On Friday, I visited my local H&M store to check out the new pants collection, pick up some new maternity duds and drop off a bag of clothes to be recycled. In case you missed it, all H&M stores now offer garment recycling collection services and when you bring in a bag of clothes, you get a 15% off coupon good for the item of your choice. I teamed up with H&M to help get this message out and you can see the video I created here. But aside from that, as a customer, I just wanted to see if my local store was actually participating and I was so glad that yes, they are! The process was really simple, just drop off your clothes at the checkout and get your coupon. Easy peasy. I asked the store employee how big each bag should be and he didn't seem to know, so I think if you filled a regular size plastic shopping bag from the grocery store or a reusuable tote, you'd be good to go. You can bring up to two bags per day.

Moving on...I ogled lots of fab spring pieces that I can't actually wear since I'm preggers. You would think you could just size up in things but that hasn't been working too well for me. LOL. Oh well. I'm loving all the print pants, bold floral prints and pretty pastels. Silver heels and coral accessories also caught my eye on this trip, two affordable ways to update your wardrobe for spring.

I'll share my maternity finds in another post, which included a striped tee, navy skinnies and a coral cardigan (technically not maternity but it fit well).

Have you tried out H&M's recycling program yet? Picked up any new spring items?

This week my blog turns 6 years old. It's hard to believe I've been blogging for so long! It seems like only yesterday I was working for Oprah.com in Chicago and blogging about my latest Target clearance finds in the evenings.

So much has changed in these last 6 years. When I started blogging, hardly anyone knew what a blog even was. Now, young ambitious entrepreneurs create blogs overnight with business plans, sponsors and investors. Oh, how things have changed.

Despite all the changes I've witnessed around me, many things have stayed the same. My focus is still affordable fashion and beauty, mostly priced under $100. My inspiration is still my readers - and my fellow bloggers - who challenge and motivate me every single day.

This blog has afforded me some incredible experiences, and while I think I still have a long way to go, it's important to stop, reflect and count your blessings:

The Budget Babe went to Spain with JCP and Mango. We made it to New York Fashion Week. We've been on national TV and satellite radio; we've seen our name printed in best-selling books and publications like The New York Times. We've been styled by Stacy London, invited to posh parties hosted by Target, and received sponsorship from H&M. It's been an amazing ride.

In my personal life, I moved halfway across the country, leaving friends and family behind to be with the love of my life, who was my boyfriend when I started this blog and is now my husband. We're expecting our first child in June. C is my better half and my soul mate and I'm so grateful to have him in my life and to have his full support in all my daily endeavors, big and small.

When I began my blog, I had two simple goals: I wanted to "make a living with my blog," which meant pay my monthly bills, and I wanted a better work/life balance. I'm blessed to say that I have achieved both goals - and surpassed what I thought was possible. Now the sky's the limit. It's time to set new goals, work towards them, and enjoy the journey.

Thank you to each and every one of you who has supported me - some for a long time, some for a short while - stopping by each day, leaving thoughtful comments, sending me positive energy, believing in me, working with me, and humbling me with your questions, critiques and praise. Here's to many more years of The Budget Babe life!

Love and thanks,
Dianna, editor/founder of TheBudgetBabe.com

Overstock's set of three Moroccan lanterns in orange or yellow is $98.09, perfect for decorating a patio or just bringing in a pop of color into your home.



Get the look for less at your nearest Homegoods, which featured these Moroccan lanterns on their Facebook page. ($12.99-24.99)





Another affordable option is this smaller Moroccan lantern, available in 6 colors for $9 at Kohls.com. I was so tempted to buy one of these the other day! I think they'd look great outdoors during the summer or indoors as colorful decor accents.



Get inspired to decorate with your Moroccan lanterns!