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Marty's Musings

DIY projects, thrifty home decor and easy crafts

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These 5 cheap Christmas decorations will help you create the simple, authentic home you've been longing for. No more boxes of costly decor or wasted time!

5 Cheap Christmas Decorations for a Simple, Authentic Home

By Marty Walden · 8 Comments

These 5 cheap Christmas decorations will help you create the simple, authentic home you've been longing for. No more boxes of costly decor or wasted time! You have a few minutes to kill while waiting in the carpool line so you scroll Pinterest for a few Christmas decorating ideas. Beautiful flocked trees with handmade ornaments. Perfectly ... read more

Filed Under: Christmas, Home Projects, seasonal projects

25+ Christmas Gift Ideas for Her

By Marty Walden · Leave a Comment

These 25+ Christmas gift ideas for the woman in your life are both inexpensive and creative! Guaranteed to find something for everyone! When I was a little kid the Sears Christmas wish book contained all of my heart's desires. What in the world was that, you say? It was a hold in your hands, cut pictures out, dare to dream and drool ... read more

Filed Under: Christmas, family, Fashion, Gift Ideas, Lifestyle, Popular Posts

How to Use Chalk Paint Wax + Tips on Distressing

By Marty Walden · Leave a Comment

Can't find answers to your questions on chalk painting? This post has it all, from learning how to use chalk paint wax to tips on distressing and more! One of my readers' favorite posts is the one with 7 Chalk Painting Tips for Beginners. I love encouraging others to try this technique that is easy and fun! You may think chalk painting is ... read more

Filed Under: Chalk Paint Ideas, Painting Tips

How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Larger

By Marty Walden · 1 Comment

Are you struggling with an ugly bathroom with little storage space? These 7 tips will show you how to make a small bathroom look larger AND more beautiful! When you live in a small home with a big family you have to learn to be a little creative with storage. At the busiest time in our lives, there were 5 kids, 3 dogs and 4 cats living in ... read more

Filed Under: bathroom, Room Makeovers, sponsored post

Cranberry Pumpkin Quick Bread - Marty's Musings

Cranberry Pumpkin Quick Bread

By Marty Walden · 6 Comments

This easy recipe for Cranberry Pumpkin Quick Bread will soon become a family favorite. Topped with a simple glaze the bread is perfect all year round!   Does it feel like time is flying by at the speed of light? It sure does to me! I remember as a kid thinking Thanksgiving would never come. And then the anticipation for Christmas as ... read more

Filed Under: bread, breads, Easy Recipes Tagged With: bread, fall, food, pumpkin, quick bread

Easy Dollar Store Fall Table Decorations

By Marty Walden · Leave a Comment

Want a beautiful table without all the expense and extra time? These easy Dollar Store fall table decorations are perfect for the busy woman! When my kids were younger one of the ways I taught them about money was to give them an allowance.  Chores were expected and non-negotiable, and the allowance wasn't attached to their behavior. ... read more

Filed Under: Fall, Favorite Posts, seasonal projects, tablescapes

Easy Fall Decorating Ideas on a Budget!

By Marty Walden · 14 Comments

With just a few practical tips you'll be on your way to a beautiful fall home. These easy fall decorating ideas are both inexpensive and simple to do! The breeze blows gently through my hair, the leaves crunch under my feet and the air feels crisp and fresh this morning. I clasp a mug of my favorite Instant Russian Tea and my ... read more

Filed Under: Fall, Home Projects, seasonal projects

Easy Candy Corn Banner (from a paper plate!)

By Marty Walden · Leave a Comment

Want an easy Halloween or fall craft? This Candy Corn Banner is so easy and it's made from a paper plate! Perfect for kids! Do you remember making crafts as a kid? I don't have any memories of being an artistic child. I do, however, remember when my sister introduced me to cross-stitching in high school. That was it. For YEARS I spent all ... read more

Filed Under: Crafts, Fall, seasonal projects

Slow Cooker Barbecue Pork Sliders

By Marty Walden · Leave a Comment

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #AllNaturalPork #GuaranteedTender #EasyNaturalSmithfield #CollectiveBias Stressed out with little time to cook for your family? These Slow Cooker Barbecue Pork Sliders are easy and delicious for either a main dish or ... read more

Filed Under: appetizers, Easy Recipes, entrees

How to Turn a Closet into a Home Office

By Marty Walden · 2 Comments

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CreateWithPilot #PowerToThePen #CollectiveBias Work from home but no space for an office? Learn how to turn a closet into a home office (plus all the details on the craft room organization!) (Check out my video tour at the ... read more

Filed Under: Crafts, Home Projects, Organization, Room Makeovers, sponsored post

21+ Best Back To School Teacher Gifts You Can Easily DIY!

By Marty Walden · Leave a Comment

With back to school right around the corner, we are featuring 21+ of the best teacher gifts that you can easily DIY with just a few supplies.  Do you have fond memories of your teachers from elementary school? I can't remember all the details but I remember Mrs. Rudisill. She was a kind, tall woman who was my first grade ... read more

Filed Under: Back to School, Crafts

A professional painter shares everything an ordinary person needs to know on how to paint a room with great tips for the beginner wanting to save time and money and do it yourself!

How to Paint a Room [Secrets from a Pro!]

