
With Labor Day right around the corner and the changing season ahead of us, it only makes sense to switch up your style and your home decor. Get in touch with your inner ’90s kid with a totally new way to DIY nail wraps, figure out how to paint a colorful collection of wooden vases and, hey, maybe even give your porch a little more sass with a funny doormat. Whether you’re thinking of trying a no-sew duvet cover or you just want your wall art game to be a little more on point, here are 12 weekend projects to make before Monday’s return.
1. DIY Watercolor Wall Art: Brighten up your digs with an easy DIY combining two chic decor trends: watercolor and plants. The beauty of watercolors is truly in the blending, resulting in all of the colors mixing and swirling together. And the secret to those clean lines? Masking fluid. Learn how to paint like a pro with this easy tutorial! (via Brit + Co)
2. DIY Gold Foil Notebooks: “I have too many notebooks” — said no one ever. This set of gold foil notebooks would be perfect for the modern workspace or the dorm room desk. Get your creative juices flowing and spell out your own clever message in gold letters for an extra special touch of personalization. (via Lovely Indeed)
3. DIY Tie Dye Nail Wraps: The ’90s are back in a big way, so it’s time to bring on the tie-dye. If you haven’t tried making your own nail wraps, you’ll love this quick and easy DIY that will have you rocking those rainbow shades in no time. (via Aww, Sam)
4. DIY Painted Sweatshirt: Raise your hand if you have a slight addiction to thrift store shopping. Next time you pick up the best find ever, pull out the fabric paint and get fruity with it. Turn a classic sweatshirt into a one-of-a-kind wardrobe staple in less than 15 minutes. (via Brit + Co)
5. Lisa Frank-Inspired Cake Batter Milkshakes: Yep, we did it. Lisa Frank milkshakes can now make an appearance at your next party. Whip some up for your next bash or just make one for dessert tonight. (via Brit + Co)
6. DIY Hanging Clay Air Plant Holders: What’s better than a fabulous planter to put your new plants in? An affordable planter you made out of clay, of course. Whether you’re carefully babying an air plant or you’re sticking with the faux greenery, these pretty hanging planters are just what your indoor garden needs. (via Bash)
7. DIY Asymmetrical Side Table: It’s time to do something about the boring table you look at every day. Whether you want a side table by the couch or a new nightstand in the guest room, make something new and interesting with a piece of asymmetrical wood and a set of legs. (via A Kailo Chic Life)
8. DIY Back-to-School Denim Patches: Embroidered patches have made a massive comeback, and they’re such a fun way to upgrade your basics. Bring some hipster flare to your denim jacket or jeans by ironing or super-gluing a variety of patches onto the shoulders and pockets. (via Brit + Co)
9. DIY Painted Wooden Vases: Plain wood vases are kind of the bee’s knees. You can cluster them to create an arrangement or place a single vase on your bedside table for a clean, minimalist look. Follow this tutorial and embellish simple vases in a variety of ways, from cheeky eyelashes to pattern-dipped vases. (via Damask Love)
10. DIY No-Sew Envelope Pillows: Whether you’re looking for ways to outfit your new dorm room or your couch just needs a colorful update, you can’t go wrong with a no-sew throw pillow. These envelope pillows are made from pretty fabric napkins and iron-on tape, so there’s not a stitch of sewing required. (via Sugar & Cloth)
11. DIY Textured Linen Coverlet: When in doubt, add tassels! This simple, no-sew linen coverlet is an easy way to add a touch of luxe and color to any bedroom. The tassels add a ton of texture, and you can easily pick a color that matches the rest of your bedding. Think of it as another chic accessory for your bed, just like those DIY pillows you’ve been dying to make. (via A Beautiful Mess)
12. DIY Door Mat: Your front door is the first chance you get to show off your personality, so why are you still sporting that plain brown doormat? Jazz things up this weekend with a brand new mat and a sassy greeting. All you need is a doormat, stencils, paint and a clever quote that’ll make your guests LOL. (via Brit + Co)
What are you looking forward to making this weekend? Show us your project by tagging us on Instagram + using the hashtag #iamcreative! And follow us on Pinterest for even more fun DIY ideas.
