Wall Decals at Dollar Tree and Amazon - easy and cheap way to decorate!

When we were renting I tried to make our home more comfortable and look like "us", but had some trouble since we were not allowed to paint and that was my go-to to quickly and easily change a room.  One of my favorite discoveries were wall decals -- super easy, non-permanent, and no damage so the walls were still in perfect shape.

Even though we own our house now and have more freedom in decorating, I still love them!  They're a really fun way to add personality to a space without a lot of hard work or commitment.  They're very easy to apply, and easy to remove - and there are so many options to choose from...classy, whimsical, funny, inspiring.  Some of them even look like they're hand painted on the wall.

I have butterflies in the girls' room, a beautiful quote on our living room wall that my mom gave us, and yesterday I found a great monkey/vine decal that will be perfect above Lucas's bed.
(When I brought the monkey decal home, Lucas spotted it in the DT bag and before I said a word, he grabbed it and with a beaming face he asked, "Is this for me???"  Then he proceeded to hug it and show it to his siblings, lol!  So, it was a big hit.)

I found the butterflies and monkey at the Dollar Tree - seriously, they were a dollar!!  The butterflies have held up well and added so much to our girly girls room.  And if they get tired of them...they can peel right off - no repainting necessary!

If you don't have a Dollar Tree nearby, or just aren't crazy about their selection, I've found some very inexpensive wall decals on Amazon too.  Here are a few examples....

Purple Flower Butterfly Decal - $3.60 shipped

Lotus flower decal - $5 shipped

Joshua 24:15 - $4.40 shipped

Have you used wall decals before?  What's your favorite easy way to personalize your home?

Handlebar Mustache Vintage Adjustable Double Ring - .68¢ and FREE shipping!

Are you crazy about mustaches?  Maybe you have friends that would just think this ring is fantastic??  Or, this just looks like a fun piece of jewelry and it's super cheap!


This Handlebar Mustache Vintage Adjustable Double Ring for only .68¢ SHIPPED is fun and trendy, very inexpensive, shipped free, has good reviews, and is great for a stocking stuffer or fun everyday gift for your friends - or yourself!

*Remember that Amazon prices change quickly and often - so this price is current as of now, but don't wait if you want this deal!

Easy Rice Pudding Recipe

We had some leftover rice from dinner the other night, and since then, all I could think of was how good rice pudding would be!  For some reason I always thought it was difficult to make, but I'm not sure why...this could not have been easier!  It was so good - exactly what I was hoping for!!

It's a great way to not let leftover rice go to waste, but rice pudding has to be one of the cheapest desserts too! Deliciously frugal and easy peasy!  ;)

I found this recipe online, but tweaked it just a little.....

Easy Rice Pudding

2 cups cooked white rice (I used jasmine rice)
2 cups milk
3 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins (you could omit if you don't like raisins)


Directions:

1. Mix all of the above in a heavy sauce pan.
2. Bring to a gentle boil over medium low heat. Stir often to make sure it doesn't burn.
3. Cook for 15-20 min., or until thickened.
4. Let cool for 10 minutes.
5. Serve hot or cold, and enjoy!

I love this hot, warm, cold...room temperature - you just can't go wrong!

**HOT** Keurig Elite Coffee Brewer as low as $48.99 (reg. $149.99)!!

Here's a great deal on a Keurig coffee maker!!  Stacking a rebate, today's Kohl's cash offer, and a coupon code gets you a really good deal -- and I've heard such great things from friends that own one! (and it comes with a 1 year warranty)

• Unique design brews coffee in under one minute.
• K-Cup® Portion Pack allows you to enjoy a single-serving of your favorite blend. 
• Three cup sizes let you customize the intensity of the coffee flavor.
• Removable drip tray and water reservoir offer total convenience. 
• Sleek chrome accents add a modern touch to your countertop.
• 1-year warranty
  

     {{Deal Scenario ~ Kohl's ~ 10/24/12}}

• Buy 1 Keurig Elite 40 Coffee Brewer (reg. $149.99) - $119.99
• $25 mail-in rebate (purchases made through 10/28)
• 30% off with coupon code HARVEST30 if you have a Kohl's charge card
• $10 Kohl's Cash for every $50 spent (10/24 only!)
• Free shipping on all orders over $75
• = $48.99 Shipped!

If you don't have a Kohl's charge card, use the code SPIDERWEB to get 20% off - and your total will be $60.99 shipped (after the rebate, Kohl's Cash, and coupon code)!

(thanks Krazy Coupon Lady!)

