The Makeover!

As mentioned in a previous post, my daughter asked for a room makeover for her 7th birthday next month. We obliged and worked really super hard (especially hubby) this weekend to get it done. Everything is complete except for the bed. We ordered it online and while it came in 5 days earlier than expected, 3 pieces were broken. That's just our luck, and so it will be about 10 days until the replacement parts get here. However, here is a look at the (mostly) finished product.

BEFORE

AFTER

Today's Amazing Deal!

Everyone knows how much I love my coupons. A lot of people argue against using them because "you can only find coupons for junk food." I agree, that a lot of the coupons out there are for products that aren't so healthy, however I disagree that you can never find coupons for healthy foods. When I do find them, I try to stock up when I can if it's at a good price. Today's deal was amazing!

Giant Eagle has Cascadian Farms organic frozen potatoes and veggies on sale 4 for $9, plus you get one free when you purchase 4. I found printable coupons for .85 cents, .75 cents, and $1 off any Cascadian brand product. I managed (with the help of my mom's computer) to rustle up 10 of these coupons totalling $14.80 in savings since Giant Eagle doubles any coupon that is valued up to .99 cents. So in the end these 10 bags of organic veggies would have cost me $25.90 original price or $18 on sale. But with my couponing skills I paid a total of $3.20 or just .32 cents a bag. Beat that!

Dollar Store Decor

My daughter Sage is turning 7 next month, and requested a room makeover as her gift. I think this is a great idea as right now she doesn't have very functional furniture or storage in her room. I've already ordered a bed with storage through Walmart, and we're waiting on that to arrive. Next week we're heading to Ikea to pick up a dresser, desk, and a few other odds and ends. I can't wait for that trip! However, I also want to add some fun decorative touches to really make the room special for her. Of course we're on a budget though and so I have to be creative with my choices. I've actually had this idea for a chandelier lamp made of dollar store finds in my head for months now and thought this was the perfect time to attempt it.

First you'll need the following materials. A metal hanging basket, and mardi gras beads. Both of these can be found at the Dollar Tree, which is where I got the basket. However, I wanted all one color of beads and so I purchased these ones at Five Below, which for those who do not know is a dollar store of sorts. Everything there is priced at $5 or less. These were 4 strands for $1. I used 14 packages. You'll also need a pair of scissors, and any color of thread. I had these on hand.

The first step is to cut the beads in half so you'll get two strands out of each necklace.

Next, I removed the chain from the basket to make it easier to work with. I then held the top bead of the strand to the edge of the basket rim, and wrapped the thread around the bead  and rim 2 to 3 times. I repeated this with every strand. Make sure to pull the thread taught so the beads don't fall off, or end up being loose. While it's a fairly simple process, it is rather labor intensive. I think it took me about an hour and a half to complete.

This is the semi-finished product. I plan to purchase a HEMMA cord light from Ikea to insert into it so it will be functional.

In total, with the light, it will have cost me just $19 for this really cool chandelier lamp!

Room To Grow

Hubby and I spent the last hour cleaning up the basement a bit. We moved all our junk into an empty room, and transported the stockpile to another wall, as well as added another shelf and made use of a metal one we already had. Now, we have plenty of room to grow. I better start looking for some good deals!