How to Buy a Bed With a Mattress Included

October 5, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Buying a bed is not an easy challenge.  After all,  your bed is the focal point of your bedroom.  So, it is importance that you buy something you love. Furthermore,  beds can be expensive.  And, most of us do not have an endless pit of money to spend on such things.  Getting the right balance between quality, style and price can be a tricky.  One of the best ways to save money is to look for beds with the mattress included. So, today I’m sharing shopping tips on how to buy a bed with a mattress. Here are a few tips on what to look for:

 

how to buy a bed

 

 

There are numerous companies who offer a deal on beds that include a mattress.  The key to finding the best beds is to find the best company. If you opt for a credible and high-quality company, you will benefit from a top bed at an affordable price.

The same goes if you are looking to buy a crib for your little one. You can read this crib mattress size guide for more information so that you can get a better idea of what you are looking for.  A benefit of buying a crib that comes with a mattress is that you don’t have to worry about whether the mattress fits or not.  There is nothing worse than buying furniture pieces and finding that they do not fit in your home.  So, aside from the cost benefits, there is also the convenience factor that is associated.

You want to buy a bed with a mattress, but how can you tell if a company is a good one or not?  There are several ways in which you can get a good indication as to the credibility of a bed company.   The first sign will be your initial contact with the company.  Look for the following criteria:

  • the friendliness of the staff
  • their willingness to make your inquiry top priority and
  • their determination to find a bed that you want not a bed they simply want to get rid of

 

In addition to the way the staff interacts with you, you can also gage the credibility of the company by discovering their experience.  Obviously, the longer the company has been in the industry the better. This is because they will have the knowledge, experience, and insight to deal with any queries, issues or requests. Furthermore, they are likely to have built up a lot of contracts in the industry.  And, will probably offer a wider range of beds. They will also have the tools and knowledge to advise you on which beds they think will be best suited for you.  And, you know that they will be talking to you from experience, thus you can trust what they say.

 

how to buy a bed

 

 

You should also do a quick search online to see if there are any discount codes available for the company you are thinking of purchasing from. After all, this is another way to make your money go further.  And, today the Internet has proven to be very beneficial when it comes to finding discounts and saving money.

Finally, in order to determine the reputation and credibility of a company you need to discover what previous customers think about their goods and the service.  Open up Google and search the name of the company in question. Do not open their website, instead, open relevant forums whereby people can voice their opinions freely.  The company is likely to only post positive feedback on their own webpage. People will post their experiences of dealing with the company on forums.

Implement these tips on how to buy a bed, and you will find the best company offering cheap beds with a mattress included.  Doing your research will pay off, and ensure you end up with quality furniture without having to pay expensive costs.

 

Filed Under: Financial Tips, Shopping Tips Tagged With: , ,

Trendy Fashion Tips That Won’t Break Your Wallet

January 2, 2018 by 1 Comment

Every girl loves to dress up and look great when attending those eagerly awaited dinner party, girl’s night out or holiday parties. These sparkling, fun-filled parties requires trendy party wear that will be sure to make you stand out. But, most of us can’t afford to splurge on a single outfit.  So, to shop on a budget and still look great is a feat.  As a result,  I’m sharing a list of trendy fashion tips. These trendy fashion tips will help you to renew outfits that you currently have.  And,  will ensure you look stylish and empowered without breaking the bank.

 

 

 

 

Trendy Fashion Tips

 

 

Search the closet

First, start going through your closet! Yes, you’re probably thinking you’ve already done this plenty of times. But, you’d be surprised at the amount of old gems you’ve forgotten about that just need some accessorizing.

We can all be guilty of accumulating clothes, leaving them in the closet and forgetting about them. By having a good old look through the closet again, but with a new attitude, you’re bound to find something.  Perhaps you have a dress that only needs a scarf or sequined jacket to give it a completely different look. Think about the accessories that you could use to change the look, a necklace or a belt?  Also, what type of shoes can you use – sandals or sneakers?

With a clear picture of what you have in your wardrobe, it will be easier for you to buy specific accessories and save yourself from the dangers of  impulse shopping.

Don’t be trend specific, buy classic

Fashion trends are changing swiftly and one season’s hit is the next season’s flop.  So, you can revamp your entire wardrobe one year only to face a heap of outdated clothes the next.

Shop smartly and stay away from choosing shirts, sweaters and jackets that all have the latest cuts and embellishments.  Instead, balance things out by opting for something classic like a plain LBD (Little Black Dress) that never goes out of fashion.