*HOT* HSI Ceramic Flat Iron Hair Straightener - 87% off!

Ooh!  Here's an awesome deal on a hair straightener!!  I just told my husband yesterday how much I loved my very basic flat iron -- at this price I think it's a perfect time to upgrade!

Right now you can get a HSI 1″ Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron Hair Straightener for only $39.99 + FREE shipping -- regular price on this is $299.....that's an 87% Savings!!!

This straighter has a 4.5 star review (out of over 1,000 reviews!) – I just read through some of them and they're some of the best I've read on Amazon (for any product, lol).  In some of the reviews, they claim this is better than even the Chi or Paul Mitchell Brand!!

• Straighten, flip and curl your hair
• Adjustable temperature from 240F to 410F (120C - 200C) to suit all hair types
• Ceramic/tourmaline ion plates create a shinier, silkier finish in lesser time
• 1 inch plate width, wide enough for any hair length and hair types, yet narrow enough for bangs
• Transform frizzy, dull hair into gorgeous straight, sleek locks

(thanks Discounts Queens!)

Arby's: .64¢ Roast Beef Classic Sandwiches on Monday, July 23rd! (Facebook offer)

Arby's, to celebrate their 48th Anniversary next Monday, July 23rd, is giving away coupons for a .64¢ Roast Beef Classic Sandwich! Find the coupon back in 1964 on their Facebook Timeline!

Beginning Friday, 7/20, you can print a coupon from Arby’s Facebook page and redeem them on Monday, 7/23 for .64¢ Roast Beef Sandwiches!  If you want to save ink or don't have a printer, the coupon link will work on a mobile phone and display a digital version to show at the register.

*to easily scroll to the bottom of their Facebook page, you can select "founded" on the right hand side of the Facebook page if you're at the top.  (....otherwise, if you've already scrolled partway down it will be an option at the top of the page)

DIY Blush for only 1¢!

I came across this DIY tip on Pinterest and thought it was so clever!  Head over to My American Confessions to see how she makes her own blush for only a penny!  It looks so easy to whip up and customizable!

How to Get Cheap (but Reliable!) Pregnancy Tests - $1 or less at the Dollar Store, Walmart, and Amazon!

I am always shocked when I see how much pregnancy tests cost at the store -- easily $10-$15 (or more) depending on the brand!  I could never stand to pay that much, so I was thrilled when we found some great cheaper options.  Since we're currently expecting baby #6, we have lots and lots of experience with trying out different tests!  ;)

These are all super options if you're dealing with infertility, you just can't stand to wait any longer, or want to take a dozen tests just to be sure!  The costs of raising children add up fast -- this is an excellent way to start on the right foot by saving money now before they're even here!


Dollar Store:
The one we've used most often have been from the dollar store (Dollar Tree specifically), and they sell them for $1! (obviously, lol)  I've used them quite a few times over the past 13 years and I have found them to be very reliable!  I've never had a "false" reading and we trust them completely. (They have the same sensitivity level as many of the name brands, such as ClearBlue, e.p.t., First Response...etc)

I used to find these in the HBC section, but now they are often by the register to deter theft.
*Dollar Tree also has ovulation kits for only $1.  I haven't personally used them, but I have heard good things about them as well!

{photo credit: Holy Craft}

Walmart:
I recently discovered an .88¢ section at Walmart that has some really good bargains -- including "First Signal" pregnancy tests for only .88¢!  This is the one we used with this current pregnancy and it worked just as well and easily as the Dollar Tree tests.
*My photos were from the HBC section near the pharmacy, but I've also seen the .88¢ items at the checkout.

{this is the proof of our current bun in the oven}

funny story....last year I pulled an April Fools joke on my husband by having a sweet pregnant friend take a test for me and then left it in the bathroom for my husband to find.  It was the best. joke. ever!  Since we thought we were done with 5, he was so shocked he couldn't believe it - he almost puked, he almost cried....it was awesome, lol!
This year I took this test a couple weeks before April 1st and as it showed positive in seconds, the "joke" was on me this time!  ;)  We're all very happy about it though, so it was a good joke.

Amazon:
If you're just starting a family, TTC, or are a compulsive test taker.....this may be a great option!  The Wondfo brand pregnancy test strips (25-ct.) on Amazon are currently $8.15 + FREE Super Saver Shipping!  That's .33¢ each!  Even cheaper than the dollar store tests and the comments are overwhelmingly positive.  They are reported to be very accurate and very sensitive so you can find out faster!  (You can also get the Wondfo 50-ct. pregnancy test strips for only $15.95 -- .32¢ each! Also eligible for FREE SSS)  For the same price as an expensive "name brand" test at the store, you can get up to 50 test strips!
*Note that Amazon prices do vary, but these are the prices today.  =)  I have seen them lower than this too!

