Money Making Decluttering

Posted by Daniela on Feb 3, 2010 | 4 comments

Designer extraordinaire, and guest author Daniela Garritano returns. If you would like to secure her services, don’t be afraid to email her by clicking here. Take it away D…

Happy New Year everyone!

Today’s class is all about becoming a de-clutter bug! Now, I don’t know about you, but every year after the holidays, I somehow manage to have additional clutter in my home, not knowing where it actually came from. So, this can be a project we take on together!

Clutter is all around us. Nowadays with reality t.v shows zeroing in on compulsive hoarders or shopping addicts, it’s in the limelight more than ever. Whether it exists in our own home, our cars or even our jobs, it can be an overwhelming task that can easily become an emotional burden. It can not only weigh down our home, but it can also weigh down our lives. It can leave us feeling unmotivated, stressed out, helpless or even embarrassed.

However, with these easy tips (along with me cheering you on! Yay!) you’ll be well on your way to a clutter free home. You just have to remind yourself, that in the end – it’s just stuff. And with any luck, it can make you a little extra of the stuff you actually want: the green stuff!

1) One step at a time

If you’re a fan of Oprah, you may have seen superstar de-cluttering coach, Peter Walsh, as a regular fixture on the proverbial yellow couch. The great thing about Peter, is that he really breaks it down into the simplest of terms when it comes to tackling the muddle. Your first task is to simply start with one room at a time. Then, separate your clutter into four major self explanatory categories: The Keep Pile, The Junk Pile, The Sell Pile and The Donation Pile. When sorting through the jumble, try to refrain from just throwing everything back into the keep pile. Take a deep breath, ask yourself if you really need it and if you hesitate for even a second, you can likely live without it!

D’s Tip: If you find yourself getting flustered, take a short break to clear your head, and come back to it. If you find yourself overly frazzled, make a list of what you are doing to clear the chaos and check it off one at a time when each task is complete. i.e. fold clothes and put away, make the bed, clear the nightstand etc.

2) Pack it up!

An easy step I often take with client’s who have real difficulty in letting go of the clutter is the cardboard box trick. To start, pick a room that is filled with confusion. Grab all of the things you do not use or need on a regular basis, shove them in a box and store it away. Come back to the box a week later, and see how you react when you open it. Are you excited to see it? Did you forget what was even in there? Or does it just look like junk in a box? Also, think about what your living space has been like without it. I am thrilled to report that very few clients ever revert back to their messy ways. When you enjoy a clutter free room, it becomes increasingly harder to fill it up with junk again.

3) Re-gift without the guilt!

So simple, so entertaining and oh so much fun!

Gather up your bestie’s and hold a swap party for all of the gifts you have ever received but have never used (I have plenty of those. Singing trout anyone?) This includes everything from birthdays, Christmas’, anniversaries and even wedding favours that are just sitting in your home collecting dust. You may not want it, but it may be an absolute treasure to someone else. Plus, it may give you the chance to get rid of something you don’t need and get something you do need. And, if you’re all looking to make a little extra cash, have a swap for a toonie party. Same rules apply, but everything costs a toonie!

D’s tip: Make a pact with your guests in that whatever doesn’t get picked up, does not go back home with the owner! Toss all of the leftovers or donate them to the charity of your choice.

4) Fun & Games

If getting your kids to clean up is like finding the Holy Grail, try finding a way to make it fun! In our family, we made it a habit that after every special gift giving occasion, a trip to the local shelter was made the following week. It not only taught us to live without the need of excess, but it also reinforced the notion that the clean up was not only benefitting our home, but other’s as well.

D’s Tip: Kids giving you a hard time? Check out these kid friendly clean up games that will get the whole family involved! http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=11690

5) Seasonal Spring Cleaning!

A great habit to get in to, is to clean out your closet at the beginning of each season. Try keeping a special hamper solely for the purpose of tossing in clothes that you never wear. Rule of thumb: if you have not worn it through an entire cycle of the seasons (that’s one full year folks!) you will never wear it again.

Each time you come across something you have never worn or no longer want, toss it in the hamper immediately before you have a chance to justify why you haven’t worn it. Before you know it, the hamper will be full, and it will be time to donate it to a shelter. Then, start all over again when the hamper is empty. Try getting the whole family involved in this process too!

