Thursday, April 29, 2010
Bargainista Lingo:
1. Bargainista – A true bargain fiend who finds exuberance in saving money, often sacrificing her body to do so.
2. START THE CAR! – This phrase comes from the IKEA commercial with the incredibly dorky woman in her Volvo wagon. When she sees the savings that she received, she runs from the building, screaming, “START THE CAR” before they can chase her down and charge her more.
3. Negotiations – Of course, negotiations occur at flea markets and garage sales. However, it is appropriate to negotiate in retail stores if you find an item that you are willing to purchase that is damaged or missing pieces. Most managers offer 10% or more off a damaged item.
4. Aw HELL yeah! – This is the expletive that slips from your mouth when you get to the register and something is on MORE of a sale than you expected.
5. SCORE! – This exclamation arises when you arrive at a store that you typically frequent, only to find that the whole place is on sale.
6. Robbing The Place – This takes place when one leaves a store spending little to no personal money. After coupons and rebates, merchandise is taken off their hands, without compromising the budget.
7. Hoarding – An item is on such an incredible sale that one must purchase all that the store has in stock. Thus, hoarding occurs.
Disclaimer: Bargainista Side Effects – Side effects of being a true Bargainista include sore feet, hunger, paper cuts, and a seriously bad attitude if someone gets in the way of a bargain. You should not become a Bargainista if you are unwilling to incur bodily injury due to your bargaining ways.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Just In Case...
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Just thought you might like to know:
*Sign up for World Market’s email distribution list and receive a $10 off coupon when you spend $30.
*Friday is the last day to use your Kohl’s email coupon and save 15%. You CAN use this coupon in conjunction with the $10 gift you received in the mail! They are also offering $10 Kohl’s cash when you spend $50.
*This week, Target has my favorite casual t-shirt on sale for $6 – regularly $8. They are short sleeved (not cap sleeve), scoop neck, long, shapely t-shirts. LOVE!
*Hobby Lobby is offering their traditional 40% off one regularly priced item with your printable email coupon.
*Old Navy is having their “shorts sale” this week. Women’s shorts are $15 and children’s shorts are $10.
GO GET ‘EM, TIGER!
Just thought you might like to know:
*Sign up for World Market’s email distribution list and receive a $10 off coupon when you spend $30.
*Friday is the last day to use your Kohl’s email coupon and save 15%. You CAN use this coupon in conjunction with the $10 gift you received in the mail! They are also offering $10 Kohl’s cash when you spend $50.
*This week, Target has my favorite casual t-shirt on sale for $6 – regularly $8. They are short sleeved (not cap sleeve), scoop neck, long, shapely t-shirts. LOVE!
*Hobby Lobby is offering their traditional 40% off one regularly priced item with your printable email coupon.
*Old Navy is having their “shorts sale” this week. Women’s shorts are $15 and children’s shorts are $10.
GO GET ‘EM, TIGER!
Monday, April 26, 2010
MOM
Monday, April 26, 2010
Usually, when people make strange comments to me, I blow them off. However, lately people have been coming to me time and again with statements like, “I don’t know HOW you stay home with your baby. I can’t imagine doing it. I would be SO BORED!”
I find myself highly offend by statements like this because I NEVER, EVER find myself bored or without something to do.
When my husband and I made the decision that I would resign from my teaching job and stay home with our daughter, then six months old, it was not a decision that was made lightly. We made this decision with many things in mind, because we would be cutting our income in half.
1. We do not want to be three strangers living under one roof.
2. We want to raise our children ourselves.
3. We need someone to be in charge of the grocery shopping, meal planning, bill paying, and every other little thing that gets taken care of on the weekends.
4. We want to show our child(ren) that it isn’t about how much money you have.
5. We want to be a Godly example of a marriage and family for our child(ren).
6. We don’t want to be 18 years down the road and realize once our children move out that we are strangers.
Among other things, the above were discussions that we had before making the decision that I would stay home with our children.
I have been a stay-at-home Mom for nearly one year now, and it is truly the best decision we ever made. In this transitional year, I have come to realize that I work MUCH harder as a stay-at-home Mom than I ever did as a teacher. I get more done in one day than I EVER did as a teacher! I also feel as though I am happier and more impactful in my child’s life now.
All in all, I’m not JUST the resident bill-payer, laundry-doer, cleaning lady, chef, boo-boo-kisser, band-aid applicator, and mess-picker-upper. I’m the Mom, and I wouldn’t trade my job for all the money in the world. We are better parents, better spouses, and a better family for it.
If you are a stay-at-home-Mom who questions your position in the world, someone considering staying home with your children, someone who wants to stay home someday, or someone who “can’t IMAGINE staying home because you’d be so bored,” think about the impact you can make on your family. If it isn’t for you, I totally understand, but some of us are living our dream as Moms who stay home.
Usually, when people make strange comments to me, I blow them off. However, lately people have been coming to me time and again with statements like, “I don’t know HOW you stay home with your baby. I can’t imagine doing it. I would be SO BORED!”
I find myself highly offend by statements like this because I NEVER, EVER find myself bored or without something to do.
When my husband and I made the decision that I would resign from my teaching job and stay home with our daughter, then six months old, it was not a decision that was made lightly. We made this decision with many things in mind, because we would be cutting our income in half.
1. We do not want to be three strangers living under one roof.
2. We want to raise our children ourselves.
3. We need someone to be in charge of the grocery shopping, meal planning, bill paying, and every other little thing that gets taken care of on the weekends.
4. We want to show our child(ren) that it isn’t about how much money you have.
5. We want to be a Godly example of a marriage and family for our child(ren).
6. We don’t want to be 18 years down the road and realize once our children move out that we are strangers.
Among other things, the above were discussions that we had before making the decision that I would stay home with our children.
I have been a stay-at-home Mom for nearly one year now, and it is truly the best decision we ever made. In this transitional year, I have come to realize that I work MUCH harder as a stay-at-home Mom than I ever did as a teacher. I get more done in one day than I EVER did as a teacher! I also feel as though I am happier and more impactful in my child’s life now.
All in all, I’m not JUST the resident bill-payer, laundry-doer, cleaning lady, chef, boo-boo-kisser, band-aid applicator, and mess-picker-upper. I’m the Mom, and I wouldn’t trade my job for all the money in the world. We are better parents, better spouses, and a better family for it.
If you are a stay-at-home-Mom who questions your position in the world, someone considering staying home with your children, someone who wants to stay home someday, or someone who “can’t IMAGINE staying home because you’d be so bored,” think about the impact you can make on your family. If it isn’t for you, I totally understand, but some of us are living our dream as Moms who stay home.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Tidbits
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Here are a couple of things for this weekend:
If you are in the North Texas area, Suncreek subdivision (located at Hedgecoxe and Legacy in Plano, Texas) is having their community-wide garage sale this weekend! See you there!
World Market is offering a free tote with a $10 purchase while supplies last. The purchases cannot be gift cards or alcoholic beverages (booooo...).
