring of our new outdoor backyard "room."

If you are interested in creating your own oasis, you don't need a ton of time, money, skill or space to carve out your own outdoor retreat or entertaining area. May these ideas inspire you to take it outside!