D’s Tip: Most people are always looking for a bargain on the latest and greatest. Try posting your unwanted hubbub on sites like Kijiji or Craigslist for a little extra green. Where else do you think all of those unwanted bridesmaid dress go? 

Next time from Daniela: The suggestion box!

Gift Giving For Less

Posted by Daniela on Nov 23, 2009 | 5 comments

Designer extraordinaire, and guest author Daniela Garritano returns. If you would like to secure her services, don’t be afraid to email her by clicking here. Take it away D…

Do you hear what I hear?

The sound of bustling shoppers, registers chiming, pocket change jingling and customer’s sighing. Tis’ the sounds of the holiday season! The most common season to break the bank.It’s all too easy to get caught up in the expectation of taking on a second mortgage in order to show someone how much you care. But one of the most important things you can give yourself this holiday season is some spending limits. Read on for some money saving tips that will keep you out of the red and still show your loved one’s why they’re on your nice list!

1) The Flat Fee Gift

When thinking about what I would like to possibly buy for my loved ones, I admit, I never consider the additional annoyance of tax. And the tax alone could likely add up to a week of groceries or even a phone bill. So, what if we eliminated that extra cost by sticking with flat fee gifts? Cash for cards are an even swap my friends!

Daniela’s Pick: Gift cards. They often have a stigma of being impersonal, but not if they’re tailored to the recipient for a retailer they actually like and use.

D’s Tip: One of the coolest gifts I ever received was a two month credit on my cable bill! So, think about trying a ‘practical’ gift card. You can purchase gift cards for pretty much any standard living expense nowadays. How nice would it be if someone you care about didn’t have to pay for gas, groceries or utilities for a month? It’s an unexpected gift, totally helpful and oh-so appreciated!

2) The Universal Gift

Wouldn’t it be super easy if there was one affordable gift out there that could literally be applied to any given person on your list? (one that is NOT the singing bass…)

Well, now there is! And it can capture the hearts of any special someone! Your parents, your best girl or even your closest buddy! A while back, a friend of mine showed me this amazing video she had created as a gift for her parents. It had all of these beautiful images of her family celebrating the holidays throughout the years, along with inspiring quotes, video messages from loved one’s and a soundtrack near and dear to her family’s heart. Plus, it was beautifully wrapped in its own customized case. Bullseye!

Daniela’s Pick: Reel Life Productions. They specialize in the conversion of all media types to digital archives and capture your special moments in a memorable way. Visit www.reellife.ca for contact information, amazing sample videos and pricing guide.

3) The Name Pick

Not just for work colleagues anymore! An old tried, tested and true way to save during the holiday season is the name pick. While there are some exceptions to the rule, (I’m sorry, but your parents, better half and children should never be chosen from a hat!) this especially works well for those who have larger families, or a group of friends with whom you celebrate.

D’s Tip: When picking the names, discuss what a reasonable limit is to spend and agree on it. It will give everyone the opportunity to express what they feel most comfortable in spending and give you a clear guideline when you’re out shopping for your lucky pick!

4) The Charitable Gift

Instead of exchanging gifts with each of your friends and even their children in some cases, try pooling your money together for someone who truly needs it. Whether it’s your local homeless shelter or a donation to your favourite charity (no George Costanza’s with ‘The Human Fund’ please…) this will not only make a big difference in your own holiday, but also those who will experience a beautiful holiday because of your generosity.

Daniela’s Pick: Looking to be more involved? Get together and volunteer! Whether you’re serving Christmas dinner at a soup kitchen, or taking part in an adoption drive for some adorable critters that need a loving home, your time alone with make someone’s holiday season that much more special.

D’s Tip: If you’re not entirely sure what’s around you, Log onto www.charity-charities.org to get a list of local charities that can be found throughout the entire planet. Literally! How smart!

5) The Homemade Party

I’m a huge advocate of the homemade gift. To me, it’s just so much more lovely and meaningful than an expensive one. I always look forward to the gorgeous homemade cookies my aunt brings me each year, or the Christmas cards adorned with glitter and glitz made especially for me by my two beautiful God kids. Something so simple, yet so incredibly thoughtful, heartwarming and in tune with the holiday spirit.

Daniela’s Pick: Make it fun! Each year, my fabulous group of girlfriends (hey girls!) gather for our annual Christmas get together in lieu of exchanging gifts with everyone. The party generally consists of obscene amounts of food, hilarious tales, and a super duper holiday craft that I typically personalize and give out to my loved one’s as a little extra special something!

