IKEA Table Makeover

January 9, 2013 by 4 Comments

IKEA Table Makeover

 

If you have small kids at home, you probably have a small table and chairs set…or two.  If you happen to live near an IKEA chances are that you got your set from there for around $20.  IKEA’s furniture is inexpensive and generally pretty plain looking which makes it perfect for DIYers who like to personalize things.  If you’re looking to customize your table and chairs set from IKEA I have an idea for you!

 

This IKEA table makeover features IKEA’s LÄTT which sells for $19.99 but you could apply this idea to any table and chair set that you have.

 

My friend, Abby, bought the LÄTT table and chair set from Ikea for her 16 month old daughter.  As you can tell from the before pictures, the LÄTT table gets the job done but it’s somewhat boring. So Abby and her husband transformed it into something that makes you say, “Wow, I want to do that!”

 

Abby gave us the insight on her table transformation:

I painted it, added die cut letters, and laid a sheet of cut plexiglass on top of the table. Very easy!

 

The plexiglass is easy to clean and it’s removable so she can change the arrangement of letter or place art underneath it in the future.

 

Thanks Abby for sharing your terrific vision of the LÄTT table – I’m predicting a run to IKEA in the future!

 

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Holiday Shopping at Aldi

December 31, 2012 by 1 Comment

Aldi Holiday Shopping

 

I’ve been a huge fan of Aldi for years, I love them!  They have fabulous prices and their stores are laid out well so you can get in and get out without much hassle.  Check out our Aldi deals of the week every week!

 

Play Food

 

Check out this super cute plastic food that I was able to score at Aldi!  I had told a friend of mine that I had bought my daughter a kitchen and I asked her if she knew where I could find some plastic food to go along with it.  I got a wooden kitchen so I wanted plastic food to avoid a very noisy play time.  The next day she called me from Aldi excited that she had found an 80 piece set for less than $10!  I called my Mom to see if she wanted to buy this for my little one for Christmas and she jumped at the chance.  She picked up the set at the Aldi near her and she said that she couldn’t help but buy the additional pots and pans set with spatulas, spoons, and a mini burner for around $5.  Isn’t that awesome?  The friend who originally told me about the plastic food ended up buying a wooden kitchen from Aldi and she said that her daughter had a blast putting it together herself (she bought it for another little girl).

 

Not only is Aldi great for gifts, and every day grocery savings, but it’s the perfect place to buy your holiday food at a discount.  For every occasion that we buy a turkey or ham we go to Aldi.  They always have a good supply with a wide range of sizes available.  My family bought 16 turkeys to donate to families this Christmas and being the bargain shopper I am, I made sure Aldi was the lowest price and of course it was!

 

How to Grill a Whole Chicken

 

The above picture is a chicken purchased at Aldi.  Doesn’t it look yummy?  That image comes from a post that my husband and I are working on together.  You should expect the full post on how to spatchcock a chicken {fancy words for the specific way you cut it} and how you grill a whole chicken soon.  It will probably be ready later this week.

 

I recommend shopping at Aldi if you’re looking to save money on groceries.  Their website is full of handy information as well.  You can use it to make shopping lists, check out their Suggested Shopping Items and their Holiday Entertaining Tips!

 

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for ALDI. I received a gift certificate to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.”

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13 Things to Cut in Half to Save Money

December 31, 2012 by 21 Comments

13 Things to Cut in Half to Save Money

When it comes to living a frugal life, one of the best ways you can save is to use less of the products that you do buy.

When you use less the product will last longer, which means you’ll have to buy refills and replacements less often.  Many of us use far too much of things without even realizing it.  Often we do this simply out of habit but if we’ll slow down to think about how much we’re using we can save so much!

The key is to remember is that there is no correct exact amount for these items.  You’ll have to experiment with each of these to figure out exactly how much is needed for you and your family.  Some of you may be able to reduce your usage by more than half while others aren’t able to even give up half.  These small savings may seem inconsequential but when combined together they can add up to some serious savings.

