Tag Archives: ballin on a budget

New Umgee USA Poncho

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New Umgee USA Poncho

Hi! A very cool part of shopping at EmLeigh’s and Mama B’s in Marietta, Ohio was that it also had a few racks of consignment clothing along with their selection of brand new items. It was in the consignment rack that my eyes locked on a stunning denim blue and cream colored poncho by Umgee USA. Normally, something like that wouldn’t be my immediate choice to try on, but I was so enamored by the macrame style detailing that I just had to give it a shot. And, I’m glad I did because it obviously ended up coming home with me! Check it out:

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Everything about my new poncho is so unique and that’s why I am itching to wear it once the spring weather hits. From the paisley pattern and fringe at the bottom to the macrame detailing on the collar and sleeves, this poncho screams all things 1970s. And, as an avid fan of That 70’s Show and all of the amazing fashion in it, I was beyond excited to welcome it into my wardrobe.

I cannot wait to pair this poncho with sweet denim shorts as soon as the warm weather strikes. I also think that it would look absolutely charming with an A-line mini skirt and some platform heels. No matter how I style my Umgee USA poncho, I know that it will make a statement… A bold statement that only costed me FIVE BUCKS! You just can’t beat that!

Do you have a favorite consignment shop in your area? Which decade of fashion most inspires you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dollar Tree Haul

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Dollar Tree Haul

Hello! If you’re anything like me, then I know you love some discount shopping! The Dollar Tree is my happy place and I always seem to be able to find a little treat or some food for chez moi at a fraction of the price of a normal grocery store. Speaking of going grocery shopping, I only go once every two to three months. Since I live alone, I stock up on everything I need to avoid weekly or even biweekly trips to the grocery.

However, I am in the phase of my extended time not grocery shopping where my cupboards are running a little bare. And by a little, I mean I’ve literally ate spaghetti every day for the past week, lol. Luckily, the Dollar Tree has my back and I was able to pick up all of these goodies for a whole thirteen bucks. Check it out:

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Lol, so I know that looks like an excessive amount of the Arizona nachos n’ cheese dip, reminiscent of an adult Lunchable, but it’s actually not enough. These nacho trays are my absolute favorite snack on the planet. The small, circular chips are crisp, the cheese is spicy, and it really is a perfect and highly convenient snack for when I’m at work. And, of course, you need some Sour Skittles to wash it all down. 😉

I am also very partial to the Shells & Cheese kit because you don’t need milk to make it, which is great, because I haven’t had milk in my apartment for months! One of these tiny boxes makes a staggering amount of mac n’ cheese and it ends up feeding me for at least three days. And for a whole dollar, you just can’t beat that.

Finally, I was so pleased with the last sets of fake eyelashes that I purchased from the Dollar Tree that I decided to restock my supply. The last fake lashes I got were long and in funky colors because it was around Halloween when I bought them. They applied like a dream and lasted all night so I’m looking forward to testing out my simple pairs of black lashes on a day where I don’t feel like doing my makeup. Keep tuning in to see how it works out! 😀

What is your favorite discount store to shop at? How often do you go grocery shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Walmart Entertainment Haul

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Walmart Entertainment Haul

Hellooo everyone! As we all know, Lil Red absolutely cannot refuse the five dollar movie section in any store I go to. I am a huge lover of having DVDs readily available to pop in during a night at home and if I am entertained for the evening, then I consider it money well spent. During an outing with a client at Walmart, I ended up doing some shopping myself and wound up with the following flicks as well as a game that I have been holding off on purchasing. Take a look:

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One of my client’s families introduced me to the game Sequence last year and it is so much fun to play. Part luck and part strategy, you basically have to draw cards and place a chip on the card’s spot on the board. Like Bingo, you need five chips in a row to score a point. Sequence is a wonderful game to play as a team or one on one and I am looking forward to bringing it to the next game night I go to!

Now, for the movies:

Jigsaw: I needed to add this one to my collection since I already have Saw one through seven. Was it the best? No. But I’ll definitely watch it again.

Spy: I never say no to anything Melissa McCarthy and was so happy to find Spy way marked down because it is one of my favorites!

Moonlight: This movie was a must for me because I have never seen it and have heard nothing but amazing things. I also loved Mahershala Ali in Green Book and am eager to see him in what I heard was another outstanding performance.