D’s Tip: They don’t call her the domestic goddess for nothing! Visit www.marthastewart.com for some amazing holiday crafts that are super affordable, and super easy to make!

Happy Saving!

Next time: Decorate for the holidays like a pro for less

Energy Saving Tips For Cold Weather

Posted by Daniela on Oct 6, 2009 | 2 comments

Designer extraordinaire, and guest author Daniela Garritano returns and this time she is writing about Energy Saving Tips For Cold Weather. If you would like to secure her services, don’t be afraid to email her by clicking here. Take it away D…

Brrr! It’s coming!

We all know the signs. Mornings are crisper, evenings are darker, and summer jammies have turned to flannel. Love it or hate it folks, a great Canadian winter is just around the corner!

I actually love the change of season! However, there are concepts of the colder months, that aren’t so lovely. Cold weather can mean cranked thermostats with sky rocketing energy costs. Truth is, the hindrance of a cold home can come from any given factor such as age, the elements themselves or regrettably, poor construction. You can pay top dollar for a Home Inspector or Energy Auditor to pinpoint the problem, or you can try some simple DIY tips to tackle it on your own. Plus, the beauty of weather proofing your home isn’t just the economical benefits, but also the environmental. Less energy means less carbon you’re pumping out into our beautiful planet. Yay!

Below is a list of the most common heat sucking culprits found within your home. Nipping these in the bud won’t only keep you super toasty, but it will be keeping you warmer, for less!

1)         The Window

Have you ever noticed that you could have the fire going, the heat jacked, and be buried under a sea of blankets, but still feel cold? Like an unwanted guest, a draft has likely snuck its way in!

Daniela’s Check: Tackle every window in the house to really make sure you’ve covered your tracks! Hold a lighter or lit candle close to the window frame, and trace its perimeter to ensure you have covered each inch. If the flame does a little dance, there’s a draft!

D’s Fix it: Bust out the caulking gun! Start at a corner, and pump a thin line around the window frame against the leak.  Neatly glide your index finger over the caulking line to fully fill in the leak and get a smooth finish. If the caulking gets too tacky, dip your finger in some water and smooth it over again until you have a seamless finish.  Try Mono Window and Door Leak Caulking, $3.99 available at the Home Depot.

Bonus Tip! In some cases, plastic sheeting is a big hit to ‘winterize’ your windows. To do, wash the window frame and once dry, trace it with double sided tape. Starting at the top, spread out a plastic sheet and pull it out, covering the entire window. Fasten to the tape and leave about an inch on each side. Trim any excess. To smooth out any wrinkles, slowly pass a heat gun (or blow dryer!) over top of the plastic and watch it shrink! Voila! Cold air is blocked!

2)         The Door

The window isn’t always the sole offender. My home was inexplicably frigid, until one night during a power outage, there was a glow beaming through the frame of the front door! Eureka!

Daniela’s Check: This is best to check in the evening when it’s super dark. Shut off all of the lights inside your home and have a buddy shine a flashlight from the outside of the house towards the door. If you see a glow around the frame, you’ve likely found a leak!

D’s Fix: A super easy fix is with waterproof weather stripper (you can use this around the windows as well if caulking is a challenge) Simple apply the self adhesive backing to the inside of the door frame against the leak and smooth into place. Try Tago Foam Tape Self Adhesive Weatherstripper for Window’s and Door’s, $4.47 available at the Home Depot.

3)         The Garage Door

The garage door is a major heat hauling perpetrator because of its scale. In some cases, gaps in between the door and the frame can measure up to a quarter inch thick without being visible!

Daniela’s Check: Much like the front door, the ‘ol flashlight and glowing doorframe can be applied in this case as well. Doors that lead to the garage or cellar should be checked and weatherproofed along the base too!

D’s Fix: Apply foam rods or rubber gasket strips to the top and bottom of the garage door. They’re made for larger gaps and drafts that find their way inside your home each time the garage is accessed. They can be packed in to fit snuggly inside the gap and are moisture resistant. You may want to apply a thin line of caulking after it has been inserted, just for extra grip and seal. Try Tago Backer Rod Foam Insulator, $5.67 available at Home Depot.