Perhaps you already have one in your closet. Why not consider adding fur at the hem or metallic trimmings? Or you could invest in a trendy sequined jacket to go with your classic LBD.  If you have a good old pair of jeans or a skirt lying around, why not buy a flared top to go with them and refresh the look.

Invest in a quality wardrobe

You can’t overhaul your entire wardrobe every year in a bid to be trendy. Therefore, before heading out make a list of the clothing items you have to buy. If you’re in need of a decent jacket or new shoes, concentrate on those rather than buying randomly. Be sure to buy mindfully and try to opt for quality products within budget.

Think of your shopping list in terms of trade-offs.  Skip one or two must-haves for one quality item that will last for years. A good pair of jeans, for example, won’t wear out and are always trendy. Another example is cashmere. Yes, it’s pricey, but it can definitely be worth it.  Its longevity, warmth, and comfort make up for the high price.  Plus you can wear it in a variety of ways.  Be sure to choose the cuts and colors that don’t go out of fashion.

Layer it up

Some items are in fashion all year, meaning you can just layer them for winter. You can incorporate your old shirts or sweaters in the layers and stay warm and stylish. You can also wear your summer clothes in between the layers like a tank top paired with a blazer for that winter chic look.This means you don’t have to go on an expensive winter clothes haul!

Mix and match your staple pieces

Every wardrobe has plenty of staple pieces like trousers, skirts, sweaters, cardigans, and coats. When you’re out to buy any of these, choose neutral shades that can be easily mixed and matched.  For example, 20 tops with 5 trousers and 5 skirts, gives you 200 dress choices – win, win!

Accessorize your outfit

Turn your simple, basic outfit into a stylish, trendy outfit by simply pairing it with colorful, chic accessories. A colorful scarf can really add vibrancy to an otherwise dull outfit. The same goes for bold, statement jewellery which can transform your overall look.

Avail the sales

This is a no-brainer. We all know about sales and their money-saving potential.  However, some of us don’t have the time to take them on. Instead, sign up for your favorite brands’ newsletters and stay updated on any upcoming sales.  You may even find discount vouchers to help pay for an item on your trendy fashion tips list. Shop smart, and you won’t need to compromise on quality and style.

Resale shops

When you’re on a tight budget, the last thing you think about it buying high end brands. But there is a way. There are plenty of resale shops where you can find brand name goods at minimum prices. They sell anything from designer clothes and bags to shoes all for a fraction of their original cost.

Visit a tailor

The key difference between a branded, expensive dress and its cheap alternative is the fitting and stitching. Inexpensive dresses are usually ill-fitted but this can be fixed.  Therefore on our trendy fashion tips list is to try taking your dress to a tailor for an exclusive fitting. Some extra pennies on the fitting will instantly change the whole look of your dress.

Sell or trade extra items

If you’ve overspent on items that you don’t need or have found some unwanted yet valuable clothes lying around your closet, why not make extra money from them?  You can easily sell them in resale shops or garage sales. You can also auction them on eBay or through local Facebook groups.  Earning extra money out of insignificant stuff at home never hurts. In fact, there are many other creative and smart ideas for earning some extra money too.

So, it’s not impossible to look stylish and trendy on a budget.  All you need is a few trendy fashion tips and to shop smart. You can turn your basic tee into a chic dress by pairing it with the right skirt and accessorizing it properly. Invest your money in basic, staple classics instead of impulsively buying all the shines on the branded racks. Then, pair what you have with one or two trendy items of the season. This way you’ll neither break your bank or sport an outdated look. The classics will stay with you for years and help you style within your comfort zone.

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Empowerment Tagged With: , ,

Thrift Store Find – Hand Carved Teak Bowls

June 29, 2017 by 15 Comments

Today, I’m sharing tips on finding thrift store teak bowls. I’ve always loved thrift stores, yard sales, and auctions.  Unfortunately, I had to set that passion aside over the years because of my career and other demands on my time.  I have gradually returned, and decided to share my thrifty finds with you.

 

teak bowls

 

When I was raising my daughter as a single mother, I had to figure how to budget and stick to it.  This included decorating my home, purchasing clothing, food, vacations and everything else that came along.   The solutions to these demands were growing my own food, second hand stores, clearance racks, and yard sales.  I truly believe that someone else’s trash is another person’s treasure.

Browsing thrift shops was a way for me to relieve stress too.  A little retail therapy goes a long way.  And, I didn’t have to pay a fortune for my therapy.  I visited one of the local thrift stores recently, and found these 4 teak bowls.  They appeared to be hand carved, because their shapes were irregular. They just appealed to me, and called out my name.  The price was $.99 per bowl.  They may have been priced so low because of their imperfection, but to me that uniqueness is what makes them valuable.

