frugal decorating ideas

I love most things decorating.  I would spend way too much time and money on decorating, if I had a huge excess of either time or money, that is.

If you get giddy over a cute print or a beautiful bowl placed just right or a pretty pillow, then we are kindred spirits.

Read on for some of my favorite frugal decorating tips.

  1. Spring is in the air!  Put flowers, branches or even cool leaves (think hostas) in a mason jar or get creative with containers you already have, such as a glass or tall, narrow pot. Read a tutorial for making mason jar frog lids that you can reuse.  Putting these in unexpected places like the bathroom or by your bed will bring cheer.  Ordinary plants become interesting in small cuttings displayed in a small vase or jar.
  2. Free printables abound on the internet.  I have an 8×10 frame that I display these in.  Once I print the page, I can save it and change it out with the seasons.  To keep them organized, I save them as I come across them in a folder called ‘Art Work’ on my computer, and store the sheets that I have printed, but am not using, in one spot. Check out this collection of free printables for some inspiration.
  3. Display dishes.  Put pretty bowls, platters, and other dishes out for display on an end table, coffee table, book case or shelf.  I like to rotate dishes on my dining room table and kitchen island, too.  Use smaller dishes to hold paper clips on a desk area or a serving dish to corral items by an entry point.
  4. Plant edibles as decoration.  Last year I was without a garden due to some pending yard work.  Instead of planting flowers in the pots in front of my house, I planted tomatoes, basil, chives, thyme and lettuce.  They were beautiful and edible, saving me money at the grocery store.  I am doing it again this year, just to get the most bang for my buck!  I figure I am buying a plant either way, we might as well be able to eat it.
  5. Spray painting items is a very inexpensive way to add color and charm and to change things up a bit.  Metal and wood are great mediums and a can of good quality spray paint only runs about $6.  Fun items to go bold with are small tables, lamp bases, light fixtures or chairs.
  6. Display sentimental items.  I enjoy looking at a frame filled with my grandma’s favorite recipes (written in her handwriting) and a plaque that I got from my Dad.  These things were free, but add history and character to our home and remind my kids of those who have gone before them.
  7. Switch it up.  I have a rug that I love in my entry way.  It is aqua and shaggy and just fun.  A couple of years ago, I rolled it up because the dogs were getting it quite dirty with spring mud.  It turned out that it was a nice change of pace to have the bare floor clear for the summer.  Now I remove it each summer and enjoy the change of pace.  You could get the same effect by moving around (or removing) pillows, vases, wall hangings or curtains.

Even if money is particularly tight, you can still tidy up and make your house feel like a home.

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Empty refrigerator

photo credit: Casey Serin

I once had an impressive stockpile of food and toiletries at my house.  I had an ample supply of pasta, rice, beans, and cereal.  I had a freezer full of meat and frozen veggies.  I had a linen closet with plenty of shampoo and deodorant for our whole family.

And now… the cupboards are getting bare and the freezer is becoming a cold echo chamber.

It started with my little Eat from the Pantry Challenge earlier this year.  And then, life got busy, and I just wasn’t as dedicated to hunting down deals and stocking up during the sales.

But the biggest reason that my stockpile disappeared is due to rising prices.   While I haven’t done a price book in years, I did have a good idea of the “best price” for many of the items my family regularly buys.

Unfortunately, I have been wasting my time diligently waiting for those “best prices” to return.  It doesn’t look like those “best prices” are coming back any time soon.

I’ve been in denial about this very issue.  Paying $3 for a box of cereal that used to cost me $1.75 just kills me.  And don’t even get me started on the price of beef, coffee, or anything made of cotton!

And so I just haven’t done much shopping.

I realized that I hadn’t done much shopping when we ran out of facial tissue.  It’s full-blown allergy season in my house, so of course that put a serious dent in my toilet paper stash as we made do without Kleenex.  This morning I discovered we’re nearly out of most of our lunch staples, too, which is a good way to start overpaying for lunches out.