I hope this information helps and good luck!  =)

{photo credit: Baby Gaga}

$1 Movies (all ages!) for Kids Movies at Goodrich Quality Theaters through the Summer!

I just came across another great movie theater deal to have some fun with the kids, but enjoy the air conditioning too.

Goodrich Quality Theaters have $1 kids movies during the summer through August 10th - $1 all ages!  Each week, Monday through Friday at 10am there is a new PG movie.  See if you have a nearby location here.

What are you doing to beat the heat with these crazy high temperatures we've had lately??

FREE and Cheap Movies at Theaters this Summer!

My kids love going to the movie theater and I love having a nice air conditioned place to go during the summer, but I do not love the prices!  Luckily, there are quite a few theaters who are offering FREE and cheap family movie programs this summer! 

Passionate Penny Pincher has put together a great list of theaters offering these programs!  Also, be sure to check your local theaters if they're not listed to see if they have their own cheap/free movies.  We have a theater that offers $3 tickets all the time, and another that has new release movies for $4 every Sunday night -- those are our date nights.  =)

4th of July Fruit Kabobs Recipe! Fun, easy and healthy recipe for kids to help with!

Here's a really yummy way to celebrate the 4th of July (or Memorial Day) with a fun red, white, and blue treat!  Since it's Summer, many fruits are in season and this makes it a perfect frugal recipe/activity to make with the kids!  It's easy and healthy too!

I originally saw this recipe on Frugal Girls a couple years ago and when we had a family reunion over July 4th last year, I thought this would be perfect for both the oodles of little ones and the adults! They were a hit!

I started by assembling my ingredients:

• Skewers
• Star Shaped Marshmallows (I've seen them at Walmart and Meijer.  You could also use regular marshmallows too)
• Red and Blue fruit (I used strawberries, blueberries, and red grapes)

{^ that's almost exactly what my ingredients looked like, but I couldn't take a good picture with the cell phone - thanks Frugal Girls!}

Then I stuck the fruit and marshmallows on the skewers in fun patterns.  Done!
{I apologize for the poor quality pictures, I misplaced the camera - then found it about 30 minutes after these were gobbled up, lol.  So, cell phone pics will have to do}  =)

The skewers are sharp, so be careful!  But kids can help by:

• picking which fruits to buy/use
• washing fruits
• handing you fruits and marshmallows
• assembling the patterns of how they want them on the kabob (ie: 2 blueberries, 1 white marshmallow, 3 blueberries, 1 blue marshmallow....etc.)
• older kiddles could thread the ingredients onto the skewer

Other red, white, and blue ingredients you could use....
Red:

• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Cherries
• Grapes
• Watermelon chunks/balls
• Red grapefruit
• Red Pears

White:

• Marshmallows (mini, large, stars...)
• Pound cake cut into chunks or shapes with a cookie cutter
• Dragonfruit (white and black inside)
• Banana (tossed with lemon juice to keep from browning)
• White nectarines or peaches
• Pears (peeled - and again, tossed with lemon juice)
• Pineapple (white-ish)  =)
• Angel food cake

Blue:

• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Raisins

{Here's a great flag version Brianna made that I found on Pinterest!}

I think these would be really fun for other occasions too!  Rainbow colored for a birthday party - or use the colors of a favorite sports team for a game day party.  What do you think?  Any other ideas?

Linking up to.....

Easy DIY Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe!

A big pile of laundry was waiting for me today, but when I went to start the first load I discovered that one of the kids had used the last of the laundry soap.  "Make laundry detergent" was on my to-do list for a few weeks, but I had been putting it off -- so now was as good a time as any!

I usually use All Free and Clear, but the first time I made this I was thoroughly impressed!  It's so easy to make and extremely cheap -- about 1¢ a load (from cost breakdowns I've seen on other websites) -- compared to Tide at about 19-20¢/load from what I see on the Walmart website!

My toddler "helped me" test out the first load by wetting the bed -- "pee sheets" are some of the worst laundry loads I think.  It took out the smell beautifully and they smelled fresh and clean with just one regular cycle - no soaking or anything!  I was instantly won over.  =)


So this morning I got my supplies and helper together and whipped up another batch! 

