AFFORDABLE HOME DECOR, GIFTS AND EXPRESSIONS OF LOVE FOR UNDER $7

Happy Monday, Bogland!
I hope all of you on the east coast survived the blizzard and were able to have a little fun.
I know not everyone enjoys or celebrates Valentine's Day, but with it fast approaching, I wanted to put together a few affordable home decor and small gift ideas for those who may be so inclined.
Remember, you don't need a day to give you permission to send a little love in the mail, brighten your home or share some love.  Each of these can be used any time during the year and will be sure to add a special touch for under $7!  ❤

Layout Created and Designed by Liesl Ehardt with images from Forever 21 and World Market.

1.  Gold Foil & White Make-up Bag

Forever 21 = $5.90

2.  3 Hearts Mug

Target = $4.99

3.  Be Mine Card / Lots of Love Card

Forever 21 = $3.99

4.  Heart Teaspoons*

World Market = $3.99

*(Heart Measuring Cups also available here) 

5.  You ❤ Me Heart Mug
Forever 21 = $6.90

6. Coral & Gold Foil LOVE Cocktail Napkins

World Market = $4.99 /pack of 20

7. Black, Gold Foil & Fuchsia LOVE Gift Bags

World Market = $5.98 /set of 2

8.  Red Heart Thick Plastic Straws

Amazon = $6.38 /pack of 20

GET CRAFTY: DIY TRAVEL MAP FOR $35

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!
I feel very fortunate to have traveled and lived around the world growing up, and for years I wanted to document those places to remember down the road.
After visiting a couple friends' apartments in NYC, I saw they had National Geographic Travel Maps marked with map pins to track the places they had been or hoped to travel to one day.  
I knew I had to have one, but quickly realized they are on the pricey side, starting at $169. Oh my! 
So, since I try to do most things affordably, I decided to make the same map myself.  I was able to make one for $35 by shopping around online and in-stores taking advantage of sales and coupons.  
This project can be customized using any color frame, tacks, map you wish, and only takes about 10 minutes.  Happy Crafting! :)(Project and all images by Liesl Ehardt.)

- In addition to a couple basics like glue/spray adhesive & scissors. 

• National Geographic World Map(I got mine on sale for $6.49 on Amazon)
• Poster Sized (24" x 36") Cord Board(I got mine for $10.49 on Amazon)
• Poster Sized (24" x 36") Frame(I got mine on clearance for $12.99 at Michael's.)- You can also use this 40% Off Coupon in-store or online for Michael's)
• 1/8" Map Tacks(I got gold ones on sale via Amazon for $4.99/box of 100.)- Similar Gold Tacks HERE) _______________________________________________________________Total Price (including pins) = $35

- I later found that using a spray adhesive, rather than a glue stick,actually holds more evenly over time.

- You will discard the glass, but be careful, the sides of it will be sharp.

- This step is optional and you can type out (in any font/color you wish) what you want your map to say, or simply leave it as is.

- Feel free to use any color(s) tacks you wish, even marking where you have been in a different color than the places you have lived and/or wish to visit/live. 

- Simply add new pins as you continue your world travels and adventures.