 

Thrift Shopping

 

As a single parent, buying things and figuring out how to use them later was not an option for me.  Everything purchased had to be a price within my budget and have a purpose.  That thought process is still in my DNA, even though I have reached a stage in my life where I can afford pretty much what I want.  For some reason, I have no desire to change that thinking.  It keeps me from overspending, and helps me stay on track with my finances.

 

Thrift Shopping

 

As I admired the teak bowls, I thought about how I would use them.  Ice cream with the grandchildren came to mind immediately.  Sold!  I could also use them for salads, spaghetti, chili, cereal, and the list goes on.

When I flipped the bowls over to check the price, I found this label on the bottom.  Teak is native to India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar and Bangladesh.  It is also used to make boats, furniture, carvings and other small wood projects.

Knowing the origin of the teak bowls increased the value for me.  It made me want to preserve the uniqueness and irregularity of the bowls.  So, they became more of a bargain from a thrift shop.  One of the things about thrifting is being able to see the beauty in an item that another person no longer sees. The fact that I found a set selling on Etsy for $62.00 helps too.

If you’re a thrifty shopper, I hope that you will appreciate my hand carved teak bowls too.  If you’re not, I encourage you to check out a few shops, flea markets or auctions.  You may also like: Auction Tips for Beginners.

Filed Under: Thrift Finds-DIY Tagged With: , ,

How to Become a Flea Market Shopping Pro

June 27, 2017 by Leave a Comment

flea market shoppingSummer is here, and it’s the perfect time to head to the flea market.  I love finding bargains or negotiating a good deal.  Flea markets are popular on the week-ends in most cities or towns.  There are indoor markets that are open during the week as well. Check your local listing for hours.

In addition to flea markets, there are farmer’s markets.  Farmer’s markets have a heavy emphasis on fresh produce and organic items.  However, there are other flea markets that focus on everything from tools to antiques. No matter where you live, city or country, there’s a flea market nearby.

Here’s a few tips to help you successfully score a haul on your next trip:

  1. Arrive Early – In my experience, you find the best deals when your arrive early.  Quality items are items are still available, and ready for a new home.  You can also find deals in the afternoon.  Many dealers don’t want to pack up their wares, so they are willing to lower prices.
  2. Wear Comfortable Clothing and Shoes  – In the summer, lightweight clothes is a must.  Walking shoes are suggested rather than flip flops.  However, if your feet and legs can withstand those cute flip flops go for it.  I would dress in layers during cooler weather.  You can always take off a jacket or sweater or put one on.
  3. Bring Water and Snacks – It’s important to stay hydrated during hot, summer months.  Most flea markets will have vendors, but if you want to save a few buck bring a tote and pack a few bottles of water
  4. Take Cash – Money talks.  Vendors would prefer cash rather than running a credit card.
  5. Make Quick Decision on Purchases – Delaying making a purchase could cost you that item that you have your eye on.  If you’re connecting with an it, take it home.
  6. Make Sure You Can Haul Your Goods – Make a list of items that you would like to obtain, and determine if you will need a truck to haul your goods. With most vendors, you are immediately responsible for your purchases once the transaction is made.  Some vendors will deliver for an additional fee.
  7. Don’t Be Afraid of Items That Need Repairs – If you see a piece of furniture that has good bones, but has scratches, dings, weak legs or needs the seat replaced, don’t run.  These items can be repaired.
  8. Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate – Most vendors are willing to lower their prices if your offer is within reason.
  9. Check out Vendors Who Are Packing Up –
  10. Try to Bundle Items – If you find several items that you want to purchase from the same vendor ask if they will give you both items for a particular price.  Most will be willing to give a great deal to move several pieces.

So, put on a pair of comfortable shoes and get ready to grab some great deals at your local flea market.  You may also like Auction Tips for Beginners.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Thrift Finds-DIY Tagged With: , ,

6 Tips For Purchasing School Supplies

August 4, 2015 by
Summer is just about over and the kids will soon be returning to school. Where did the time go? Backpacks, school supplies, and clothing will be needed for the upcoming school year. Parents will be heading out to stock up on school supplies.  Here are a few parenting tips on shopping for school supplies.  
shopping for school supplies

 

 

1.  Make a list of the needed supplies –   Check your child’s school site for a list of needed supplies for the upcoming year.  Many schools provide a list of the school supplies needed for the upcoming year as well to your local Kmart, Wal-Mart, Office Max etc.  Be sure to add extra items for homework and additional week-end/tutoring sessions. You can save money by not guessing about what is needed or having to make an additional trip to the store because you omitted items.