Here are 13 things you can cut in half to save money:

  • Paper-Towels/Napkins – Buy the perforated paper-towels that way you can only tear off what you need and none is wasted!  I love these!  Most of us barely use paper-towels or napkins before throwing them away.  If you’re not sick and you don’t have stains on them, why not reuse them?   I learned this trick from my grandpa.  He would always have a stack of napkins at his seat that he would reuse when my grandmother didn’t prepare the meal and give him another napkin.  Of course you could also use fabric napkins that you can throw in the wash and reuse instead!
  • Dryer Sheets – As soon as you buy the box, break out the scissors and cut your dryer sheet expenses by 50%! Or you could use each dryer sheets twice, this works just as well with less work! {Check out the other ways to save on laundry costs.}
  • Laundry Detergent/Fabric Softener – Danielle, from Family Centsibility, recommends cutting the recommended laundry detergent and fabric softener in half.  I agree with her!  Since I did this for my baby’s clothes and it got them just as clean, removing stains and all, I decided to try it on all of my laundry.  It works like a charm and I’ll never switch back to their recommended amounts!
  • Soap – You can reduce the amount of liquid soap you use by  50% or more without sacrificing clean hands.  All you really need is a tiny drop.  Trust me, the liquid soap manufacturers know this too.  You know what foaming soap is, right?  It’s nothing more than a small amount of liquid soap mixed with water.  You can make your own refill of foaming soap by mixing a tablespoon of liquid soap into a foaming soap dispenser, adding water, and shaking.  The foaming soap gets your hands just as clean as liquid soap which shows just how little of the liquid soap is really needed.
  • Sponges – Simply cut them in half before using them and only use one half at a time.  You’ll never miss the other half!  Plus, microwave them or run them through the dishwasher to disinfect them so you can use them longer. {Check out the other unusual items you can run through your dishwasher.}
  • Serving Size – Most everyone in our culture overeats on a daily basis.  There aren’t many people who wouldn’t benefit from smaller portions.  Not only will this save a lot of money but a lot of extra calories too.
  • Juice – Juice is yummy but it’s also an expensive habit if you’re not careful.  No one was meant to drink 30 strawberries or 12 apples at once.  100% juice is a lot stronger than you need to drink.  We usually water our juice down by half and while it took a while to get use to at first, because 100% is all we ever knew, we love it and are completely satisfied with it now.  If you start your children off with watered down juice they’ll never know any difference.
  • Printer Ink –  Printer ink costs an arm and a leg and this is especially true for colored ink.  While cutting your ink cartridge in half won’t help at all there are a few simple steps you can do to reduce the number of cartridges you buy. The first step is to change your printer settings so it only prints in monochrome.  You can simply change it back to color any time you need to print in color.  The next is to set it in draft mode for all your printing.  You can switch it back to the full mode when printing an important document.  These simple steps will help you save at least half of your ink!  {Check out how to save $20 a year by switching fonts.}
  • Dish-Washing Soap – It doesn’t take much dish-washing soap to make a sudsy sink.  Whether you put the dish-washing liquid in the water or directly on the sponge or dishes, you just need a handful of drops.  A few drops is just as effective as a huge squirt but will cost you a lot less over time.
  • Shaving Cream – A think layer of shaving cream is all you need.  A thick layer of shaving cream doesn’t make the shave any closer. If you want a closer shave, the best way to get this is to shave twice with thin layers of shaving cream.  Shaving twice with thin layers of shaving cream will give you a closer shave and you’ll still use half the amount of shaving cream than most people do.
  • Make Up – Contrary to what some may think little is actually more when it comes to make up.  It’s important to find the colors that are best for your complexion, face shape, and hair color.  It may take some time (and money) to find the best look for you but once you do you’ll save your self time, a lot of wasted product, and frustration.
  • Kool-Aid & Other Drink Mixes – Amy, from Savvy Saving Couple, recommends cutting the drink mixes in half for 50% less sweet drinks.  This is better for your figure and your wallet!  I like it!
  • SOS Pads – Laura, from Another Cent Saved, says that cutting SOS pads in half will not only make them last you twice as long but cutting them will also sharpen your scissors!

