Running Out of Space?

Think efficiency! You don't need to be a hoarder to accumulate a lot of baggage at home. Sometimes it's hard to create new ways to store items, so hopefully this video might inspire you.

INDUSTRIAL DECOR TREND

Some trends are hard to follow either because they're too expensive, or they're too time-consuming. Nothing quite captures the essence of what The Student Budget stands for like the industrial home decor trend: environmentally friendly (recycling), cheap (through thrift/op shops), times-saving (no need for elaborate planning - odd, unusual combinations make super authentic pieces). 

I have to admit, this may not be the most objective stance on a decor trend... minimal industrial makes my knees weak. I find it gritty and grungy, with a unique sophisticated twist. It can look like you've put a lot of effort when in reality, they're just random buys you've made at a variety of secondhand or thrift shops. You could always head over to something like Bunnings for specific items you need, but the beauty of this trend is the ease with which you can decorate....

SUPER CHEAP, QUICK & EASY WAYS TO DECOR

Creating items for home decor can be fun if they're quick and cheap. I guess some people can find them fun even if they're not. I gravitate towards the simpler DIYs. Here are some photos that might inspire or motivate you to add your special touch to you living quarters. 

50 BEST USES OF COCONUT OIL

...it was a struggle to pick the top 50, considering how many there are. I challenge someone to find me a product, natural or man-made, that can provide more uses than coconut oil.

10 DIY CLEANING SOLUTIONS

Super easy, inexpensive ways to clean anything from stains on clothes to showers and dishwashers.

MY EASY-DIY PICKS OF FEB

I've scoured the interwebs for the best (and most useful) DIYs for the month. I'm not a DIYer unless it's very straight forward, requires minimal material, is fast and cheap, or is something that will make my life easier.  In saying that, some of these may not necessarily be as useful as they are pretty. Others may be awesome presents (even more awesome that you've made it yourself!). So I hope you find some inspiration from these. If you've attempted some of these and are pleased/displeased, leave a comment! I'd love to hear from you! Or if you've found other cool DIYs, link them below!

I hope this is a tradition I can continue monthly, but my memory isn't superb. I'll try not to fail you.

BACK TO SCHOOL DIYs

Its here! For some the start-up of school again is gonna mean they get to have purpose once more, for others its gonna mean they have to add more to their already full plate. But whether you're excited for it or not, you've gotta do some prep (if you haven't already). So here are some quick, cheap alternatives to everyday necessities (and luxuries) that will get you ready for this semester... 

MINIMALIST DECOR

...because sometimes we don't really have much of a choice in terms of how we decorate our home.

"Oh, are you guys doing the minimal thing?" 
"...yep. That's, yes. That's what we're going for. Minimal."

Obviously some actually CHOOSE to go minimal, because its easy. Not always cheap, but definitely easy. To make it cheap, you have to think smart. Think few colours. Think easy-to-maintain. Think long-lasting. It'll make your space look bigger and cleaner. A cluttered home makes for a cluttered mind.

Here are some minimal layouts that might inspire you to keep it simple, stupid...

DECOR: MOTIVATION TO THRIFT

Some amazing material to help you feel inspired. 

ROOM HACKS: PREPPING FOR UNI

HerCampus.com is an awesome awesome site for ladies living the student life. It covers a wide variety of topics and is a great place for inspiration. With the new semester approaching fast, getting your crib in order is a smart way to start preparing yourself for hell again. Just kidding. HerCampus has compiled a few awesome hacks and DIYs for dorm rooms (or any rooms, really). Some of these might be gender-specific, but the majority can be used by anyone:

PRINT YOUR OWN CALENDAR

Finding the perfect calendar for when you're busy isn't easy. And it's not necessarily cheap, either. I don't know about you, but as much as I love puppies and other furry baby animals, I like to keep my calendars simple, and with a lot of space for notes and reminders. I can barely rely on my memory to eat, let alone important dates and events. 

Arm Knitting?!

Knitting isn't for everyone. It requires patience. And patience. However its great for stress-relief, promotes healthy brain activity, and has countless other benefits. One knitting trend that's been gaining many followers recently is arm knitting. Don't throw out your knitting needles, though. This is just a somewhat lazier alternative (though inconvenient, if you have to drop what you're doing) that provides a thicker, chunkier end result. This video from Michaels Stores on YouTube takes you through the process of creating an infinity scarf. Something that definitely comes in handy, even in Australia.

DIY Distress

Buying distressed jeans tends to be more expensive than buying immaculate jeans. Why? Because someone went through the effort of distressing them for you. And yet the actual process of distressing isn't even remotely hard. This short, straight-to-the-point video covers the basics of DIY distress.

Nutella + eggs = GLUTEN-FREE BROWNIES

What you will need: 

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup Nutella

What you need to do:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350° F. Spray an 8″ x 8″ baking pan with cooking spray. Line the pan with baking paper so the ends hang over the sides.

2. Using the whisk attachment, beat the eggs in your mixer on medium-high speed for 8 minutes. The eggs should be tripled in volume and pale yellow in color, YOU MUST do this for 8 minutes to make these brownies work!

DIYs - Gender Specific?

If "DIY" and "men" are two words you don't recognise in the same sentence, then prepared to be learned hard.

I dare say that men DIY more than women, with their focus being on fixing the necessities (no offence, ladies). However, a recent decrease in male-DIYs has been noted, with some attributing it to the brushing aside of fatherly-type behaviours and an uptake of more motherly roles. Whatever the reason for this turning trend, bother genders need to get (or return) on the DIY bandwagon.

Scars & Cellulite? Easy DIY Coffee Scrub!

Many people suffer from acne scarring, stretch marks, and cellulite. Some wear these proudly as trophies from battles past, however most of us go out of our way to cover up or seek treatment. 

There are plenty of DIY remedies that you can do at home, and they usually involve the following 3 ingredients...