House & Garden Stuff
the Discount Diva
House & Garden Stuff
Subscribe & Save (& Get More Sleep)
We all have those special things that we just can't live without. In some circles they're called "staples." For me, it's coffee filters and energy bars; for my husband it's paper towels (not napkins) and cereal cups. The funny thing about "staples" though, is you always seem to forget to buy more before you run out. Which can lead to painful 2 a.m. runs to Wal-mart to buy coffee filters and cereal cups so you can have your morning java fix and he can have his breakfast....
Amazon.com's Subscribe & Save program is poised to end all of that nonsense. When you place an order through Subscribe & Save, you'll automatically receive a new shipment of the item in the intervals you select (every month, every other month, etc.) at a discounted rate. Not to mention, all subscription orders ship free and your credit card is only charged when the next order is sent out. Plus, you can cancel anytime. But my favorite part? It's one more thing I can check off my list and not have to worry about.
One of the Easy Ways to Be Eco-Friendly...
Whenever I want to mail packages and find myself without packing material, I use the little plastic bags that my newspapers are delivered in. I just blow air into them and tie a knot at the end. The bags work just as well as pricey air packs and bubble wrap. Plus, I get to pat myself on the back for doing some of my part for the planet.
Thrifty Decorating Done Right
I was invited to a house-warming party last weekend and was amazed by all of the cost-efficient ways my girlfriend accessorized her pad. Here are the ideas I plan to copy!
-She used a large seashell she found during a Myrtle Beach, South Carolina vacation as a soap dish.
-She bought a bunch of mix-match picture frames from the thrift store and painted them all the same color -- red!
-She created a duvet cover for her old comforter by sewing together sheets -- what an easy (and cheap) way to change the look of a bedroom.
-She turned old teapots and cups into cute kitchen planters.
The Best Book EVER For First Time Parents
My best buddy is expecting her first baby in August. She is ecstatic to say the least -- she's even looking forward to 2am feedings! Crazy, I know. But she does admit that she isn't too thrilled about all of the requisite gear the baby will require once born-- strollers, blankets, clothes, furniture, etc. Sure, she'll get a lot of these things as gifts at her baby shower, but not all of it.
I plan on getting her this great book, Baby Bargains Secrets, by Denise and Alan Fields (available at Amazon.com), which gives thrifty ideas and product reviews to help her save up to 50% on all of that "stuff" her bundle of joy will need.
I was sold after I read this quote from the book: "Babies don't care if they're wearing designer clothes or sleeping on designer sheets." Amen!
about the blogger
Ayren
Ayren Jackson-Cannady has yet to find a bargain or sale she didn’t like. It’s a good relationship for her wallet, but not so much for the dwindling closet space in the apartment that she shares with her husband, John and her cat, Shiny in Brooklyn, NY.
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