Clean your closet for the New Year

Time is running out!  The new year will be soon upon us and a simple way to start our new year is to clean out our closets!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/115651452/vintage-wooden-glass-sand-timer

I always make it a goal before and after Christmas to clean out our closets.  Getting gifts that have no home or room in your house is overwhelming.  I start with clothing and move on to each room in the house. 

Pay attention to those shirts you just have not worn.  If you find yourself saying "well I might wear it"  then that is a red flag to get rid of it!  Any kids jeans that are floods or tight need to go as well, unless you are saving them for a younger child.  Also if you did not wear it last season the it may be a good idea to get rid of it as well!  A handy tip is at the start of each new season turn all your hangers backwards.  At the end of the season if it is still backwards then get rid of that item.


As you move on to each room of your house follow the same rules.  Remember there is no need to keep items that just have no use.  They often get in the way of the items you are searching for.  A cute tip for household items is if it is stashed in a dark scary corner gathering years of dust then get rid of it! 

Now what to do with all these items?  I like to offer them first to friends and family.  Just send out an email to those loved ones letting them know that first to respond can have the item.  But I also let everyone know in the email that a donation center will be piking these items up at a designated time.  This way you wont be stuck with an item for ages waiting for that individual to find the time to pick it up. 

Another option is to sell your items on EBay if you need money to replace items such as clothing for children.  This is a very easy and cost effective way to go towards a shopping trip for new clothing on a budget. 

Hope you enjoyed my simple encouragement to clean those closets!  Happy New Year!  desiredsimplicity.etsy.com

https://www.etsy.com/listing/118564111/vintage-emerald-green-keychain-coin

Turn an old outfit into a new outfit

Do you need a new outfit but you are low on cash or just sick and tired of shopping?  A simple way to go is to accessorize with a scarf or jewelry to create a new look.

For example you have that plain old white shirt.  Kinda boring but once you add a 80s style scarf you can see that you just created a new trendy look!

 

 

Also give jewelry a try for that everyday outfit.  It just breathes life into an old outfit.

Now that you have the idea where can you find inexpensive items?  Try looking in your closet, trade items with a friend, upcycle  your own or just go shopping! My online store desiredsimplicity.etsy.com has many unique accessories not found in local stores. So give it a simple try...accessorize!



https://www.etsy.com/listing/116245259/vintage-vera-acetate-scarf-free-shipping

https://www.etsy.com/listing/118603510/vintage-70s-black-suede-belt-with-large

 



https://www.etsy.com/listing/104505673/vintage-rhinestone-cluster-necklace





https://www.etsy.com/listing/116013684/vintage-80s-brown-lucite-hair-barrette

Curl your hair for the holidays!

The holidays are so full of stress for us Moms.  Not only do we have to shop for our families on tight budgets but we still have to work, clean the house, make breakfast, lunch, dinner, help out at the school, shop for groceries, wrap those presents, car pool, work a second job to pay for those presents and etc.  Often times with so much to do we tend to neglect one very important person.  That person would be us!  You know the girl that you look at every day in the mirror.

So when I realized I was over stressed and neglected I decided to curl my hair!  This is a luxury that I typically never make time to do for myself.  First I went out and bought myself a $19.99 flat iron from a discount store.  I made sure it was a pink iron because pink just makes me happy.  I also bought some heat protector so I did not fry my hair.  I then watched a girl on U-tube demonstrate how to curl your hair with a flat iron.  With all this info at hand I set to the task and curled my hair.  The result....I had so many compliments from everyone I ran into that day and when I happened to pass a mirror, I did not see that typical ragged girl I used to always see.  

So curl your hair for the holiday and I promise you it will give you some simple happiness to get through the holidays!

Now after you master curling your hair visit my store for some fun hair accessories!

desiredsimplicity.etsy.com

https://www.etsy.com/listing/116245370/sale-vintage-silk-chiffon-long-scarf

Winter break art project scrabble letter coasters

During the holidays my family is always looking for unique crafts to do together.  When I came across some scrabble letter coasters I knew this craft would be fun, educational, and great to give as a gift.

First you need to find some scrabble letters.  You can find them in lots of 100 or more on Etsy or ebay.  I spent about $24 for 196 tiles.

Next you need cork.  I bought mine at the craft store in a roll.  I used a 50% off coupon so it cost me $3.  I did buy my cork in a roll and if I were to do it over I would have bought it packaged flat.  But if you have to buy a roll don't worry it will still work.

Next is the fun part we all sat around the table as a family and choose letters for our own coasters.  We created our coasters just like you would in a scrabble game, making words off of other words.  Each coaster contained 16 tiles.  