The basic recipe:

• 1 c. Borax
• 1 c. Washing Soda (not the same as baking soda!)
• 1 bar soap, shredded (many recipes use Fels Naptha, but I've heard that it really doesn't matter, so I picked one that smelled great and was on sale)

I also added these optional ingredients:

• 1 c. Baking Soda
• 1 1/2 c. Purex Crystals (they smell amazing and soften your laundry without oil - so it doesn't ruin the wicking ability of towels and exercise apparel)

I shredded the bar of soap into a bowl with a microplane, then Emma helped me add the rest of the ingredients.
(Since then, I've also shredded it in a food processor after drying the bar on the counter for a few days.  Or if you use Ivory, you can try this cool trick in the microwave instead of shredding!)

I stirred it all together and then put it into the now empty Purex Crystals container.

I was going to use a pretty glass jar, but I thought the plastic bottle might be safer for the kids to use.

• I use 1 Tablespoon per load -- but if you have a really grubby load, you could go crazy and use 2 Tbs. for only 2¢!  ;)  (it may seem strange at first to use so little, but it has no fillers - only what it needs to do the job)
• It's important to note that this does not get sudsy -- commercial detergents have things added to make them get bubbly and "look" like they're working, but it's not the bubbles that do the cleaning 
• From my research, I've found that this works great and safely in HE (high efficiency) machines because it doesn't suds up
• I found the ingredients in the laundry aisle at WalMart (but if you want them shipped to you, I've included links to the products above to be able to buy them online also)

Pin it, share it, and let me know how you like it!   =)

Target: Welch's Fruit Fizz 4-pack ONLY .50¢!

Here's another great deal on Welch's Fizz at Target - my kids love these!  Print the coupons while they last!


     {{Deal Scenario ~ Target through 5/19}}
Welch’s Fruit Fizz (4pk) - $2.50
- $1.00/1 Welch’s Fruit Fizz printable coupon
- $1.00/1 Welch’s Fruit Fizz Target store coupon
= .50¢ for a 4 pack!

Huggies Baby Wipes Deal - Only .02¢ a wipe Shipped!

Amazon has a super deal on Huggies Baby Wipes (my favorite) right now! Here's the scenario to get three 144ct packs (552 wipes total) for only $13.38 shipped:
*Keep in mind that in order to get the $13.38 price you will need to be an Amazon Mom member. If you are not an Amazon Mom member, your price will still be great at $16.07 (.03¢ per wipe)!

• Go to the Huggies 3pk Soft Skin Wipes for $17.07 with Subscribe & Save
• Scroll down and click on the $1 off Huggies Wipes e-coupon to activate it
• Add the wipes to your cart using the Subscribe & Save option
• Your final total at checkout will be only $13.38!

Your total will be only .02¢ per wipe, which is a great price! 

As always, when you sign up for Subscribe & Save, you are under NO obligation whatsoever and can cancel at anytime.
Once you receive confirmation that your order has shipped, you will want to remember to suspend or cancel your future Subscribe & Save shipments - or they’ll show up and you will be billed at the current price (whatever it may be).  It is very simple to cancel this feature.  It is imperative that you do not do this step until your order ships or you will cancel your current order.
To cancel or modify your Subscribe & Save status, just go to “my account” and then “subscriptions” and you can cancel and/or modify anything you like. It is very easy to do.

(thanks Bargain Blessings!)

.25¢ Frozen Lemonade at McDonalds - TODAY!

It's reportedly Frozen Lemonade Day at McDonalds - only .25¢ from 7am - 9pm!  I love frozen drinks - especially when they're are a cheap yummy treat like this! 

I was at McDonalds this morning with my 2 youngest while we waited for big brother and sister's dance performance at school, and I didn't notice anything posted about this, so you may have to ask.  And it's possible that it's regional, so you may want to call ahead if that's all you're stopping in for.


(thanks Adventures of a Couponista!)

Kool-Aid Jammers only .69¢ at Meijer!

Whoops!  Almost forgot about this great deal on Kool-Aid Jammers at Meijer this week!  My kids would have been so sad if I had missed it!

     {{Deal Scenario ~ Meijer 3/18 - 3/24}}
Buy (5) Kool-Aid Jammers 10ct - $1.69 each
- $5 off instantly at checkout when you buy 5 (also there are other participating Nabisco items in the same deal)
= .69¢ each!

*HOT* Coldplay Album for ONLY .25¢ on Amazon.com!