By Marty Walden · 2 Comments

A professional painter shares his secrets on how to paint a room, with great tips for the beginner wanting to save time and money! I love to create something beautiful out of other people's roadside castoffs or yard sale bargains. But paint an entire room? Not so much! When we moved into our home 28 years ago I was assigned the ... read more

Filed Under: handyman, Home Projects, Painting Tips Tagged With: Behr Paint, DIY, handyman, Home Decor, Painting

30+ Corn Bread Recipes [Classic to Gourmet]

By Marty Walden · 4 Comments

If you are looking for some of the most amazing corn bread recipes to try, we have gathered 31 of the best! From southwestern style to classic southern corn bread, you don't want to miss these! One of the most viewed posts on my blog is my Jiffy Corn Bread recipe. There are almost 200 comments with reader substitutions and suggestions. I ... read more

Filed Under: breads, Easy Recipes

Stamped Books DIY [Tutorial using Chalk Paint]

By Marty Walden · Leave a Comment

Create your own farmhouse decor with this stamped books DIY tutorial using cheap paperback books, chalk paint and rubber stamps. Do you want an authentic, one of-a-kind home? Me, too! Have you run out of original ideas? Yep, same here! Sometimes there's a crafty DIY project that appears EVERYONE has done to death. Know what, though? ... read more

Filed Under: Chalk Paint Ideas, Crafts, home decor, Popular Posts

Do you want your guests to go crazy over your baking skills? Then this dessert is for you! This 5 ingredient Peach Cobbler recipe is to die for and so easy!

Peach Cobbler Recipe (Only 5 Ingredients!)

By Marty Walden · 7 Comments

Do you want your guests to go crazy over your baking skills? Then this dessert is for you! This 5 ingredient Peach Cobbler recipe is to die for and so easy to make! Yes, I'm a good Southern belle. No I don't like warm weather.  Some people live for summer. The tropical breezes, the longer days and sun kissed tan. Me? I get ... read more

Filed Under: desserts, family Tagged With: cobbler, fruit, peach, summer, summertime, vacation

DIY Floating Mantel (Build one out of Barn Wood!)

By Marty Walden · 1 Comment

Easy instructions for building a DIY floating mantel out of reclaimed barn wood. Perfect for the rustic, repurposed look that's so popular! If you've read my blog for more than five minutes you know I'm not a decorator, designer or any other "d" words! Yet somehow I'm learning to create a treasured home, one day, one area at a time. As ... read more

Filed Under: home decor, Home Projects

This must have list of top 10 yard sale bargains will save you thousands with what to shop for at yard and garage sales, thrift stores and craigslist!

Top 10 Yard Sale Bargains: What to Buy and How to Save!

By Marty Walden · 54 Comments

This must have list of top 10 yard sale bargains will save you thousands with all the tips you need on what to shop for at yard and garage sales, thrift stores and craigslist! Want to create a beautiful home but you're short on money and time? Maybe you think staying at home with the kids isn't possible because there are too many bills ... read more

Filed Under: Declutter, frugal living, Home Projects, money, Organization Tagged With: bargains, thrifty, yard sale

Small Farmhouse Bathroom Remodel (reveal + details!)

By Marty Walden · 18 Comments

You will not believe this before and after of a small farmhouse bathroom remodel. Extra space was added by opening up the shower and using a DIY dresser turned vanity. This post has been a long time in coming, my friends. A looooonnnng time. I promise I'm not exaggerating. We finished our kitchen remodel (took down a wall and gutted the ... read more

Filed Under: handyman, Home Projects, Room Makeovers

25+ Best Father’s Day Gifts for Hard to Buy For Dads!

By Marty Walden · Leave a Comment

It IS possible to find the best inexpensive Father's Day gifts for hard to buy for dads! There's something for everyone here! Is it just me, or are dads hard to buy for? My dad passed away in 2009 (you can read my eulogy here) but I remember he was always hard to buy for. He sold everything from used cars to recreation vehicles and ... read more

Filed Under: Lifestyle

This easy Jiffy Corn Bread with creamed corn begins with a Jiffy box mix and is moist and delicious! It's the PERFECT bread everyone will rave about!

Jiffy Corn Bread with Creamed Corn Recipe

By Marty Walden · 222 Comments

This easy Jiffy Corn Bread with creamed corn begins with a Jiffy box mix and is moist and delicious! It's the PERFECT bread everyone will rave about! When I was growing up my mom's mother (MawMaw to me) lived with us until she passed away when I was 15.  She was almost like a mom to me during my preschool and school years when my ... read more

Filed Under: bread, breads, Easy Recipes, Popular Posts Tagged With: bread, corn bread

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Meet Marty

Marty Walden believes anyone can create an authentic home filled with simple, thrifty decor. When you join her community, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to create a treasured home and still live within your means! Read More…

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Popular Posts

25+ Christmas Gift Ideas for Her

Stamped Books DIY [Tutorial using Chalk Paint]

This easy Jiffy Corn Bread with creamed corn begins with a Jiffy box mix and is moist and delicious! It's the PERFECT bread everyone will rave about!

Jiffy Corn Bread with Creamed Corn Recipe

Filled with thrifty aqua and red decor and easy DIY tips, this 2017 Christmas home tour also gives encouragement for embracing the heart of the home.

20+ Easy One-of-a-Kind Christmas Decorations and Crafts

How to Remodel a Ranch Style Kitchen [Before and After]

With yard sale treasures, elements from nature and easy DIY projects, this Christmas Home Tour will convince you that a small home can be beautiful, too!

How to Create a Christmas Village Display

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