Have a great Saturday!
Here are a couple of things for this weekend:
If you are in the North Texas area, Suncreek subdivision (located at Hedgecoxe and Legacy in Plano, Texas) is having their community-wide garage sale this weekend! See you there!
World Market is offering a free tote with a $10 purchase while supplies last. The purchases cannot be gift cards or alcoholic beverages (booooo...).
Have a great Saturday!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Aldi = ALL THAT!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
So my Aldi Store FINALLY opened today! Halleluiah! My Mom, Emily and I have been planning to check it out for months now, and we were so excited to see what it was like!
Well, Aldi is everything they claim to be – low prices on the things that you buy regularly. The store was clean, organized, and very well run. The store employees were very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable.
We both pay very close attention to what we pay for the items that we purchase regularly, and the quantity that we purchase them in. We found that Aldi had extremely competitive prices on nearly every item we purchased. If we did not find the price to be LOWER than the prices at Wal-Mart or a similar grocery store, we found that the price was the SAME as the prices we pay at similar grocery stores. The produce was fresh, attractive-looking, and huge in quantity.
A couple of items that I found to be insanely great prices:
1. 64 oz. Apple Juice - $1.19
2. Boxed dog biscuits - $.99
3. Cellulose Sponges - 6 pack - $.99
4. Boxes of fresh strawberries - $.99
5. Varied spices - $1.09 each
6. 32 oz. tub of vanilla yogurt - $1.59
7. One dozen eggs - $.89
See?! I told ya!
All in all, every item that we bought was purchased with excitement as we saved significantly.
At the cash register, we were excited to see that as they totaled our purchases, they then offered us a $5 coupon on top of the savings we already received. BONUS!
I am definitely going to add Aldi to my shopping rounds. I can now reduce my grocery budget every month and spend that money elsewhere.
There are a couple of things that you should know before shopping at Aldi:
1. Aldi charges 25 cents to borrow a shopping cart. You get your quarter back when you return the cart.
2. Aldi does not bag your groceries. You must come prepared with shopping bags, or they offer them for purchase ($1.99) at the register.
3. Aldi is a one-directional grocery store. If you realize you forgot to grab something and have to go back, your best bet is to leave your cart behind and sneak back to the forgotten item. People were very understanding as we had this happen numerous times.
Visit Aldi.com to find the store nearest you! Your wallet will be SO grateful!
So my Aldi Store FINALLY opened today! Halleluiah! My Mom, Emily and I have been planning to check it out for months now, and we were so excited to see what it was like!
Well, Aldi is everything they claim to be – low prices on the things that you buy regularly. The store was clean, organized, and very well run. The store employees were very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable.
We both pay very close attention to what we pay for the items that we purchase regularly, and the quantity that we purchase them in. We found that Aldi had extremely competitive prices on nearly every item we purchased. If we did not find the price to be LOWER than the prices at Wal-Mart or a similar grocery store, we found that the price was the SAME as the prices we pay at similar grocery stores. The produce was fresh, attractive-looking, and huge in quantity.
A couple of items that I found to be insanely great prices:
1. 64 oz. Apple Juice - $1.19
2. Boxed dog biscuits - $.99
3. Cellulose Sponges - 6 pack - $.99
4. Boxes of fresh strawberries - $.99
5. Varied spices - $1.09 each
6. 32 oz. tub of vanilla yogurt - $1.59
7. One dozen eggs - $.89
See?! I told ya!
All in all, every item that we bought was purchased with excitement as we saved significantly.
At the cash register, we were excited to see that as they totaled our purchases, they then offered us a $5 coupon on top of the savings we already received. BONUS!
I am definitely going to add Aldi to my shopping rounds. I can now reduce my grocery budget every month and spend that money elsewhere.
There are a couple of things that you should know before shopping at Aldi:
1. Aldi charges 25 cents to borrow a shopping cart. You get your quarter back when you return the cart.
2. Aldi does not bag your groceries. You must come prepared with shopping bags, or they offer them for purchase ($1.99) at the register.
3. Aldi is a one-directional grocery store. If you realize you forgot to grab something and have to go back, your best bet is to leave your cart behind and sneak back to the forgotten item. People were very understanding as we had this happen numerous times.
Visit Aldi.com to find the store nearest you! Your wallet will be SO grateful!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Suck it up!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
As I was cleaning today, I was reminded of something very close to my heart: my vacuum cleaner! Next to my family and my label maker, she is my favorite appliance! Don’t worry – I’m not a psycho Kirby vacuum saleswoman, I have a Simplicity Vacuum!
When we decided to install laminate flooring throughout the living spaces in our house, I knew it was time to upgrade our vacuum. I have spent years spending $150 here and $150 there trying to find the vacuum that would get the job done. I wanted my floors to stay clean and shiny, so I knew I was going to have to upgrade our vacuum.
For years, I have been envious of my Mom’s Simplicity vacuum and it’s durability. She has had her Simplicity vacuum for over 12 years and counting. My Simplicity is three years old, has survived two chocolate labs, a baby and a messy husband and she hasn’t let me down yet!
Simplicity vacuums aren’t exactly an inexpensive purchase at around $500, but they are an excellent investment versus spending $150 on a cheap vacuum every year.
My Simplicity vacuum is from All-Vac located in Plano, Texas at Parker Rd. and Independence Rd. Purchasing a Simplicity vacuum is akin to purchasing a new car. Colors, styles, gadgets, extensions, and features are among the things you must choose while selecting your vacuum.
Wheelin’ and Dealin’? You bet! Want them to throw in some extensions and tools? A belt? How about a year’s worth of vacuum bags? What about some fragrance tablets to toss into your vacuum bag? Just ask! All-Vac is excellent about customer satisfaction and helping you select the best vacuum for you.
Of course, a test drive is also part of the selection process! They will sprinkle some dirt, synthetic pet hair, cheerios, crumbs, etc. down on the floor for you to vacuum over and see the result of each vacuum. One vacuum I tested seemed to blow the synthetic pet hair around. I knew immediately that this was not the vacuum for my furry friends! The vacuum that I purchased did not blow dust, dirt, or dander around, but sucked up the dirt with ease.
Allow Simplicity to let you in on their secret! You will be more than satisfied with your purchase.
As I was cleaning today, I was reminded of something very close to my heart: my vacuum cleaner! Next to my family and my label maker, she is my favorite appliance! Don’t worry – I’m not a psycho Kirby vacuum saleswoman, I have a Simplicity Vacuum!
When we decided to install laminate flooring throughout the living spaces in our house, I knew it was time to upgrade our vacuum. I have spent years spending $150 here and $150 there trying to find the vacuum that would get the job done. I wanted my floors to stay clean and shiny, so I knew I was going to have to upgrade our vacuum.
For years, I have been envious of my Mom’s Simplicity vacuum and it’s durability. She has had her Simplicity vacuum for over 12 years and counting. My Simplicity is three years old, has survived two chocolate labs, a baby and a messy husband and she hasn’t let me down yet!
