Cheap & Cheerful - An Introduction

So, how did you get featured in the LA Times?

Hi, I’m Mary Kenny, a 37-year-old Angeleno with a career as eclectic as my design style: over the past 10 years, I’ve worked as an art director, event stylist, stand-up comedian, writer, high school theatre teacher, projection designer, production manager, graphic designer, and event producer. I have a lifelong passion for transforming everyday spaces into vibrant, personal retreats.

Photography by Brittany Brooks For The Times

A self-proclaimed cheapskate and proud cat lady, I spend my free time exploring thrift stores or enjoying a night out at the theatre. Many of my subscribers are friends, but for those new to my work, you may have seen me featured recently in the LA Times, where I shared how I transformed my small L.A. apartment into a colorful, quirky, and functional home on a $2,500 budget. I wanted to leverage that ‘media moment,’ so I created this Substack as an outlet for my creativity and writing.

Photography by Brittany Brooks For The Times

How did you get featured in the LA Times?

I’m still pinching myself about the LA Times feature - but it didn’t happen by chance. My friend Emily, knowing how much I love sharing my DIY apartment projects on Instagram stories, sent me their call for submissions. I took a chance, submitted my story, and it paid off. (Fun fact: That’s also how I was featured in Apartment Therapy!)

What made this feature so meaningful was how they captured me, personally — the things I value, the humor I infuse into my space, and the sentimental touches that make it mine. From the thrifted velvet sofa to the dining room mural I painted, my apartment isn’t just a place to live; it’s a reflection of who I am.

If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: put yourself out there. Share what excites you — whether it’s with friends, family, or on social media. You never know who might connect with your story or where it might lead.

Cheap and Cheerful Holiday Decor

Admittedly, I haven’t had a Christmas tree in years. But after this year’s election, I decided we needed a bit of holiday cheer around here. The problem? The only decorations I owned were my childhood stocking and my beloved "Christmas cast," a sawn-off cast from when I broke my leg in 1990, featuring Santa and Snowmen. (Oh, do you not keep your childhood casts?)

This year, I’ve been especially overwhelmed by “Holiday Gift Guides.” Are we really still doing this? There’s already so much stuff in the world, and I don’t want to add to the pile. Instead, I’ve made an effort to be more mindful of what I buy, who creates it, and how it contributes to landfills.

Enter thrifted holiday décor. Goodwill now curates holiday sections (which I plan to revisit post-Christmas to prep for next year). And if you love vintage vibes, eBay is a goldmine for affordable, nostalgic treasures that bring back the cozy Christmas feelings of childhood.

My Christmas Decor:

• Faux Tree - $15 - Goodwill

• Faux Garland - $8 - Goodwill

• LED Candles -$5 - Goodwill

• Stocking Holder - $5 - Goodwill

• Vintage Jewel Star Tree Topper - $9 - Ebay

• Vintage 90s Incandescent Multi-colored Lights - $20 - Ebay

• Vintage Latch Hook Tree Skirt - $16 - Ebay

• Vintage Ceramic Christmas Tree - $100 - Ebay

• Vintage Bubble Lights - $16 - Speedway Antique Mall, Tucson, AZ

• Dried Orange Garland - $5 - DIY

• Cinnamon Salt Dough Ornaments - $5 - DIY

  • Cookie Cutters - $2 - Speedway Antique Mall, Tucson

• Popcorn Garland - $5 - DIY

• Paper Chain Garland - $2 - DIY

• Candy Canes - $5 - Michaels

• 100 pack Shatterproof Ball Ornaments - $15 - Michaels

I’m determined to store everything thoughtfully so it’s ready to sparkle again next year.

If you’ve struggled with thrifting, you’re not alone—believe it or not, I wasn’t always a fan. In an upcoming edition, I’ll share my go-to strategies for making secondhand shopping a success.

Struggling with your Space?

I frequently hear from friends, “I need to hire you to look at my space!” So I’m inviting you to submit a space you need help with. I’ll use this Substack to feature a mood board, rendering or a 2D floorplan.

Reply to this email with photos of your room, dimensions, what you hope to achieve, and any inspiration photos or styles you love. You might see it in the next edition…

A coworker sent me, “My hotel room in Vegas has a collage wall but it needs help” - Here’s my layout suggestion.

Thank you!

Thank you for subscribing and supporting this new venture. Whether you’re here for DIY inspiration, design tips, or just a creative escape, I’m thrilled to have you along for the ride.

Until next time,
Mary