HURRY to get this HOT deal at Amazon -- pay only .25¢ for "Mylo Xyloto" by Coldplay .....yes a quarter!!  

I'm loving these super cheap deals on all this music at Amazon!!  Act fast because prices change on Amazon quickly!


(thanks Adventures of a Couponista!)


You might also be interested in:
*HOT* Lady Antebellum album for ONLY .25¢!
FREE eBook "Let's Get Real About Money" - $17.99 value!

*HOT* Lady Antebellum album for ONLY .25¢ on Amazon.com!!

HURRY to get this HOT deal at Amazon -- pay only .25¢ for "Own The Night" by Lady Antebellum.....yes a quarter!!   I love, love, love so many Lady Antebellum songs, so I jumped on this deal!!


(thanks Melissas Bargains!)


You might also be interested in:

• HOT deal on Coldplay album - ONLY .25¢!!
• FREE eBook "Let's Get Real About Money" - $17.99 value!

HOT Deal at Amazon.com - "NOW That's What I Call Music - Vol. 41" for ONLY .25¢!!

HURRY to get this HOT deal at Amazon -- pay only .25¢ for "NOW That's What I Call Music - Vol. 41".....yes a quarter!! 

I'm so excited to get some of these uploaded onto my MP3 player and have some new tunes for running and working out at the gym!



You might also be interested in:
FREE eBook "Let's Get Real About Money" - $17.99 value!

Easy Valentine's Day gift -- "I love you because ____" frame tutorial.....Pinterest inspired and only cost $1.18!

I came across this really cute idea on Pinterest for a picture frame that says "I love you because _______" and you fill in the blank by writing on the glass.  It was featured on eighteen25 and I pinned it forever ago thinking I'd make it someday to hang it in our bedroom and leave sweet notes back and forth with the hubzy.....and then Valentine's Day came around and I thought that would be the perfect time to actually do it!
"Words of Affirmation" are really meaningful to my husband, so I knew he'd love it too! Knowing his love language is so important to help communicate love in a way he'll actually hear it! ("The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman is a fantastic book! If you haven't read it yet, I so wholeheartedly recommend it!)


Here were my supplies:

• 1 piece of pretty scrapbook paper (12x12)  = .59¢
• 1 piece of vellum paper (8.5x11.5)  = .59¢
• 1 8x10" picture frame (on hand)  = Free
• Rustoleum oil-rubbed bronze spray paint (on hand)  = Free

We had an old picture no longer being used that was sitting in a box in the basement....it was a yard sale find that we liked the picture of, but were not really feeling the frame.  I took the picture and glass out and spray painted the frame with oil-rubbed bronze to transform it.

{Sorry about the bad picture -- our basement is like a dungeon when it comes to taking pictures!}

I bought a piece of scrapbook paper at Hobby Lobby that I thought would fit our decor, and also a piece of vellum to soften the printed paper so that we'd be sure to be able to see what was written without it competing with the pattern.

{I love the "old love letter" look of this paper.  I was going to pick something with color, but couldn't decide what since we currently have greens and purple in our bedroom, but I want to switch it over to a restful palette of blues, cream, and tan....but have yet to convince the hubzy.}

{I was concerned that the "words" on the paper would maybe make it a little too busy, so I added the vellum to soften it....see the difference it makes?  I love vellum!}

I then typed up "i love you because ______" in a Word document.  I did a Swagbucks search to find a clip art image of a heart and put that in place of the word "love".  Then played with the fonts and spacing until I was happy with the look. 

{I was a little nervous that the ink might smear on the vellum, but I ran it through my laser printer and it came out beautifully!}

Personally, I may have chosen a prettier, more "romantical" font for the words, but my husband does not share my love for fun and fabulous fonts (or alliteration, lol), so I thought I'd keep it simple -- since it was a gift for him after all.  ;)  And I did like the way the simple font looked on the "inspiration frame".

I then trimmed the pieces of paper to fit the frame and replaced the glass, then put in the vellum and and the printed scrapbook paper.  Tada!!  I'll probably put a dry erase or chalk marker like I use (and love!) for our menu board, on top of the frame to keep it handy for jotting a reason down.

{I couldn't get rid if the reflection, but I love the way the ORB goes with the blue in our kitchen!}

{I'd love to make some of these in smaller frames too for the kids.....wouldn't that be sweet to write something for them to see when they come home from school each day?}

So, for only $1.18 we'll have a Valentine's day gift that lasts year-round.......an easy way to take a second out of the daily hustle and bustle and tell each other why we're still crazy about each other.   =)

Linking up: