Monday, September 18, 2017

Let's Get Frugal: How I Got This Craft Cart Entirely FREE

3-Tier Rolling Craft Cart, FREE from Michaels.com 

I first spotted this mint colored metal rolling craft cart in my local Michael's craft store. It was just the cutest, and so functional for someone looking to turn their second bedroom into a home office. It was also $60. Not the amount of money I was willing to spend, unfortunately. So I left it behind. 


About a month later, I got an email advertising a blowout sale on the Michaels website and decided to see if my little mint craft cart was available. It was! And for just $23.99 it could be all mine.



But the thriftiness didn't stop there. I decided to open my Ibotta app and check my balance. I had more than enough to cover the costs. So I made a withdraw and deposited  that right into my PayPal account. 

What is Ibotta? Well in short, it's free money for minimal effort. If you have a tablet or smart phone, you simply download the free app and set up an account. You search for stores you shop at the most, from electronics and home goods, to pet supply stores and supermarkets. And if you buy any of the products or offers listed, you get cash back on your account by clicking a few buttons and taking a picture of your receipt. No scams, no gimmicks. It's like virtual coupons with savings that you can bank for store gift cards or PayPal deposits. 

Don't believe me? 


Just check out my lifetime earnings thus far! I downloaded the Ibotta app in January and have already saved almost $140. Now, that may not sound like a lot to some people. But when you use those funds to buy the little extras in life, the non-necessities, if you will, that extra little income can really can be helpful. 

My advice? To really stretch those savings, use your withdraw on items that are on sale, or that you have a coupon for...or even on items that earn you money back on Ibotta!  

If you'd like to get started, you can download the free app using my referral link. Or download the app and use the referral code: "ejkusoc." You'll get a $10 welcome bonus after your first approved purchase, and I'll earn a bonus too. It's a win-win! 


The perfect FREE storage solution for my jute, burlap, brushes, and more. 

Ah, to have things neat and tidy! I actually got those tin cups from Hallmark after Valentine's Day. They were on clearance for 29 cents each---a total steal. The little jars are for homemade under-eye creams, to be featured on a future post. And since I'm a nerd...I have a label maker, naturally. 

The bottom shelf needs a bit more organization to it...but since Bernie the Beagle is constantly stealing my latex gloves and drop cloth...I might have to rethink their placement. 

Dollar store plastic bins, thrifted baskets, or small wooden crates go a long way when it comes to storing craft supplies. So if you're looking to score your own craft cart for free...and organize it for cheap...you've come to the right place. 

Stay frugal, my friends.


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Friday, September 15, 2017

Saying Sweet Goodbyes To Summer

Picket Fence Crate, $3 from Good Stuff Thrift

For some, spirits begin to drop as the temperature does. As that first autumnal chill in the air blows in, many mourn the loss of summer. I don't think I'm one of them, as my seasonal love is for the fall. But nonetheless, the end of the season approaches and I find myself just a little lost. Without boring all of you with the details, I'll say that I've been enduring yet another medical setback. And perhaps my gloom over the end of the summer stems from my feeling that I've done nothing this season but be poked and prodded in search of whatever is causing my abnormal blood chemistry. 

So while I have down time during a medical leave of absence from work, I decided to say my farewells to summer in hopes of greeting the fall with a positive change. I'll soon be changing over my summery fruits and florals for an autumnal color palette. But until then, here's just a little peek at this soon-to-end seasonal decor. 

Starfish from the Seashell Museum. OC Pier photograph taken on last summer's vacation.

I usually keep this photo displayed all-year-round, but for spacial issues may move it into the bedroom in favor of displaying some more seasonally appropriate items. Though I do love this shot, and can still hear the waves rolling to shore when I look at it.

Floral garland, $2 from Goodwill.


As you can see from my Instagram account, this garland was thrifted back in the spring. But I loved how it looked atop our entryway coat closet, and decided to display it through the summer. 

And what do you think of that orange blossom decorative tray? While it does have spring/summer vibe, I like the design enough to incorporate it into our permanent decor.  You'll get a better look at that $3 find in a future post. 


So as we say our sweet goodbyes to summer, let's hope that the fall brings us a welcome change we might each need in our lives. 

Coming up on future Let's Go Thrifting posts...
  • A Look At My Quirky Kitchen
  • How To Make The Most Of A Small Bathroom
  • Let's Get Frugal: How I Got A Brand New Craft Cart Entirely Free

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