Simplicity vacuums aren’t exactly an inexpensive purchase at around $500, but they are an excellent investment versus spending $150 on a cheap vacuum every year.
My Simplicity vacuum is from All-Vac located in Plano, Texas at Parker Rd. and Independence Rd. Purchasing a Simplicity vacuum is akin to purchasing a new car. Colors, styles, gadgets, extensions, and features are among the things you must choose while selecting your vacuum.
Wheelin’ and Dealin’? You bet! Want them to throw in some extensions and tools? A belt? How about a year’s worth of vacuum bags? What about some fragrance tablets to toss into your vacuum bag? Just ask! All-Vac is excellent about customer satisfaction and helping you select the best vacuum for you.
Of course, a test drive is also part of the selection process! They will sprinkle some dirt, synthetic pet hair, cheerios, crumbs, etc. down on the floor for you to vacuum over and see the result of each vacuum. One vacuum I tested seemed to blow the synthetic pet hair around. I knew immediately that this was not the vacuum for my furry friends! The vacuum that I purchased did not blow dust, dirt, or dander around, but sucked up the dirt with ease.
Allow Simplicity to let you in on their secret! You will be more than satisfied with your purchase.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Smelly!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Just a quick update for you:
From now until Sunday, shop online or in stores at Bath and Body Works and purchase three of their Signature Selection Body Care products and receive THREE FREE! Six items for the price of three is an awesome deal. Ends Sunday, so hurry up!
Just a quick update for you:
From now until Sunday, shop online or in stores at Bath and Body Works and purchase three of their Signature Selection Body Care products and receive THREE FREE! Six items for the price of three is an awesome deal. Ends Sunday, so hurry up!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
NEVER Keep Your Opinion To Yourself!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
I really hope that you have already signed up for Kohl’s email and mailing distribution lists. They have sent me TWO postcards this week with $10 FREE! No purchase is required. I intend to spend $20 or $25 at Kohl’s next week and spend $0 or $5 of my own personal money! How delicious is that?!
I also received an interesting email from Target this week. They have introduced a new program of printable coupons via email. I viewed THIRTEEN PAGES of printable coupons, many of which I would likely take advantage of. You simply click the box within the coupons you are interested in printing, and Target.com compiles those coupons for you. You can then print ONLY the coupons you are interested in utilizing. Click HERE to see what I mean!
I am at Target at LEAST once per week, and I intend to utilize all of the savings techniques that they offer. Many of the coupons are for household and grocery items, but some of them are for items that are exclusively Target’s. For example: 10% off of patio furniture, $10 off a Kodak camera, and $5 off the ottoman of your choice. These are great deals that I am highly likely to take advantage of!
One more thing that I have begun taking advantage of is customer surveys. Many of the stores that we patronize offer discounts, or sweepstakes-like incentives as a reward for giving them feedback about your experience while shopping in their stores. Old Navy has offered 10% off your next purchase for filling out a short online survey for quite a while. Target offered me the chance to win $3,000 after taking part in a short online survey. Walgreens offered me the opportunity to be placed in a drawing for a $500 shopping spree after participating in their online survey about my experience. I have yet to win anything, but I will continue to take 5 minutes of my time to share my opinion (which is never lacking) and who knows?! I could be the next winner and so could you!
I really hope that you have already signed up for Kohl’s email and mailing distribution lists. They have sent me TWO postcards this week with $10 FREE! No purchase is required. I intend to spend $20 or $25 at Kohl’s next week and spend $0 or $5 of my own personal money! How delicious is that?!
I also received an interesting email from Target this week. They have introduced a new program of printable coupons via email. I viewed THIRTEEN PAGES of printable coupons, many of which I would likely take advantage of. You simply click the box within the coupons you are interested in printing, and Target.com compiles those coupons for you. You can then print ONLY the coupons you are interested in utilizing. Click HERE to see what I mean!
I am at Target at LEAST once per week, and I intend to utilize all of the savings techniques that they offer. Many of the coupons are for household and grocery items, but some of them are for items that are exclusively Target’s. For example: 10% off of patio furniture, $10 off a Kodak camera, and $5 off the ottoman of your choice. These are great deals that I am highly likely to take advantage of!
One more thing that I have begun taking advantage of is customer surveys. Many of the stores that we patronize offer discounts, or sweepstakes-like incentives as a reward for giving them feedback about your experience while shopping in their stores. Old Navy has offered 10% off your next purchase for filling out a short online survey for quite a while. Target offered me the chance to win $3,000 after taking part in a short online survey. Walgreens offered me the opportunity to be placed in a drawing for a $500 shopping spree after participating in their online survey about my experience. I have yet to win anything, but I will continue to take 5 minutes of my time to share my opinion (which is never lacking) and who knows?! I could be the next winner and so could you!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Proctor & Gamble
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
I decided to visit Proctor and Gamble’s website, and subscribe to their email distribution list. They have a variety of coupons available to view and receive by mail from their site. I am consistent in purchasing Wal-Mart’s Great Value brand products for nearly everything I buy. However, there are various products that I cannot purchase the “store brand” of, and I am hoping to take advantage of the Proctor and Gamble coupons for these items. If you buy them anyway, why not get a great deal?!
Most of you already know that I’m, well, cheap…but I wear that badge proudly, and I’m cool with it! Proctor and Gamble also offers free samples of products that you may be interested in purchasing. I chose several items off of their somewhat-limited list, and my samples arrived in the mail today!
Although I exclusively purchase Parent’s Choice diapers, why not sample Pampers Cruisers?! That’s three free diapers, and I’ll take whatever I can get!
Another product that I ventured to try is Tide Laundry Detergent. My Mom used Tide when I was a young child, so I wanted to give it a shot. I usually think that it is extremely expensive, and I purchase my liquid laundry detergent at Big Lots. The large “tank” size dispensing bottle of SUN detergent is $6.50. It cleans our clothes, smells fresh and clean, and lasts for a century. So that’s my detergent of choice but I’d love to see if Tide surprises me.
Hit up their website and see if there are any products that you are interested in sampling. Even if you are unlikely to purchase these products after sampling them, FREE IS FREE!
I decided to visit Proctor and Gamble’s website, and subscribe to their email distribution list. They have a variety of coupons available to view and receive by mail from their site. I am consistent in purchasing Wal-Mart’s Great Value brand products for nearly everything I buy. However, there are various products that I cannot purchase the “store brand” of, and I am hoping to take advantage of the Proctor and Gamble coupons for these items. If you buy them anyway, why not get a great deal?!
Most of you already know that I’m, well, cheap…but I wear that badge proudly, and I’m cool with it! Proctor and Gamble also offers free samples of products that you may be interested in purchasing. I chose several items off of their somewhat-limited list, and my samples arrived in the mail today!
Although I exclusively purchase Parent’s Choice diapers, why not sample Pampers Cruisers?! That’s three free diapers, and I’ll take whatever I can get!