Paul Blart Mall Cop 1 & 2: Lol, I know, I know. BUT, in case you guys weren’t aware, there is a little thing called “Blart Side Of The Mall” where Paul Blart 2 is synced up to Pink Floyd’s album, “Dark Side Of The Moon”, and it is absolutely hilarious. My boyfriend and I split a gut laughing to it and I am so excited to watch it again!

Baby Driver: I’ve been meaning to buy this movie for a while because it has a fantastic soundtrack that I know my boyfriend will appreciate. It was also so cool to see so many motions by the actor’s synced up to each song. Action packed, all star cast, and Ansel Elgort couldn’t be any easier on the eyes if he tried. 😉

I am so pleased with my Walmart haul and can’t wait for my next movie night in!

What is on your must watch list? What other movies sync up well to Dark Side Of The Moon? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Cost Effective Home Styling In New Jersey

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Cost Effective Home Styling In New Jersey

Drooling over some gorgeous Insta home photos but wondering whether you can afford the cost? Are you curious about cost-effective home styling? Well, no problem! You don’t have to max out your credit cards to recreate some of these beautiful and inviting spaces. You can still create a lovely and inviting home without compromising on the style factor, even on a shoestring budget.

This post will share with you some top hacks of how you can stretch your decorative dollar and turn your home into a designer space:

Achieve a minimal look:

With a limited budget, you have to be specific about what is necessary and what you don’t need in your space.

Rather than jamming your space with shelves full of books, ornaments, and portraits, think of investing in small quality pieces that are both stylish and timeless in design. Create a minimal look with a few classic items that will give your space a unique personality rather than a cluttered mess.

Take a look at this painting – simple enough to bring a unique quirky look to a minimal space:

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Minimal effort, maximum style!

Create a little scene in each room:

If your rooms are very neutral with whites and greys, it’s a good opportunity to spice things up. Add one dramatic and bold feature which can capture all attention in the room. It can be a painting, a pillow, or a carving.

You can also focus on creating vignettes and shelves to avoid styling the entire room. Create a little vignette scene by having a sideboard and a mirror in your room, a reading nook, or even a small display shelf.

Focusing on a small space is quite cheaper than thinking of revamping the entire house. You also have the freedom of making changes easily when you need to re-style in the future.

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So cool!

Bring in some leafy friends:

For a beautiful and lively look, clear your rooms of the unnecessary clutter and fill the space up with flowers and indoor plants. Bringing in flowers to every room is a simple way to breathe life and color into your house. Flowers and plants are also good at lifting up your mood and cleaning your air of pollutants.

Don’t have a green thumb? Then look for the hardy green plants such as peace lily or devils ivy. And, if indoor plants aren’t really your thing, there are some beautiful lifelike faux plants you can get from the stores.

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DIY your own art wall:

Who said you have to pay thousands of dollars to have art on your walls? You can create your own cheap and unique art wall – no talent needed. All you need is to get a few brushes, paint, and a canvas frame. If you have no idea of what to paint, you can start with simple items such as trees, flowers, mountains, and geometric paint art. You can also do word art that has an uplifting message.

Still doubting your artistic skills? Then wrap a beautiful fabric around a piece of rectangular Styrofoam and staple at the top. Or even make a DIY photo frame and create a collage.

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Creative cloth art

Brighten up your room in style:

Light up your home by buying good quality bulbs with low wattage and think of hanging a few pendant lights. Pendant lights, hung over a sculpture, art, or at the dining table draws the eye and adds on the visual effect of the items around. Choose lighting bulbs that are covered with porcelain ceramic or concrete for a more earthy look. These combined with a bright metallic finish at the bottom will bring a warm bright glow to your rooms.

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Redesign your air conditioner:

Heating and air conditioning in New Jersey and many other parts of the country is almost a must-have necessity. However, these air conditioners and heating equipment are not one of the most attractive pieces of equipment to have in your home. They can easily become an eyesore, especially when they get old.

An easy way around them is choosing the right spot for them. Think of placing the equipment above your doorway or your windows. You can also camouflage them by painting them the color of your wall. This way you will prevent them from sticking out and cramping your style.