2.  Take inventory of supplies from last year purchases –  Before you go shopping for school supplies, check your supplies from last year.  This will ensure you won’t buy duplicate or unnecessary items when you head to the store.  You can spend that money on other items.

3.  Do your homework – Check ads for the best deals. Head to your local Dollar Store first and eliminate as many items as possible.  You can purchase quality crayons, pencils, pencil cases, sharpeners and inexpensive notebooks for practicing math problems etc. here.

4. Purchase quality items –  Purchase quality book bags and electronics. Trust me, you will end up spending the money again if you don’t purchase quality items. Check online stores like Best Buy, Amazon, Dell, HP etc. for great deals on electronics and look for free shipping sites.  I purchased a Michael Jordan book bag for my grandson last year. He will carry it for years before I have to purchase another.

5.  Take the student with you – Getting the children involved helps eliminate items that they may be unhappy with.  And, it also gets them involved in the back to school process.  If the student doesn’t want to go along, ask them for any specific items they may want.

 6.  BOGO is your friend –   Consider BOGO when shopping for school supplies.  You will use the item later in the year I guarantee it.  So, go ahead and indulge. The item may not be BOGO later in the year.

You may want to purchase a storage bin to house school supplies for the upcoming year. Items will be easy to track and access when needed too. What tips can you add to the list?


You may also like:  Back To School Shopping Tips

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: , ,

How to Bargain Shop For Kid’s Clothing

July 10, 2015 by
Today, I’m sharing tips on how to bargain shop for kid’s clothing.  It‘s amazing how much children grow in a year. Have you noticed that problem with your children? Kids grow out of pants, shirts, shoes and it happens quickly. At least 2 – 3 times a year I find myself going through my grandchildren’s clothing or asking their mother what kind of clothing they need to get through the summer, winter and the school year. Unfortunately there’s nobody to pass hand me downs too in the house for either, so I look for ways to shop wisely and within my budget.
Kid's shopping tips

How to Bargain Shop for Kid’s Clothing:

 

I’ve found ways to cut down on clothing expense and the children look fabulous.  Just walking into a store at any given time and just purchasing clothing is not an option for me. I shop on a budget and I want quality. Here’s 7 ways while shopping for kid’s clothing that have helped me cut down on expenses:

  1. Purchase clearance items  – I purchase coats, tees, jeans, shorts, sundresses etc. in a bigger size for the next season.
  2. Shop sales – You can score some great buys during the holidays too. Check on-line and your local advertisements for sale items.
  3. Free shipping and discounts – Not paying shipping costs or getting a discount on your order can help cut down on expenses.
  4. Shop thrift and consignment shops – I send tons of clothing to thrift shops that are in excellent shape. Others do the same.  So check them out.
  5. Don’t purchase designer items unless you’re getting a huge discount – Kids outgrow them too quickly, and you will rarely get your money’s worth.
  6. Check out neighborhood yard sales – You can find bargains on jeans for boys to play in and adorable dresses for girls.  If you have a newborn, I’ve seen tons of baby clothing that look brand new.
  7. Check out on-line yard sales – I’ve seen great deals on local Facebook sites too.
I don’t recommend purchasing used shoes for children nor do I think everything has to have a designer label. I would rather save my money for week-end activities and educational items for my grandchildren instead of having them dressed in designer cloths and too broke enjoy life.  We hope you enjoyed our tips on how to bargain shop for kid’s clothing.
 
What savvy tips do you have on how to bargain shop for kid’s clothing.  We all want to save money.  You may also like: 8 Back to School Shopping Tips
Filed Under: Life-Thoughts, Shopping Tips Tagged With: , ,

Guest Post – 5 Frugal Ways To Update Your Home

April 20, 2015 by

 

 
Spring is here – finally! And with all of the new life  and green breaking through the gray of winter, it’s time to celebrate. Spring  brings a fresh perspective, a new beginning. Jump on board by freshening up your  own surroundings. It’s time to update your home for the season. There’s no need to spend a lot of money. Take on a few
simple projects to enjoy a brightened home and a brightened future.
Here are five frugal ways to update your home for spring:
1.  Hit the Yard Sales – There’s nothing like scanning a good yard sale on a crisp Saturday morning in April. Yard sales are the perfect places to score a  big ticket item at a fraction of the price. Be on the lookout for hidden gems among the clutter. Vintage dishes make great wall art, and mirrors add light and depth to any room. Glance at your local paper for upcoming sales and plan your route to get the most bang for your buck. Don’t forget to take cash, and have a vehicle for hauling all of your amazing finds.
2.  Freshen  With Paint – A new color for your front door or your favorite decorative accent can add a little life back into your home. Don’t be afraid to go bold with your choice; you can always repaint it later.  For a more dramatic update, try a new color on the walls or kitchen cabinets. All white is trendy now, but you can spice it up with an unexpected pop of color, like a bold green or fiery red on an accent wall.
3.  Plant Some New Greens – Plants can be an inexpensive way to add color to the  outside (and inside) of your home. Annuals tend to be a little cheaper than perennials, but a combination of both will mean you’ll be investing in your greenspace for years to come.
 