Another product that I ventured to try is Tide Laundry Detergent. My Mom used Tide when I was a young child, so I wanted to give it a shot. I usually think that it is extremely expensive, and I purchase my liquid laundry detergent at Big Lots. The large “tank” size dispensing bottle of SUN detergent is $6.50. It cleans our clothes, smells fresh and clean, and lasts for a century. So that’s my detergent of choice but I’d love to see if Tide surprises me.
Hit up their website and see if there are any products that you are interested in sampling. Even if you are unlikely to purchase these products after sampling them, FREE IS FREE!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Trick or Treat?
Sunday, April 11, 2010
I just had a couple of random thoughts as I was going about my day…
Frozen bananas: Now that your baby is older, or you are planning ahead for when your baby can eat a few more solid things, pick up a bundle of fresh bananas. They are extremely inexpensive, around $.49 per pound, and babies think they taste like candy. Mash the bananas with a fork and dump them into the baby food jars/tubs that you have been saving. Pop ‘em into the freezer, and they stay VERY fresh-tasting! I usually thaw them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, and most of the banana is thaw, and some of it is frozen. Emily especially likes the frozen part, as it tastes like a popsicle. This is a great trick for teething babies and sore gums.
Other soft foods for growing babies: Where you used to puree all of your baby’s vegetables, they may be at the age where they can handle some solid vegetables. Steam a bag of peas, portion the peas out into the baby food jars/tubs that you’ve been saving, and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, pop them into the microwave for around 45 seconds, and sprinkle them onto your baby’s high chair tray. They will love the independence of picking the peas up for themselves, and you might have a few moments to start dinner or rinse some dishes.
Formula popsicles: If your baby is still young enough to drink formula, formula pops are great for a warm day outside, or for those sore gums. Most grocery stores sell popsicle molds very inexpensively, or you could always fill an ice cube tray. Simply measure the amount of liquid that the mold holds, and you will know how much powder to add to the water.
Washable dry mop: I used to use my Swiffer Wet Jet to mop the hard wood floors, and even the tile floors on occasion. The Swiffer Wet Jet pads are pricey, and I was going through about 3 pads a week, so I needed a new box of pads every time I turned around! Instead of continuing on with this, I decided to purchase a mop with a removable microfiber pad. I still purchase the Swiffer Wet Jet spray solution, but I bought a large squirt bottle at Dollar Tree. I empty the solution into my spray bottle, and spray the floors by hand. After I am finished mopping, the microfiber pad gets tossed into the washing machine and is dry by the next day. I don’t have to continue purchasing Wet Jet Pads, and I don’t have to replace the batteries on the Swiffer Wet Jet, which is GREAT because the messes are getting bigger!
I just had a couple of random thoughts as I was going about my day…
Frozen bananas: Now that your baby is older, or you are planning ahead for when your baby can eat a few more solid things, pick up a bundle of fresh bananas. They are extremely inexpensive, around $.49 per pound, and babies think they taste like candy. Mash the bananas with a fork and dump them into the baby food jars/tubs that you have been saving. Pop ‘em into the freezer, and they stay VERY fresh-tasting! I usually thaw them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, and most of the banana is thaw, and some of it is frozen. Emily especially likes the frozen part, as it tastes like a popsicle. This is a great trick for teething babies and sore gums.
Other soft foods for growing babies: Where you used to puree all of your baby’s vegetables, they may be at the age where they can handle some solid vegetables. Steam a bag of peas, portion the peas out into the baby food jars/tubs that you’ve been saving, and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, pop them into the microwave for around 45 seconds, and sprinkle them onto your baby’s high chair tray. They will love the independence of picking the peas up for themselves, and you might have a few moments to start dinner or rinse some dishes.
Formula popsicles: If your baby is still young enough to drink formula, formula pops are great for a warm day outside, or for those sore gums. Most grocery stores sell popsicle molds very inexpensively, or you could always fill an ice cube tray. Simply measure the amount of liquid that the mold holds, and you will know how much powder to add to the water.
Washable dry mop: I used to use my Swiffer Wet Jet to mop the hard wood floors, and even the tile floors on occasion. The Swiffer Wet Jet pads are pricey, and I was going through about 3 pads a week, so I needed a new box of pads every time I turned around! Instead of continuing on with this, I decided to purchase a mop with a removable microfiber pad. I still purchase the Swiffer Wet Jet spray solution, but I bought a large squirt bottle at Dollar Tree. I empty the solution into my spray bottle, and spray the floors by hand. After I am finished mopping, the microfiber pad gets tossed into the washing machine and is dry by the next day. I don’t have to continue purchasing Wet Jet Pads, and I don’t have to replace the batteries on the Swiffer Wet Jet, which is GREAT because the messes are getting bigger!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Burned Up
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Cleaning the oven, or the glass cook top, can be a source of frustration, an eye sore and take some serious elbow grease! Let me help ease your frustration with some commonly sold products designed to lessen your workload.
When we moved into our home in 2007, the glass cook top had not been properly taken care of in years. Each time you cook, the splashes, spatters, and cooked-on food can pile up into a huge problem. I went to my local Lowe’s home improvement store for help with the nastiness that was my stove. They carry a product called “Cerama Bryte” that is the consistency of soft scrub, and this product comes with a “scraper” of sorts. You apply the runny paste using a rough sponge (provided with the scrub) in a circular motion all over the top of your stove. Use the scraper for areas that need special attention. Then, using paper towel, wipe the paste off of your stove. Like car wax, the last pass with the paper towel will buff your cook top clean and shiny. This product is SO awesome, and I use it each time I clean the kitchen, and after I cook a particularly messy dinner. Be sure your cook top is completely cool or the runny paste turns into a flaky mess as it “cooks” to your stove!
Ever set a Styrofoam plate or plastic bread bag on top of a burner that you didn’t know was warm?! Me too! Cerama Bryte takes the mess right off.
As for the inside of your oven, Wal-Mart makes a store brand version of Easy Off Bam. This is a fumeless foaming spray designed for Self-Cleaning ovens. BE SURE that the can says “designed for self-cleaning ovens”!
My personal experience, and one that provides the best end result is: 1. Remove your oven racks. 2. Clean your oven using the self-cleaning feature first. Allow yourself 3 hours or so for this process, as it is HOT and STINKY! 3. Use your vacuum hose to suck all of the burned flakes and ash out of your oven. 4. After the oven has cooled, spray Great Value Oven Cleaner all over the inside of your oven and door. Close the door and let the foam sit for an additional 1-2 hours. 5. Once this time has passed, you can wipe your oven clean using paper towel and it will look brand new!
The can of Great Value Oven Cleaner boasts that it is fumeless. This is a half-truth because it does have a chemical/perfume odor. The odor isn’t strong, but it is distinct, that’s for sure.
You will feel so good having your oven completely cleaned and looking great!
Cleaning the oven, or the glass cook top, can be a source of frustration, an eye sore and take some serious elbow grease! Let me help ease your frustration with some commonly sold products designed to lessen your workload.
