When we purchased our Tennessee home, I knew two things had to be changed immediately — the pink carpet, and the kitchen. However, overhauling a complete kitchen on a tight budget was going to be tricky.  Our goal was to completely renovate the kitchen for less than $6000, including the appliances! Here’s how we did it. Photo from MLS The house has good bones and the cabinets were made of real wood and in great shape.  The counter tops were... Read more

New Years Resolutions–It’s that state of reflection that comes after the holidays when most of us will look back on the past year and think about what we’d like to do differently this next year. This year can begin with a clean slate where we can resolve to make changes that improve our lives. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to make better choices for ourselves, but I want to challenge you to approach your Resolutions differently this time. What are... Read more

One of our all time favorite meals is Pizza – hands down.  Who doesn’t love pizza? Did you know that 94% of Americans eat pizza regularly.  In fact a recent study shows that a family spends about $17 each week on pizza alone!  That’s over $875 a year on pizza! In stretching our grocery budget, we had to cut back on our favorite pizzeria.  We were on a mission!  How could we make a pizza at home that was quick,... Read more

Tired of your typical eggs?  Looking for a new, easy egg recipe? Do you remember those “Choose your adventure books” we read as kids?   Here’s a way you can “Choose your own” style eggs.   My father created these eggs and each time were equally delicious and unique, but all containing one common ingredient: CROUTONS! The croutons not only add an interesting texture to the eggs, but it also stretches the budget a bit by using less eggs than... Read more

While renovating our house, our budget is really tight.  We don’t have the financial wiggle room to create a “decorating fund.” Here is a tip to create the look you want without having to foot the expense of rematting frames. Years ago, I purchased 4 frames with prints from a garage sale for less than a buck each. The original green mat worked fine in with my decor so I simply spray painted the frame. I updated the frames using... Read more

Gift giving is always a challenge on your budget if you’re not prepared.  Here is a simple gift that you can create for those on your list that won’t break the bank! Today, I’m reviving an older post that will help you this holiday season.  Using old book pages or old Dictionaries, you can cut out the pages and print your own custom artwork.  I have found my books and dictionaries at Goodwill, Estate or Garage sales for just a... Read more

I love finding old, rusty items and adding them to our fresh new decor. When they come from my family’s past, it makes it even better! Any vintage heirlooms that are passed on to us holds a special place in my heart.  Not only are they beautiful pieces I display, but they also hold a sentimental spot in my heart.  Every time I look at an heirloom, I cherish the memory of where it came from and it’s significance in... Read more

Today on Hometalk, I’m sharing my tutorial for our Faux Fireplace with a Pallet wood Hearth. I’m sharing my Tutorial on how I turned this… Into this © 2010-2015 NOTING GRACE.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Read more

This is a quick, easy recipe for the best Homemade Chicken and Dumplins,  just like Cracker Barrel makes. I got this recipe from my MIL, who is one of the best cooks I know.  I’ll be sharing two ways to make this recipe, one as written, and another with Homemade Dumplins. Ingredients:4 Boneless Chicken Breasts2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup2 cans Buttermilk BiscuitsSalt and Pepper to taste Amped up Ingredients:Chicken Broth (about 1 1/2 cups)Homemade buttermilk biscuits (recipe below) Take... Read more

Christmas is often a time when we evaluate our budget and realize that we may have to trim the excess to make Christmas work.  I have come up with a unique Christmas Tree idea that will help keep the presents under the tree! Christmas Tree costs range anywhere from $50 for a live tree and $75 and up for an artificial tree.  At those prices, most of the tree are scraggly and small.  We had an artificial tree that died... Read more