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Achieving a great look in your home doesn’t have to cost you thousands. Follow these simple ideas to keep your home décor stylish and on trend without causing a dent in your bank account.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Marc’s Accessory Haul

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Marc’s Accessory Haul

Hi! An Ohio staple that all of us know and love is a discount grocery store called Marc’s. I pretty much exclusively shop there for my groceries but they are “famous” for their closeout section. You literally never know what you’re going to find in the closeouts. From holiday decor to home wear and clothes the selection varies and sometimes you can find brands from Target, if you’re lucky!

Similar to TJMaxx, every Marc’s location is different and will offer closeouts that you can’t find at another store. When shopping at a different Marc’s than my normal one with a client, I ended up with an accessory haul that cost me a whole five dollars, which I was so excited about! Take a look and let’s discuss:

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I have grown increasingly fond of headbands this past year and scored my adorable emerald green bow band for FIFTY CENTS. Is it of the best quality? No. BUT, it looks awesome against my red hair and the bow is just darling for a preppy chic accessory. I also love my little boot bracelet that I plan on doubling as a hair tie for a funky vibe fresh out of the 80s.

What I am most excited about, however, are my new silver and gold necklaces that were two for a dollar. I was enamored with the chain link style material as well as all of the different styling possibilities that come with it. From layering them at different lengths to wearing them as a bracelet, headband, anklet, or hair tie, they make for a quick fix to spruce up any outfit.

There is nothing better than scoring a treat yoself purchase for a steal. I got eight new accessories for five bucks and you really can’t beat that. I’m well aware that the quality may not be as good but, styled correctly, they can end up looking like a million bucks!

What is your favorite discount store? Do you have a store similar to Marc’s in your neck of the woods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Perfect Valentine’s Day Gifts For Your Girlfriend

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Perfect Valentine’s Day Gifts For Your Girlfriend

Hi! Valentine’s Day is getting closer and closer which can serve as a friendly reminder of the love you have for your partner OR that you are truly all alone in this world. 😉 I kid, I kid. Despite having a boyfriend, I think Valentine’s Day is a bunch of garbage and your relationship should be celebrated every day, not just on February 14th.

However, it will be nice to have a special day with my beau and I’m sure that those who are participating in V-Day are looking forward to it too. Frankly, I’d be hyped for Valentine’s Day even if I didn’t have a partner because it gives me the perfect excuse to drink wine and eat chocolate!

Speaking of wine and chocolate, how about we discuss some great gifts for the special lady in your life? And, be sure to tune in tomorrow when we explore some gifts for the fellas. Let’s get to it:

The Classics:

Some will find the gifting of the classics on Valentine’s Day lame or cheesy. However, I would be so amped up to receive sweet gifts like heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, a bouquet of flowers, or a good bottle of vino from my boyfriend. I find that the simplest gifts are the most effective and your ladyfriend will be tickled by the adoring gesture of a timeless variety of gifts.

Pampering, Please:

If you have a hard working, independent woman in your life, a treatment at the spa might be just what the doctor ordered. How about splurging on couples massages? Or a mani/pedi package for your princess? Pop some champagne, relax, and enjoy.

On a budget? No matter! Run a nice, hot bath with rose petals in it, light some candles, and turn on some Barry White. It works every time. 😉

Hopeless Romantic:

If you are overwhelmed with feelings of love for your girlfriend, fiance, or wife and have a way with words, perhaps a poem or a letter would be the perfect gift. Nothing is more swoon worthy than reading all of the reasons why your boyfriend loves you and it is something that you can keep for forever.

Date Night In:

Contrary to popular belief, Valentine’s Day isn’t about fancy dinners and posting your new heart shaped jewelry on Facebook. Rather, it’s about celebrating the bond between you and your partner. If you’re not into the hoopla of V-Day, plan a date night in. Cook a delicious dinner, don’t skimp on the chocolate cake, and play your lady’s favorite movie while enjoying a glass of wine. Beautiful.

Over The Top:

If you have the extra cash burning a hole in your pocket, plan a nice weekend getaway. You don’t have to travel far, two or three hours will do. But, a weekend together in a lovely B&B or hotel to celebrate the holiday is a definite treat. Look into Valentine’s Day suites or packages wherever you are staying for the best deals or a special gift from the location. New York City is a popular option for a getaway as there is just so much to do! You could see a Broadway show, visit museums, or opt for a spot of shopping and bbq in Soho for lunch. Wherever you go, plan at least one special date to truly take your Valentine’s Day over the top.