4)         The Outlet

Dryer hoses, bathrooms vents and kitchen fans can be a gateway for the cold to seep its way in. Proper insulation not only protects you from the elements, but can also extend the life of the vent itself. Electrical and cable outlets are also easy access for Old Man Winter, so bundle up!

Daniela’s Check: Unscrew an electrical plate that is connected to an exterior wall and take a peek behind the outlet. Do you see a light peering through? Or perhaps an empty shell? If so, it’s just one extra nook for cold air to make its way in!

D’s Fix: Brilliantly easy and truly a perfect fit! Simply insert foam outlet insulation to the back of your switch or electrical plate! They’re pre-cut to size, moisture resistant and take two seconds to install. They also work for television and phone cables! Try Tago Electrical Outlet & Switch Insulator, $4.47 for a pack of 10, available at Home Depot.

Happy Saving!

Next time: Trick or Treat! Be a big hit for little bucks!

Maximize The Sale Price Of Your Home

Posted by Daniela on Sep 20, 2009 | 4 comments

Designer extraordinaire, and guest author Daniela Garritano returns and this time she is writing about Selling Your House For More. If you would like to secure her services, don’t be afraid to email her by clicking here. Take it away D…

In my line of work, you never know what you’re going to find when you walk into someone’s home. I always admire my client’s for making a valiant effort to really improve the atmosphere in which they live. I know making a change can be hard. Much harder for some. But if you’ve made the fearless decision to sell your home, you can either call in a pro (ahem…) or read on for some proven tricks of the trade that can lessen the fear factor and even help you embrace the change for the better.

Truth is, buyers notice everything. And if you put a little pride into your property, it is sure to shine through. A properly staged home not only stands out amongst the competition and entices buyers, but it helps prove the worth of your asking price. Or even increase it. These small changes will not only be a personal victory, but can be a financially rewarding one as well.

1) Clean up your act!

Even the most beautiful house on the block will linger on the market if it’s dirty. Dirt isn’t exactly the best selling feature. That means no toothpaste in the sink, no bits on the floor that stick to your socks, no laundry exposed, and no clutter or dirty hockey equipment at the front door. When potential buyers see a clean home, it shows them that you have not only taken pride in your home’s appearance, but have also honored it as a valuable asset.

Daniela’s Pick: Have little ones? Consider purchasing a few inexpensive ottomans that look like furniture, but actually double up as secret storage for toys and other clutter. Try the faux leather ottoman in brown, $39.99 available at Bou Clair Home.

D’s Tip: Give each mirror in the house a quick wipe. The extra gleam will make the house seem brighter and even more immaculate!

2) Paint it out!

Buyers typically look for a home that is move-in ready. As much as you may love your tang colored walls, some buyers may not feel the same and really don’t want the extra burden of having to re-paint after a big move. Remember – for some buyers, more work for them translates to their expectation of a lower price because of the ‘extra work’ involved.

Neutralizing your décor palette can increase your asking price because it gives your home mass appeal. More traffic means more interest, more offers and potentially more money! Case in point: after 3 months of zero interest and grape-colored walls, I convinced a client to make the change and paint out the grape ASAP. Within a week, a bidding war ensued where he managed to get $30,000 more than what he paid for it – 5 months prior. Jackpot!

Daniela’s Pick: Ralph Lauren Exceptional Quality Paint, $39.99 per gallon, available at the Home Depot. Try “Countess” or “Antique Brown” for a more buyer friendly color!

D’s Tip: While you’re up there, try re-positioning your wall art in a more uniform and symmetrical pattern for a clean, tailored look.

3) Home Sweet Home

If you were to think of what helps you feel most comfortable at home, the smell of a home cooked meal and a full belly is likely on that list. A simple and effective trick I like to use when getting a home ready to sell, is the “home sweet home” factor. A plate of brownies displayed on the kitchen counter or the smell of fresh baked cookies always seem to comfort buyers enough to feel as though they’re already home – which is the comfort they want to feel from the time they walk in.

Daniela’s Pick: In addition to displaying a plate of treats, light a scented candle as well. Try Scented Jar Candle in ‘Baked Cookies’. Available at Michael’s Craft Superstore. $9.99. Yum!

D’s Tip: Create a welcoming atmosphere conducive to the time of year you’re selling, which can allure buyers into coming back for multiple showings. Selling in the winter months? Light a cozy fire or candles! Or, open the windows for a soft, subtle summer breeze if you’re selling during the warmer climates. Sigh!