For more money-saving tips don’t forget to follow us on Facebook or subscribe for once daily email updates!

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Smart Discounts in San Francisco

December 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Smart Discounts in San Francisco

 

San Francisco is known the world-over for a unique artistic energy, along with iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars. It’s not surprising that planning a visit here leaves you with a host of day trip ideas and potentially, a huge bill on your credit card. So it makes sense to check out what discounts are available online and grab yourself a few bargains before you’ve even set off.

 

A City Pass will almost certainly come in handy for a few days or weeks here, not only for your culture fix at the famous De Young Museum and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, but with family favorites like the Aquarium of the Bay. Pre-bought online passes will also get you discounts on cruise tours and you can get around for free on the city cable cars.

 

There are a whole range of coupons you can buy to other attractions like Ripley’s Believe it or Not and the Winchester Mystery House. Activities like roller-blading or cycling along the waterfront are great for group visits and cost a lot less if you check your rental options online first.

 

Eating out in San Francisco is not to be missed and a bit of prior research can save you money on classic American dining, as well as world cuisine in Chinatown and along the Wharf. You can even raise the bar a little and go for a dinner cruise with half-price coupons available on the web. Retail therapy will be much more satisfying with online discounts for everything from sportswear to designer jewelry.

 

Couponing is becoming a valuable tool in the search for more affordable holidays, and if you’re opting out of restrictive package deals this might be a sound alternative to get the low prices with a bit more flexibility.

 

Find out more about tickets for the De Young Museum and other attractions before you leave and you’ll enjoy a break that’s both action-packed and cost-effective.

 

This was a guest post from Sabrina H.  Please contact us if you’re interested in writing a post for us about the best ways to save in your area.

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DIY Bird Nest Necklaces

December 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment

DIY Bird Nest Necklaces

 

I’ve loved these necklaces ever since I saw them on Etsy years ago.  The price was too high for me so I passed them by and tried to make my own.  I gave up before I even started because even though the concept seems simple I knew that if I tried it I would over-complicate it.  Now that I have a step by step DIY plan, I might give it a try.  If you’re interested, visit SarahOrtega.com and she’ll shows you how to make a DIY Bird Nest Necklace.

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Which side of the pond saves better, the British or the Americans?

December 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Which side of the pond saves better?

Which side of the pond saves better, the British or the Americans?  I thought about it and I’m not sure I know who is better saving money!  Maybe some of my UK friends and readers could help fill me in but here’s what I’ve found so far.

 

Americans have IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts), and the British equivalent of that is a PPP, (Personal Pension Plan). British also have an Individual Savings Account (ISA) is a tax-efficient way to save or invest.  I’m sure a cash isa in the UK comes in handy.  I think those are all great ways to save for the future!

 

All British pay into the National Insurance Fund which is a weekly paid as a pension at age 60 so those, too, are very similar and are a way to save for the future.  Americans pay into and eventually collect {or hope to collect in some cases} Social Security.

 

Many Americans have both checking and savings accounts and utilize both for saving money and a British Current Account is what many use to do this in the UK.

 

I know that many Americans take advantage of 401-K plans offered by our employers and some times employers will even offer a matching donation.  For instance, if the employee gives up to 5% to their 401-K plan, then their employee will match whatever percent they contributed.  This is definitely something to take advantage of!

 

A few other money trends that I’ve observed here in America include Extreme Couponing {please see the banner on the right sidebar to learn more information}, parents have started saving earlier and earlier to pay for their children’s college, and elderly couples are investing in long term care so that the spouse who lives the longest will be taken care of.  American readers feel free to chime in as well and let me know if I missed anything.

 

Even though our currency looks different it seems that people on both sides of the pond use many of the same methods to save and spend money.  I don’t think it matters where you live, saving money is a smart idea to protect you in the futures.  As an old idiom says, “Save for a rainy day!”  I think that with a bit of discipline and common sense everyone can save money.  What do you think?

