Hi! I’m the Home and Garden blogger for the TheHealthyPocketBook.com. My passion is having a beautiful home, lush garden, and opportunities to entertain family and guests for not very much money. I never tire of reading decorating, entertaining, and garden books and magazines and hearing of other people’s efforts to create their dream homes.

I grew up in a family of teachers who had to work two jobs each in order to be able to buy a home and put three daughters through college. Everyone had to pitch in to help. Priorities were set and many luxuries eliminated. But, I was able to get a B.A. in American literature and education and an M.A. in literature. This enabled me to land jobs in project management, manufacturing, education, business analysis, and writing.

My husband and I saved up as much as we could from our paychecks that didn’t go to rent, so we could buy our first home. We were so worried taking on house payments that far exceeded what our parents had paid out! Through careful budgeting, we managed. I learned early to look for good deals on furniture and accessories. Our rooms were fairly bare. However, over time, we collected many beautiful pieces that came from garage sales!

Since then, we have bought and sold three more houses. We raised a lovely daughter who is now paying rent in her apartment, wishing that hard-earned money were going into her own home. She is making her furniture purchases carefully, too.

Every Saturday morning, my husband and I still go out “garage sailing.” We not only shop for ourselves, but also find gifts for family and friends that we would never be able to afford otherwise.

I love every style of decorating, as reflected in my home. So, I’m interested to know how people achieve the look they’re after, whether it’s urban chic, craftsman, shabby chic, modern, French provincial, Asian, classical, Mediterranean, funk, or old west! I’m also crazy about ethnic food and theme parties; entertaining by setting the stage and making economical dishes. Gardening is often about turning a trouble spot into a real eye-catching beauty. How do you do that? What kind of parties do you throw? What’s your favorite piece of furniture and why? What’s the best deal you ever got? How did you get it?

I enjoy sharing my home and garden passions with others. Even more, I want to learn how other people are getting the look they love for less. I am all eyes and ears! Please share your success stories. What works for you may spark an idea for all of us. Have fun making your place “Home Sweet Home.” Check in for money-saving ideas, when you can. Let me know what decorating, entertaining, or gardening problem you’re grappling with. If I don’t have a good suggestion, another of our community possibly will! There’s always a way to get the look you want, even for very little money.