I then measured out the coasters and cut the cork according to those measurements.  

The last step is to glue the coasters.  We used a hot glue gun.  Other sites use some major glue that I did not feel comfortable exposing my family to.  If you are looking for durability that may be the direction you want to go.  Our intent its for fun and if our method lasts a month we will be happy with that!  

Hot glue the cork for the first letter starting in the upper left hand corner.  Apply enough glue for one letter tile.  The next letter will require you to apply glue to the cork next to the first tile and then a small amount on the side of the first tile.  Then place the second tile firmly against that first tile.  You need to be precise in your placement because the tile will stick to that cork and tear the cork if you try to remove it...I speak from experience!  Continue gluing all the tiles in this manner till you are finished.  Remember to not only glue the tiles to the cork but also to each other.  

At this point I completed my project.  Other sites will put some type of clear coat on the coasters but that is just not my style.  Like I said before we did this project more for fun than durability.  And so far they are holding up just fine!

If you are not into making coaster but love the look then Etsy has some very crafty sellers who have listed beautiful, durable scrabble letter coasters.

desiredsimplicity.etsy.com

Reading with your teen not to your teen

If your child is to old to read to then try reading with them!  It all started when my teen raved about a book and insisted I read it.  I believe it was Hunger Games.  So I ordered the book from the library and started reading. The result was we had something to talk about!  Can you imagine that...real conversation with my teen!  He would ask, have you got to this point yet, what did you think when that happened, what page are you on.....etc.  We read the whole series like this and I have to say it was one of the many best moments in my life.  Give it a try and see how wonderful this simple idea is.

Below are some great gifts to make reading that much more special!

Vintage kangaroo clip for paper or reading

https://www.etsy.com/listing/103242487/vintage-kangaroo-gold-tone-paper-clip

Vintage Brighton heart bookmark

https://www.etsy.com/listing/111954808/vintage-brighton-heart-bookmark

desiredsimplicity.etsy.com

Puzzle time is family time

The holidays can be so overwhelming and crazy.  Not simple times at all.  I often find myself so focused on getting prepared for that big family day and in the process all the days leading up to that big day are wasted.  So lets slow down and focus on family time now in the present.  I myself  plan on finding one thing to do each day with my family that will help us all enjoy each other.  The following is my first idea to slow things down.

Puzzle time is family time!

Now if your family is like mine they will all say we don't like puzzles.  Don't let that stop you!  Just get out a folding table and set out the pieces.  I promise if you start building it they will come!  

https://www.etsy.com/listing/95012882/vintage-mini-jigsaw-puzzle
You can find this puzzle in my store desiredsimplicity.etsy.com


desiredsimplicity.etsy.com

Last minute holiday shipping for retro gifts

There is still time for last minute holiday shipping at Desiredsimplicity!  Find vintage jewelry, wallets, purses, and other fun colectible items for you or someone you love! 

10% off every item in shop...some items ship free
desiredsimplicity.etsy.com

                                                          Vintage 80s rhinestone stretch ring

http://www.etsy.com/listing/116407801/vintage-80s-rhinestone-stretch-ring

 



 

Vintage Vera acetate scarf 1960s

 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/116245259/vintage-vera-acetate-scarf-1960s?ref=v1_other_1

 

Vintage 80s uno card game

http://www.etsy.com/listing/116409411/vintage-80s-uno-card-game

 

Vintage red leather wallet with coin change purse - SALE

http://www.etsy.com/listing/116630294/vintage-red-leather-wallet-with-coin

 

Vintage Trifari clip on earrings

http://www.etsy.com/listing/89784706/vintage-trifari-clip-on-earrings-cyber

 

Vintage beaded handbag clutch / seed bead purse / evening bag

http://www.etsy.com/listing/114483092/sale-vintage-beaded-handbag-clutch-seed

 

For more last minute christmas gifts, many on sale visit desiredsimplicity.etsy.com

Black Friday Sale 2012

Vintage jewelry, purses and collectibles all on sale for

Black Friday and Cyber Monday!

All vintage items in my shop, desiredsimplicity.etsy.com will be on sale now through the holidays.  Every item is 10% off with the use of my coupon code: HOLIDAY2012SALE

Want to save more money?  Many items are also discounted for the sale and the coupon code can be used on top of those savings!