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4 Ways to Spend Less This Christmas

December 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment

4 Ways to Spend Less This Christmas

 

Last week, I wrote a post on Beauty 4 Moms entitled 4 Ways to Spend Less This Christmas.  I think that they are four practical ways to keep more cash in your account after Christmas is over.  Feel free to hop on over there, read it, and leave a comment telling me what you thought of it.

 

I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas!

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Top 10 Tips to Save When Shopping Online

December 3, 2012 by 5 Comments

Top 10 Tips to Save When Shopping Online

 

I am a self-proclaimed online shopping fanatic.  I buy all my books, some groceries, clothes (that I know what size to buy), decorative items, diapers, and several home supplies.  Some people think that the best way to shop online is wait until you see a sale promoted.  I use to think that too but over the many years of shopping online I’ve learned a few tricks.

 

Here are my Top 10 Tips to Save When Shopping Online:

 

1.)  Use Coupon Codes

Before you buy anything online, always, always, always check for a coupon code first.  We have a online coupon database right here on our site so that you can easily find a code to save a percent off, dollars off, or free shipping.

 

2.) Ask for a Discount

If you’ve searched for a coupon and haven’t found one you might want to try your hand at asking for a discount.  I’ve found that nine times out of then when I ask for a discount I’ll usually get one.  I like to use the chat feature on websites for this.  For smaller boutique type of sites or Etsy stores I’ll send an email and they’ll usually respond within a day or two.

 

3.) Shop Ebay

For years Ebay has been a fabulous place to score deals on last season’s hottest clothes and toys.  While they’re still great for that, they now have discounts on this season’s hottest toys and fashions.  Ebay is a fabulous resource to have in your savings arsenal.  I’ve been guilty of this so I feel I have to warn you, be careful not to get caught up in a bidding war and end up spending more than you intended to.

 

4.) Shop online

That sounds like a given doesn’t it?  One of my tips to save money when shopping online is to shop online.  Countless times I have found something in the store that wasn’t on sale and I held out on buying it until I got home to check for a coupon code (see point 1).  I won’t always do this because I do like to help support my local community but if times are tight I’ll do this in a heartbeat.

 

5.) Shop through Ebates

Ebates is one of my absolute favorite ways to save when shopping online because it takes so little effort!  Ebates is an online rebate program where you simply go to Ebates and sign up or log in, then you search for your favorite store, and that’s it!  You’ll earn from 1%-20% cash back on your purchase.  You have the option to receive a check in the mail every 3 months (when you earned at least $5.01 cash back in your account) or you can have your cash deposited into your PayPal account.

 

6.) Shop Amazon

Amazon’s logo clearly says that they carry everything from A to Z and I’ve found that to be true.  I bought an iPod Touch through an Amazon store and saved over $50 from what that store had it listed for on their site. {Check out my tutorial for how to amplify your iPod’s sound for free!}  Amazon has a coupon section for home supply, beauty, and baby goods that not everyone knows about.  Just do a simple search on Amazon to find all of the current coupons.  If you buy a lot online it might be a good idea for you to purchase an Amazon Prime membership for $79 a year.  This will give you free 2 day shipping.  2 day shipping has been a blessing to me numerous times when I’ve forgotten to buy diapers or a friend’s birthday gift until the last minute.  Plus, you’ll also get a wide variety of free Amazon Instant Videos.  Not only can you save by just shopping on Amazon, using Amazon’s coupons, and signing up for Amazon Prime but if you click through Ebates you’ll be able to get cash back on your purchase (see point 5).

 

7.) Visit “Daily Deal” Sites

There is a plethora of daily deal sites online now where you can save on national and local deals.  My family has really enjoyed taking advantage of the local spa,  salon, cooking classes, and photography deals.  Be careful though because not all of these “deals” are the best price you can get.