When we moved into our home in 2007, the glass cook top had not been properly taken care of in years. Each time you cook, the splashes, spatters, and cooked-on food can pile up into a huge problem. I went to my local Lowe’s home improvement store for help with the nastiness that was my stove. They carry a product called “Cerama Bryte” that is the consistency of soft scrub, and this product comes with a “scraper” of sorts. You apply the runny paste using a rough sponge (provided with the scrub) in a circular motion all over the top of your stove. Use the scraper for areas that need special attention. Then, using paper towel, wipe the paste off of your stove. Like car wax, the last pass with the paper towel will buff your cook top clean and shiny. This product is SO awesome, and I use it each time I clean the kitchen, and after I cook a particularly messy dinner. Be sure your cook top is completely cool or the runny paste turns into a flaky mess as it “cooks” to your stove!
Ever set a Styrofoam plate or plastic bread bag on top of a burner that you didn’t know was warm?! Me too! Cerama Bryte takes the mess right off.
As for the inside of your oven, Wal-Mart makes a store brand version of Easy Off Bam. This is a fumeless foaming spray designed for Self-Cleaning ovens. BE SURE that the can says “designed for self-cleaning ovens”!
My personal experience, and one that provides the best end result is: 1. Remove your oven racks. 2. Clean your oven using the self-cleaning feature first. Allow yourself 3 hours or so for this process, as it is HOT and STINKY! 3. Use your vacuum hose to suck all of the burned flakes and ash out of your oven. 4. After the oven has cooled, spray Great Value Oven Cleaner all over the inside of your oven and door. Close the door and let the foam sit for an additional 1-2 hours. 5. Once this time has passed, you can wipe your oven clean using paper towel and it will look brand new!
The can of Great Value Oven Cleaner boasts that it is fumeless. This is a half-truth because it does have a chemical/perfume odor. The odor isn’t strong, but it is distinct, that’s for sure.
You will feel so good having your oven completely cleaned and looking great!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Setting Up Your Budget
Friday, April 9, 2010
Setting up a budget is the best way to monitor how much money is coming in versus how much is going out each month. Today, I will help you customize your budget to meet your individual needs, and maximize your income. This can be helpful whether you are trying to stay home with your children, already staying home with your children, or you are just wondering what we all wonder, “Where does all of my money go?!”
Using Microsoft Excel, set up columns starting with A for Expense Name, B for usernames and passwords, and C, D, E, etc. for the months of the year. Set up the rows starting with row 3 for your monthly cyclical bills such as mortgage, cell phone payment, electricity, etc. After you are finished listing the cyclical bills that change from month-to-month, add bills that you incur each month like vehicle gas, groceries, entertainment, and clothing.
Once you have set up your spreadsheet, pull your online banking statement up, and print one month’s worth of banking statements. For example, March 1st – April 1st. The easiest way to single out expenses is with a colored highlighter. Highlight all grocery trips with pink, all gas expenses with yellow, etc. Add all of the pink expenses for one month together to figure out what you are spending on groceries. Add all yellow line items to pinpoint what you are spending in gas, and so on. Do this for every single line item on the statement. If you have rare expenses like vehicle registration, it is a good idea to budget a certain amount of money as “miscellaneous” in your budget. This way, nothing is truly a surprise if you budget for it.
At the bottom of your spreadsheet, add a “TOTAL” row. Add all of your expenses in the “March” column and put the total in your “Total” row. Below the total, add a row for “INCOME.” Put your monthly income in the row. Add a “LEFTOVER” row below the Income row. Subtract the TOTAL from the INCOME and this will be what you have for savings, or emergency situations every month after everything has been paid for.
The most important thing is to be realistic about your budget. Don’t cheap out if you REALLY spend $200 on clothing each month and put “$100” as this is not a realistic view of your spending.
If you look over your bank statement and see that you spend $400 on entertainment and eating out, perhaps you’d rather cut this line item to $300 and eat in or rent movies more often. There are a lot of ways to trim your expenses once you know what they are!
Take a couple of hours and sit down to put your budget on paper. You will sleep easier knowing precisely where your money is going and how you can keep more of that money in your pocket!
Setting up a budget is the best way to monitor how much money is coming in versus how much is going out each month. Today, I will help you customize your budget to meet your individual needs, and maximize your income. This can be helpful whether you are trying to stay home with your children, already staying home with your children, or you are just wondering what we all wonder, “Where does all of my money go?!”
Using Microsoft Excel, set up columns starting with A for Expense Name, B for usernames and passwords, and C, D, E, etc. for the months of the year. Set up the rows starting with row 3 for your monthly cyclical bills such as mortgage, cell phone payment, electricity, etc. After you are finished listing the cyclical bills that change from month-to-month, add bills that you incur each month like vehicle gas, groceries, entertainment, and clothing.
Once you have set up your spreadsheet, pull your online banking statement up, and print one month’s worth of banking statements. For example, March 1st – April 1st. The easiest way to single out expenses is with a colored highlighter. Highlight all grocery trips with pink, all gas expenses with yellow, etc. Add all of the pink expenses for one month together to figure out what you are spending on groceries. Add all yellow line items to pinpoint what you are spending in gas, and so on. Do this for every single line item on the statement. If you have rare expenses like vehicle registration, it is a good idea to budget a certain amount of money as “miscellaneous” in your budget. This way, nothing is truly a surprise if you budget for it.
At the bottom of your spreadsheet, add a “TOTAL” row. Add all of your expenses in the “March” column and put the total in your “Total” row. Below the total, add a row for “INCOME.” Put your monthly income in the row. Add a “LEFTOVER” row below the Income row. Subtract the TOTAL from the INCOME and this will be what you have for savings, or emergency situations every month after everything has been paid for.
The most important thing is to be realistic about your budget. Don’t cheap out if you REALLY spend $200 on clothing each month and put “$100” as this is not a realistic view of your spending.
If you look over your bank statement and see that you spend $400 on entertainment and eating out, perhaps you’d rather cut this line item to $300 and eat in or rent movies more often. There are a lot of ways to trim your expenses once you know what they are!
Take a couple of hours and sit down to put your budget on paper. You will sleep easier knowing precisely where your money is going and how you can keep more of that money in your pocket!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Four-Day Savings
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Just a couple of things to tell you about today!
Visit Kohls.com to take part in their Three-Day Shopping Pass where you can take 15% off your entire purchase on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. When you present your coupon at the register, they return your coupon to YOU so that you may use it throughout the weekend.
Visit WorldMarket.com for their 4-Day Friends and Family event! They are offering a coupon for 25% off Home Furnishings, Decor, etc. today through Sunday. Maybe it's time for that new dining set I've had my eye on!!
If you are in the DFW metroplex and you shop Stacy Furniture, they are offering a tax free weekend. Shop their Allen or Grapevine locations, and purchase your furniture tax free!
What are you waiting for?! GO SHOPPING!
