She's Back!

And with a vengeance. With J not working and trying to save money, I'm going to budget like no other. I've found a lot of ideas on Pinterest (the awesomest, most addicting website ever) that I am going to try to put into practice. I will post my attempts and, hopefully, successes. Meanwhile, here are a few good deals I acquired recently.

1) clipboards

I was looking for some cute clipboards for organizing and keeping lists. I found these in the clearance section of Office Max. They were priced at $4 each. I wasn't sure if this was the price before or after clearance so I took one to the register. It rang up at $1.50! I went back and grabbed the other two. My total came to $4.75. With my rewards certificate of $4.00, I ended up paying 75 cents! Total!

2) keyboard

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

J needed a new keyboard because a certain kitty got curious, jumped on the desk, and spilled tea on his keyboard. Luckily, this keyboard he had been eyeing was on sale at Best Buy for $29.99 (originally $49.99). With a $20.00 rewards certificate, I paid a total of $10.54.

*Tip: Sign up for the free rewards cards at stores you shop at regularly. You will get extra spending money at those stores by making your regular purchases.

Office - craigslist

Our "office" is all set up. And by office, I mean the large closet in our living room.

Our office cost a total of $107, all off craigslist. The desk was the most expensive at $80. The chair was $15 and the chair mat was $12. Slowly but surely we are getting everything situated in our apartment. And we brought home our newest addition today, a tabby and white kitty named Kourtney.

Shower & Bath Caddy - HospiceCare Thrift Store

J and I just got our first apartment together. We're still in the process of getting settled in. I'm always looking for useful and fun ways to organize. When I rented a house with two other roommates, we had a 3-shelf shower caddy in the corner. It was great for keeping our toiletries organized without cluttering the tub. I was very excited to find a shower caddy at the HospiceCare Thrift Store.

And it was only $3.99! Let's hope I can find something just as effective and at this much of  a bargain for our dvds.

DIY Summer Wreath

While perusing my new favorite website pinterest.com, I found a great idea for a summer wreath.

Via theBERRY

Being the bargain shopper and a relatively creative person, I felt that I could make this myself. I took a trip to Party City for cocktail umbrellas (144 for $4.99) and Hobby Lobby for a styrofoam wreath ($5.99).

I bought a couple different styrofoam wreaths. I found that, because the umbrellas are relatively fragile, the less compacted wreath was the way to go. From there I poked in umbrellas of different colors and openings. The hardest part was finishing without too many or too few umbrellas and without two of the same color together. But it's done and now hangs on my door in celebration of summer!

Here is the finished product! What do you think? For only $11 and about 30ish minutes less than 1 hour, I have a wreath that's fun and summery :)

Dresses - Windsor & Walmart

A few weeks ago I found a pair of cute dresses while out shopping! I figured they would be good for work (with cardigans of course) and I plan to wear the black dress to a friend's wedding in June.

Black Dress - Windsor - $29
Pink Dress - Walmart - $13

Today I am wearing the pink dress with a brown cardigan and nude sandals. I'm so glad the weather is finally nice enough for dresses and sandals! I was getting so sick of pants and closed-toed shoes.

Flea Market at Columbus 151 Speedway

J and I went to another flea market over the weekend. This was at Columbus 151 Speedway.

Here are my treasures...

$3

$5

 

$13

$40

Grand total: $61

If you I wondering why I bought so many bottles, this is why. I found this inspiration from my new favorite website Pinterest.

via Ali Z

Now to get a house so I can build shelves in my window....

Mirrored Shadow Box - HospiceCare Thrift Store

I was so excited. I could buy a $25 gift card to HospiceCare Thrift Store for $12. I wish I would have thought to buy two. I ended up spending the gift card the day I bought it. I found a mirrored shadow box. At least, I think that's what to call it.

There is even a date on the back - January 13, 1955.

Can anyone offer any insight into this find? Maybe what it's called. Or how much it might be worth. Thanks.