The Time Has Come...

As the poem goes, "The Time has come, the Walrus said, to talk of many things."

Well, luckily for that walrus, we have already been down that road.  We have talked and learned for months now about many aspects of saving money.  And although there are hundreds is themes left over that we just have not even touched upon, at least for right now, someone else will have to take the reins.

My life right now has just become too hectic for me to be able to continue this enterprise the way I have.  Finals are just about to eats me alive, I'm moving, starting a "full time" teaching job called Student Teaching, and all sorts of other things.  Time is just not on my side.

Maybe some time, I'll be able to return and hopefully I'll find the time to post at least a couple times a week, but the days of everyday posts and weekly themes are over.  But... don't fret.  Here's to hoping that when things calm down, I'll be able to return.

As a parting gift and in honor of the upcoming holiday, I leave with you my final words (for the time being).  Here are some simple ways to save money on Holiday Shopping!

1. Be personal.  My Aunt Patti, for whatever odd reason, absolutely loves power tools.  She can be that type of woman.  If I got her some amazing new piece of technology, that would be fine... but what will really make an impact is a simply little screwdriver set or small drill.  It's what she likes.  Take the time to actually think about the person you are buying for.  Even if it only cost a couple bucks, I can guarantee it will be much more appreciated.
   
2. Make a list.  This is my favorite piece of advice for anyone.  Make a list.  You won't forget anyone and if you have a list, you are more likely NOT to buy for someone twice, like I've done in the past.
3. Go early.  People who shop at the last minute are more likely to just grab something on the end of the aisle, simply because it is the easiest thing to do under pressure.  That's not being personal and who even knows what the price is... If you just go early, then you can eliminate the problem and give yourself a little bit of cushion.
4. DIY.  Handmade gifts are almost always appreciated.  I've given you some random ideas for the past couple of months.  Maybe one of them will turn out to be helpful.
   

DIY Saturday: Wall Art

Happy Saturday!

And you know what that means!  It’s Do-It-Yourself Saturday where we break down some very easy and crafty ways to make gifts or something else for your place!

This week, we’ve been talking about decorating, so what better topic for today than how to make your own art?

Well, I originally had this grandiose plan of doing another photo tutorial like I did earlier this semester, but to tell you the truth, between putting up the tree, spending time with family, and shopping… I really haven’t had the time to get all of that done.

But the good news is that I found someone that did it better than I ever could.  The idea is so very simple. Take a calendar you already have (or buy one when they’re really cheap in the middle of January) and use it just for the pictures.  All you have to do is add a frame and viola!  Instant art!

Also, if you’re one of my scrapbooking readers, you can check out this video tutorial on how to make a sign for a crafting room.  She has a wonderful accent, so enjoy!

Weekend Wind-Down: Decorating

Happy Black Friday!

Let me tell you… I’m very tired.  I’m one of those crazy people that if I have a list when I go out to shop, I’ll be out there super early to try to get some of that shopping knocked out.  I just really hate it when little old ladies run into the back of my heels with their carts.  Not cool.

Anyway, it’s Friday, so it’s the Weekend Wind-Down!  These are the top blogs I’ve glanced through this week on decorating on next to no money!

• 1.    Thrifty Décor Chick – I actually have this blog bookmarked.  She’s a really down to Earth writer and always has some great and creative ideas.  What’s even better about her is that she uses tons of pictures and does tutorials on what she’s making (and then eventually gives the one she made in the tutorial away to one lucky reader).

• 2.    Decor8 – This particular post is information overload.  There is no much information in large chunks of text.  While I don’t necessarily agree with how she presents her information, if you have time to sift through all that black text, you will get some really useful tips and information.

• 3.    Design Sponge – This blog is one organized how I like it.  It has categories and links giving different ideas for decorating… Under $10, $20, $30, and $40.

• 4.    About.com – I’ve used quite a bit of articles from this website for many different things.  What can I say?  They have a little bit of everything, so I can always find it.  However, this is the first time I’ve used a blog from here.  They’re short, sweet and to the point.

Fill in the Blank: Reduce, _______, Recycle

Happy Thanksgiving!

And I seem to be completely failing as a blogger this week… I said yesterday that I wanted it to be my shortest post.  But today is the actual holiday.  I have no idea what I was thinking.  But to make up for it, I have 2 awesome videos for you!

One of the best ways to decorate with no money is to reuse or re-purpose some of the things you already have… it’s much better than buying completely new, anyway.  If you want some pretty good ideas to get you started, go here.

Also, if you think about the 3 R’s in connection with decorating, hopefully there will be another connection made in your mind – going Green.  This is the best way to save the environment and save your wallet.

Here’s a video on reusing Christmas ornaments for decoration, since tomorrow is a big decorating day for a lot of people.  The second one down there is how to make storage and shelves into a decoration in itself… it’s less to think about in the long run!

Willy Wonka's Wild Secrets

One of the best ways to decorate on no money at all is to use your pure imagination!



I really was hoping that this post would be the shortest, since I’m in the process of making a pecan pie, so let’s KISS – Keep It Simple, Stupid.  Here’s a link on how to use your imagination to decorate.  Since all imaginations are different and are supposed to be some form of creative process, I don’t think adding a lot of instructions would go well…

But just in case you need it (and because I simply found it really interesting), here are instructions on how to use your imagination in general.

And to give you a little bit on inspiration… check out these wallpapers… maybe they will spark something in that imagination of yours!

Oh, This Old Thing?

I’ve found quite a bit of information that relates to spending very little money to decorate… but really, if I had to choose between spending very little money and spending no money at all, I’d definitely choose to second one.

But how can it be done?  Utilize what you already have!  What crap do you have sitting in the basement that you can bring up to switch it up in the living room?  What is still at your parents’ house?

I was going to just think up a bunch of different examples, but I really hit the jackpot.  Evidently, on HGTV, there is an entire show dedicated to redoing rooms with no money.  The people that get it are just starting out… just like us!

The show is called FreeStyle.  Clever, huh?  Check out this little video clip from one of the episodes.  Pretty good advice for spending no money.

I Got This for a Dime!

Sorry… it’s only Day 2 and I’ve already failed you.  I tried my hardest, but I could really not find a single video that would fit what I wanted to talk about today…

This is the best way that I’ve found to get holiday decorating done!  Buy everything you want AFTERWARDS!  It may not make sense for this year, but think about all the possibilities.  After New Year’s, how much are all the Christmas things discounted?  Sometimes it’s over 90%.  You’d be surprised what you can find.

Check out these two articles (Article 1 and Article 2) on how to save money on decorating.  In the first paragraphs of both of them, it talks about just buying the seasonal items during the clearance sales after the events.  It’s good advice.

Oh, and just in case you were wondering, if you check out this Consumerist site, you can find out the best times for random things like air conditioners.  Evidently there is an air conditioner buying season.  Who knew?