Home Office Furniture from Craigslist

Who ever said you have to be well put to get nice furniture? In this day and age we can't afford to put money down the drain right? With an economy that continues to plummet  and businesses going bankrupt, Craigslist is the one stop shop to all your furnishing needs. It is very easy to find local people trying to sell their stuff, either because they are moving or simply because they need the money. With that in mind, you have a lot of room for negotiating and shopping around. So lets say you are on a tight budget, have a tight space and would like an antique look. Can you get your office going for about $200? I think it is doable. Here are some pictures of some items you can put together without breaking the wallet:

Here you have a really great parlor chair, with casters on the front legs and a very bright sunflower colored upholstery. This chair can be easily reupholster to suit the color scheme you want, and it is in very good shape. The asking price for this chair is $125, but I bet that a few emails back and forth you can get it down to $100. 


For desks, I have you 2 options. We have an antique secretary; it has 3 drawers, glass doors, and a roll up drawer for your laptop. This piece needs some TLC, but can be easily brought back to life and refinished to match the chair. Asking price $80, compare at $400 for a similar piece. The second desk is a nice mahogany color, it definitely needs some refinishing but for only $40 (I am sure this price is negotiable) you have plenty left on your budget to work on it. Also, always check the free section of craigslist. There is always something there to be gotten. It is a great way to recycle and keep more stuff from landing on our landfills. 

A few pointers to keep in mind when shopping from craigslist:

• If you are not familiar with the location or are afraid because you do not know the person, always go with a friend. I say better safe than sorry! 
• Be sure to inspect all furniture for bugs!!! Yep, the last thing you need is to bring new tenants in with the new furniture. Check small cracks and crevices, this is were they tend to hide. 
• Also inspect for damages. If the item seems in worser condition than you had in mind negotiate the price or walk away! 
• Be aware of scams out there! Stick to local listings to avoid these, and do not pay until you have inspected and agreed with the seller on the item.

Crochet Hats - Slouchy crochet hat

Cables in crochet??? This hat is a delightful design of what appears to be knit cables, but it is actually crochet. With baubles around it and a small band to finish it off. It is the perfect hat to wear when you just want to hang out relax and not worry about what to wear or how to fix your hair! I am working on a knitted pattern also, and should have some pictures up soon. If you are interested in any of my work, click on the contact me tab to send me an email. I do not have an etsy store, but I do hope to work on a website soon.

Infant crochet hat, headband and knitted socks

I am finally all done with my friends' baby hat, headband and socks! It is sooo precious, that I was tempted for a second **for a very slim second** to have another girl! The headband was done in tunisian crochet, I used a stretchy cotton yarn, and added two pink flowers for a final touch. The hat is made all in single crochet, and it is almost like a hat you would wear to the Kentucky Derby. The headband can be easily placed around the hat for the extra flare. The socks are knitted, again in stretchy cotton yarn, and each with a flower to match the headband. This is the first time I ever worked socks this small, but they are so easy to make and so cute. 

The hat is King Tut cotton, it is a simple pattern done in the round, single crochet throughout, with increases for 7 rounds. The brim is also done in single crochet and it is achieved by creating more increases once you reach the desired length for the hat. The basic pattern for this hat can be found in the book Fun & Funky Crochet by Sophie Britten. However, I did adjust the pattern to fit the look I was trying to achieve.  It is all about taking a pattern and making it your own!

I really do hope that it will fit the baby, I haven't had a baby in so long I forgot how small (or big) they are. All in all, I feel very confident that they will fit her just fine ;). I really enjoyed working on this set, especially since I didn't know what the socks would look like once done. It was really exciting to see the final product completed.

Til' next time,
Lina
xoxo

    

Rue La La....Ooh La La

Being frugal doesn't necessarily mean being cheap. While it's true that price is the biggest priority, quality is also at the top of the list. I, for one, do put price ahead of everything else. But I would be lying if I said that I don't spend money on impulse once in a while for something that I find of good quality, brand, and above all at a bargain price! But after having three kids, it is a challenge to find the right bathing suit and to top it off at a discount price. Most mommies out there can relate to this issue. Often times after several pregnancies, our skin just isn't the same. So why not make the best of what we have? Out of an impulse I ordered from Rue La La a DKNY indigo u-neck maillot one piece swimsuit. It is part of their Spring 2011 collection, and the regular retail price is $104. Obviously being the frugal person that I am, I did not pay $104! I only paid $39.99, after tax and shipping I still come at just a bit under 50%!! And am I proud of this purchase? 100%!! I haven't felt sexier in a swimsuit in a very long time. This suit flatters my body, and provides the right amount of coverage right where I need it. 