Your relationship with your finances is one of the most important relationships you'll ever have, and you can't avoid it. That said, for many of us, the pandemic only added to our financial stress. If you find yourself feeling frazzled, just remember that financial insecurity isn't a net-worth issue — it's a mindset issue. And, we happen to have plenty of advice on how to turn your money mindset around so you can take charge of your funds once and for all.
To start, feeling secure begins with a strong foundation, and there's no better time than now to get started stacking the bricks. It's easy to get swept up in the January "new year, new me" mentality, but really? Any time is the right time to get yourself in order. You don't need to wait for a new year, a new moon, the right moment, or a sign from above. You don't even have to start on the first day of the month — you just need to start.
Introducing NerdWallet: A Safe and Reliable Money App
To help with that, we've put together a list of the just-right-for-you ways that NerdWallet can help you monitor your financial outlook. Haven't heard of them yet? NerdWallet is a personal finance company that helps consumers make smarter financial decisions. Their website and app let you compare different financial products, find articles and tools to make financial decisions with confidence, and keep tabs on your finances (hey there, credit score, I see you!) all in one place. Plus, NerdWallet has over 75,000 glowing reviews in the App Store (and a 4.8 star rating) if you want to read up on any more testimonials.
Tim Chen, NerdWallet's CEO and co-founder, started this financial journey in 2009 after his sister needed help finding a credit card. Even with an economics degree and a Wall Street background, it took awhile for Tim to find the right recommendation (so don't feel too bad when it takes you a while, too). Their mission is to bring clarity to all of life's financial decisions.
So it's safe to say that NerdWallet is a pretty good sherpa for your journey, too.
Get the most from your money
Did you know that the money you park in a savings account can lose value? Harsh, but true. If your money isn't earning interest that's on pace with inflation it will actually be worth less to you in the future. And if the bank charges fees? Forget about it. Make sure you're earning the interest you deserve and come out on top. NerdWallet has researched dozens of financial institutions to help consumers find the best options. The hard work has already been done for you, so you can just select the account that works best for you and your nest egg.
Keep an eye on everything, securely
Once everything is set up, tracking and managing your finances is what will keep the money machine running smoothly. You can create an account either through the site or the app and link your bank accounts, then keep tabs on all your finances in one place. Get a clear picture of your saving and spending, get insights into how to master your money, and even build your credit score all in one place.
Get extra credit points
Do you have the best credit card for your lifestyle? Some cards give cash back on every purchase, ones with travel perks, and ones that charge way less interest than you're paying now. NerdWallet takes the guesswork out of choosing the right credit card with simple side-by-side comparisons of different credit cards so that you feel confident choosing the right one. Whatever you want to do, NerdWallet can help you find the best credit card to get it done.
Know your options for settling down
Mortgage rates are pretty low and it looks like they're going to stay that way for awhile, so buying a home might be the move sooner than you think. But there's so much more to a mortgage than just the interest rate! To help you choose a mortgage lender, NerdWallet has in-depth reviews on multiple lenders in a mixture of categories so you get the home loan with the mortgage rate, term, and fees that's right for you.
Settle an old score
NerdWallet helps you monitor your credit score for free and helps you see how little things (like raising the limit on your credit card or paying your bills on time) can increase your score. NerdWallet partners with TransUnion® to provide your VantageScore® 3.0, based on information in your TransUnion® credit report. Your score and credit report information are updated weekly. But that's not even close to all:
- They provide you with tips from experts on how you could build or optimize your credit score
- You'll get a detailed look at your credit score and all the factors that go into it—your payment history, credit utilization, the age and type of accounts, balances, and any recent inquiries
- The credit simulator tool gives you an idea of how your credit score would change if you applied for a new credit card, closed your oldest credit card, or got a new auto loan
- You also get free, unlimited access to your credit report
When it comes to managing your money, safe and reliable is where it's at. Establishing a healthy relationship with your finances begins when you take control and practice habits that build wealth. Signing up just takes a few minutes. Set your intentions to build a solid financial foundation, it will only strengthen your relationship with your finances. And don't be afraid to get a little nerdy while you're at it.
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