 

8.) Check Social Media Sites

Many social savvy stores will have their own Facebook and Twitter accounts where they’ll post exclusive deals, sales, and coupon codes.  I recently saved 25% on my Christmas card purchase by quickly glancing at Shutterfly‘s Facebook page.  I found a free shipping code through my coupon database (see point 1 for the link) but this exclusive coupon code was only available on their Facebook page.  Plus, I’ve also seen people share one time use coupon codes on Shutterfly’s wall for free products that they don’t necessarily want.

 

9.) Save Money on Gift Wrap

With all of the fabulous homemade gift wrap ideas floating around on the internet why buy the fancy pants paper at the stores.  Buy the cheapest {but cute} paper you can find and embellish it yourself.  There are oodles of free printable gift tags and cards on the internet.  Plus, even if you have to shop and buy a gift tag template I’m sure it will still be much cheaper in the end than buying pre-made tags year after year. Besides, who doesn’t like a personalized gift {or personalized gift-wrapping} anyway?

 

10.)  Regularly Read EmbracingBeauty.com

Come on, you knew I had to add this!  Embracing Beauty’s motto is, “Embracing God’s best for your finances, home, and life!”  We’re not a site that includes every deal known to man for two reasons.  Number 1, I won’t post a deal when I know it’s not the lowest price you could get it for.  I just won’t.  Number 2, I can’t post every coupon and every deal.  I would if I could but I have a real life outside of this blog and I have to keep my priorities, my priorities.  I think you understand that.  However, it’s my goal to give you the resources to find those deals and coupons on your own so that you don’t have to rely on me {or anyone} to save money.  We still feature the hottest coupons, freebies, and money-saving deals every week to save you time so please bookmark us and follow us on our social media pages {the links are found at the top right of this page}.

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10 Tips to Save on Christmas Gifts

November 29, 2012 by Leave a Comment

10 Tips to Save on Christmas Gifts

 

This time last year I wrote a guest post for MoneySavingMom.com entitled 10 Tips to Save on Christmas Gifts and I believe it was well received.  Lately, I’ve received quite a few emails asking about just that, how to save on Christmas gifts.  I’m hoping to feature several simple, inexpensive, homemade gifts that you can make to give to your friends and family.  Until then though, I’ll direct you to my Pinterest board that features dozens and dozens of crafty DIY gifts from other bloggers and to my post 10 Tips to Save on Christmas Gifts post on MoneySavingMom.com.

 

If you have a money-saving tip or an inexpensive gift idea that you would love to share with everyone you please contact me with the details.

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ING Direct Electric Orange $125 Checking Account Bonus

November 24, 2012 by Leave a Comment


 

Wow!!! ING Direct is offering up a VERY sweet promo right now where you can earn a whopping $125! All you have to do is open up a FREE Electric Orange checking account from now through November 25th (only one day left!) by following the directions below.

 

ING’s 4th annual Black Friday Sale is here and they want to help you save to kick off the holiday shopping season.  This is an even bigger bonus than they offered last year!

 

Money
Remember to hurry and sign up because the sale ends November 25th at 11:59 PM ET (on the dot).

 

Here’s how to snag $125 with a new checking account:

  • Head over to ING here and click on the Electric Orange Checking button
  •  Click on the blue “Apply Now” button
  • Follow the instructions to open an Electric Orange checking account (be sure to open your new account no later than November 25th!)
  • You’ll then need to make a total of 10 purchases using your Electric Orange Card or CheckMate deposits (or any combination of the two) within 45 days. Bonus only available for new Electric Orange checking.
  • Your $125 bonus will be automatically deposited into your account on day 50.

 

 

What an easy way to earn $125!  I personally love ING and I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews about them.  We use them for our checking and savings.  Even thought the percent has went down in recent years it’s still the only account {that I know of!} where you can earn interest on your checking account!  Even if you decide that you don’t want this checking account, you can cancel at anytime. Also, keep in mind that the 10 purchases you’ll need to make can be very small purchases.

 

Get $125 Bonus for a new checking account – details here.



If you already have an ING Electric Orange Checking account, I’d love to hear your feedback!

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