4) Get De-Personal

Most realtors would agree that once the selling sign is pitched on the front lawn, you can no longer view the home as your own. It has to become a show home. The reason Designers do what they do is because their clients are not visual. Some find it extremely difficult to see the potential in a space unless it is all placed out in front of them. Buyers need an emotional connection to the home. They want to envision themselves living there and not another family.

D’s Tip: It’s always a good idea to de-personalize the space. That means more emphasis on the structure, design and finishes of the home, and less on the mounds of family photos, trophys, plaques and any other personalized pieces scattered throughout the home. Pack ‘em up!

5) Musical Chairs

Once you have de-cluttered and de-personalized your home, bring out your inner Home Stager by coming up with a new floor plan that may just be the help your home needs. It’s common to plunk down furniture wherever there is space and it can end up living in that spot for as long as you have the home (A good test? Move your sofa and look at the difference in flooring color underneath compared to the exposed flooring.) By changing the floor plan, your space can become more functional, appealing and even more spacious making the home appear much bigger. Increased space can mean increased price!

D’s Tip: Before lugging furniture around to find its niche, take measurements of the room and your furniture . Sketch a few different layouts and go from there.

….annnd SOLD!

Next time from Daniela: Baby, it’s getting cold outside! How to keep warm at home for less!

Affordable Renovation Finishes

Posted by Daniela on Sep 7, 2009 | 0 comments

Beautiful Daniela is back again! This time she is writing about Affordable Renovation Finishes. If you would like to secure her services, don’t be afraid to email her by clicking here. It looks like Daniela will be writing articles regularly in the future for WhereDoesAllMyMoneyGo.com since she has been so popular. Welcome aboard D! :)

Over the years and after hundreds of clients, I know first hand that the idea of a renovation can bring on a whole slew of emotions. But, you too can have a stress free renovation if you go into it with a realistic budget, a plan of action and an informed decision. When it comes to finishes in particular, you want to look for those that are not only pleasing to the eye, but are worth the investment to protect the integrity and value of your home – or better yet, increase it!

Generally speaking, man-made materials typically come in under cost when compared to natural. But what’s the better choice? Natural or man-made? The cheapest or the most expensive? Which begs the question: how often do you want to renovate? Read on for 5 finishes that are not only worth the money, but can last as long as your home is still standing.

1)         The Chopping Block

The beauty of a kitchen counter is that it can really set the look of your kitchen in one shot. I also believe it to be a finish you just shouldn’t chince out on because it always seems to be the home’s headquarters. Plus it gets the brunt of abuse – you cook, chop, serve, entertain, touch, stain, scratch, and spill on it!

Daniela’s Pick: Quartz! Quartz countertops are man made and engineered from a mixture of minerals, bonding agents, resins and color which are ground, compressed and heated until solid. It’s then polished to bring out a high gloss shine. Quartz is super hard, scratch resistant, non-porous and impervious to water, moisture and bacteria.

As an affordable alternative, granite is often the number one choice for countertops because of its durability and resistance to food stains, heat and burn markings. It does need to be sealed every now and then, but because it’s all natural, each piece of granite is unique!

2)         Have a Seat!

With how much you invest in a renovation, consider ditching that bush league futon from your college dorm, and invest in some quality pieces of furniture that will not only help you achieve your desired look, but are strong enough to take you into the next decade (or two!)

Because a sofa is subject to daily wear and abuse, three fabric clinchers to look for are, fade resistance, impermeability to stains and a high weave or fiber content which helps the fabric holds its shape and prevent tears or pilling (those annoying little fuzz balls that develop after repeated wear. Ick!)

Daniela’s Pick’s: Leather (faux or real, it’s up to you!) is a great choice for upholstery fabric because of its durability, longevity and versatility. Its colour choices are endless, it’s super easy to clean, it doesn’t absorb odors and it becomes softer with age.

If you have a tighter budget, try Microfiber! It’s a suede-like material made from ultra fine polyester. It’s durable, extremely affordable and it’s amazingly resilient when it comes to cleaning and stain removal.

D’s Tip: When shopping for fabric, the retailer may present you with a “fabric grade”. This is based on the intricacy of the weave, fiber content and construction. Grade “A” is considered cheaper leading up to “F” which is more expensive. However, don’t be hoodwinked by the grade as it does not necessarily mean the fabric is of higher quality!