It’s time for me to adjust my attitude and rebuild my stockpile.

Atttitude Adjustment

First off, I have to let go of the past, and step up to the challenge.  The great deals that I remember are in the past.  I have to accept that prices have risen and adjust my vision of what the “best price” is now.   I’ve got to get my head back into the coupon clipping game.  Once again I’ll be focusing on what items are on sale and what items are in season.

Taking Stock

I’ll be taking a thorough inventory of what is in my pantry and linen closet so that I can stock up on the things we need most. When it comes to food, I’ll start by focusing on versatile staples that can be adapted to make a variety of meals.  I’ll make more from scratch and try to avoid all the processed convenience items.

Savvy Shopping

I’ll be working on my savvy shopping skills.  That doesn’t just mean clipping coupons. It means creating meal menus that reflect what we have on hand and what’s on sale.  We’ll try to have at least one meatless meal a week.  And I’ll be looking for bargains in the produce aisle and at the local farmer’s market.  I’ll be planting more vegetables in my garden this year.  Saving money at the store will allow me to build my stockpile even faster.

Playing the game

I’ll also be working at playing the Walgreens drugstore game and paying close attention to stacking coupons at Target, since those are two places where I could stock up and save in my local area.    The primary focus will be on rebuilding my stash of shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and deodorant, but could also include facial and bath tissue.

Paying Attention

Because my stockpile has dwindled so low, we’re in need of a ton of items.  I know from past experience that it can take weeks to build a great stockpile, and I just don’t have that kind of time.  Our budget will take a bit of hit as I replenish the things we need right now, and I’ve vowed to pay more attention to the state of the pantry.  No more being lazy!  My hope is to create a base of items this week, then pay attention to the sales so that I can slowly fill in the rest of the gaps.

Some may think it is silly to build a stockpile, but I disagree, especially if you live 30 miles from everywhere like we do.  It’s such a good feeling to know that you have an ample supply of food and toiletries to handle unexpected visitors, bad weather, or illness.  It’s nice to have options for dinner that don’t include inviting yourself to your parents’ house or going out to eat.

And now, I’ve got to go make my shopping list!

Your turn: Has your stockpile dwindled do to rising prices?  How are you dealing?

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Money Saving Monday

Hope you all had as nice of a weekend as I did!  I’m pretty lucky to have a great mom and to have family who appreciates me as a mom, too!

Summer is just around the corner.  Keep an eye out for deals on picnic and party supplies, soda, and grilling items as the season of graduation parties and summer gatherings heats up.

Freebies

Coupons

Rebates

  • Libman. Receive a $5 mail-in rebate when you buy a Libman Hardwood Floor Cleaning System between 2/1/12 and 12/31/12.
  • Libman. Purchase a Libman Freedom Spray Mop with a “Free Microfiber Cleaning Pad” sticker and receive a free microfiber cleaning pad by mail.  You must have the sticker and the UPC to receive your free cleaning pad.  Offer is limited to one per household and  ends 12/31/12.
  • Gold’n Plump. Get a free cutlery set (a $15 value) when you buy three packages of Gold’n Plump Everyday Easy chicken. Offer ends 6/30/12.
  • Rayovac. Get $5 back by mail when you buy a Rayovac PS60 Mobile Power Pack before 8/01/12.
  • Berkley, Stren, Rapala, etc. Save on a variety of fishing line, bait, gear and more with 16 fishing gear rebates.
  • Spectracide. Get up to $4 back by mail when you buy select Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer and/or other Spectracide products before 9/30/12.
  • NeilMed NasaDrops Saline on the Go. Get NeilMed NasaDrops Saline on the Go for free after mail in rebate.  Just buy the NasaDrops before 6/30/12 at any CVS or Rite Aid store.
  • Sunny D. Submit 10 codes from specially-marked bottles of Sunny D and get anywhere from 1 to 100 free song downloads. Offer is good through 12/31/12 while supplies last.

Deals

Happy Saving!

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