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!

Miu Miu's crystal-embellished suede sandals originally sold for $990 at Net-a-Porter (currently unavailable).



Get the look for less with these Simply Vera Vera Wang crystal embellished peep toes instead, now $37.97 (down from $74) at kohls.com.



Here's a better shot of the heels so you can truly appreciate the similarity (photo by me):



And if those don't suit your tastes, you can always go the DIY route.

Kate Spade's stud earrings are $48 in black or ivory at bloomingdales.com. The perfect everyday accent!



Get the look for less at Target with these stud earrings in fuchsia for $14.99. Unfortunately, the black and ivory options are sold out online and not sold in stores (sorry to be such a tease) but I just had to share how similar they looked! Maybe they'll restock??



THANKS to reader Karen S. for sharing this fab find!

Poor Macy's. With all the attention given to JCP's financial woes, Target's glittery designer collabs and even Kohls' entrée into the designer-collab circus, little credit has gone to Macy's, which quietly keeps rolling out their own big-name, low-priced fashion collections for the masses. So here's what going on at Macy's at the moment:

1. Macy's has launched Marilyn Monroe, a new apparel collection that re-imagines the 20th century bombshell for the 21st century fashionista. The Marilyn Monroe line embraces silhouettes that fit and flatter, from retro halter dresses that cinch at the waist to gingham tie-front, button-down tops and pink polka dot denim. Soft blues and pinks highlight a girl-next-door quality, while bold reds and black and white add a sense of allure. The collection retails from $29 to $89, exclusively in the Mstylelab department at 150 Macy's stores and online at macys.com/mstylelab.

2. Betsey's making a comeback after filing for bankruptcy! The new Betsey Johnson dress collection for Macy's is a whimsical line of fun, punk-rock frocks that are perfect for prom season. Encapsulating everything Betsey, these "sexy, flowing dresses incorporate bursts of bold color, playful prints and modern shapes. Betsey Johnson dresses bring a sense of excitement, confidence, and individuality anyone who wears them." This is definitely where Betsey Johnson shines, but I'm not so sure about the prices which range from $99 - $249.

3. Macy's trend-loving customers can shop the new MADE Fashion Week for Impulse collection, inspired by New York's MADE Fashion Week initiative co-founded by Jenné Lombardo, Mazdack Rassi and Keith Baptista. Okay, so no one outside of the NYC fashion scene has probably ever heard of MADE but it's hugely influential within the industry. Now you know? Available exclusively at 150 Macy's stores and on macys.com/impulse, customers shopping the Impulse department can look forward to 20 to 30 new pieces rotating onto the floor throughout the season.

4. Remember Madonna's line for Macy's? Well, the original Material Girl has expanded the collection to include Truth or Dare intimates and lingerie. It's rather generic looking and uninspiring (like the control top slip shown above, $50) and I'm sure she had nothing to do with the design. But I am loving some of the shoes for spring. I found out about this collab when I picked up a free digital copy of Star magazine. Draw your own conclusions.

Images courtesy of Macy's