So besides hitting the clearance racks at department stores for what's left of the season, is it possible to buy boutique items at a bargain price? Yes it is! They are private shopping clubs where club members can enjoy up to 70% off retail price brand name merchandise through limited-time events.These private shopping events usually last three days per boutique. It is like shopping at a sample sale only with the convenience of doing it from home. For example, they may open up a DKNY boutique for a period of three days for a limited number of items. You have the opportunity to purchase these items at a discount price, but there is a limited quantity they will allow you to get per item as well as a time limit on your shopping cart as items can sell out quickly. A club will hold several boutiques at a time and the boutiques are not limited to just clothing. They may include housewares, vacation packages, shoes, accessories, handbags, etc. etc. etc.

The clubs are by invitation only, which means a club member has to invite you in. Otherwise, you could request a membership and they will email you when there is a spot open for you. You will get daily or weekly emails with their latest boutiques openings and special events. As a club member you can invite your friends and family, and get a referral credit once they make their first purchase. Not only will you be spreading the word around, but you will also be earning some credits for doing so!

You ask, where do I find these private clubs and how can I get in? I first heard of them in the news and became curious about it. I had to request a membership and wait to get a spot. But now that I am in, I can spread the word! I am familiar with three of these clubs, and I am sure that there are more out there I just don't know about them *yet*.

Beyond the Rack - They have tons of events going on right now, including an awesome GPS system! With Beyond the Rack if you are a My Points member you will also earn points!
Rue La La - Jewelry, shoes, handbags, men's clothing, even linens!
RowNine - Fendi Eyewear, Braun Shaver, and some of the coming up boutiques include Farberware Cutlery, and Clarins skin care. RowNine runs weekly sweepstakes for very desirable prizes! I haven't won anything yet but I will surely keep trying.

What are you waiting for? Go check them out, spread the word and start shopping now!

Designer Brands at a Frugal Price

Looking for luxurious brands at an unbeatable price? Check out my latest hub.

Designer Brands at a Frugal Price

Free Gift Cards!!

I wanted discuss this a little further so you get a better idea as to how I get my gift cards. I have been an active member of My Points since 2007. To this date I have earned over 31,000 points, and of that I have redeemed 27,000. In just a few words, My Points is a company that connects merchants with consumers through their websites, emails and consumer opinions. In return the customer is rewarded with points that can be traded for gift cards. Here is how it works:

1)   Signing up for my points is easy and free - You can Google it and go straight to their website or if you have a friend that is already a member, why not ask them for a referral? They will thank you for it!

2)   How to earn points - Earning points is as easy as reading your emails!

• Your first stop is to fill out your profile, and you'll be earning 60 points just for doing so.
• Make sure you scroll down on your email for the offer, you get 5 points just for clicking on the email or more points if you follow through with the offer.
• You get points for shopping online, make sure to access the stores website through My Points in order for the purchase to qualify. 
• Answering surveys can earn you 50 points if you qualify, but if you do not qualify you still will get 10 points.
• Other point earning opportunities include referring friends (that has gotten even more exciting earning you 10% off your friends' earned points), signing up for emails, bonus offers, printing coupons, downloading the search bar, daily Spin 'n' Win, and more!

3)   Redeeming your points - Is just as hard as deciding where you want to shop! With over 70 participating merchants, it's hard to choose where you want to spend your hard earned money. You can start redeeming for gift cards as low as $10 or as high as $100, some stores however, will only go up to $25 such as Overstock.com. Your options are endless, from clothing, to shoes, to electronics; My Points is the place to be.

A few things to keep in mind when signing up with My Points are:

• You will be getting emails from them daily, so make sure to read them and delete them daily so your mailbox is not flooded.
• Before you can redeem for the first time you have to have made at least one purchase through My Points.
• Spread the word! Referring friends will yield you more points and your friends will thank you for it too!
• And if you decide to sign up for My Points, let me know. I don't mind a referral or two ;)

Hope you find this blog informative and helpful. If you are already a member of My Points, what do you like about the program? What have you redeemed for so far?

