I saw Clinton Kelly on The Rachael Ray Show last week discussing his new book and sharing some recipes, entertaining tips, and easy decorating ideas from it, (all on a budget). I was so impressed with his tips and ideas, I was at the book store the next morning and bought it. The minute I got home I sat down and read the entire book. Happily, I was thrilled with my new purchase.
Freakin’ Fabulous On A Budget is packed with useful info on fashion, DIY home decor, recipes that sound “fancy” but are actually inexpensive, and more. My favorite part? Everything is budget-friendly and easy! Now I love cookbooks and already own over 70, (there’s not much room for more so I’m pretty “picky” now when I add to my collection), but I can honestly say I will probably use this book the most over the next year, or at least until I’ve made every single thing in it…which I plan to do (and share).
I was somewhat familiar with who Clinton Kelly was since I had seen him on TLC’s What Not To Wear years ago but I didn’t even realize the show was still on and I quite frankly didn’t know there was an ABC show called The Chew that he’s on. So I didn’t buy the book because I was a “Clinton Fan” but rather, because of the content and well, the title of the book. Just FYI, I’m a HUGE FAN of his now!
I fell in love with the book and Clinton when I opened the first page and read this quote, “I have been broke, and I have been rich. But one thing has never changed: I have always been FABULOUS.” Hello? That’s what our site is about; living a great life on a budget! And whether you’re a pro at crafting and cooking or you’ve never boiled a pot of water or held a glue gun, this is a book everyone can use. I remember when I was much younger and Martha Stewart was the “reigning queen” of the day. I so wanted to be like her but to be honest, I was too poor to follow her homemaking tips. One recipe in particular I remember called for honey…which she suggested you gather from your own honeycombs! Yes, she had her own bees and would don her special honey collecting clothes and gather it herself. She was so out of my league and budget! But watching Martha Stewart was one of the ways I learned how to live a better life on a budget. I’d take her ideas and then try to recreate them for less.
This is an easy read but it’s packed with such great ideas! There’s a lot of gourmet sounding recipes that are simple and surprisingly cheap. The crafts are easy to follow, look fabulous, and I already made one (the day after I bought this book, I hit the thrift and craft stores), which I’ll share below. Clinton also offers some basic fashion advice that will not only help you look your best, but do it on a budget. There’s also a beauty budget page and a few helpful tips on speaking and writing styles.
I bought my book at Barnes and Noble because I couldn’t take the time to order it! I paid $26 for it. Amazon also has it and Wal-Mart and Target both had it online.
Here’s the first craft I tried which was easy and looks very pretty, especially at night with the candles lit. I like decorating with natural products and items I can pull from nature.
CORN HUSK VOTIVES –
Materials Needed:
- corn husks
- scissors
- double-sided tape or hot glue gun
- glass votives
- twine
- votive candles
*Wal-Mart sells corn husks as do most grocery stores (usually on the Mexican food aisle). There’s a ton of husks in each package so this would be a great craft to do with a friend or make gifts (great as hostess gifts, teacher gifts, etc.).
Clinton kept his simple. I made a couple exactly like he does and then a few with items I pulled from the backyard. As always, you should never leave candles burning unattended. I actually use tealight candles because they are smaller than the votives which makes the flame lower.
How-To:
Begin by trimming the corn husks into pieces that are 1/4 to 1/2 inch taller than the outside of the votive.
Affix double-sided tape to bottom of votive. A hot glue gun will also work.
*When I read that I had a bit of confusion. I thought it meant to put the tape/glue on the very bottom of the votive holder but it’s on the bottom of the votive sides.
Place corn husks onto tape/glue to hold them in place.
Tie with a piece of twine.
This looks pretty with other votives on the mantel or holiday table. I think it would look great with pinecones and leaves from outside too. Even a handful of nuts scattered around them.
**There’s no need to pay a ton of money for simple votive holders. You can pick them up at thrift stores all day long or any dollar store. When entertaining, I use unscented candles usually so that those with sensitive noses can enjoy the evening and if I’m cooking, I don’t want anything fighting with the delicious aromas hopefully coming from the kitchen. I used a glue gun when I made mine.
So if you’re looking for a new, very useful book to help hone your fabulous skills, this is a great one to own. It would also make a great gift. And like I said earlier, I’m going to try all the recipes and craft ideas, that don’t require sewing, which I’ll be sharing.