Purchase with confidence...open since 2009 and 100% positive feedback

Here are some examples of what you can find from the comfort of your home!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/115540645/vintage-sexton-metal-gold-skeleton-key

 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/104505673/vintage-rhinestone-cluster-necklace-sale

 

 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/114888319/vintage-brown-leather-patchwork-purse

http://www.etsy.com/listing/114888023/sale-vintage-womens-gold-mesh-stretch

http://www.etsy.com/listing/114576938/vintage-60s-monet-gold-tone-bangle

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80771063/vintage-woven-earrings-pendant-silver

 

 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/111937475/monet-gold-tone-hoop-earrings

 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/114802764/vintage-80s-green-lucite-hoop-earrings

 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/111851490/vintage-russian-nesting-dolls-set-of-7

 

For more great items to view vist  desiredsimplicity.etsy.com 

 

 

Recycle and Upcycle Christmas Gifts

Upcycle for Christmas
 

Upcycling or recycling items for gifts will keep life simple and creative for the holidays.  

What is upcycling?  Upcycling is taking an item and creating it into a new item. This kind of creativity for your gifts will surely bring smiles and may even save you some money! 

Here are some fun ideas

Brooch gift bow: 

Simply take a vintage brooch and pin it onto you gift ribbon.  You just upcycled your ribbon!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/111937237/vintage-christmas-rhinestone-bell-brooch

Vintage bow tie box ribbon:

Find a unique mens bow tie and turn it into a ribbon!  What fun it will be to open that present and play dress up with the bow tie after.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/111235725/vintage-bow-tie-polka-dot-tie

Bookmark gift card:

For those hard to buy for individuals that you just end up buying a gift card for, try jazzing up their gift.  For example if you purchase a  book store gift card, attach a beautiful vintage bookmark to the card or attach it to the outside ribbon on the gift box.  This simple idea adds so much thought to your gift.  

http://www.etsy.com/listing/111954808/vintage-brighton-heart-bookmark

Jewelry box:

Find an old vintage box, jewelry box or box with lid at a craft store and add some old vintage earrings or buttons to the outside.  Get creative and have fun with your decorating.  Use the box to place your jewelry gift inside.


http://www.etsy.com/listing/110506847/vintage-tear-drop-necklace

These few ideas should get you started on your road to gifting through upcycling!  

For more simple gifts visit my store

desiredsimplicity.etsy.com

 

Buying tips for the consumer

Buyers are liars is the old saying.  I used to offended by this statement until I realized it is often true.  Why is it true?  Well I think through the times buyers have been taken advantage of or feel that they have been taken advantage of. The result is we become dishonest in our buying habits.  We shop companies, reveal competitor quotes, expect companies to reduce their prices and say we are coming back when we know we won't be.  So what...who cares...but guess what.  Our dishonesty is hurting companies.  Companies that have families just like us.  

How can we stop this behavior and become an honest buyer?  

First we need to realize most companies offer reasonable prices.  I used to think these companies just pocketed my hard earned cash and ran off giggling to the bank at my expense.  What they are actually doing with this cash is paying for the merchandise you bought, paying employee payroll, rent, lights, heat, advertising, internet, office supplies, trash, government taxes, medical and the list can go on and on.  Sometimes the actual owner doesn't even get a paycheck!  

Second we need to realize that this business we are at is entitled to a profit for their product.  Just like we are entitled to a paycheck from our job after a long week of hard work.  Most likely if a company was overcharging they would not be in business for very long.

Third we are entitled to shop around.  We are not entitled to show competitors quotes just to get a lower price.  It's dishonest and can really hurt the company that was nice enough to give you that quote in the first place.  Remember they have families!   And personally I want the best price up front and I have no respect for companies that under cut their price to get your business.

Fourth if you know you are shopping around don't take up a great deal of that companies time.  Time is money for that company so get the necessary details and then be on your way.  Remember time is money, this individual you are meeting with probably thinks you are buying from them and when you get up and leave without buying it hurts, especially when they could have been meeting with a buyer.  

Last, don't say you will be back if you are unsure.  I think we feel uncomfortable  when we know we are shopping and need to end our shopping trip with empty promises.

In the end just be honest.  We definitely need to be smart consumers but we don't have to be dishonest ones.

Live life simple

Be careful of referrals

Being a consumer means you need to be always on guard.  No one wants to be taken advantage of.  But often times we are taken advantage of with something as simple as a referral.  A referral I had always thought was golden and would reduce my shopping time in half.  Not always so!  

A referral to be golden in my eyes needs to be given knowing they will not gain a dime! I will get right to the point.  If a business recommends a company for me to purchase an item  and then after i buy gets an additional 10 to 20 percent for referring me, then thanks but no thanks!  That in my eyes is not a true referral.  

So next time you are referred to another company, look that individual in the eyes and ask if they are getting a referral fee.  Because most likely if they are getting a referral fee (money) it is probably coming out of your pocket in the long run.  

Live life simple