Just a couple of things to tell you about today!
Visit Kohls.com to take part in their Three-Day Shopping Pass where you can take 15% off your entire purchase on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. When you present your coupon at the register, they return your coupon to YOU so that you may use it throughout the weekend.
Visit WorldMarket.com for their 4-Day Friends and Family event! They are offering a coupon for 25% off Home Furnishings, Decor, etc. today through Sunday. Maybe it's time for that new dining set I've had my eye on!!
If you are in the DFW metroplex and you shop Stacy Furniture, they are offering a tax free weekend. Shop their Allen or Grapevine locations, and purchase your furniture tax free!
What are you waiting for?! GO SHOPPING!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Delicious Recipe
April 7, 2010
Last night, I was thinking about my favorite meals to make for my family. The ones I like the most are inexpensive, simple, and delicious without that guilty feeling you get when you walk away from a calorie-rich meal. The recipe I’m sharing with you is one that I cannot take credit for. My Mom recommended it to me after she prepared it for herself and my Dad several times.
Don’t shy away because I am saying vegetables and tilapia in the same sentence. My husband is NOT a fan of eating things that swim, and he loves my tilapia and vegetables recipe. So, here’s the skinny:
Ingredients:
-A tilapia filet for each person you are feeding (sometimes Dads need two, and sometimes small fries can share one, but they shrink significantly after being baked)
-Two large raw carrots
-1/2 of a purple onion
-2 large handfuls of fresh green beans
-Paprika, Dried Dill, Salt, Pepper, and Olive Oil.
Instructions:
-Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
-Cut the veggies into bite size pieces and toss them onto the cookie sheet. Sprinkle the veggies with olive oil, salt and pepper. Hand toss until coated.
-Stick ‘em in the oven for 30 minutes.
-While the veggies are cooking, rinse and dry the tilapia. Squeeze lemon juice over them and sprinkle with olive oil, smear until coated. Sprinkle generously with paprika, dried dill, and salt and pepper. Rub and flip the filets until they are red.
-With 8 minutes left on the vegetable timer, scoot the veggies to one side of the cookie sheet and add the tilapia. Cook until the timer sounds.
Your result will be delicious, salty/sweet caramelized vegetables and the most flavorful tilapia that doesn’t taste like fish! This meal is great for Spring and Summer because it is light and flavorful.
You can begin preparing this meal about an hour before you are planning to serve dinner, or you can prepare the entire cookie sheet after breakfast, and pop it in the oven right before dinner, prepping dinner at a more convenient, less hectic time of day. It is totally up to you! Then, you toss the parchment paper into the garbage and put the cookie sheet away. Dishes are done! Enjoy!
Last night, I was thinking about my favorite meals to make for my family. The ones I like the most are inexpensive, simple, and delicious without that guilty feeling you get when you walk away from a calorie-rich meal. The recipe I’m sharing with you is one that I cannot take credit for. My Mom recommended it to me after she prepared it for herself and my Dad several times.
Don’t shy away because I am saying vegetables and tilapia in the same sentence. My husband is NOT a fan of eating things that swim, and he loves my tilapia and vegetables recipe. So, here’s the skinny:
Ingredients:
-A tilapia filet for each person you are feeding (sometimes Dads need two, and sometimes small fries can share one, but they shrink significantly after being baked)
-Two large raw carrots
-1/2 of a purple onion
-2 large handfuls of fresh green beans
-Paprika, Dried Dill, Salt, Pepper, and Olive Oil.
Instructions:
-Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
-Cut the veggies into bite size pieces and toss them onto the cookie sheet. Sprinkle the veggies with olive oil, salt and pepper. Hand toss until coated.
-Stick ‘em in the oven for 30 minutes.
-While the veggies are cooking, rinse and dry the tilapia. Squeeze lemon juice over them and sprinkle with olive oil, smear until coated. Sprinkle generously with paprika, dried dill, and salt and pepper. Rub and flip the filets until they are red.
-With 8 minutes left on the vegetable timer, scoot the veggies to one side of the cookie sheet and add the tilapia. Cook until the timer sounds.
Your result will be delicious, salty/sweet caramelized vegetables and the most flavorful tilapia that doesn’t taste like fish! This meal is great for Spring and Summer because it is light and flavorful.
You can begin preparing this meal about an hour before you are planning to serve dinner, or you can prepare the entire cookie sheet after breakfast, and pop it in the oven right before dinner, prepping dinner at a more convenient, less hectic time of day. It is totally up to you! Then, you toss the parchment paper into the garbage and put the cookie sheet away. Dishes are done! Enjoy!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Make Your Own Bows!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Before my daughter, Emily, was born in December 2008, I would see these PRECIOUS babies in stores and restaurants with the most beautiful gerbera daisy headbands in their hair! I thought they looked absolutely precious, but when I found them in retail stores, I thought they were a little pricey at around $10 each. Well, you KNOW I had to have one in every color of the rainbow, so I had to figure out what I was going to do to lessen the expense.
We decided to try our hand at making the hair clips ourselves, and they turned out great! 15 months later, and Emily still wears these things on a daily basis. They have held up extremely well, and people compliment her everywhere we go. Would you like to make some? I’d love to help! Here’s how you do it:
Materials:
(2) silk gerbera daisies from your local craft store
(1) large rhinestone jewel that has a FLAT, MIRRORED BACK
(1) small scrapbooking brad (the flatter the top, the better)
(1) small alligator clip from your local beauty supply store
(1) roll of 1/2” grosgrain ribbon in WHITE
(1) glue gun
Let me take a moment to explain about the materials. We have found that using two silk gerbera daisies makes for a more sturdy, fluffy-looking “bow” at the end of your project. You can do it with a single flower, but the double-flower hair bows look the best. Silk flowers are ½ off at Hobby Lobby about once every two weeks, so if you gather your arsenal of flowers during their sale, you will save significantly. The rhinestone is probably the most expensive ingredient to these hair bows, so you might want to wait until jewels are on sale at Hobby Lobby, or sign up for their weekly ad, and use their 40% off coupon. You can use any shape rhinestone that you prefer, but I have found that the large, round ones are the cutest and fit the flowers the best.
How-To:
Here’s how you assemble the flower “bows”:
1. Using a pair of wire snips, cut the flower off of the stem VERY CLOSE to the base of the flower’s head. Remove the thick, green plastic piece that separates the petals from the stem. Once you have done this, the layers of the flower will all be separate. Remove the pollen.
2. Add the two silk flowers to one another and layer the petals according to size (large on the bottom, small on the top). Clasp the layers of petals together using your brad. The TOP of the brad should be at the TOP of the flower.
3. Wrap the entire alligator clip with a length of grosgrain ribbon, tacking the ribbon to the alligator clip with hot glue.
4. Hot glue the rhinestone to the top of the flower where the pollen used to be.
5. Glue the ribbon-wrapped alligator clip to the bottom of the flower, covering the bottom of the brad that is visible. The FLAT SIDE of the alligator clip should rest on your baby’s head, and the angled side of the clip should be glued to the bottom of the flower.