In this post, we explored different options for every budget to make this Valentine’s Day the best one yet for you and your partner. You’re welcome in advance! 😉 ❤

How are you celebrating V-Day? What are you gifting your loved one with? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

How To Save Money When Buying Electrical Goods

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How To Save Money When Buying Electrical Goods

We live in a fast-paced consumer society where all of the electrical items that we buy are out of date by next year. With many households changing their appliances and tech on a very regular basis, it means that there is a lot of waste. Perfectly good items often end up getting discarded and this has a very real and obvious impact on the environment.

But many people are considerate about these factors and will sell on any unwanted electrical items once they have been replaced. Or, where the value is relatively low, and there is still some use to be had, they may give them away using a service such as a freecycle site.

You can save money on your electricity bill by choosing the right provider. However, if you are savvy and want to save money on an item and are not too bothered about having all of the very latest features, then you may want to take a look online to see what you can find for free or very cheap:

Printers:

One electrical item that is often offered up for next to nothing or even for free are printers. On the other hand, vinyl printers are much more expensive but a worthy investment if you have a business. With new features getting added all of the time, many people feel the need to upgrade. But, if you are just after something that you can use to print or scan the occasional document or photograph, then you may find that getting a used model is just as good as buying new. Before you get your new used printer, check online to make sure that you can buy the right ink cartridges for it still.

Appliances:

Kitchen appliances such as washing machines, fridges, and freezers, often get replaced. With the internet of things on the rise, people want an appliance that they can control from their smartphone from anywhere in the world. But if you are not interested in all of that, you could get a perfectly reasonable appliance for very cheap.

Before you take it, make sure that you check to see that there are no nasty noises coming from it when it is working. Washing machines that rattle about when they are in use may be on their way out and, in reality, it is probably not worth you taking it in that condition.

Computers:

If you need a computer for the basics such as web browsing and working on documents, then why not get a second hand one? Unless you are gaming or using the computer for a lot of complex operations, then you will be able to get a computer that suits your needs very cheaply.

The things that you need to look for when you get a second hand computer are that the hard disk has been cleared before you get it. It should have a new installation of the operating system ready for you to set up as you like. Check to make sure that the laptop batteries still hold their charge, and that everything boots up and works as it should.

Reusing electric goods helps save the environment and you some money. Try this option out when you’re ready for a new printer or computer!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Affordable Home Improvements To Refresh Your Interiors

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Affordable Home Improvements To Refresh Your Interiors

Making home improvements is something that we do all the time. Whether it is purchasing a brand new rug, re-painting your living room, or doing a deep clean, you are improving your home. You’re making it better than what it was previously, and this is a natural instinct for many people. However, affordable home improvements that refresh the interior of your home is not always easy. Finding what you can do that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg but makes the inside of your property look fantastic is pretty challenging, so let’s take a look at a few options here:

Repaint your room:

Instead of focusing on repainting the entirety of your house, you should focus on repainting one room at a time. You only need about one bucket of paint to do this and a spare afternoon. It will make such a difference when you walk into a room and it looks brand-new, clean, and pristine. It can be a fun way to bond with somebody as well, because you’re working together to accomplish a goal, and you’ll find that a sense of banter and camaraderie naturally flows.

Replace the flooring:

The average floor is subjected to a lot of punishment. It’s stepped on, has bits of food dropped on it, has mud tracked through it, and there is no denying that your floor will need a refurbishment from time to time. Doing this can often give a new lease of life to what otherwise was a plain room.

Carpet is often a good idea for this particular exercise, offering both warmth and comfort, and at the same time looking neat and modern. If you purchase from a trusted provider like https://carpettogo.com/, then you will have absolutely no issues in redecorating your floor.

Get some decorations:

One of the best things that you can do is get some decorations for your home. There are a lot of things which aren’t that expensive and it’s important to remember that decorations don’t need to be big and ostentatious, so much as just small and decorative. They complement a room, but they don’t make it.