3)         The Checkerboard

When it comes to flooring, the first thing you should consider is where the finish will be used. More importantly, something that won’t discolor over time and can really stand up to the elements or high traffic areas. Natural tiles can be porous and stain easily if not properly sealed, while others can be slippery or show imperfections if not treated suitably.

Daniela’s Pick: Porcelain tile. It’s hard-wearing and fireproof! Plus, its scratch, fade, moisture and stain resistant! It can actually be more affordable than natural finishes, and it has a great “what if” factor – because it has an extremely low absorption rate, the floor will remain undamaged if you were to ever have an unfortunate leak or other potentially damaging problem.

D’s Tip: To prevent your floor from looking too choppy, try matching your grout as close as possible to create the look of a seamless floor.

4)         Walking on a Cloud

Carpeting is always an affordable and practical option for flooring, as it really adds an instant softness to the home. It absorbs sound, is warm and toasty on the feet and is offered in literally thousands of colors and patterns. Because carpet can be susceptible to spills and heavy traffic, look for carpet fibers that offer durability, crush resistance and are low maintenance when it comes to removing dirt and stains.

Daniela’s Pick: Nylon. It’s the strongest of the synthetic carpet fibers which makes it the perfect choice for an active and traffic heavy household. Nylon is very resilient, has great abrasion resistance and can repel mildew and moisture. Also, because nylon has a strong yarn memory, it has minimal pilling and shedding and has high resistance to crushing!

D’s Tip: Try choosing carpet that has anti stain treatments designed directly into the fiber for easier cleaning and stain removal.

5)         The Scrubbing Factor

Choosing the proper paint finish may seem like an obvious choice, however, difference finishes offer different advantages. Some create a certain atmosphere, while others are easier to clean and even hide blemishes and flaws. Truth be told, the shinier the paint, the easier the cleaning. But perhaps a higher gloss isn’t for you? There is a right and a wrong choice for paint finishes to be used throughout the home – you just need to know where to use them! This week’s picks are based on durability, ease of cleaning, suitability to the room and endurance.

Daniela’s Picks:

• Semi-gloss – For rooms subject to steam or moisture like kitchen’s and bathroom’s
• Matte/Flat – Great for hallways and can hide bumps or cracks as it doesn’t reflect light.
• Eggshell – The happy medium! Perfect for living rooms, bedrooms and family rooms.
• Satin – Great for kids’ rooms and any area of heavy traffic.
• Glossy – Celebrated for use on furniture, some cabinetry or trim

D’s Tip: Remember, sparkle and shine means mega glitz and glamour! Try leaving the high gloss finish to doors and trim!

Next time: Is your home lingering on the market? How to get more than your asking price!

Champagne Wedding On A Beer Budget

Posted by Daniela on Aug 10, 2009 | 7 comments

Today I’m excited to feature another guest post by the vivacious Daniela Garritano – designer extraordinaire, and one of the competitors on the Ultimate W Expert Challenge. Daniela is available for design consultations (email her here) and you can learn more about her on her Facebook Fan Page. Without further ado, take it away Daniela!

You’re engaged! Congrats!

Soooo…..now what?

Working together to create a flexible and realistic financial plan is a terrific way to start the planning process! The trick is not only to save, but to know where to save. Read on for 5 great ways to reduce the price of big ticket items, and disguise the fact that you’ve saved hundreds, or even thousands of dollars, yet still look as though you’ve pulled out all the stops!

1) You’re Invited!

Wedding invites always seem to be outrageously priced based on what you’re getting. Aside from the hardship in finding a decent style that really reflects the both of you, inviting a larger crowd can run you an invite price tag of anywhere from $400-$900+!

So, why not make your own? When I design an invite for a client, the best part of it all is not only the incredible savings by the hundreds, but the invite being custom tailored to illustrate and celebrate the couple’s uniqueness. And you deserve no different! So, hit up your local craft or scrapbooking store to start sourcing paper, prototypes and in some cases, free classes to show you how to pull it all off! Plus, it’s a super fun and rewarding project to do with those lovely bridesmaids or groomsmen who will happily help you out!

Daniela’s Pick: Not crafty? Try invitation templates! Just fill in the blanks and print! Try Canadian Bride’s all inclusive invites. $54.99 for a box of 40 sold at Michael’s Craft Superstore.