These flowers are SO fun to make, and they are super easy. They take about 5 minutes once you have your materials set up.
You can use the alligator clip to fasten the flowers to a headband if your baby’s hair is on the sparse side, or you can use them to clip their hair back once they have some growth.
*BONUS TIP: If you find that your flowers are slipping out of your baby’s silky hair, purchase a sheet of foam in the craft section of Hobby Lobby and cut strips to fit the length of the alligator clip. Glue the foam to the inside of the alligator clip and your baby’s flowers and bows will stick like glue!
We have experimented with spider mums, and the end product is not as attractive as the gerbera daisies because the petals of the spider mums are a little on the rogue side. It is up to you, but we have found that silk gerbera daisies are the best flowers to use for your baby’s hair bows. I hope you try it and love it – let me know how they turn out!
Before my daughter, Emily, was born in December 2008, I would see these PRECIOUS babies in stores and restaurants with the most beautiful gerbera daisy headbands in their hair! I thought they looked absolutely precious, but when I found them in retail stores, I thought they were a little pricey at around $10 each. Well, you KNOW I had to have one in every color of the rainbow, so I had to figure out what I was going to do to lessen the expense.
We decided to try our hand at making the hair clips ourselves, and they turned out great! 15 months later, and Emily still wears these things on a daily basis. They have held up extremely well, and people compliment her everywhere we go. Would you like to make some? I’d love to help! Here’s how you do it:
Materials:
(2) silk gerbera daisies from your local craft store
(1) large rhinestone jewel that has a FLAT, MIRRORED BACK
(1) small scrapbooking brad (the flatter the top, the better)
(1) small alligator clip from your local beauty supply store
(1) roll of 1/2” grosgrain ribbon in WHITE
(1) glue gun
Let me take a moment to explain about the materials. We have found that using two silk gerbera daisies makes for a more sturdy, fluffy-looking “bow” at the end of your project. You can do it with a single flower, but the double-flower hair bows look the best. Silk flowers are ½ off at Hobby Lobby about once every two weeks, so if you gather your arsenal of flowers during their sale, you will save significantly. The rhinestone is probably the most expensive ingredient to these hair bows, so you might want to wait until jewels are on sale at Hobby Lobby, or sign up for their weekly ad, and use their 40% off coupon. You can use any shape rhinestone that you prefer, but I have found that the large, round ones are the cutest and fit the flowers the best.
How-To:
Here’s how you assemble the flower “bows”:
1. Using a pair of wire snips, cut the flower off of the stem VERY CLOSE to the base of the flower’s head. Remove the thick, green plastic piece that separates the petals from the stem. Once you have done this, the layers of the flower will all be separate. Remove the pollen.
2. Add the two silk flowers to one another and layer the petals according to size (large on the bottom, small on the top). Clasp the layers of petals together using your brad. The TOP of the brad should be at the TOP of the flower.
3. Wrap the entire alligator clip with a length of grosgrain ribbon, tacking the ribbon to the alligator clip with hot glue.
4. Hot glue the rhinestone to the top of the flower where the pollen used to be.
5. Glue the ribbon-wrapped alligator clip to the bottom of the flower, covering the bottom of the brad that is visible. The FLAT SIDE of the alligator clip should rest on your baby’s head, and the angled side of the clip should be glued to the bottom of the flower.
These flowers are SO fun to make, and they are super easy. They take about 5 minutes once you have your materials set up.
You can use the alligator clip to fasten the flowers to a headband if your baby’s hair is on the sparse side, or you can use them to clip their hair back once they have some growth.
*BONUS TIP: If you find that your flowers are slipping out of your baby’s silky hair, purchase a sheet of foam in the craft section of Hobby Lobby and cut strips to fit the length of the alligator clip. Glue the foam to the inside of the alligator clip and your baby’s flowers and bows will stick like glue!
We have experimented with spider mums, and the end product is not as attractive as the gerbera daisies because the petals of the spider mums are a little on the rogue side. It is up to you, but we have found that silk gerbera daisies are the best flowers to use for your baby’s hair bows. I hope you try it and love it – let me know how they turn out!
Friday, April 2, 2010
I'm on a savings HIGH!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Okay, so Garage Saling today was a bust. We knew it was going to rain, but didn't think people would actually BACK OUT of the garage sales they had already applied for permits for, but whatever - we will try it again in a couple of weeks.
Instead, we decided to spend an hour or so at Kohl's because of the coupons that we had accumulated in the last couple of weeks. Here's how it came out for me:
1 shirt for Easter Sunday $38 on sale for $21.99
1 set of summer pajamas for my toddler $20 on sale for $9
1 blingy ring $20 on sale for $7.99 + 20% off of jewelry = $6.39
1 fabric hair flower $10 on sale for $4.50
TOTAL: $88 on sale for $41.88
$10 off coupon = $31.88
15% off total purchase coupon = $4.79
Kohl's tax free (9%) savings = $2.44
TOTAL PURCHASE PRICE: $26.68
It states right on my receipt that I saved $63.35. So basically, I got my four items for LESS than the retail price of my shirt, or for roughly the retail price of toddler pajamas. WHAT?! As the lady on the IKEA commercial says, "START THE CAR!"
In recent months, Kohl's has saved me more money than any other store that I frequent. Of course, I frequent a lot of discount stores like Ross, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx, so it is often difficult to pinpoint exactly how much you saved off of retail prices, but I'm sure it is always significant. However, my savings at Kohl's is written in black and white on my receipt and I am on a high!!
Good Friday was GREAT Friday this year!
Okay, so Garage Saling today was a bust. We knew it was going to rain, but didn't think people would actually BACK OUT of the garage sales they had already applied for permits for, but whatever - we will try it again in a couple of weeks.
Instead, we decided to spend an hour or so at Kohl's because of the coupons that we had accumulated in the last couple of weeks. Here's how it came out for me:
1 shirt for Easter Sunday $38 on sale for $21.99
1 set of summer pajamas for my toddler $20 on sale for $9
1 blingy ring $20 on sale for $7.99 + 20% off of jewelry = $6.39
1 fabric hair flower $10 on sale for $4.50
TOTAL: $88 on sale for $41.88
$10 off coupon = $31.88
15% off total purchase coupon = $4.79
Kohl's tax free (9%) savings = $2.44
TOTAL PURCHASE PRICE: $26.68
It states right on my receipt that I saved $63.35. So basically, I got my four items for LESS than the retail price of my shirt, or for roughly the retail price of toddler pajamas. WHAT?! As the lady on the IKEA commercial says, "START THE CAR!"
In recent months, Kohl's has saved me more money than any other store that I frequent. Of course, I frequent a lot of discount stores like Ross, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx, so it is often difficult to pinpoint exactly how much you saved off of retail prices, but I'm sure it is always significant. However, my savings at Kohl's is written in black and white on my receipt and I am on a high!!