Something like a plant or a painting will be a good idea, and they aren’t usually too pricey. They will help to brighten up a room and offer something different in the way of texture and color. Pick a great statement piece and watch your room transform.

All things considered, these are just a few different options that you have available to you when it comes to making affordable home improvements. It’s not always easy to do so, but there are moments when you have to look after your rooms and change up some of the elements in your house to make sure that everything stays fresh and vibrant.

It’s worthwhile to experiment with different options, textures, colors, and designs because this will help you to get the best possible interior. Your property is often a point of pride, so it is important to look after!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Small Dollar Tree Haul

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Small Dollar Tree Haul

Howdy! I end up at the Dollar Tree at least once a week when I’m with my clients and it is definitely hard to not pick up a few treats for myself while I’m there! It’s so nice to snag some little pick me ups for a whole one dollar because it’s not like you broke your bank for it if it ends up being a disappointment of a product. This past trip to the good ol’ DT provided me with a new movie to pop in during a free night as well as some adorable hair products that I hope will work well! Check it out:

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My boyfriend and I are notorious for quoting all of our favorite movies and shows like a broken record much to some people’s annoyance but mostly their delight! And, Borat just so happens to be one of those flicks so I was so happy to pick it up for only a dollar. Are some parts of that movie in poor taste? Absolutely. But, it’s overall pretty funny so it will be a good choice to pop in during my lazy Sundays with my beau.

I also purchased two containers each of both purple and pink hair glitter. I was sporting my tinsel fairy hair for a while but, unfortunately, almost all of the strands fell out while I was dying my locks a few weeks ago. I was disappointed because I won’t be going to the salon for a while so I’m hoping that the glitter gel will help tide me over until I can get my tinsel back. Be on the lookout for a product review post once I get around to using it!

What is one of your most quoted shows or movies? What did you get during your last discount shopping haul? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Where Can You Cut Costs When Working On Your Kitchen?

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Where Can You Cut Costs When Working On Your Kitchen?

DIY has long been a popular way to make your home look better without spending a small fortune on it. A lot of people are choosing to go down this route with their homes, working hard to make changes by themselves. Of course, even when you do all of the hard work yourself, it will always be difficult to avoid spending money on a room like a kitchen. There are simply too many expensive items which go into this space.

When planning to renovate a kitchen, you need to get prices for everything and compare those prices to see which is best. You will need to get prices for a skip, flooring, cupboard doors, and possibly even screws and hinges among other necessities. To help you out with this, this post will be exploring some of the best ways to save in the kitchen, covering each of the elements you’ll need to buy:

Cabinets & Surfaces:

This is usually the priciest part of most kitchens. The cabinets and surfaces you have can cost a lot, but you need them to be able to use the room effectively. Thankfully, people often sell this part of their home when they renovate. You can find loads of kitchens cabinets on sites like eBay, and many of them will come in excellent condition. While you have to collect them yourself, this option will be far cheaper than buying something new, while also giving you the opportunity to get features which you may not have been able to afford brand new.

Appliances:

Appliances are another area which can be expensive when you’re renovating your kitchen, leaving a lot of people to keep their old machines for this job. Like the cabinets, though, you can often find appliances in great condition on the used market. This is always a lot cheaper than buying the items new.’

Flooring:

While it may seem like something which should be nice and cheap, flooring can often be one of the priciest parts of a new kitchen. With tiles being so expensive, a lot of people opt for plastic flooring, though this rarely looks perfect. There are a lot of discount tile retailers around the web, giving you access to this resource for far less than you’d pay full price. It’s well worth hunting for deals on items like this, as this can drastically reduce the price of your kitchen, while also keeping it looking good.

Sinks, Taps, & Other Accessories:

Finally, as the last area to think about, it’s time to consider sinks, taps, and other accessories which finish your kitchen. These will always be the most noticeable objects in your kitchen, and this makes it worth spending more on them than the other areas in this post. You can usually find good second hand deals for them, but buying them from regular stores shouldn’t be too hard, as long as you’ve saved enough money on the other parts of the room.

Building a new kitchen will be a challenge. Not only will you have to find everything you need at the lowest prices, but you will also need to put the room together. You’re going to need to do some learning to achieve the best results, but these skills will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Featured Image By: Unsplash