D’s Tip: Consider investing in an embosser. It can cost less than half the cost of printing address labels and you can use it for holiday cards and invites in the future to keep up the savings! Yay!

2) Stop and smell the roses!

Wedding flowers seem to carry the same emotional price tag baggage as Valentine’s Day flowers – vendors know you need them, so they can often get away with hiking up the price. However, did you know that the floral departments in some of the bigger grocery chains cater to special events, with absolutely stunning arrangements at a fraction of the cost of a florist? (Skeptical? Don’t be! Back in the day, my prom date bragged about my beautiful $5 corsage when everyone else was forking out at least $20 to a florist! Suckers!)

Daniela’s Pick: A&P (or its sister store, Metro or Dominion). Ask for their special occasion’s price listing. Their all inclusive bridal package is priced at $499.99! Get going!

D’s Tip: For added savings, try choosing flowers that are home grown and locally produced.  Anything flown in and grown in exotic places can increase your costs by twice as much!

3) Cut a little rug (and coin!)

Okay, I’ll say it.

Lame music can make a wedding bleak and just plain hurting! The DJ at a friend’s wedding charged them $700 and all he did was click the play button on his laptop. The song list was heinous, and there was no killer mixing or shout outs to the party people in the back. It was painful! Sadly, finding a good DJ can be a crapshoot at best. Until now!

Daniela’s Pick: We all have a friend who was born to entertain (I’m guessing that it’s you Preet within your posse?). You can have the power to create your own sweet play list for next to nothing courtesy of your laptop, ipod and a good friend you trust to act as DJ and Emcee. Plus, just imagine how extra special it will be having someone you both know and adore play a personal role in such an amazing day!  

D’s Tip: Bust it! Try downloading albums from well known club DJ’s. You get a continuous playlist with no mixing required!

4) Tis the Season!

Remember, when it comes to a wedding, almost everything is negotiable! With venue’s, if you can avoid saying “I do” on a Saturday, you can possibly save thousands of dollars on your wedding bill! Most venues charge by way of a “per plate” fee. However, depending on the time of year you get married, along with the day of the week, in some cases, vendors can lower their prices of up to $20 – $30 less per plate – for the exact same menu!

Daniela’s Pick: Peak wedding season typically begins in April ending in October. If you can avoid this window, and brave the cooler temperatures, you can likely negotiate extras into the price!

D’s Tip: The absolute cheapest time of year for most venues? January!

5) The Centre of Attention!

A centerpiece is what truly makes your table shine! They can cost hundreds so try collecting pictures of your favorite looks in order to recreate them on your own.  It’s a great way to showcase your personality and it can really up the ante when it comes to faking the look of an expensive show piece.

The illusion of a really expensive centerpiece comes from its height and colour. The higher the piece, and the more intense the colour, the most extravagant the table will look. An elegant mixture of candles and flowers is a perfect way to not only make a beautiful ambient statement, but also add instant glamour!

Daniela’s Pick: Try placing pillar candles of different heights and widths on mirrored plates or coasters in groups of 3 or 4. Then scatter some rose petals along the tabletop focusing on the centre. Try using Crafts Brand pillar candles, mirrored coasters and large bag of faux rose petals available in a variety of colours. $1.00 for each item! Available in the craft and candle aisle at Dollarama!

D’s Tip: Hands full with the DIY invites? Some venues even offer standard centerpieces that can be rented for the day as a part of your package for a small added fee. Just ask your vendor!

In the end, with all of the rigmarole in planning a wedding, it may seem like extra work to take on these projects yourself. However, with a little patience, and the right resources, you’ll not only stick to your budget, but the wedding itself will reflect the most important thing of all – the two of you.

To the happy couple!

Next time from Daniela – In renovation hell? Affordable finishes that really go the distance!

…and remember: Daniela is available for design consultations (email her here) and you can learn more about her on her Facebook Fan Page.

The $200 Home Makeover by Daniela Garritano

Posted by Daniela on Jul 13, 2009 | 10 comments

Today I’m excited to feature a guest post by none other than the beautiful Daniela Garritano – designer extraordinaire, and one of the competitors on the Ultimate W Expert Challenge. Daniela is available for design consultations (email her here) and you can learn more about her on her Facebook Fan Page. Without further ado, take it away Daniela!