Good Friday was GREAT Friday this year!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Garage Sales!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Before you get your Easter festivities off to a great start, why not hit up a couple of Garage sales?
My sister and I will be venturing out tomorrow, and we’ve mapped our route. Most cities ask that you apply for a Garage Sale permit before holding your sale. When you apply for the permit, you go into their system, and they log the date and times that you have input.
As a garage SALER, you can visit the cities’ websites and see everyone who has applied for a permit. You can see their address, the dates and times they are holding their garage sale, and in most cases, you can also see the items that they will be selling. Score!
Keep a few things in mind as you are shopping…1) how can I reuse, refinish, or repurpose this item? 2) what do I think is a fair price to pay for this item? 3) what items would be more beneficial to get at a garage sale than paying retail price for?
NEVER, EVER be afraid to negotiate! These people do NOT want to haul this junk back into their garages, nor do they want to make the trip to Goodwill with it. You will often find that some people KNOW what they’re doing and price their items to sell. It is very obvious when you approach a sale and things are ‘priced to stay’. Be aware, and don’t settle for the sticker price – offer a low-ball price, and see if you can meet them somewhere in the middle. You never know – you might get lucky and they accept your offer!
I have many items that I’ve found at garage sales that are now proudly displayed in my home from retail stores like Pier One and Lowe’s. I have no problem stripping the paint/stain and refinishing these items, or touching up the rough spots. It’s a treasure hunt and can be SO fun!
Also remember, Kohl’s is practically giving the store away right now. Not only do I have my $10 off any purchase coupon, but I also received email coupons for 15% and 20% off my purchase. With those combined, I can do some serious damage for very little expense. These coupons, and a BUNCH more were featured on Good Morning Texas on Thursday morning. Their sales are unbelievable and in conjunction with your coupons, you are sure to make out like a bandit!
Happy Easter! DO NOT FORGET to run up to your local retailer on Monday and stock up on Easter stuff for next year. Items will be 50% or more off of the previously marked prices.
Before you get your Easter festivities off to a great start, why not hit up a couple of Garage sales?
My sister and I will be venturing out tomorrow, and we’ve mapped our route. Most cities ask that you apply for a Garage Sale permit before holding your sale. When you apply for the permit, you go into their system, and they log the date and times that you have input.
As a garage SALER, you can visit the cities’ websites and see everyone who has applied for a permit. You can see their address, the dates and times they are holding their garage sale, and in most cases, you can also see the items that they will be selling. Score!
Keep a few things in mind as you are shopping…1) how can I reuse, refinish, or repurpose this item? 2) what do I think is a fair price to pay for this item? 3) what items would be more beneficial to get at a garage sale than paying retail price for?
NEVER, EVER be afraid to negotiate! These people do NOT want to haul this junk back into their garages, nor do they want to make the trip to Goodwill with it. You will often find that some people KNOW what they’re doing and price their items to sell. It is very obvious when you approach a sale and things are ‘priced to stay’. Be aware, and don’t settle for the sticker price – offer a low-ball price, and see if you can meet them somewhere in the middle. You never know – you might get lucky and they accept your offer!
I have many items that I’ve found at garage sales that are now proudly displayed in my home from retail stores like Pier One and Lowe’s. I have no problem stripping the paint/stain and refinishing these items, or touching up the rough spots. It’s a treasure hunt and can be SO fun!
Also remember, Kohl’s is practically giving the store away right now. Not only do I have my $10 off any purchase coupon, but I also received email coupons for 15% and 20% off my purchase. With those combined, I can do some serious damage for very little expense. These coupons, and a BUNCH more were featured on Good Morning Texas on Thursday morning. Their sales are unbelievable and in conjunction with your coupons, you are sure to make out like a bandit!
Happy Easter! DO NOT FORGET to run up to your local retailer on Monday and stock up on Easter stuff for next year. Items will be 50% or more off of the previously marked prices.
Stretching your meal options
Thursday, April 1, 2010
I have learned a variety of different ways to save money since we have become a one-income family. Because that one income only comes once a century…I mean once a month, I have learned how to stretch a dollar until it squeaks!
One great way to save is to challenge yourself. Challenge yourself to eat all of the groceries in the pantry/fridge/freezer until it is gone.
How? Make it a game of sorts. Create a list of all of the main dishes, side dishes, and odds and ends that you have. Create the BEST pairings with the things that you have. Once you have done this, make a store list of the necessities that you CANNOT make it through the week without: milk, eggs, diapers, and the like. Then, look at the meals you’ve created with what’s left in your kitchen, and add several odds and ends to make additional meals.
Have leftover roast? Pick up a couple of bolillo rolls and have barbeque sandwiches.
Have a can of fruit and some frozen chicken breasts? Grab some romaine lettuce, marinade your chicken in orange juice and you have Hawaiian chicken salads!
Remember the bolillo rolls that you bought for bbq sandwiches? (They usually come 8 in a bag for about $2 at the bakery) And the romaine lettuce from the Hawaiian chicken salads? Have some bacon? Pick up a large, fresh tomato and serve BLTs for dinner tonight!
These are just a few examples of things that I’ve done in the past. This will keep you from spending money at a restaurant, and cut your grocery bill significantly when you use things that you already have in the pantry. I am a BIG TIME list-checker-offer, so I love to cross off the meals that we’ve eaten or the side/main dishes we have used.
I hope you find this helpful as we all have to make changes in our lifestyles and become good stewards of what we have.
I have learned a variety of different ways to save money since we have become a one-income family. Because that one income only comes once a century…I mean once a month, I have learned how to stretch a dollar until it squeaks!
One great way to save is to challenge yourself. Challenge yourself to eat all of the groceries in the pantry/fridge/freezer until it is gone.
How? Make it a game of sorts. Create a list of all of the main dishes, side dishes, and odds and ends that you have. Create the BEST pairings with the things that you have. Once you have done this, make a store list of the necessities that you CANNOT make it through the week without: milk, eggs, diapers, and the like. Then, look at the meals you’ve created with what’s left in your kitchen, and add several odds and ends to make additional meals.
Have leftover roast? Pick up a couple of bolillo rolls and have barbeque sandwiches.
Have a can of fruit and some frozen chicken breasts? Grab some romaine lettuce, marinade your chicken in orange juice and you have Hawaiian chicken salads!
Remember the bolillo rolls that you bought for bbq sandwiches? (They usually come 8 in a bag for about $2 at the bakery) And the romaine lettuce from the Hawaiian chicken salads? Have some bacon? Pick up a large, fresh tomato and serve BLTs for dinner tonight!
These are just a few examples of things that I’ve done in the past. This will keep you from spending money at a restaurant, and cut your grocery bill significantly when you use things that you already have in the pantry. I am a BIG TIME list-checker-offer, so I love to cross off the meals that we’ve eaten or the side/main dishes we have used.
I hope you find this helpful as we all have to make changes in our lifestyles and become good stewards of what we have.
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