Tips to Saving Money in this Economy

1. Create a shopping list - Whether you use the old fashioned pen and paper or the more modern and quicker way list through your grocer, having a list ready before you head out the door keeps you from buying more than you budgeted for. It also cuts down on the amount of time you spend at the store and gives your kids a job while shopping. Although I should say, you should avoid shopping with the little ones because they always find something they want outside the list.
2. Clipping coupons - I do this the week prior to the sales. I get them in the mail, along with the following week's circular. That gives me a better perspective as to what will be on sale and I combine it with the coupons for even more savings. I am a member of My Points, and so I clip coupons online. Not only do I save on groceries, but I also earn points while doing so.
3. Stick to the sales - I will try and buy only if things are on sale, even if I do not need them. Buying the things that you do not need will keep you from having to buy them at the full retail price when you do need them. However, if you must buy an item because you need it then going for the store brands can save you some, or using coupons as well.
4. Plan your meals - if you plan your meals in advance you wil have less waste, thus less money thrown out the garbage.
5. Less cleaning chemicals - I stick to your typical dish detergents. Add about a 1/4 cup of dish detergent to a spray bottle, water and a few drops of Purification Essential Oil blend, and Voila! A simple, healthy cleaning solution for all around the house. It also helps that there is less plastic in the landfills because I am reusing the spray bottles. I also water down my dish detergent for cleaning the dishes. 
6. Grow your own vegetables - it doesn't have to be a full blown farm. Even if you just have a little corner by a window, there is nothing more rewarding than growing your own food.
7. Make yourself a scarf - learn to knit or crochet. Not only will you have fun learning to do so, but you can use your creations as gifts, or keep them to yourself. You'll be feeling warm and accomplished!
8. Use your loyalty cards - I can't stress this one enough. I use it religiously for a couple of reasons. I get the sales price, I get coupons especifically targeted to my shopping trends, and depending on the store I get points for programs such as baby points at ShopRite, or gas points at Price Chopper. The other day we paid ONLY 0.59c/gal on gas!!! Yep you heard me right!
9. Shop around - and read reviews. There's nothing worse than buying something you are really excited about and then going home to be dissapointed. I love to read online reviews before I head to the store.
10. Online shopping - Saves you on gas, and you can get really good deals! My Points gives you points for shopping online for the things you love.
11. Make your own cup-o-joe - Something as simple as making your coffee can add quite a few bucks to your bank account. 
12. Hair cuts - I cut my kids' hair, I have been doing it for years now and they are used to it. 
13. Hand-me-downs - I have been getting quite a bit of these for my daughter. From clothes, to shoes, to coats, she always has a full closet. When I have to shop for her it is mostly pj's and undies. For my younger son, I hold onto my oldest used clothing. Bottom line is kids grow so fast that clothing truly is a waste of money.
14. Teach your children young - My kids know that I will not buy something unless is on sale. They are learning the value of money and also that when hard times come around they can survive on basics. Birthdays and Christmas I make exceptions, but for the most part they know better!
15. Barter & curb alerts - These are great options when money is tight. There are people willing to trade goods and services for goods or services. Craigslist is full of curb alerts everyday! 
16. Don't be ashamed - There is absolutely nothing wrong with being frugal! It is a way of life where you are focused on your needs rather than luxuries and materialism. You learn the true value of life when you step back from all the fantasies and temptations that are out there. 

I was browsing the AARP magazine when I came across this article titled "The Leap to Cheap" by Jeff Yeager, and I was immediately drawn. Cheap is the new it! And it is true that less is more in many aspects. Spending less money creates more time; time that can be well spent with the family, time to relax and enjoy life. After all it is less time that you have to spend at the stores getting things that cannot fulfill your life. Frugal living is back and people are more careful about the money they spend. As I learn more about this way of living, I hope I can teach my kids to do the same. Besides, you can't take money to the grave and money can't buy you love or the true meaning of life. For it is the love of my family that holds me together.

Wooohooo!! I got my rewards today =)

I opened up my mailbox and how exiting to see that envelope from My Points??? OMG my three gift cards for Overstock.com came in, I'm dancing on my chair right now. And here is a picture, so I can get you excited too! I also got some free samples from P&G, overall I can't complaint.

I have to show pictures of my San Marzano tomatoes, they are growing so much. I have a bunch of little tomatoes on the vine! I just can't wait to make my sauce with them yummmy. I took a picture of my cucumbers and of course as promised Spot!!

It's amazing to watch nature take it's course. It all started out with a little seed that I saved from last year's farmers market finds. And now its a grown plant with blooms and fruits. I know my kids will enjoy picking the tomatoes and eating them right off the vine. It really is a different taste than what you would normally get at the store. The flesh is just fresh and delicious. And although their shelf life is not as great as what you buy at the store, you are also eating the most natural and organic. I don't use any pesticides, or growth pills or whatever the case may be. I just picked up some composted leaves from my yard, and away they grow!

My cucumbers are beginning to vine, I did plant them a little late. But nevertheless, I can see little buds where there will be flowers soon. And of course a salad isn't a salad without lettuce! I have that going as well, they are slowly making their way up to catch up with the rest.

Please if you have any comments or suggestions, I do appreciate them. Follow me, share me, twitter me, I don't mind at all ;) I hope you enjoyed my blog, and until next time!

Lina