In a less than stellar economy, we could all use a little good news when it comes to how to improve our lifestyle on a budget, right? Well, what if I told you that you could makeover your home for less than 200 hundred bucks? Pretty sweet deal I’d think. So, here are my personal tried, tested and true secrets that really go the distance. Three elements will get you farther than most, but I’ll give you 5. Because any friend of Preet, is a friend of mine!

1) Paint the town red! (Or green, or blue…)

Get your coveralls ready! Colour with paint is by far the most affordable and vital design tool. And, did you know that with a simple coat of paint, you can instantly increase the value of your home by thousands of dollars? How’s that for incentive!

Daniela’s pick: Ralph Lauren Exceptional Quality Paint, $39.99 per gallon, available at the Home Depot. They may have a limited colour palette when compared to other major paint retailers, but think of how much easier your choice will be! And the best part? The coverage is so incredible, that one coat is often all it takes! Imagine not only the time you’ll save, but also the coin, since you can likely get away with only one can as opposed to the standard two gallons for an average sized room. Happy painting!

D’s Tip: Take your paint swatch with you when you shop! You’ll have a much better idea of what to match and it will cut down on back and forth trips to the store.

2) Let there be light!

Every room needs a practical lighting plan with a mix of ambient and task lighting. So, what you want to do is softly illuminate your space through layers of diffused light. Try incorporating table-side lamps, or floor lamps to have a balanced level of background and direct lighting.

For a warm and traditional look, opt for finishes in bronze or wood. For a more modern take, chrome or brushed nickel is your best bet.

Daniela’s Pick: Style at Home Floor Lamp in Espresso, $39.99 available at Rona.

D’s Tip: Use halogen or incandescent bulbs over fluorescent ones. They are the most effective artificial light and they offer the same softness and subtly that natural light delivers.  

3) Baby, pillow talk is cheap

Now, here’s your chance to really have some fun! There’s nothing that adds comfort and texture to a room quite like big squishy pillows! Their plush seduction of softness is what makes a room so inviting and they’re super affordable for a quick fix.

Silk, suede and chenille are some of the most luxurious linens. Use similar fabrics to layer in the softness with gentler hues like blues and lavenders to make a room calming and serene. For an atmosphere of warmth, choose rich dazzling jewel tones like pomegranate or topaz.

Daniela’s Pick: Faux Suede Throw Pillow, $9.99 (for a pack of two!) available at Zeller’s

D’s Tip: Instead of using multiple pillows of the same shape and size, try mixing pillows of different dimensions. Stick with the same colour scheme throughout, and you’re golden!

4) Come along with me, on a magic carpet ride…

An area rug is what I consider to be the anchor that really unifies all of the design elements together (Preet says: like the rug that really tied the room together in The Big Lebowski. Okay, I’ll shut up now.) and it’s a foolproof way to add some whimsy and texture to any room.

Don’t be afraid to add some zing! Bold patterned rugs add texture and color without being overwhelming and they have a chameleon-like effect, by blending with other colours throughout the room.

Natural or organic fibres are better choices because of their durability. They live up to high traffic areas, and are low maintenance when it comes to removing dirt and stains.

Daniela’s Pick: Select Edition 60″x 96″Area Rug in Beige, $48.88 available at Wal-mart.

D’s Tip: Look for a rug with rubber backing to hold still and prevent you from slipping and sliding all over the place! You’ll thank me for it later when your furniture doesn’t budge.

5) In Full Bloom

Whatever your style, fresh flowers really are a flawless way to pump up your space. They look fabulous and they’re an inexpensive way to add some vibrant and eye-popping graphics. And best of all, you don’t have to be a genius of floral design to pull off a hot looking arrangement!

Stuck for a vase? If it can hold water, it can hold flowers! Old watering cans and even teapots make a charming base for any arrangement.

Daniela’s Pick: Loblaws Superstore Fresh Flower 10 Day Bouquet, $9.99.

D’s Tip: To hold onto your bouquet a bit longer, look for a bunch that has yet to be in full bloom. Trim the bottoms on an angle under some running tepid water, and your arrangement should last even longer. My personal favourite place to display is on the bedside table. The aroma is close by, and those beautiful blooms are the first thing you see when you wake. What a wonderful way to start the day on a positive note!

Next time from Daniela: Gettin’ hitched? How to have a champagne wedding on a beer salary!