Try hanging a planter from your front porch, and you’ll see an instant boost in your home’s curb appeal. If space is a little more limited and a full garden isn’t your calling, try adding a few flowers to some pots at the front entrance of your home.
4.  Move Things Around – One of the easiest and least expensive ways to get a new look in your home’s décor is to switch some things around. Move artwork to a different room or try a new arrangement of your favorite collection. Swap out pillows on your couch or bed, and weed through your bookcase.

If, through this process, you find that pieces of your décor are in need of replacing, you can make a list of what you need and start to budget accordingly. For extra savings, check out home décor wholesales online for some fresh spring décor. 

5.  Your Pictures – If the pictures on your walls haven’t been changed out in a few months – or a few years – it may be time to display new ones. Break out your digital camera so you can go through pictures of events that happened  in the last year.
 
Ordering prints online is easier than ever now, so you can customize your prints to fit the frames you have on hand. No pictures you’d  like to print? Do an impromptu photoshoot with your family.


Updating your home for spring doesn’t have to wreck your
budget. Try these five frugal ways to boost your home’s décor in no time!

Savannah Hemmings is a personal stylist and lifestyle blogger with a
passion for beautiful spaces and great deals. To read more of her tips on home
decor and fashion, check out her blog SincerelySavannah!
Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: , ,

8 Back To School Shopping Tips

August 12, 2014 by
It’s time for the kids to head Back to school!  Parents will be heading to the malls and other stores for back to school clothes, book bags, lunch boxes, and paper supplies.  The thought can make you feel overwhelmed?  Don’t fret, we sharing parenting tips on back to school shopping tips to help you prepare for the big event.
back to school tips, back to school shopping tips

 

First set a budget.  Next, seek out back to school bargains.  Most importantly, use our back to school shopping tips for ultimate savings.  Also, if you’re wondering how to stay on track with your budget?  A list will keep you on track and help you to not make purchases that your really don’t need.   Additionally, here are a few more back to school shopping tips:

 

  1. Check Your Child’s Closet Before You Shop – Before you head to the store, check to see if your child has clothing that can be used or passed down. A new shirt/tee can dress up an old pair of jeans.  A scarf can dress up an old shirt.  A new pair of shoes will dress up everything!
  2. Head to the Thrift Stores – Thrift stores are excellent places to find bargains on jeans, tees, coats and more.
  3. Recycle Old Jeans – If your daughter can still wear jeans from last year get creative.   Add a design with jewels or paint.  Better yet, distress them.  You can turn the old into new and updated look for the year.  Furthermore, make it a mother-daughter project.
  4. Don’t make large purchases – Next, don’t purchase everything at once.  It may save on time, but you will most likely spend more if you’re not purchasing sale items.  Set aside several week-ends to shop.  Especially,  when you have checked out upcoming sales ads.
  5. Look for Sales and BOGO deals –  Also, scour your local paper for upcoming sales.  Only purchase items that are on sale and start shopping early for the best deals.
  6. Shop at Dollar Stores – Crayola Crayons, notebook paper, notebooks, rulers, sandwich cases etc. can be found for a bargain.  Ollie’s, Big Lots, Gabriel Brothers etc. should be on your shopping list for these products as well.  Check Ollie’s and Big Lots for good deals on school supplies too.  I’ve found great deals at both.
  7. Head to the Clearance and Sale Racks – I stocked up on end of season tees and jeans this week-end for my little man.  Target and Old Navy have great sales on jeans. You can find good deals at Gap, Children’s Place, and Polo too.
  8. Check Out Deals On-line  – Finally, you can save on time and gas expense shopping on line.  Old Navy, Target, and Cookies Kids are great places to shop.  I look for sites that will ship for free.

Finally, we hope you found our back to school shopping tips beneficial.  You may also like:  Simple Tips to Consider for Studying Abroad.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Shopping Tips Tagged With: , ,